A Canadian student visa, also known as a study permit, is a type of visa that allows foreign Students to study in Canada for a given period. This study permit is issued by the Canadian government. It is a compulsory document to obtain if you are interested in studying in Canada for more than six months. With a Canadian student visa, you can Study in any school, college, or university across Canada.
To get a Canadian student visa, you must meet some eligible criteria which we will talk about in this article. Keep reading. The application process is somewhat complex but we still believe it is worth the stress because Canada has one of the best education systems in the world. You won’t be able to navigate the process of a Canadian visa application alone, so you will need the help of a travel agent who is going to guide you through the process of the application.
Who needs a Canadian student visa
Before you apply for a Canadian study permit, read this section to know if you need a study permit or not.
1. Non-Canadian citizens who wish to study in Canada for more than six months must apply for a student visa before arriving in Canada.
2. Those who wish to study at a Canadian institution that accepts international students and is designated by the Canadian government to accept international students must apply for a student visa.
3. Students from visa-exempt countries must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada. These students must still apply for a study permit from the Canadian consulate or embassy in their home country.
4. Persons with a valid study permit who wish to pursue another study program in Canada may apply without leaving Canada, but if the new program requires a program extension, this must be done. done before your current study permit expires.
5. Students who come to Canada for a short-term course of less than six months and do not want to work or intern in Canada may not need a study permit. However, they may still need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to allow them to enter Canada.
6. If a student comes to Canada on a study program of less than six months and during their stay they wish to extend the duration of the program by more than six months, they must apply for a new student visa outside the country.
7. International students coming to study at a private high school in Canada, which awards a high school diploma or certificate, must also have a study permit.
In general, any non-Canadian citizen wishing to study in Canada should seek accurate information regarding the Canadian student visa application process and requirements, as this can be a lengthy process requiring Patience and attention to detail.
Who does not need a Canadian study permit?
Below is a list of people who do not need a Canadian study permit to study in Canada:
1. Canadian Citizens: Canadian citizens do not need a study permit to study in Canada.
2. Permanent residents: Canadian permanent residents do not need a study permit to study in Canada.
3. Foreign diplomats: Foreign diplomats and their immediate family members accredited to Canada do not need a study permit to study in Canada.
4. Family members of foreign representatives: Family members of the foreign representative are recognized in Canada and are exempt from study permit and visa requirements.
5. Registered Indians: Indians registered in Canada, including status card holders, do not need a study permit to study in Canada.
6. Guest students: Visiting students studying on a program lasting less than six months do not need a study permit. However, they may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if they are from a visa-exempt country.
7. Minor children: Minors attending a kindergarten, elementary, or secondary school in Canada and traveling with parents who are authorized to work or study in Canada do not need a study permit.
Note:This information is accurate and current at the time of writing this article. It is important to check for updates and the latest information on the Canadian government website before making any decisions regarding study permits.
Canadian student visa Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria for obtaining a Canadian student visa are as follows:
1. Letter of acceptance: First and foremost, candidates must have a letter of acceptance from a Designated Educational Institution (DLI) in Canada.
2. Financial capacity: Applicants must demonstrate that they can financially support themselves and their dependents (if any) throughout their studies. Financial capacity must be proven through bank statements, tuition payment receipts, scholarship acceptance letters, etc.
3. Education requirements: Applicants must have the necessary educational and language qualifications as specified by the Canadian institution to which they are applying.
4. Medical certificate: Applicants must undergo a medical examination by a licensed physician and obtain a medical certificate demonstrating that they are in good health and do not pose a threat to the Canadian public.
5. Certificate of criminal record: Applicants must present a criminal record extracted from their country of origin or any country of residence in which they have lived for more than six months. This is important to ensure that the applicant does not have a criminal record.
6. Immigration medical examination (IME) and biometric data collection: Applicants must undergo an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) administered by a medical professional approved by the Canadian government and must also submit biometric data (photo and fingerprints).
7. Must be at least 18 years old or older:
Applicants seeking a Canadian study permit must be at least 18 years old, otherwise, their parents or guardians will apply on their behalf.
8. Intention to leave Canada: Applicants must demonstrate their intention to leave Canada after completing their studies. This can be demonstrated through a statement of purpose or future career plans.
You must meet all of these eligibility criteria to increase your chances of receiving a Canadian student visa.
Canadian Study Permit Requirements
You must meet up with the requirements before you begin your Canadian visa application. Here are the requirements, go through them carefully.
- Letter of acceptance from a designated educational institution (DLI) in Canada: To apply for a Canadian student visa, you must have a letter of acceptance from a Designated Educational Institution (DLI). IDD must be an educational institution recognized and approved by the Canadian government.
- Demonstrate financial capability: You must provide evidence that you can support yourself financially throughout your stay in Canada. This money can come in the form of bank statements or proof of income.
- Valid passport: One must have a valid passport to apply for a Canadian student visa. The passport must be valid for the duration of the person’s stay in Canada.
- Completed application form: To apply for a Canadian student visa, one must fill out an application form. This form can be obtained online or in person.
