Canada Student Visa – How to Apply _ Over 130,000 overseas students opt to study at Canadian institutions each year. Canada, in addition to a high-quality education system, offers countless opportunities and lively culture.
Three of the key areas of concentration for Canada and its academic institutions are research, scientific publications, and international collaborations.
But how tough is it to obtain a student visa for Canada, often known as a Canadian study permit? Figuring this out will be critical when deciding where you wish to study. So, what do you need to do and how tough is it to obtain a student visa for Canada?
Let’s get it figured out together!
Canada Student Visa – How to Apply
1. Apply to a university in Canada and wait for your acceptance letter.
If you are still undecided about where you want to study in Canada, you must make a decision before you can begin the student visa application process. After getting accepted to a Canadian institution, you will receive an acceptance letter, which you will need for the visa application.
2. Check if you need to apply for a student visa in Canada
You can find out if you require a study visa or permission by using the official Canadian study permit tool. If you fall into one of the following categories, you do not require a study visa:
- You are a member of the family or a member of the staff of a foreign official in Canada who has been accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.
- You enrol in a study program that will last no more than six months.
- According to the Visiting Forces Act, you are a member of foreign armed forces.
- You are not a Canadian citizen, but you have an Indian status registered in Canada.
Keep in mind that the study permit/visa is not a standard visa that permits you to enter or travel to Canada. You will require a travel visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization for that (eTA).
3. Start your application for the Canadian student visa
As soon as you receive your acceptance letter from the institution, you may go on to the following step: applying for a student visa, sometimes known locally as a study permit.
The beginning phase in acquiring a student visa is as follows:
- Before you arrive in Canada, apply for your Canadian student visa online at Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
- If you have a restricted internet connection or are unable to submit the paperwork online, send the visa application materials by mail.
- Provide a letter of acceptance from an approved learning institution (a university recognized by the Canadian government).
- Deliver proof of sufficient financial resources to support your studies in Canada (tuition fees and living expenses).
- Present proof confirming you have no criminal record.
- Submit clinical records that state you are in good health; submit complete medical examinations if required.
According to recent visa regulations, if you have a family member working or applying for a work permit in Canada, the application for your study permit will be processed in two weeks. You may renew or extend your study permit if:
- you wish to continue your studies
- your programme has an extension
- you change your university
The study permit expires 90 days after your studies are finished (after you receive a notification of the programme completion). You can still stay in Canada to travel and explore or you can apply for a work permit, which allows you to take a full time or part-time job, or even be self-employed.
Useful tip: check out if your home country is on the list of biometrics requests for the study permit application.
4. Prepare all the required documents for the student visa in Canada
- Filled-in student permit application form
- The original letter of acceptance from the university
- A valid passport/travel document, also allows you to return to your home country. If you live in the USA, this is not necessary.
- Two recent passport-size photographs, with specifications of name and date of birth on the back
- Proof of financial support during your study programme. This means proving you have between 10,000 and 11,000 CAD per year for living in the country.
- A letter of intent
- If you plan to study in Quebec, you will also need a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec, English and French translations of your document, a statement from the translator and a certified copy of the original documents
- Proof that you paid the study permit fee (150 CAD)
5. Language requirements for studying in Canada
Proof of English language skills is not included on the list of required documents for a Canadian student visa. But unless you come from an English-speaking country, Canadian universities will require you to submit proof of English language proficiency. Accepted language tests include:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- C1 Advanced
6. Biometrics appointment and interview
Depending on your nationality, you might have to show up at a Visa Application Centre in your country to have your biometrics taken. The biometrics fee is 85 CAD.
This fee is in addition to the regular visa application fee (150 CAD). Some countries are exempt from this biometrics requirement, so their citizens won’t need to visit an application centre at all.
Depending on your individual situation, you might also be called for an interview. Local visa application centres will charge a small fee for using their services.
7. How long does it take to receive the Canadian study permit?
After applying for your Canadian study permit, the processing time may take up to 90 days, but it’s usually faster. This also depends on the situation in your home country.
You can use the Student Direct Stream to get the study permit faster. Fees start at 150 CAD and the processing time is usually around 20 calendar days. The Student Direct Stream is only available for students from the following countries:
- China
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- The Philippines
- Senegal
- Vietnam
You can find more up-to-date information about the Canadian student visa on the official student visa page of the Canadian government.
Scholarships You Can Apply For:
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- Apply for Fulbright Scholarship 2022 for International Students
- Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships for International Students 2022-2023
- Auburn University Fully-Funded Scholarship 2022-2023
- Chevening Fully-Funded Scholarship for International Students
- Harvard Fully-Funded Scholarship for International Students 2022-2023
- The University of Miami Scholarship for International
