Requirements For Study Visa In Canada
Are you an international student looking forward to study in Canada? Then, it essential for you to carry out extensive research on the requirements for a Study Visa in Canada. A Study Visa serves as an immigration document that grants a person to undertake studies in Canada. The students can major in any field and train up to any level they want. However, one must ensure that they have an official recognition from a Research council or accredited institution of higher learning; this is primarily because only these authorities have the authority to recognize foreign credentials.
This article sets out to answer the question of how to get an education visa in Canada. It will discuss what a study visa is, who needs one and how to apply for one. A study visa is required for an international applicant who wishes to pursue continuing education or training in Canada. Under a study visa, you are allowed to pursue any kind of technical, vocational or professional course but industrial training is not allowed. The type of course is immaterial as long as it is of a non-commercial nature provided that the course has been accredited or approved by the appropriate authority in Canada and that you have been accepted into that course by a Canadian post-secondary institution. For more information and queries regarding Canadian study visas you can call this number 1-888-550-4218
So, you’ve decided to study in Canada. That’s great news! The next step is to find out if you have a shot at getting a study visa. Here are the basic requirements.
It is important to get your Indian visa prior to 19th of December, especially if you are applying for a student visa. In this case, you have to have all the documents with you along with original certificates and photocopies of it for submission at the Visa Application Centre. There are several documents that one should produce during the application process. For example, if you are a native of India, there is no requirement of Visa if you have a valid Canadian study permit and other such details. However, if you are in Canada for tourist purposes for 6 months or more then need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
Requirements For Study Visa In Canada
Canada continues to attract a steady volume of students from India. While getting admission to Top Universities in Canada continues to require excellent academic scores, the permission to study is validated by means of a Study Permit. If you wish to take academic, professional, or vocational training at a university, college, or any 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. However, to get there, a student must first apply for a Temporary Resident Visa which is provided by the Canadian High Commission and facilitated by the Visa Application Centers. VFS Global Services is the designated VACs for Canadian Visa. Moreover, candidates should also know the reasons why their Canada Visa gets rejected? In this article, we will inform you about everything from Canada student visa requirements to documents required for getting a Study Permit.
Looking for Abroad Counselling? Get Free Profile Evaluation from Shiksha Expert Counsellors – Sign Up Now
What is a Study Permit?
A study permit is a document issued by the Canadian immigration authorities that serves as permission for foreign students to study in Canada. International students cannot study in Canada without getting a valid study permit. Apart from this, students who get a study permit are allowed to enroll in Designated Learning Institutions.
Getting the Study Permit
You are required to carry the Letter of Introduction along with all the specified documents to Canada. At the airport, you would meet with an Immigration Officer. Present the Passport and the Letter of Introduction to the border control agency officer who would then validate the same and if found adequate, issue you your Study Permit.
Eligibility criteria for Canada Student Visa
You can apply for a Canada Study visa if you fulfill the following criteria:
- You have been accepted by a designated learning institute (DLI).
- You need to prove that you have adequate funds to pay your tuition fee and living expenses.
- 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 checkup and produce a medical certificate that certifies that you are in good health.
Also at the time of the visa interview, you need to convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada once you complete your studies.
Which Documents are required for Canadian Visa?
You should apply for a student visa after you get the college acceptance letter. You should begin with the visa process around June if aiming at the September intake. The following are the documents needed to apply For Canada Student Visa.
1. Valid Passport
You would need a Valid Passport to be able to apply for a Study Permit. As of the Canadian High Commission, it is important that you have a passport whose validity covers the intended stay in Canada. For instance, if you plan to travel to Canada in September 2022 for a two-year course, your passport should 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. (Here’s a list for your reference). In case you are applying for Quebec, you would also need a CAQ which would be duly notified.
3. Proof of Funds
At the time of application for your Study Permit, you would have to show proof of funds. As per the present standards, you would have to prove that you would have enough funds to pay our tuition fees as well as take care of living expenses. The Canadian Immigration deems a student would require at least CAD 10,000 for every year of your stay. Apart from the above two, the student would also have to prove that he/she has enough funds for a return fair as well.
Note:
While filling out the application form, you would have to show the proof of fees paid as well as the stipulated cost of living @ CAD 10,000. If you are applying for Quebec you require at least CAD 11,000 for every year of your stay.
4. Passport Size Photographs
If you have opted for an offline application, you would need two passport-sized photographs that conform to the given standards. For an online application, you must procure a digital copy of the photograph which should not be more than 4MB. Other requirements are standard neutral facial expression, plain background as well as no headgear (unless for religious purposes). Note:
- Size of the image should be at least 35 mm x 45 mm
- Image should be recent (not older than 6 months)
5. Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
Canadian Immigration requires international students from India to undergo a compulsory Immigration Medical Examination from empanelled doctors. Students would have to book an appointment and visit the listed doctors for a medical examination, preferably a week before they start their Visa Application. This is to give the doctor enough time to validate and upload the necessary documents. Booking an appointment in advance with the nearest facility/ practitioner as per the list of empanelled doctors is always advised.
The panel physician will perform a complete medical exam and may refer you for chest x-rays and laboratory tests. Once your exam has been completed, the physician will send the results to CIC.
6. English Language Proficiency Exam Score
Though not mandatory to have at the time of application, we strongly recommend that you have appeared for and get your English Language Proficiency Score before you start your Visa Application Process. As it is, you would have had to submit your English language proficiency score to confirm your admission to the Canadian University. TOEFL, IELTS, etc. are all acceptable.
7. Statement of Purpose
When applying for a Canadian Study Permit, you would be required to submit an essay stating the purpose of your trip to Canada and why you have chosen the particular institution. This would be prompted as an optional document in the checklist but we strongly recommend that you submit the same.
8. Credit Card
In case you are making an online application, you would also require a credit card to pay the application fee. The Visa Application Fee for Indian students for Canada is CAD 150. Please remember that the system only accepts credit cards and not debit cards. Also, it is not necessary that it is your credit card. You can use your parent’s cards as well, provided you have explicit permission to do so.
Apart from the above, if applying online, you would need access to a digital scanner. However, if you are applying offline, you should have true copies of all the above-mentioned documents. It is important to note that while applying online, you would be required to download a few documents, fill them out, print them, sign them, and then upload them. Accordingly, the availability of the scanner must be arranged. The system also allows you to upload a good-quality digital image. We, however, recommend a scanner for a camera.
During the personal interview, additional documents may be requested by the interviewer. These may be documents to prove evidence of academic or financial status. 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
Also, read about student visas for study abroad and student visas for popular international study destinations: