Student Visa For Canada

Canada continues to attract a steady volume of students from all over the world. While entrance to Canada’s top universities requires outstanding academic achievement, the right to study is verified by way of a study permit. Before entering Canada, you must get a study permit if you want to enrol in academic, professional, or vocational training at a university, college, or other educational institution there. Students are given this study permit when they arrive in Canada. However, a student must first apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, which is offered by the Canadian High Commission and facilitated by the Visa Application Centres, in order to travel there. VFS Global Services is the designated VACs for Canadian visas. Candidates should also be aware of the reasons behind Canada Visa rejections. The information in this post will cover everything from the requirements for obtaining a student visa for Canada to the documents required to apply for a study permit.

What is a Canada Study Permit?

Foreign students who wish to study in Canada must first get a study permit from the Canadian immigration authorities. Without a valid study permit, foreign students are not permitted to enrol in classes in Canada. Aside from that, enrolling at Designated Learning Institutions is permitted for students who receive a study permit. A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is an educational institution that has received approval from a provincial or territorial government to host international students.

Getting the Canada Study Visa

You must travel to Canada with the Letter of Introduction and all required documentation. You would meet with an immigration officer at the airport. Submit your passport and the letter of introduction to the border control agency officer, who will validate them and grant you a study permit if found adequate.

Eligibility Criteria for Canada Student Visa

You can apply for a Canada Study Visa if you fulfil the following criteria:

• You must qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller. AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, Bharat Biotech Covaxin, etc. are some of the accepted vaccines.
• You have been accepted by a designated learning institute (DLI).
• You need to prove that you have adequate funds to pay for: your tuition fee, living expenses for yourself and family members who accompany you to Canada, and return transportation for yourself and any family members who accompany you to Canada
• You need to prove that you have a clean background and no criminal record. The aspirants need to produce a police verification certificate to prove this.
• You need to do a health check-up and produce a medical certificate that certifies that you are in good health.

You must convince the visa officer during the visa interview that you will leave Canada once your studies are finished.

Which documents are required for Canada Student Visa?

Once you have received the letter of acceptance to the college, you should apply for a student visa. If you want to enrol in the September intake, you should start the visa application process around June. The following documents are required to apply for a student visa for Canada.

1. 1. Valid Passport

To apply for a study permit, you would need a valid passport. You must have a passport whose validity extends beyond the desired period of time in Canada, according to the Canadian High Commission. For instance, your passport must be valid through September 2024 if you plan to study there for two years starting in September 2022.

2. Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution

You would need the letter of acceptance from the university or institute you want to attend. A university that has been approved by the Immigration Department is known as a Designated Learning Institution. (A list is provided here for your convenience.) If you were to apply for Quebec, you would also need a CAQ, which would be properly informed.

3. Proof of Funds

You would need to show proof of funds when applying for your study permit. As per the present standards, you would need to show that you would have enough money to cover both our tuition and living expenses. According to Canadian Immigration, a student should have at least CAD 10,000 available for each year of their stay. In addition to those two requirements, the student must demonstrate that he or she has the funds required for a return trip.

Funds can be proven with the help of the following:

• Canadian bank account
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
• A student loan or education loan
• Bank statements for the past 4 months
• Bank draft (it should be convertible to Canadian dollars)
• Proof of paid tuition and housing fee
• Letter from a person or school that has provided you with funds
• Proof of funding paid from within Canada (in case of a scholarship or a Canadian-funded educational program)

The table given below provides an idea of the funds required for applicants (outside Quebec):

The table given below provides the funds required for applicants (in Quebec):

4. Passport Size Photographs

If you chose to submit your application offline, you will need two passport-sized photos that meet the requirements. You must acquire a digital copy of the photo, which shouldn’t be larger than 4MB, for an online application. The usual neutral face expression, a plain backgrounds well as no headgear are additional prerequisites (unless for religious purposes).

