A member asked whether it's mandatory to go through a consultant for a study visa, or whether they can apply on their own.
What the thread confirmed:- A consultant is not required. You can complete a study permit application yourself; using a consultant is optional and mainly offers convenience — expert guidance can help you avoid struggling with the precise document checklist, but it isn't a legal requirement.
- Self-application is realistic — one member did it and got approved within about a week. They noted that several consultants had incorrectly told them they weren't eligible, so they applied on their own and had their study permit approved quickly. (This was reported for the 2021 application period — actual current processing times vary and should be checked against IRCC's published estimates.)
- If you do use a consultant, use a regulated one. A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is the credential to look for if you want professional help.
The practical takeaway: applying yourself is a legitimate path if you're comfortable assembling your own document checklist — some consultants give inaccurate eligibility advice, so a second opinion or self-research (e.g., IRCC's own document checklist tool) can be worthwhile before paying for help.