Student Visa

Canada has become a top destination for international students, boasting a diverse range of high-quality institutions, a welcoming culture, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. The following guide provides an in-depth look at obtaining a Canadian student visa, outlining the necessary steps and requirements in a clear, easy-to-follow format.

Obtaining a Canada student visa, a study permit, is critical for international students planning to pursue higher education in Canada. This document, issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Before diving into the intricacies of the application process, let's explore why you should consider studying in Canada.

A Canadian study permit is a key document for international students studying in Canada. It's important to note that a Canadian study permit is not a visa. It allows you to study in Canada but does not grant you entry. You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) for entry. If your study permit application is approved, the IRCC will issue one of these documents and your study permit.

How to Apply for a Canada Student Visa

If you plan to study in Canada, you must apply for a study permit. Here are the five steps to apply for a Canada study permit:

Step 1: Ensure Your Eligibility

Obtaining a Canada student visa requires careful preparation and adherence to the Canadian government's guidelines. Here are the eligibility requirements based on the search results:

Valid Passport
- You need a valid passport to apply for a Canadian student visa.
Acceptance Letter
- You need an acceptance letter from a Canadian educational institution.
Proof of Financial Support
- You must prove that you have enough money to cover tuition fees and living expenses for the first year of your studies. The Canadian Immigration deems a student would require at least 10,000 CAD per year of stay.
English Proficiency
- You must demonstrate proficiency in English by taking an approved language test, such as IELTS or PTE Academic. The minimum score required varies depending on the program and institution.
Proof of Ties to Your Home Country
- You must provide evidence of ties to your home country, such as a job offer or family ties, to show that you plan to return home after your studies.
Academic Qualifications
- You must provide attested copies of your qualifications. You'll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if you're from outside of Canada.

It is important to note that spouses of students with a Canadian student visa are generally given the same rights as the students. Therefore, if the student has the right to work, the spouse who comes to join them will also have that right.

Step 2: Choose the Right Academic Program in Canada For You

The first step is to choose the right academic program in Canada that suits your interests and career goals. You must obtain a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada before applying for a study permit.

Step 3: Prepare Your Study Permit Application

Once you receive your acceptance letter, you can begin preparing your Canadian study permit application. This application requires extensive documentation proving your intentions in Canada and your ability to support yourself. The documents required vary from country to country. Still, most applicants will require the following:

A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) you will be attending
Proof of financial support, such as a bank statement or a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
Proof of identity, such as a copy of your passport bio-data page and every page of your passport that has stamps, visas, or markings from any country
Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
English Language Proficiency Exam
A Valid Passport

You can verify your requirements by consulting the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Step 4: Submit Your Study Permit Application

After preparing it, you must submit the required documentation to the appropriate Canadian visa office. You can submit your application online or at a visa application center.

Step 5: Submit Biometrics and Medical Exams (if applicable)

Depending on your country of origin, you may need to submit biometrics and medical exams as part of your study permit application. The costs of medical exams vary depending on the individual panel physician. If your study permit application is approved, you will receive a Letter of Introduction, which you will need to present to the Canada Border Services Officer when you arrive in Canada so your study permit can be issued at the airport or border crossing.

Step 6: Maintain Legal Status in Canada

If your study permit is approved and you enter Canada as an international student, you must meet the requirements to maintain legal status in Canada. Suppose you’re ready to start studying in Canada. In that case, you must meet the requirements to maintain legal status in Canada.

Obtaining a Canada student visa is critical for international students planning to study in Canada. The application process can be straightforward and smooth with careful preparation and adherence to guidelines. Studying in Canada offers numerous benefits and opportunities, making it an ideal destination for international students.

Why Study in Canada?

Canada is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education, welcoming environment, and excellent job prospects. Here is an in-depth breakdown of the top 5 reasons to study in Canada:

High-quality education

Canada is known for offering high-quality education and research opportunities from elementary to post-secondary studies. Canadian universities consistently rank among the top institutions globally. Renowned for its world-class education system, these institutions offer a variety of programs and degrees. Key universities include the following:

The University of Toronto
McGill University
University of British Columbia
McMaster University

A degree from a Canadian university serves as a symbol of trust and excellence.

Excellent Job Prospects

Canada has many sectors in demand, including engineering, accounting and finance, and healthcare, making it an excellent place to launch your career. International students can also benefit from post-graduation work permits, which allow them to gain valuable work experience in Canada after completing their studies.

