The Complete Guide On Canada’s Study Visa Requirements

This blog will cover topics such as who is eligible to apply for a Canadian student visa. How do you apply? What are the requirements? Who should apply? procedures, and so on.

What is a Study Permit?

The most vital Canadian government document is a study permit. This lets international students attend Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). The study permission process requires several documentation. Study permit applications cost roughly C$150.

A Designated Learning Institution acceptance letter is required. Provide a letter of explanation if Covid-19 prevented you from submitting documents.

The study authorization can only be extended with DLI conditional approval. If you can’t finish your course before the study permit expires, you can extend it.

If you finish your course early, the permit will expire 90 days later. The university will provide you the course completion certificate or degree after you finish.

A letter of introduction is another thing to know about study permit. Students applying from outside Canada will receive this letter. The letter of introduction has your passport’s electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) but not the study permit.

The electronic Travel Authorization lasts 5 years till your passport expires. Before approving the study permit, the border services officer reviews these two documents.

Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Student Visa

Students will be granted a study visa only when their study permit has been accepted. A study visa is a visitor visa combined with a study permit. There is no separate application process for a visitor visa. The visitor visa is issued by the Canadian government shortly after the study permit is accepted. The primary requirement is enrollment in a Designated Learned Institution (DLI).

Following are the eligibilities required to apply for Canadian student visa:

• Letter of Acceptance – The institution’s acceptance letter should be attached to the study visa application. The acceptance letter serves as a preliminary admission to the university.
• Valid Passport -It is necessary to have a valid passport that is linked to some of your identifying documents, such as your National ID , voter identification, and so on. When applying, recent passport-size photographs with the applicant’s name and date should also be sent.
• Financial Capacity – It is necessary to provide evidence of your financial ability to pay your tuition costs. It is also critical to mention the source of cash when submitting proof. Students who are sponsored by student loans, for example, should attach documents issued by the bank.
• Covid-19 traveler exemption – The Canadian government recently amended the legislation in light of the Covid-19 protocol. A traveler exemption certificate stating that the student is fully vaccinated is required for students traveling to Canada. Before leaving the country, the student must also have a negative covid-19 molecular test.
• Letter of Explanation – A letter of explanation should explain the reason for you to study in Canada. The letter should also state that you abide by the conditions listed on the study permit application.
• IELTS results – It is important to provide your mark sheet on the English proficiency test.
• Academic documents – A proof of your academic documents having information of your schooling, grades, conduct certificate, and transfer certificate.
• Other documents – some documents are requested by the Canadian government such as medical certificates, police certificates, etc. These are the documents that should be provided when asked for.

Reasons for Getting a Study Permit in Canada

Quality higher education and job opportunities are the two important reasons for getting a study permit in Canada.

1. Continue Education

Students who want to further their education in Canada can extend their study permit from within the country. There is an exception for students who need to update their study permit. The majority of international students extend their study permit within the country and prepare for another graduation.

2. Job Opportunities

study permit in Canada is useful for students who want to work while studying but do not have a work permit. Without a work permit, a student with a study permit may work for a maximum of 20 hours a week. This allows the student to obtain professional experience while still in school.

Graduating from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) utilizing the study permit provides the student with stay-back options and further assistance in the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) process.

Documents needed to apply for Study visa in Canada

• Letter of Acceptance
• Valid Passport
• Study Permit – Letter of Introduction and eTA
• Proof of your financial capacity
• Letter of Explanation
• Medical Certificate
• Bank Account
• Bank statements
• Police Certificate
• Proof or letter from the source of funds
• IELTS mark sheets
• Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) – If the student is studying in Quebec.

Post-Graduate Work Permit and Study Permit

A Post-Graduate Work Permit may be available to Canadian students at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) with study permits. Canadian DLI graduates can apply for a work permit with a graduation certificate or institution letter.

PGWP is only for students holding a certificate ffrom a program longer than 8 months. Students who graduated from programs longer than 8 months have work permit validity for the same number of months.

