International students can study in Canada. However, as a condition of entry, they will need to have a Study Permit (SP) and a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
What’s a study permit?
Study permits are documents issued by Canadian immigration authorities to allow international students to study in Canada. Without a valid student permit, international students cannot learn in Canada. Students who have a study permit can enroll in Designated Learning Institutions.
A study permit must always be accompanied by a visitor visa (ETA) or electronic travel authorization (ETA). A study permit allows you to study in Canada, while a visitor visa will enable you to enter Canada. Your counselor can help you find the most current information and connect with authorized migration experts.
How to get the Study Permit
The Letter of Introduction and all other documents required for Canada must be carried. An Immigration Officer will meet you at the airport. The border control officer will validate your Passport and Letter of Introduction and issue your Study Permit if it is found sufficient.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada Student Visa
If you meet the following criteria, you can apply for a Canada Study Visa.
- You were accepted by a recognized learning institute (DLI ).
- You must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
- It is necessary to show that you are clean of any criminal records and have a clean record. To prove it, the aspirants must produce a police verification certification.
- A health checkup is required.
You must also convince the visa officer at the interview that you intend to leave Canada after you have completed your studies.
What documents are needed for a Canadian Visa?
After receiving your college acceptance letter, you should apply for a Student Visa. If you are using it for the September intake, it is best to begin the visa process in June. These are the documents required to apply for Canada Student Visa.
1. Valid Passport
To apply for a study permit, you will need a valid passport. According to the Canadian High Commission, your access must have a good validity for the duration of your intended stay in Canada. If you plan to travel to Canada for a 2-year course in September 2022, your passport must be valid until September 2024.
2. proof of acceptance from DESIGNATED LEARNING INSTITUTION
The institution/university you plan to attend will require the acceptance letter. A Designated Learning Institute (DLI) is a university that the Immigration Department has recognized. Here’s a list. If you apply for Quebec, you will also need a CAQ. This would be duly notified.
Learn more about a Designated learning institute(DLI)
3. Evidence of funds
You will need to provide proof of funds when you apply for your Study Permit. According to current standards, you will need to show proof of funds. You would need to be able to pay tuition fees and cover living expenses. Canadian Immigration states that a student will need CAD 10,000 per year. The student must also prove that they have sufficient funds to pay for a fair return.
Note:
You will need to provide proof of payment and living costs at CAD 10,000 when filling out the application form. Quebec applicants must pay at least CAD 11,000 per year.
4. Passport Size Photographs
Two passport-sized photos are required if you choose to apply offline. You will need a digital copy of your photograph for an online application. It should not exceed 4MB. Other requirements include a neutral facial expression, a plain background, and no headgear (except for religious reasons). Note:
- The image size should not exceed 35 x 45 pixels
- Images should be current (not older than six months)
5. Immigration Medical Examination (IME).
Canadian Immigration requires that international students from India undergo an obligatory Immigration Medical Examination by impaneled physicians. The student would need to make an appointment with the doctor listed and have a medical exam at least one week before applying for their Visa. This allows the doctor to validate the documents and upload them. According to the list of impaneled physicians, it is always good to book an appointment with the closest facility/ practitioner.
The panel physician will conduct a comprehensive medical exam. The physician will send CIC the results after your exam is complete. They may also refer you to laboratory tests and chest x-rays.
6. English Language Proficiency Exam Score
Although it is not required to have your English Language Proficiency Score when you apply, we recommend you take and obtain your English Language Proficiency score before you begin your Visa Application Process. To confirm your admission to the Canadian University, you will have to submit your English proficiency score. TOEFL, IELTS, etc. All are acceptable.
7. Statement of Purpose
You will need to write an essay explaining the reason for your visit to Canada. Although this document is optional, we recommend you submit it.
8. Credit Card
Online applications require a credit card to pay the application fee. Canada’s Visa Application Fee is CAD 160. The system accepts only credit cards, not debit cards. It does not have to be your credit card. You can also use your parents’ cards if you have their permission.
A digital scanner is required for online applications. You will need to download some documents, complete them, sign them and upload them online. However, if you apply offline, you will need to have actual copies of all documents, as mentioned earlier. It is essential to arrange for the scanner’s availability. You can also upload a high-quality digital image to the system. However, we recommend using a scanner to scan your camera.
Interviewers may request additional documents during the personal interview. These documents may be used to show financial or academic status. These documents could include:
How To Apply for a Canadian Visa for Study
Use the following steps to apply for a Canada student visa.
- You should check the processing times. The visa application process can take between 3-4 weeks. To find out the estimated time it takes to process a student visa, it is recommended that you visit the Canadian consulate website. The time given is an estimate and not a guarantee.
- Decide how you want to apply.
- Apply online
- You will need a scanner or camera to make electronic copies of your documents. Also, you must have a credit card to pay for online applications. However, you will still need to submit a finger scan at your local Visa Application Centre (VAC). Online Applications require that you visit the VFS offices to hand over your passports. You will also need to submit the confirmation of the form and payment. The steps will only differ in the documents you must bring to the VAC.
- (b) Apply in person
- The application kit can be downloaded, and the instruction guide should be read. This guide provides essential information regarding study permits and instructions on how to complete your application. The document checklist can be used to help you achieve your application.
- Attach the VFS Consent form to your application. This form is required to receive assistance from VFS for visa filing.
- Pay the processing fee. In all cases, the processing fee cannot be refunded.
- Suppose you’re accompanied by your spouse/common-law partner or children, and you want to apply for temporary resident visas, work permits, study permits, or other permits. In that case, you will have to pay the appropriate processing fee.
- Submit your application with supporting documents. It would help if you visited the nearest VFS office. You must pay the service fees and give them your entire application to receive a receipt. You will need this receipt to track your application’s progress online.
If your application is approved, you will be notified by the Government of Canada that your passport request has been granted. The passport request letter and passport can be submitted in person or via VFS. A Temporary Resident Visa will be issued to you and a Letter of Introduction.
Canada Student Visa Fees
- Study permits for Canada cost CAD 150. This is approximately equivalent to INR 8,873 according to the current exchange rate. We recommend that you check the current exchange rate at the time of visa application as it is constantly changing.
- Online and offline Canadian Visa applications are possible. The visa processing fees can also be paid online using a credit card or offline by demand draft at the High Commission of Canada or cash at the VAC. The price must be paid when application submission or receipt for online payment. The demand draft must be drawn in Indian rupees and payable to the High Commission of Canada. The VACs do not accept cash payments.
- The visa fee does not include VAC charges. Additional service fees applicable to your region will be charged. Each payment will receive a receipt. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
- After submitting your visa application, students will need to pay a biometric CAD 85 fee. This fee must be submitted in addition to regular visa fees. Your biometrics will then be taken at a Visa Application Centre.
Canada Student Visa Processing Time
There is no time limit for Canada study visa applications. The CIC takes time to process a visa application. From the moment the applicant files their application, it continues until the day of the final decision. Online and paper applicants can check the status of their applications via their MyCIC accounts.
Study Permit Renewal
Students must have a valid permit to stay in Canada. You should submit your application at least 30 days before your current Permit’s expiration. If your study permit expires before completing your program, you must apply for renewal. You can apply online or by mail.
