Every year, approximately 130,000 overseas students opt to study at Canadian universities. In addition to a high-quality education system, Canada also gives countless possibilities and dynamic culture. This article talks about how to apply for a Canadian student visa.
You will need to receive a Canadian study permit to study in Canada, which functions as a Canadian student visa throughout your stay. If your course or program lasts six months or less, you do not need a Canadian study permit. However, it can be a good idea to apply for a license before you ever go to Canada – otherwise, you will have to leave Canada or visit a visa office if you wish to continue with your studies in another Program.
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1. Apply at a Canadian University
If you don't know where to study in Canada, you will have to decide before starting your application. You will receive a letter of acceptance essential for your visa application once they accept you at a Canadian university.
2. Check if you can apply
To determine if you require a study visa or license, you can use the official Canadian study permit tool. If one of the following cases applies to you, you do not require a study visa:
- An international representative in Canada accredited by Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development Canada, and you are a family member or staff member.
- You participate in a less than six-month study program.
- You are a member of the Visiting Forces Act's foreign armed forces.
- If you have a registered Indian status in Canada but are a citizen of another country.
3. Start your application process
When you receive a letter of acceptance from the university, it is time for the next stage: to apply for a student visa, a study license known locally among Canadian people.
The first steps to receive your visa:
- Before you arrive in Canada, apply online for your Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) visa.
- If you have limited internet access or cannot submit documents online, send visa application documents by post.
- Provide a letter of admission from a chosen educational institution (a university recognized by the Canadian government).
- Prove sufficient funding to pursue your education in Canada (tuition fees and living expenses).
- Present proof that you have no record in criminal.
- Submit your healthy clinical documents; if necessary, submit thorough medical exams.
- Under the latest visa restrictions, they shall process the application for your study permit in two weeks if you have a family member working or seeking an operating license in Canada.
You can renew or enlarge your study authorization if:
- You want your studies to continue.
- An extension to your program.
- You are changing university.
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The study permission expires 90 days after completing your studies (after receiving a notification of the program completion). You can still travel and explore in Canada or apply for a work permit to take up or even become a self-employed individual full-time or part-time.
4. Prepare the required documents
- Application form Filled-in Student.
- The initial university letter of acceptance.
- A valid passport/travel document allowing you to return to your country of origin. It is not necessary if you live in the United States.
- Two recent passport pictures with name and date of birth specifications on the back.
- Evidence of your study program financial support. It means you are living in the country between CAD 10,000 and 11,000 every year.
- A letter of purpose.
5. Language Requirement
The documentation for a Canadian student visa does not include proof of English language ability. But Canadian institutions will demand you to confirm English language skills unless you come from an English-speaking country.
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6. Appointment for Biometrics
You could need to appear at a Visa Application Center in your country, depending on your nationality, to take your biometrics. The price is CAD 85 for biometrics. This charge will be added to the standard visa fee (150 CAD). Some countries don't need to do biometrics so that their residents do not have to attend an application centre.
7. Wait for Your Canadian Permit
The processing time may last up to 90 days. However, it is generally quicker after filing for your Canadian study permit. It depends on your country's situation.
To acquire study permission quicker, you can use the Student Direct Stream. Charges begin at CAD 150, and usually, roughly 20 calendar days are required for processing.
