In addition to a high-quality education system, Canada provides a study visa and varied range of options and a vibrant culture.
Research, scientific publications, and international cooperation are three of the main issues on which Canada and its academic institutions concentrate.
To study in Canada, you must first get a Canadian study permit, which also serves as a temporary Canadian student visa.
You do not need a Canadian study visa if your course or program is less than six months long.
However, asking for permission before coming to Canada may be a good idea; otherwise, if you decide to continue your studies in another program, you will have to leave Canada and apply for a study visa through a visa application center.
You can apply to renew your Canadian study permit from within Canada if you want to continue your studies.
Full-time students enrolled at a recognized higher education institution can work part-time on campus with a study permission.
You may also be able to work off-campus as a co-op or intern as part of your degree, remain in Canada as a permanent resident, or find work once you graduate.
Application for a student visa in Canada
On the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website, you may apply for a Canadian study visa either online or on paper.
Paper applications can take twice as long to complete, so double-checking the processing timeframes ahead of time is usually a good idea.
To apply online, you’ll need a credit/debit card and the ability to create electronic copies of your supporting documents (using a scanner or camera).
The visa office in your country will provide you detailed instructions on the documents you must submit; this may vary depending on where you are.
You can get help at your local visa application center if you need it (VAC).
The procedure for obtaining a student visa in Canada.
- To get started, you’ll need a standardized acceptance letter from a reputable higher education institution.
- Students studying in Quebec must also apply for a CAQ (certificate of admission) from the Quebec government. Before you may apply for a study permit, you must first receive this. It’s available online, or you may receive a printed form from your university, which will also provide you advice on the subject.
- The next step is to receive a Canadian student visa application package, which may be found on the CIC website or by contacting your local visa office, Canadian embassy, or consulate in your home country.
- If you are from a certain country, you may also require a temporary residency permit (find out if you do here), but this will not add too much to the process because it will be processed at the same time as your study visa application.
- To get your application packet, you will need to answer a few questions about yourself on the CIC website. These questions will determine if you are eligible to apply for a Canadian student permit online and what documents you must provide.
- If you are found to be qualified, you will be issued a 60-day personal checklist code and will need to submit your application online.
- For future reference, make a duplicate of the page that includes your code. An application guidance, an estimate of your tuition costs, a list of documents you must submit with your application, and directions for your next steps may all be found on this website.
- Set up a MyCIC account and enter your checklist code when you’re ready to apply. Following that, you’ll receive your own document checklist, which will allow you to upload and send your documents to CIC. It will be necessary to utilize a printer or a scanner for this.
- You can submit your full application to CIC once you’ve completed all of your paperwork, filled out the application form, and paid your fees.
- Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview at a visa office near them.
Additional criteria for a student visa in Canada
Additional Canadian student visa criteria that may apply are as follows:
For candidates from Europe, the Middle East, or Africa, biometrics may be requested (photograph and fingerprints).
Before submitting an application, certain applicants may be asked to undergo a medical test and a police background check.
You will not be able to get a study permit if you have a criminal record; you may be required to provide a Police Clearance Certificate as proof.
Unless you’re from the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you’ll need to verify that you have a valid passport that allows you to return home once your course is finished.
You’ll also need two passport-sized pictures with your name and date of birth written on the back.
A Canadian student visa also requires proof of sufficient funds to support oneself.
In addition to your tuition costs, this is currently estimated to be CA$10,000 (US$7,650) for each year of your stay (CA$11,000/US$8,400 if you choose to study in Quebec).
You must also verify that you have sufficient funds to pay your return journey.
To verify you have this money, you might present any of the following documents:
- bank statements, evidence of a Canadian account in your name, a bank draft in a convertible currency, evidence of payment of tuition and housing charges
- A letter from a person or organization providing you financial aid,
- If you have a scholarship or financial aid, you must show proof of funding from within Canada.
Applying through the Student Direct Stream
The Student Direct Stream was established in Canada to allow students from China, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam to apply for a study visa more rapidly.