Students with two years have a three-year work permit. Only study permits with 180 days of validity are eligible for the PGWP.

Intakes in Canadian Universities

Canadian universities accept students in fall, winter, and summer. An academic year has three intakes. Fall is when major programs accept students. The fall intake runs from September till early January. The fall intake is the most crucial.

The bulk of international students use this intake to get into their desired programs. Some specialist courses have a January–May winter intake.

In January, universities undertake an additional application process to fill Fall intake seats.

Data science, computer science, and business management are summer intake programs. The summer intake, from May to August, has the fewest applicants.

Unlike the Indian entry system, Canadian colleges allow students to choose their course of interest.

Anyway, arriving early for any of the three intakes is crucial. The essential issue is to choose the appropriate intake for your course.

Use this link to find the Cost of Studying in Canada

In Canada, a study visa is a combination of a study permit and a visitor visa; there is no such thing as a study visa in Canada, but a visitor visa combined with a study permit is termed a study visa. When applying for a student visa, several steps must be taken. The steps to obtaining a student study visa in Canada are as follows.

• Step 1: Clarity – There needs to be a clear understanding for yourself to study in Canada. You need a strong mindset and a valuable reason to study in Canada.
• Step 2: Shortlisting – Shortlisting of colleges, universities, places, programs should be done with keen research. Shortlisting institutions and courses through research should be done with credible sources.
• Step 3: Eligibility – Make sure that you are eligible for the requirements asked for. If not, prepare the requirements that make you eligible for the visa.
• Step 4: Entrance exams – A student who want to study abroad should score well on standardized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, and SAT. These tests are written in accordance with the colleges and courses that the student wishes to pursue. A good IELTS score is required by most Canadian universities and colleges.
• Step 5: Document preparation – The visa process requires various documents. You should have the officers’ requested documents. Visa officers also want police and medical certifications for verification. Cross-checking documents is vital because they may be lost. Cross-checking documents before submitting them to visa officers is required.
• Step 6: Source of funds – Sorting out a source of funds for your abroad studies through education or student loan is necessary. You need to submit the required documents that prove you can afford your tuition fees.
• Step 7: University application – After shortlisting the university, the application process should be started as soon as possible. The application process is quite a difficult one. You need to be attentive while applying. The data entered in the applications should be credible.
• Step 8: Offer acceptance – The “Letter of Acceptance” confirms that you have been conditionally admitted to that college’s program. The acceptance letter details all fees, accommodations, duration, payment date, and so forth. Furthermore, the letter of acceptance is not the final approval; rather, it serves as a supporting document in the approval of a student visa.
• Step 9: Get a study visa – After applying for a study permit, the Canadian government gives you a letter of introduction. The letter of introduction is accompanied by an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) that has been verified by the border department. Following verification, the study permit is authorized, and the visitor visa is automatically granted. A study visa is provided together with a study permit and a visitor visa.
• Step 10: Accommodation and Transportation – When you book your flight tickets early, you save money. It is vital to travel with the required documents. Selecting places to stay in Canada can be done through certified websites, consultants, or getting help from authorities in your institution, which may reduce the pressure of looking for a place to stay.

Spouse and Dependents in Student Visa

The Canadian government is accommodating when it comes to enrolling their spouse or dependents in the study visa application process. This has an effect on the approval of study visas, and it is up to the study visa officers to deal with it.

The spouse or dependent going with you should go through the visa application process. Spouses accompanying students have access to a program called spousal open work permit, which allows them to work for an employer/business in Canada.

Top 10 Universities in Canada with High Acceptance Rate for International Student Visa

Canada’s universities are held to a world-class standard. Every year, Canada attracts a large number of international students. The following Canadian universities have a high acceptance rate for international students.

• University of Montreal
• University of Toronto
• University of Alberta
• McGill University
• Simon Fraser University
• University of Waterloo
• University of Calgary
• Carleton University
• Lakehead University
• York University

What is the IELTS Band Requirement for a Canadian Student Visa?