- Two passport-sized photos: Two passport-sized photographs must be included with the Canadian student visa application. These photos must meet specific requirements set forth by the Canadian government.
- Foreign language proficiency: A person must demonstrate that they can speak, read, and write in English or French. This can be done by taking a language test, such as the International English Language Testing System “IELTS”.
- Health check: A person must undergo a medical examination by a designated doctor to ensure that they are in good health and do not pose a danger to public health.
- Immigration health check: A person must take an immigration medical examination if they have lived for more than six months in a country with a high incidence of tuberculosis.
How to apply for a student visa to Canada.
In this section, we are going to show you how to apply for a Canada Student visa as a third-country citizen.
Here is the step-by-step guide on Canada Student visa application:
- Fill out an online Application.
- Get the required documents ready
- Fill out the application form.
- Pay the required visa fee.
- Submit your application.
Fill out an online Application form
When preparing to apply for a Canadian student visa, the first step is to complete the online application. The process can be initiated by visiting the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the government agency responsible for processing visa applications.
The online application form will request bio-data and educational information, as well as other details such as program of study and length of stay in Canada. It is important to complete this form accurately and completely, as any errors or omissions may result in delays or even rejection of the application.
Get the required documents ready
After submitting the online application, the next step is to collect all the necessary documents. The IRCC website has a list of documents required for a Canadian student visa application, including an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial resources, a passport, and a photo.
It is important to ensure that all documents are complete and meet the requirements set by IRCC. Any missing or incomplete documents may result in delays or even denial of the application.
Fill out the other application form at the Canadian embassy.
One of the required forms is form IMM 1294, which is the student permit application form. You can download this form from the official Government of Canada website or obtain it from the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country.
The other form mentioned in the Canadian student visa application process refers to the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) application form, depending on your country of origin. This form is necessary if you are not from a visa-exempt country or if you plan to travel outside of Canada during your stay.
To complete this form, you must provide your personal information, contact details, travel plans, and family information. You are required to provide supporting documents for your application, such as a valid passport, IDD acceptance letter, financial documents, and other relevant documents.
Pay the required visa fee.
One of the procedures you need to follow during the application process is to pay the required visa application fee.
Fees may vary depending on your country of origin or where you are applying. For example, if you are applying from Canada, you will have to pay CAD 150 for your study permit.
However, if you are applying from outside Canada, the fee is 150 CAD for the study permit, plus 85 CAD for biometrics.
It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it’s best to check the most up-to-date information on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Additionally, the visa fee can be paid online, by mail, or in person depending on your location and personal preferences. It is essential to ensure that you pay the correct amount and follow the payment procedures outlined by IRCC to avoid any delays or complications during your visa application process.
Submit your application.
It is important to double-check all information provided to ensure it is accurate and complete before submitting. Failure to provide accurate information or an incomplete application can result in delays or possible rejection of your application.
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation receipt indicating your application date and details about your application. You must make sure to keep a copy of this receipt and track the status of your application using online tools provided by the Canadian government.
Minimum financial requirements for a Canada Student visa.
The Canadian government requires all international students to provide evidence of sufficient finances to cover tuition and living expenses during their stay in Canada. The exact amount required varies depending on the institution, location, and length of the program.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the minimum amount needed for a student to cover living expenses for a year is 10,000 CAD. This amount includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other basic needs. However, this amount does not include tuition, health insurance, and other expenses.
In addition to CAD 10,000, international students must provide proof of first-year tuition payment. Tuition varies by program and school but can range from 8,000 CAD to 30,000 CAD or more per year.
Additionally, students from certain countries may be asked to provide proof of additional funds. For example, Indian students must provide proof of financial support of a minimum of 12,960 CAD along with 10,000 CAD for living expenses and first-year tuition. It is important to note that funds must be available and accessible to students. Proof of funding can be in the form of bank statements, scholarship application letters, or letters of support from financial aid providers.
FAQs on How to apply for a student visa to Canada.
What documents are needed for a Canadian student visa Application?
First of all, the applicant must provide a valid passport and fill out the application form. Additionally, proof of acceptance into a Canadian educational institution, payment of tuition fees, a letter of explanation, and proof of financial stability are required.
How to pay the Canadian student visa application fee?
The Canadian student visa application fee can be paid online by credit card or bank transfer. You should review the fee structure to ensure accurate fee payments.
How long can I stay in Canada on a student visa?
Canadian student visas are typically issued for the duration of the applicant’s undergraduate program. It allows multiple entries into Canada during the visa period and allows applicants to work part-time while studying.
What are the language proficiency test requirements to apply for a Canadian student visa?
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking a recognized language test such as IELTS or CELPIP.
Can I request to extend my Canadian student visa?
Yes, it is possible to request an extension of your Canadian student visa. The extension request must be submitted at least 60 days before the current visa expiration date. Evidence of continued registration at the educational institution, proof of funds, and a valid study permit are required.
Conclusion
We have provided you with almost all the information you need to know about Canada Student visa application. However, we do advise you to do your research. Go ahead with your application, we are rooting for your success. Thanks for stopping by, We appreciate your presence on our blog.