Note:

• The size of the image should be at least 35 mm x 45 mm
• The image should be recent (not older than 6 months)
• Your name and date of birth must be written on the back of each photo

5. Immigration Medical Examination (IME)

International students studying in Canada are required to take an compulsory immigration medical examination from empanelled doctors. Students would need to schedule an appointment with one of the recommended doctors and go in for a check-up, preferably one week before to beginning their visa application. This is done to allow the doctor adequate time to verify and upload the necessary documentation. It is advisable to make an appointment in advance with the nearby institution or practitioners per the list of empanelled doctors is always advised. The panel physician will do a thorough physical examination and might recommend you for chest x-rays and laboratory tests. The doctor will send the results from your examination to CIC.

6. English Language Proficiency Exam Score

Although it is not necessary to obtain your English Language Proficiency Score at the time of application, we strongly advise that you have taken the test and received your results before beginning the visa application process. As it stands, your English language proficiency score would have been required to verify your admission to the Canadian University. All accepted tests include TOEFL, IELTS, etc.

7. Statement of Purpose

You would be expected to write an essay when applying for a Canadian Study Permit explaining why you are visiting Canada and why you have selected the particular university. The checklist would ask you to submit this as an optional document, but we highly encourage you to do so.

8. Credit Card

You would also need a credit card to pay the application cost if you were submitting your application online. For overseas students applying for a visa to study in Canada, the fee is 150 CDN. Keep in mind that the system only accepts credit cards and not debit cards. Moreover, it is not required to be your credit card. If your parents have given you explicit permission to use their cards, you may as well.

In addition to the abovementioned, you’d need access to a digital scanner if you were applying online. Nonetheless, you must have true copies of all the aforementioned documents if you are applying offline. You must download a few documents, complete them, print them, sign them, and upload them in order to submit your online application. As a result, it is necessary to arrange for the scanner’s accessibility. You can also upload a high-quality digital image using the system. We, however, recommend a scanner for a camera.

 The interviewer may ask for more documents during the personal interview. This could be proof of academic or financial status documents.

These may include:

• Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
• Scores from tests, such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT
• Your intent to depart from Canada upon completion of the course of study
• How you will pay all educational, living, and travel costs

How to Apply for a Canadian Visa for Study

Follow the below-mentioned steps to apply for the Canada student visa process.

•  Check the processing times: If you are applying from outside of Canada, the processing time for a visa is 9 weeks; if you are applying from Canada, it takes 4 weeks. It is advisable to visit the website of the Canadian consulate to track your application and know the exact amount of time needed to process your student visa.
•  Determine how you will apply: There are two ways to apply:

1. Apply online: To submit an application online, you must have a working scanner or camera to make electronic copies of your papers that you may upload, as well as a valid credit card to cover the application fee. At the regional Visa Application Centre, a finger scan will still be required from you (VAC). Keep in mind that if you submitted an online application, you would also need to visit the VFS offices to submit your passports and the proof for your fee payment. The only difference between the processes would be the documentation you need to provide to the VAC.
2. Apply on paper: Download the application kit and read the instruction guide. Important details about study permits are provided in the instruction manual, along with instructions on how to complete your application. Use the document checklist and thoroughly read the instruction manual. You are allowed to apply on paper only under 2 conditions:

3. If you have a disability that prevents you from applying online
4. If you hold an identity or travel document for non-national residents, refugees, or stateless persons
5. c) At a port of entry: The following can also apply at a port of entry:

• • • Ukrainian nationals (or their family members)
    • S. citizen
    • S. Permanent Resident (or lawful permanent resident of the U.S.)
    • Greenland resident
    • Saint-Pierre and Miquelon resident

•  Fill out the VFS Consent Form and attach it with your application form.  You need this form to get the assistance of VFS services for your visa filing process.

• Pay the processing fee: Please take note that visa fees must be paid in addition to VFS Global service fees when submitting an application via the VFS, in person, or by mail. In every circumstance, the processing charge is not refundable.
• You must pay the appropriate processing fees for your spouse/common-law partner and/or children if they are traveling with you and you are applying for temporary resident visas, work permits, or study permits for them.
• Submit your application and supporting documents: You must go to the closest VFS office. Pay the service fees when you arrive, then give them your application form to get a receipt. You will need this receipt, which has your special tracking number on it, to check the status of your application online.
• The Canadian government will notify you and ask for your passport if your application is accepted. You can submit the passport and passport request letter in person or via VFS. A letter of introduction as well as a temporary resident visa would be provided to you.

Canada Student Visa Fees

• According to information provided on the CIC website, a study permit for Canada costs CAD 150. We urge you to check the currency rate while applying for your visa because it is always changing.
• Both online and offline applications for Canadian visas are available. The fees for processing visas can be paid online (with a credit card), offline (with a demand draft if paying at the High Commission of Canada), or in cash at the VAC. When the application is submitted, this fee must be paid, or an online payment receipt must be provided.
• Moreover, VAC service fees are not included in the mentioned visa fee. You would be required to pay any additional service fees that apply in your region. A receipt will also be provided for each payment made. Keep the receipt as evidence of your payment.
• Students must pay a biometric cost of CAD 85 after submitting their visa applications. In addition to the standard visa fee, candidates must also submit this cost. After that, a Visa Application Centre will take your biometrics.

Processing Time for the Canada Student Visa

The amount of time the CIC needs to process a visa application is known as the processing time. It begins when the applicant submits their application and lasts until the day of the decision. As a result, no time frame for processing a Canada student visa application is specified. It usually takes 12 weeks. Via their MyCIC accounts, applicants (both online and on paper) can check the status of their applications.

Study Permit Renewal

Students must have a valid study permit in order to stay in Canada. If your study permit expires before the end of your course of study (program), you will need to apply for a renewal. The ideal time to apply is at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your current permit. Applicants have the option of applying online or via mail.

Dependents

Full-time students on a Dependent visa may be accompanied by their spouses. You only need to show that there are sufficient cash to support them. If a spouse stays for a year or more, they are also permitted to work full-time.

You might be eligible to apply for an open work permit if you’re traveling to Canada with your spouse or common-law partner. After you arrive in Canada, you can search for and accept any job with an open work permit. You can apply for your work visa without a job offer or a positive labour market impact assessment.

Although though Canada is one of the most popular study abroad countries for international students, some cannot afford to attend study there. As a result, we’ve provided a list of some of the most well-known scholarships for Canadian students in need of financial assistance.

Canada Student Visa FAQs

• Q. Can I study in Canada without a student visa?
  In order to pursue any academic course in Canada, you need to apply for a student visa. In order to apply for a Canada student visa, you need to fulfil certain eligibility requirements. Some of the requirements include a acceptance by a DLI, proof of funds, a valid travel document (passport), medical test reports, proof of English language proficiency, and Canada student visa application fee of CAD 150. It is advised that the students start their study abroad application early so that they have sufficient time to apply for the Canada student visa because its processing requires time.
• Q. How can I stay back in Canada after my studies are over?
  Once your education is over, you will have to apply for Post-Study Work Permit (PGWP Canada). The duration of the work permit will depend on the duration of your course. In order to be eligible for a work permit, your course must be of at least 8 months in duration. Once you have gained sufficient Canadian work experience, you can apply for Canada PR.
• Q. Is it compulsory to provide proof of English-language proficiency to obtain a student visa?
  If you belong to a country where English is not the native language, then you are required to provide proof of English-language proficiency through various test scores such as that of IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Make sure to score at least 6.0 on the IELTS if you have applied for an undergraduate degree and 6.5 if you have applied for a postgraduate degree.
• Q. How many bands are required to study in Canada?
  For an undergraduate degree, the Canadian high commission requires 6.0 bands in the IELTS Exam with no band less than 5.5. Also, for the postgraduate degree, candidates require an overall 6.5 band with no band less than 6.0.
• Q. How many backlogs are allowed for the Canada student visa?
  Some universities in Canada accept a maximum of 5 backlogs, with a condition that candidates must have scored a minimum of 70 percent in the undergraduate degree. Apart from this, for Postgraduate degree programmes, some universities accept a maximum of 7 or 8 backlogs if the candidate has scored 6.5 percent or above in the undergraduate program.USA Study Visa: The United States remains the #1 choice for students planning to study abroad. If you are among the few who aspire and have already been admitted to your desired university, applying for a Student Visa is the next important step toward realizing your ambition of studying in the United States. This Students Visa Guide discusses briefly the various types of visas and attempts to provide a complete method for applying for the F1 Student Visa, which is available to students who are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the United States. Apart from that, aspirants should know why their US Student Visa gets rejected. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

  Types of USA Study Visa

  There are three types of student visas to the US:

  1. F1 Student Visa
  • Students applying for a program that requires more than 18 hours of study in a week require an F1 visa. This includes all undergraduate programs as well as graduate programs like MS, MBA, etc.
  • Spouses or children accompanying F-1 visa recipients will travel on an F-2 visa. Please note that spouses are not able to work but may accompany and/or apply for their own visa to the U.S. to work or study.
  2. J1 Exchange Visitor Visa
  • The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is for students, visiting scholars or lecturers pursuing an exchange program. For example, Fulbright scholars and many students on short-term study abroad programs from international universities will travel to the U.S. on a J-1 visa.
  • A J1 visa is usually sought by a working professional who goes to America on an exchange program, hence the name Exchange Visitor Visa. These may include a 10-month vocational training or some research fellowship, etc. Whichever be the case, the applicants would be notified for the same by the respective institutions. 
  • Spouses or children accompanying J-1 Visa recipients will travel on a J-2 Visa. Please note that spouses are able to work when permission is obtained in advance.
  3. M-1 Vocational/ Non-Academic Student Visa

  The M1 visa is a sort of student visa that is only available to students attending vocational and technical schools. While the application process for the F1 visa and the M-1 visa are similar, the M1 visas are time-stamped on entering and students cannot overstay their visit.

  Latest Updates

  February 21, 2023: Despite recent layoffs in the technology sector, US universities remain optimistic about international students seeking for admission in 2023. Even though there may be less placements or internship chances at large tech businesses for international students studying in the United States.

  August 30, 2022: Students of country such as India outnumber Chinese students in the United States, with 77,799 student visas issued between January and July 2022, compared to 46,145 student visas issued over the same time period. Normally, Chinese students are at the top of the list of international students in the United States, but with the country being severely affected by COVID-19, the number of Chinese students has declined.

  April 7, 2022: The US Embassy may alter the student visa application process beginning in the summer of 2022.

  Feb 27, 2022: The United States has waived in-person interviews for various visa applicants.

  The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of the United States recently introduced 22 additional courses to the STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) program for international students.

  The 22 new fields of the study added to the STEM OPT programme are Bioenergy, General Forestry, Forest Resources Production and Management, Human-Centred Technology Design, Cloud Computing, Anthrozoology, Climate Science, Earth Systems Science, Economics and Computer Science, Environmental Geosciences, Geobiology, Geography, and Environmental Studies, Mathematical Economics, Mathematics and Atmospheric/Oceanic Science, Data Science, General, Data Analytics, General, Business,

  This allows foreign students with an F-1 visa to stay in the country for 36 months and work in their field of study once they have finished their degrees. More students will be eligible for the STEM OPT extension thanks to the newest additions.

  CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 ALERT

  As of November 8th, the US has dropped its pandemic restrictions for everyone who have received their vaccinations. The White House has declared that beginning on November 8, 2021, vaccinated international tourists would be able to travel to the US by air and land. All vaccines approved by the World Health Organization and the Food and Drug Administration would be accepted for air travellers.

  Working on USA Student Visa

  Students are prohibited from taking on off-campus employment during their first academic year. They are not permitted to work more than 20 hours per week. They might put in up to 40 hours each week throughout vacations and holidays. The student may work for a business that offers services to the college, such a cafeteria or bookstore.

  Cost of Student Visa in the USA

  1. SEVIS fee which is at present at $350, US student visa fees.
  2. Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) which is at present $160.

  Here is the breakdown of different types of Student Visas

  	Type of Student Visas in USA & Costs
  Types of Student Visas	F1	J1	M1
  SEVIS Fee*
  Amount	$350	$220	$350
  Accepted modes of Payment	Credit Card Money Order/ Demand Draft
  Payable in	Dollars at the applicable exchange rate as determined by the bank
  MRV Application Fee/ Visa Application Fee
  Amount	$160	$160	$160
  Accepted modes of Payment	NEFT Online Transfer Instant Money Transfer by Mobile – IMPS By Cash at counters of Axis Bank/ Citibank
  Payable in	Payable at the Exchange Rate Fixed by the Consular Office

  *Spouses and dependents do not need to pay the SEVIS fee if they are going to the U.S. on F-2 or J-2 visas.

  Documents Required for F1 Student Visa Application

  In comparison to a tourist visa, a student visa requires carrying a lot more documentation. Along with the required documents, you also need supporting documents financial and academic records. Before heading to the consulate for the visa interview, ensure that you review this checklist.

  • A valid passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond your period of stay.
  • A printed copy of DS-160, the online application form
  • SEVIS Fee Receipt
  • Interview appointment letter (original and copy)
  • Form I-20 sent by the college (where you are going to study)
  • Visa fees payment confirmation receipt
  • Bank statement for at least three years showing that you have enough assets to pay for the first year (could be of parent or guardian)
  • Pay/salary slips
  • Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
  • Score sheet of exams like TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, etc.
  • Financial Documents are required to show financial strength to support education in the USA.

  Students studying in the USA must provide documentation of the amount of money required to cover all first-year fees. It includes of tuition fees, living costs, and other costs (like books). In addition, students must provide evidence that they have the financial resources required to finish their studies.

  Evidence of Financial Resources required for F1 Visa

  • Tax returns for the past 3 years (Form 16)
  • Bank statements/passbook for the past 3 years
  • Original pay/salary slips and letters of employment
  • Statement from certified CA
  • Scholarship letter (If the applicant has received it)
  • The loan approval letter by the bank or the concerned authority

  How to Apply for US Student Visa (F1 Visa)?

  There are several steps to apply for a USA Study Visa:

  1. Your visa process starts when you receive Form I-20 from your college. Though you can pay the SEVIS fee anytime during the application, it is strongly recommended that you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before you start your US visa application.
  2. After paying the SEVIS fee and getting a receipt, you can apply for a DS-160 visa form. It is an online application form.
  3. Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
  4. Pay the visa fee through NEFT or at authorized AXIS bank/Citi bank locations.
  5. Schedule a Biometric appointment and Interview appointment.
  6. For the Biometric appointment, you will be required to appear in person to get your photograph clicked for the visa and get your fingerprints scanned.
  7. At the Personal interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your choice, of course, college, finances, and intent of coming back. If s/he is convinced, they will keep your passport with them to get the visa stamped. Here is a guide to help you prepare for your F1 Visa Interview.

  It’s important to keep in mind that F1 student visas can be obtained up to 120 days prior to the start of your course of study. But you won’t be permitted to go to the US on an F1 visa sooner than 30 days before your start date.

  Dependents

  F2 or M2 visas are required for partners and children under the age of 21 who intend to stay in the US with the applicant for the duration of their stay. A spouse with F2 status is permitted to attend classes that are vocational or recreational in nature, such as learning how to play tennis or cook, but they are not permitted to enrol in a full course of study. Children with F2 status are permitted to enrol full-time in elementary, middle, or high school. They are not permitted to enrol in a full-time program of study in a university or college. The spouse and children of students cannot accept employment at any time during their stay period on the F2 Visa.

  Additional Information

  After graduating, F1 visa holders are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT (optional practical training). That means that you can start working a year after completing your studies. It is a short-term job permission that enables students to get real-world experience in their subject of study. If you need to continue working in the US after that, you must apply for a work visa. Even if you don’t have a job offer or haven’t applied for OPT, you are permitted to stay in the US for up to 60 days following the end of your study.

  Scholarships for studying in the USA

  You can also apply for several scholarships offered at the institute or university you are applying to if you are a qualified student. Many scholarships are available for studying in the USA. Scholarships are considered as one of the most effective methods for paying for your education. Foreign students who intend to pursue their studies abroad worry about managing their finances. Also, many colleges and institutions provide scholarships for students. It may be merit- or need-based. Also, experts advise students to look into the various scholarship options that are available to them.