Your IELTS band score determines Canadian college admission. The IELTS band score is 0–9. IELTS exams have four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

IELTS scores of 6.0 are required for undergraduate admission in Canadian universities. The minimum postgraduate band is 6.5. Some Canadian colleges relax 5.5 and 6.0 scores.

Apply through Student Direct Stream

Study permit processing is accelerated through Student Direct Stream (SDS). SDS grants admission to most Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLI). Only online applications are accepted for student direct. SDS applicants must have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate.

The Guaranteed Investment Certificate is a guaranteed-return Canadian Bank Account investment. India is eligible for SDS. The procedures and documents required are similar to the usual study permit process.

How and Where to Apply for SDS?

There are several steps involved in processing the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

• The study visa officers only accept online applications when you apply through SDS. Paper applications are only for the students who go through the regular study permit process
• You must organize the documents required to apply through the Student Direct Stream. IELTS scores, Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), Tuition fee receipt, letter of admission, medical certificate, police certificate, and other documents are necessary to apply through SDS. You should also include some other documents if the study visa officers request them.

Canada Student Visa Fee

A Canadian study visa costs around $150. The study visa to Canada can be applied online if you have a proper scanner and camera to scan and upload copies of documents. Applying for a student visa through Student Direct Stream costs the same as the regular student permit.

Study Permit Renewal

Study permit validity is always extended by 90 days from the course. To prolong your Canadian study permit, you must apply for a new one and stay as a temporary resident. Apply for a student permit extension 30 days before expiration.

You can request for a study permit extension online or by paper if there are issues. Transparent, quick, and cheap online applications are appreciated.

Without a restored study permit, you cannot study at any Canadian DLI. Restoration of the study permit costs 323CAD.

Backlogs and Student Visa

Most Canadian DLIs allow four to five backlogs. Your last degree or qualification should have 70% grades. Canadian PG programs accept students with 7–8 backlogs and 65% undergraduate.

If backlog students are accepted to Canadian colleges, their study permits won’t be affected. The study visa officers only need an institution acceptance letter.

English Language Requirements

A student interested in studying in Canada should improve their English. English is essential in Canada. The majority of Canadians speak English. You must pass the IELTS to get into reputable Canadian DLIs.

For Canadian studies, students must pass the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Other than that, you need good communication skills to resolve any Canadian concerns.

Canada, Student Visa Processing Time

The processing period for study permits in Canada varies by province. For Indian students, the processing time for a study visa is approximately 7-10 weeks. Your application has been transferred from the visa application center to the study visa officers, and the biometrics process has been completed.

If you apply through the student direct channel, you can also acquire your student visa in 20 days. The quantity of applicants determines the processing time.

Canada Student Visa Requirements after 12th

Students who want to study in Canada after graduating from high school have several options. Students who wish to study abroad after the 12th should submit certain documents throughout the study permit application process. The documents listed below are required to study undergraduate courses in Canada.

• Letter of acceptance
• A Valid Passport
• IELTS Marksheets
• Letter of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Transfer Certificate
• Financial documents – A proof you can manage your studies financially
• Medical Certificate and Police certificate
• School Completion proof
• Academic Documents

Student Visa in Quebec

To study in Quebec, you need a letter of acceptance from your provisional admission institution. You must also attach the Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ). Study permit applicants should attend a Designated Learning Institution.

Quebec can get a study permit from Canada, but you need the CAQ. Only a Canadian government study permit and Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec allow you to study in Quebec.

Conclusion

Canada requires a study permit and visitor visa (study visa). Working while studying is possible with a student visa. Study visas can be processed faster through the Student Direct Stream. You must attach certain documents throughout the visa process.

Scoring well in IELTS will help you get into your desired school. Most Canadian institutions and colleges accept students with regulatory backlogs.

In conclusion, apply for a Canadian study permit early.