Visa Guide

International countries continues to send a constant stream of students to Canada. While admittance to top Canadian universities requires good academic records, the permission to study is validated by a Study Permit. If you want to pursue academic, professional, or vocational training at a university, college, or other educational institution in Canada, you will need a study permit before you enter Canada. This study permit is issued to students when they arrive in Canada. To get there, however, a student must first apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, which is provided by the Canadian High Commission and facilitated by Visa Application Centres. The designated VACs for Canadian visas are VFS Global Services. Furthermore, candidates should understand why their Canada Visa was denied. This post will cover everything from Canada student visa requirements to documentation needed to obtain a Study Permit.

What is a Canada Study Permit?

A study permit is a document issued by Canadian immigration authorities that allows international students to study in Canada. International students are not permitted to study in Canada unless they have a valid study permit. Aside from that, students who have a study permit may enrol at Designated Learning Institutions. A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is an institution that has been approved by a province or territorial government to accept international students.

Getting the Canada Study Visa:

You must bring the Letter of Introduction, as well as all other specified documents, to Canada. You would meet with an Immigration Officer at the airport. Present your passport and the Letter of Introduction to the border control agency officer, who will validate the documents and grant you your Study Permit if they are 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.

Also, during the visa interview, you must convince the visa officer that you will depart Canada after your studies are completed.

Which documents are required for Canada Student Visa?

After receiving your college acceptance letter, you should apply for a student visa. You should begin with the visa process around June if aiming at the September intake. The following documents are needed to apply for a Canada Student Visa.

1. Valid Passport: To apply for a Study Permit, you must have a valid passport. According to the Canadian High Commission, it is important that you have a passport whose validity covers the intended stay in Canada. For example, if you want to travel to Canada for a two-year degree in September 2022, your passport must be valid until at least September 2024.
2. Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution: You would need the acceptance letter from the university/institute you are planning to attend. A Designated Learning Institute is a university that is recognized by the Immigration Department. In case you are applying for Quebec, you would also need a CAQ which would be duly notified.
3. Proof of Funds: You would be required to produce proof of funds when applying for your Study Permit. According to current standards, you must demonstrate that you have the finances to cover both our tuition and living expenses. According to Canadian Immigration, a student would need at least CAD 10,000 for each year of their stay. Aside from the above two requirements, the student must additionally demonstrate that he or she has sufficient funds for a return fair as well. 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 choose to apply offline, you will need two passport-sized images that meet the requirements. For an online application, you must obtain a digital copy of the photograph that is no larger than 4MB. Other requirements are standard neutral facial expression, plain background as well as no headgear (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 from overseas are required by Canadian Immigration to undertake a mandatory Immigration Medical Examination performed by empanelled doctors. Students must make an appointment with one of the mentioned doctors and see them for a medical check-up, preferably a week before they begin their Visa application. This is to give the doctor time to validate and upload the required documentation. It is generally advisable to make an appointment in advance with the nearest facility/ practitioner from the list of empanelled doctors. The panel physician will do a thorough medical examination and may refer you for chest x-rays and laboratory tests. When your exam is over, the physician will send the results to CIC.
6. English Language Proficiency Exam Score: Though not required at the time of application, we strongly advise you to take the English Language Proficiency Test and obtain your English Language Proficiency Score before beginning your Visa Application Process. To confirm your acceptance to the Canadian University, you would have required to submit your English language proficiency score. TOEFL, IELTS, and other tests are all allowed.
7. Statement of Purpose: When applying for a Canadian Study Permit, you must submit an essay explaining why you are visiting Canada and why you have chosen this particular university. This will be requested as an optional document in the checklist; however, we strongly advise you to send it.
8. Credit Card: If you submit an online application, you will also need a credit card to pay the application fee. For overseas students studying in Canada, the visa application fee is CAD 150. Please keep in mind that the system only accepts credit cards and does not accept debit cards. It is also not required that it is your credit card. You may use your parents’ cards if you have explicit permission to do so.

Aside from the aforementioned requirements, if applying online, you will need access to a digital scanner. If you apply offline, you must have true copies of all of the above-mentioned documents. It is important to note that you will be required to download a few documents, fill them out, print them, sign them, and then upload them when applying online. As a result, the availability of the scanner must be arranged. You can also upload a high-quality digital photograph to the system. We, however, recommend a scanner for a camera. The interviewer may request extra documents during the personal interview. These could be documents proving academic or financial standing.

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: The processing time for a Canada visa is 9 weeks if you apply from outside Canada and 4 weeks if you apply from inside Canada. It is recommended that you visit the Canadian consulate website to find out how long it will take to complete your student visa and to track your application.
•  Determine how you will apply: There are two ways to apply:

• Apply online: To apply online, you must have access to a scanner or camera to make electronic copies of your papers for uploading, as well as a valid credit card. At the regional Visa Application Centre, you will still be required to provide a finger scan (VAC). Remember that in the case of Online Applications, you must visit the VFS offices to hand in your passports and provide confirmation of form and fee payment. The steps would only differ in terms of the paperwork you would need to bring to the VAC.
• Download the application kit and read the instruction guide. The instruction guide offers vital information on study permits as well as guidelines to assist you in completing your application. Read the guide thoroughly and make use of the document checklist. You are allowed to apply on paper only under 2 conditions:
  • If you have a disability that prevents you from applying online
  • If you hold an identity or travel document for non-national residents, refugees, or stateless persons.
  • At a port of entry: The following can also apply at a port of entry:

• Ukrainian nationals (or their family members)
• citizen
• 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: Visa fees must be paid in addition to VFS Global service charges when applying through the VFS, in person, or by mail. In all situations, the processing fee is non-refundable.

• If you are traveling with your spouse/common-law partner and/or children and are applying for temporary resident visas, work permits, or study permits for them, you must pay the relevant processing fees.

• Submit your application and supporting documents: You have to visit the nearest VFS office. Once you are there, pay the service charges and hand them your complete application to obtain a receipt. This receipt contains your unique tracking number which you will need to follow the status of your application online. If your application is granted, the Government of Canada will contact you to obtain your passport. The passport and passport request letter can be submitted in person or through VFS. You would be given a Temporary Resident Visa as well as a Letter of Introduction.

Canada Student Visa Fees:

• According to the current exchange rate, a study permit in Canada costs CAD 150. Because the exchange rate fluctuates, we recommend that you check it at the time of your visa application.

• Online and offline applications for Canadian visas are available. Visa processing fees can be paid online (by means of a credit card) or offline (by means of a demand draft if paying at the High Commission of Canada), or by cash at the VAC. This charge must be paid when the application is submitted or when an online payment receipt is provided.

• Furthermore, the visa fee does not include VAC service charges. You would be required to pay the additional service charges that are applicable in your region. In addition, for each payment accepted, a receipt will be supplied. Please keep your payment receipt as proof of payment.

• Post submission of your visa application, students need to submit a biometric fee of CAD 85. Candidates need to submit this fee in addition to the regular visa fee. After this, your biometrics will be taken at a Visa Application Centre.

Processing Time for the Canada Student Visa:

The processing time is the time it takes the CIC to complete a visa application. It starts when the aspirant files the application until the final decision day. As a result, there is no specified period of time for processing a Canada study visa application. It usually takes about 12 weeks.  Aspirants (both online and paper) can access their MyCIC accounts to check the status of their applications.

Study Permit Renewal:

Students must have a valid study permit to stay in Canada. If your study permit expires before the completion of your studies (program), you must apply for a study permit renewal.  You should ideally apply at least 30 days before your current permit expires. Candidates can send their applications via mail or online.

Dependents:

On a Dependent visa, spouses can accompany full-time students. You only need to demonstrate that appropriate funds are available for their support. Spouses who are staying for a year or more can also work full-time. If you are accompanying your spouse or common-law partner to Canada, you may apply for an open work permit in particular instances. You can search and accept any job in Canada if you have an open work permit. To apply for your work visa, you do not need a job offer or a positive labour market impact assessment.

Canada is considered as one of the top global study destinations for international students, studying here is not economical for some. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular scholarships for students looking for financial assistance while studying in Canada.

Canada Student Visa FAQs

• 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 an 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.
• 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. 
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.