The criteria are similar to those for a normal study permit, with the exception of stricter language requirements: an IELTS score of at least 6, a seven on the Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens for French, or graduation from a high school with a Canadian curriculum.
If you do not satisfy the requirements for the Student Direct Stream but do satisfy the requirements for a normal study visa, your application will be reviewed for the normal study permit option and will not be processed any faster.
Required Documents for a Canadian Visa
You should apply for a student visa after receiving your college acceptance letter
If you want to begin the visa application process in September, you must begin in June.
To apply for a Canada Student Visa, you’ll need the following documents:
1. Passport that is valid
A valid passport is required to apply for a Study Permit.
You must have a passport that is valid for the duration of your projected stay in Canada, according to the Canadian High Commission.
For example, if you intend to study in Canada for two years starting in September 2019, your passport must be valid until September 2021.
2.Affirmation from a Designated Learning Institution
You’ll need an acceptance letter from the institution or institute you wish to attend.
A university that has been approved by the Immigration Department is known as a Designated Learning Institute.
If you are looking for a job in Quebec, you will also need a CAQ, which you will be advised about.
3. Evidence of Funds
When applying for a Study Permit, you will be needed to show proof of funds. You would have to show that you have the financial means to pay our tuition and cover your living expenses in accordance with current industry standards.
A student would require at least CAD 10,000 for each year of stay, according to Canadian Immigration.
Apart from the aforementioned two conditions, the student must also show that he or she has enough money to return home. When applying for a Study Permit, you will be needed to show proof of funds.
You would have to show that you have the financial means to pay our tuition and cover your living expenses in accordance with current industry standards.
A student would require at least CAD 10,000 for each year of stay, according to Canadian Immigration.
Apart from the aforementioned two conditions, the student must also show that he or she has enough money to return home.
When filling out the application form, you must show proof of payment of fees as well as the required cost of living of CAD 10,000.
If you want to live in Quebec, you’ll need at least CAD 11,000 for each year you’ll be there.
4. Photographs the size of a passport
You’ll need two passport-sized pictures that match the standards if you apply offline.
You must get a digital copy of the photograph that is no larger than 4MB for online applications.
A neutral face expression, a plain background, and no headgear are also required (unless for religious purposes).
Keep this in mind:
The dimensions of the photograph should be at least 35 mm x 45 mm.
The picture should be up to date (not older than 6 months)
5. English Language Proficiency Exam Score
We strongly urge you to take the English Language Proficiency Test and receive your English Language Proficiency Score before commencing the Visa Application Process, even if it is not necessary at the time of application.
You would have had to submit your English language proficiency score to confirm your entrance to the Canadian university.
Tests such as the TOEFL, IELTS, and others are permitted.
Time it takes for a Canadian student visa to be processed
The time it takes the CIC to process a visa application is referred to as the processing time.
It starts when the candidate files his or her application and concludes when a decision is reached.
As a result, there is no predetermined period for processing a student visa application to Canada.
Applicants (both online and paper applications) can use their MyCIC account to track the status of their applications.
Fees for Student Visas in Canada
A study permit in Canada costs CAD 150, which is about equivalent to INR 8,370 at the current exchange rate (as reported on the CIC Website).
We recommend that you check the currency rate at the time of your visa application because it varies.
While learning, you may work.
If you wish to work part-time while studying in Canada, you may now do so for up to 20 hours per week on or off campus during university semesters and full-time during breaks like the winter or summer holidays without requiring a work visa.
To be considered, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have proper authorization to study.
- You must be enrolled full-time in school.
- Enroll in a recognized post-secondary educational institution or, in Quebec, a secondary vocational program.
- Obtain a degree, diploma, or certificate by enrolling in a six-month academic, vocational, or professional training program.
You’ll also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada to work in Canada or receive government benefits and services.
Your student visa will expire 90 days after you finish your degree, so if you want to stay in Canada after you finish your studies and hunt for work, you’ll need to apply for a post-graduation work permit. It has a three-year validity period.
Immigration is a category that encompasses a wide range