Canada is also experiencing a tech boom, with major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal emerging as key players in the global technology industry. This presents an opportunity for students to gain front-row access to Canada's exciting technological advancements.

Welcoming Environment

Canada is known for its welcoming and friendly environment. International students benefit from the same rights and freedoms that protect all Canadians, including respect for human rights, equality, diversity, and a stable, peaceful society. Canada ranks third globally for the best quality of life.

Natural Beauty

Canada has incredible natural beauty, with diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to beaches to forests. International students can explore vibrant communities and spectacular landscapes across Canada, from urban to rural areas.

Diverse Community

Canada is a multicultural country with a diverse community. While studying in Canada, international students can experience and learn from different cultures, languages, and traditions. This diversity also creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students.

Working While Studying in Canada

International students in Canada are allowed to work part-time during their studies. This provides a source of income and offers valuable work experience and a chance to integrate into the Canadian workforce.

Post-Graduate Opportunities

After completing their studies, international students have various opportunities to work and potentially settle in Canada. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program allows students to gain valuable work experience after graduation.

FAQs

Can I Apply for a Study Permit After I Arrive in Canada?

No, you should apply for a study permit before you travel to Canada.

Can I Work in Canada With a Canadian Study Permit?

International students in Canada can work during their studies under certain conditions.

How Long Does it Take to Process a Canadian Study Permit Application?

The processing time for a study permit application can vary depending on several factors, including the application volume and the applicant's country of residence. One of the fastest ways to get a Canada study permit is through the Student Direct Stream (SDS)

The Student Direct Stream is a streamlined study permit application process available to students who are legal residents in specific countries. The SDS aims to expedite the study permit application process, ensuring faster processing times.

Top FAQ's

How do I apply for a Canadian Visa?

The first step to find out which programs you qualify for. The next step is to make sure that you have all the necessary supporting documentation then complete and submit your visa application. The best way is to apply online as sending an application by courier or mail could be costly and take a very long time.

How much is Canada’s visa fees?

This depends on the visa as well as how many dependents you will bring with you to Canada. If you use a representative or consultant you may have to pay additional fees.

Where can I get biometrics for a Canadian Visa?

You can get your biometrics done at any visa application centre in your country. You’ll need to make an appointment and make sure that you check the guidelines, specifically regarding your photo identification, such as letting temporary injuries heal, not wearing light colors or head gear, for example.

What are the requirements for a Canada visa?

Each Candian visa and immigration program has its own set of requirements for eligibility as well as a successful visa application, however you will need to be considered admissible to Canada.

How much money do you need to immigrate to Canada?

This depends on your chosen visa program, how many dependents are accompanying you to Canada, (as this dictates how much funds you will need to have) as well as whether or not you decide to use representation to apply for your visa. You will also need to take into consideration the affordability of the province or territory you choose to live in.

What is the easiest way to immigrate to Canada?

There is no real easy way to immigrate to Canada but some programs are easier than others. The Express Entry system is probably the easiest and most popular way to move to Canada but there are quicker and easier ways such as the BC PNP which has visa processing times of 2-3 months. Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker Stream is also relatively easier to apply to because it doesn’t require local work experience or a job offer in Canada.

What is the maximum age to immigrate to Canada?

There is no age limit when it comes to Canadian immigration but the older you are when you apply the less PR points you will get. This basically means that your chances of getting a visa are lower when you’re older. The optimal age range to move to Canada is between 20 and 29 years old. Once you are 45 years old you cannot claim any PR points.

Can I move to Canada without a job?

Yes. There are various programs including some of those under the Express Entry System, that don’t need a job offer in Canada to qualify for, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

How much PR points are needed to immigrate to Canada?

The number of permanent residency (PR) points you need will depend on the Express Entry draw CRS cut-off score. This is because every 2 weeks cut-off scores are allocated based on the average score of the applicants currently in the draw. Therefore if other applicants in your draw pool have very low scores you may only need about 400 CRS points to get an invitation to apply for permanent residency. A good score would be to have between 450 and 550 CRS points in a normal draw and at least 750 and up for a provincial nomination draw.

How difficult is it to immigrate to Canada?

This depends on your individual situation and needs. Candian immigration can become very complicated and there is often a lot that many don’t know, that only trained professionals are aware of. Using an immigration professional may cost more financially, but will save you in time and possibly money should your visa get rejected or delayed for any reason.