Studying in Canada from Bangladesh: the IMM 5850 checklist explained
IRCC publishes a visa-office checklist (IMM 5850) in its application package for applicants in Bangladesh, and VFS handles biometrics. Bangladesh was never on the Student Direct Stream list. This guide walks through what the checklist asks for. Rules change, so check IRCC before you pay anything.
- A year costs from
- ~US$26,000 all-in
- Next intakes you can make
- May 2027, September 2027
- Published visa figure, Bangladeshi applicants
- Not published
- Work after graduating
- Post-graduation work permit of up to 3 years, depending on programme length and field
What is different from Bangladesh
The IRCC package for Bangladesh uses the IMM 5850 checklist
IRCC's page for applicants in Bangladesh lists the general study permit checklist (IMM 5483), the visa-office instructions IMM 5850 and the application form IMM 1294. The IMM 5850 PDF still carries a template office name in its header, so follow the instructions on IRCC's Bangladesh page and in your own account. Source
Show at least four months of funds history, with a written source of funds
IMM 5850 asks for a copy of a bank book or statement showing your account history and balance over at least the past 4 months, plus a written explanation of where the funds came from. Other assets such as investments or property may be included but should not replace the bank evidence. Source
Parents' income evidence is expected, with extra papers for business owners
The checklist asks for employment letters for each parent (employer details, hire date, position, salary and bonuses) or income tax for the past two years. Business owners add notarised registration and licence showing shares, two years of business tax assessment, and audited financial statements. If someone other than a parent pays, you explain why and prove the relationship. Source
The study plan is one page and asks why not study in Bangladesh
IMM 5850 asks for a one-page study plan answering why you chose this Canadian programme, your overall educational goal, why you are not pursuing a similar programme in your country of residence or citizenship, how it improves your job prospects there, and what ties you have there. If it has been over two years since full-time education, add a CV. Source
Academic documents should be notarised, and IELTS is highly recommended
The checklist asks for notarised copies of any university or college diploma and transcripts, and says IELTS results from the last year are highly recommended as proof of language ability. Any document not in English or French needs a certified translation. Source
Bangladesh was not on the Student Direct Stream list
IRCC's Student Direct Stream country list included Vietnam, India and others but not Bangladesh, so Bangladeshi applicants were always assessed in the regular stream. The stream ended on 8 November 2024 for everyone. Source
IRCC's medical table marks Bangladesh as yes, with New Delhi as the office
The IRCC table of medical exam requirements lists Bangladesh with an immigration medical exam marked yes and New Delhi as the office. Whether you need one depends on your length of stay, and IRCC will instruct you if it applies. Source
VFS Canada in Bangladesh has changed its booking steps in 2026
VFS notices say that from 7 March 2026 biometric appointments use a new appointment management system and you must upload your Biometric Instruction Letter, and that new service charges apply from 1 November 2026. Check the VFS page before booking. Source
Bangladesh joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2025
The Hague Conference status table shows Bangladesh's accession entering into force on 30 March 2025, and Canada's on 11 January 2024. If a school asks for apostilled copies, ask which Bangladeshi authority issues them. Source
Your steps, in order
- Download IMM 5850, the general checklist and IMM 1294 from IRCC's Bangladesh page.
- Collect bank statements covering at least 4 months and write a note explaining the source of funds.
- Gather parents' employment letters or two years of tax returns, and business papers if they own a business.
- Write the one-page study plan, answering each question on the checklist.
- Get notarised copies of diplomas and transcripts, and take IELTS if you do not have recent results.
- Book biometrics through VFS and upload your Biometric Instruction Letter.
- Do not finalise travel plans until you have a positive decision.
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Get my free planQuestions Bangladeshi students ask
Could I use the Student Direct Stream from Bangladesh?
No. Bangladesh was not on its country list, and IRCC ended the stream on 8 November 2024.
How many months of bank history do I need?
IMM 5850 asks for at least 4 months of account history and a written explanation of the source of funds.
Is IELTS compulsory?
The checklist says it is highly recommended, with results from the last year. Your school may have its own requirement.
Do I need a medical exam?
IRCC's table marks Bangladesh as yes. IRCC tells you in your application if an exam applies to you.
Facts checked 18 October 2026. Rules change often — the official source linked beside each fact always wins over this page. We never promise admission or a visa.