This guide provides full insight into the Canadian student visa requirements; things you need and how to get started with winning processes from your current location.
The number of international students keeps soaring into the country, and we expect more even after the 2020 pandemic. As a result, we have conducted this brief research on the actual demands and total requirements for securing a Canadian Visa for study purposes.
Now, in this publication, we designed an interactive style that will help us learn more about the Canada Student Visa requirements; from students who have had recent experiences.
In other words, we encourage you to ask your questions, share your thoughts via the comment section below this post. Also, explore other opportunities as are displayed from our previous work ( which are meant to assist international students either through scholarships and or grants).
Read Also: 10 Canadian Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship for Refugees
Canadian Student Visa Requirements and Guides
To study in Canada, international students need to obtain a Canadian study permit (student visa). Here’s a detailed guide on the requirements and steps to apply for a Canadian study permit:
1. Acceptance Letter
- Requirement: Obtain an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Details: The letter should be on the institution’s letterhead and include details like your program, start and end dates, and the institution’s DLI number.
2. Proof of Financial Support
- Requirement: Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
- Details:
- For a single student:
- Tuition fees for one year.
- Living expenses for one year: CAD 10,000 (outside Quebec) or CAD 11,000 (in Quebec).
- Additional funds if you have family members accompanying you.
- For a single student:
3. Valid Passport or Travel Document
- Requirement: A valid passport or travel document.
- Details: The passport should be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada.
4. Passport-sized Photographs
- Requirement: Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Details: The photos should meet the specific size and format requirements of Canadian immigration.
5. Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
- Requirement: A medical examination by a panel physician if you plan to stay for more than six months or come from certain countries.
- Details: The examination should be done within 12 months of your application.
6. English or French Language Proficiency
- Requirement: Proof of language proficiency, if applicable.
- Details: This might be required by the DLI as part of their admission process, not directly for the visa.
7. Statement of Purpose
- Requirement: A letter of explanation stating your purpose of study in Canada and your understanding of your responsibilities as a student.
- Details: Explain why you want to study in Canada and how your chosen course aligns with your career goals.
8. Biometrics
- Requirement: Provide your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).
- Details: You must schedule an appointment at a biometric collection service point. The fee is CAD 85.
9. Proof of Ties to Home Country
- Requirement: Evidence to demonstrate your intention to return to your home country after your studies.
- Details: This can include property documents, family ties, a job offer, etc.
10. Additional Documents
- Requirement: Additional documents may be requested by the visa office, such as police certificates, depending on your country of residence.
- Details: Follow any specific instructions provided by the visa office handling your application.
Application Process
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Gather Documents: Collect all required documents as listed above.
- Submit Online Application:
- Create an account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Complete the application form and upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fee (CAD 150) and the biometrics fee (if applicable).
- Biometrics Appointment: Schedule and attend your biometrics appointment.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time can vary, so check the IRCC website for current processing times.
- Medical Examination and Additional Documents: If required, complete your medical examination and submit any additional documents requested.
- Receive Decision: Once approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. If required, you will also receive a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
- Travel to Canada: Present your POE Letter of Introduction, passport, and other supporting documents to the immigration officer upon arrival in Canada to receive your study permit.
Obtaining a Canadian study permit involves several steps and meeting specific requirements, including receiving an acceptance letter from a DLI, proving financial support, providing biometrics, and possibly undergoing a medical exam.
Ensure you have all required documents and follow the application process meticulously to improve your chances of a successful application.
Other Canada Student Visa requirements
Do you have your admission letter now? The next factor of consideration should include the situations where you do not need to apply For a Student Visa to Study in Canada as an international student.
If you happen to be in the list of these categories, then you can navigate to the next phase because you don’t need to apply for a Canada Student Visa:
- You are one of the members of foreign armed forces from the Visiting Forces Act.
- If you are a family or one of the staff members of a foreign representative in Canada, who is accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development Canada.
- You are a citizen of another country, but you have an Indian status registered in Canada.
- You apply for a study programme that will not exceed six months.
Though in either of these situations, you do not need a student visa to study in a Canadian University you will be requiring an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
How to Apply for Canadian Student Visa (Student Permit).
Applying for a Canadian student visa (study permit) involves several steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
1. Obtain an Acceptance Letter
- Requirement: Get an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Details: Ensure the letter is on the institution’s letterhead and includes your program details, start and end dates, and the institution’s DLI number.
2. Gather Required Documents
- Documents Needed:
- Acceptance letter from a DLI.
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Proof of financial support.
- Passport-sized photographs (if applying on paper).
- Immigration Medical Examination (IME) results (if required).
- English or French language proficiency test results (if applicable).
- Statement of purpose.
- Proof of ties to your home country (optional but recommended).
Read Also: Minimum Requirement as Proof of Fund for Canadian Visa
3. Complete the Application Form
- Online Application: Create an account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Paper Application: Download and fill out the application forms from the IRCC website.
4. Pay the Application Fee
- Fee: CAD 150 for the study permit application.
- Biometrics Fee: CAD 85 if biometrics are required.
5. Submit Biometrics
- Requirement: Provide your fingerprints and photo at a designated biometric collection service point.
- Details: Schedule an appointment and provide biometrics as part of the application process.
6. Complete Medical Examination
- Requirement: Undergo a medical examination if you plan to stay for more than six months or come from certain countries.
- Details: The exam must be performed by a panel physician approved by the Canadian government.
7. Submit Your Application
- Online: Upload all required documents and submit your application through the IRCC website.
- Paper: Mail your completed application form and documents to the appropriate Visa Application Centre (VAC).
8. Wait for Processing
- Processing Time: Check the current processing times on the IRCC website. Processing times can vary based on your country of residence and the completeness of your application.
9. Receive Decision
- Outcome: If approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and, if required, a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
10. Travel to Canada
- Documents: Bring your POE Letter of Introduction, passport, acceptance letter, proof of financial support, and any other required documents.
- At the Border: Present these documents to the immigration officer to receive your study permit.
Applying for a Canadian student visa involves obtaining an acceptance letter from a DLI, gathering necessary documents, completing the application form, paying the application fee, submitting biometrics, and possibly undergoing a medical examination.
Submit your application online or by mail, then wait for a decision. If approved, you’ll receive a POE Letter of Introduction and possibly a TRV or eTA. Upon arrival in Canada, present your documents to receive your study permit.
FAQ
To further help you make a more informed decision, we are providing you with a number of answers to some of the popular questions around this topic.
How Much Does Canadian Student Visa Cost?
The cost for a Canadian student visa (study permit) is CAD 150. Additionally, if you need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), there is an extra fee of CAD 85. Therefore, the total cost can be CAD 235 if biometrics are required.
The next thing that happens after your application is accepted is that you will receive an introduction letter (at times, it could be a temporary resident Visa).
Meanwhile, there are occasions that you would be required to show this letter along with your international passport. Also, try as much as possible to always be with your originals or copies) of the documents you submitted when you were applying for the Visa.
Can I Work While I Study In Canada?
Yes, you can work while studying in Canada if you have a valid study permit. You can work on-campus without restrictions, and off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, provided you’re a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and meet specific requirements.
For co-op or internship programs, a separate work permit is needed if the work is part of your academic program. Additionally, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada.
Though you will need to obtain a Social Insurance Number, that will depend on the terms and conditions given to you while you were applying for your study permit.
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