Is Canada or Japan easier to get a student visa for?

Japan asks for less money in the bank and Japan decides faster. Approval depends more on clean documents than on the destination; both refuse mainly for inconsistent funds and weak ties.

Can I apply for Canada and Japan at the same time?

Yes for e-visas, since no passport is held. If either is a sticker visa the passport is with that consulate, so sequence the sticker application first or use the second passport option where your country allows one.

Which is better value, Canada or Japan?

Japan is cheaper per traveller, but value depends on validity: Canada is valid Up to 10 years and Japan 90 days. A longer, multiple-entry visa costs less per trip.

Where do these figures come from?

Government fees, processing windows and funds figures are taken from the official Canada and Japan sources cited on each destination page and re-checked when the authorities publish changes.

All comparisons

Canada vs Japan: student visa

Canada or Japan for a student visa? Side by side: $255 vs $35 all-in, 4 to 8 weeks vs 5 to 7 days decision, funds to show, process type, biometrics and which one fits your plan.

Verdict

Japan is cheaper ($35 vs $255 all-in)
Japan decides faster (5 to 7 days)
Japan asks for less money in the bank ($20,000 vs $43,000)

Canada vs Japan: student visa side by side

	Canada	Japan
Visa format	eTA / Sticker	E-visa
Process	sticker visa	e-visa
Biometrics	Required	No
Interview	No	No
Government fee	$71	$5
vistolane filing fee	$184	$30
All-in per traveller	$255	$35
Decision window	4 to 8 weeks	5 to 7 days
Validity	Up to 10 years	90 days
Stay	Up to 6 months per visit	Up to 90 days
Entries	Multiple	Single
Funds to show (student visa)	$43,000	$20,000
student visa route	Study Permit	Student

Which is cheaper?

Canada costs $255 all-in ($71 government fee plus $184 filing) and Japan costs $35 ($5 plus $30). Japan is cheaper by $220 per traveller. Neither figure includes optional attention plans or airport transfers.

Which is faster?

Canada: 4 to 8 weeks (Visitor visa: varies by country of residence). Japan: 5 to 7 days (5–7 working days). vistolane quotes a guaranteed decision date for both before you pay.

Which needs less money in the bank?

Canada asks for about $43,000 and Japan about $20,000 for a student visa. Japan is the lower bar. In both, statements must be seasoned for three months and match the plan you describe.

How the processes differ

Canada: sticker visa with biometrics. Japan: e-visa. An e-visa needs no appointment; a sticker visa holds your passport for the decision window; an embassy visa adds an interview and a decision at the window.

Which should you pick for a student visa?

For study, the visa is the smaller decision; compare first-year funds ($43,000 vs $20,000), post-study work rights and whether dependants can join. Japan has the lower funds bar; the institution's licence to sponsor matters in both.