student visa in canada requirements - Lomelono Travel Solutions

The best way to study in Canada is to get a student visa. However, you should know that this process is not as easy as it could be. You’ll need to meet some requirements before applying for a visa. Also, you’ll need to present the application at the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate. Wondering how to get your student visa? This is what this guide is for….

What do you need to know about studying in Canada? Canada is a fascinating nation of diverseness, but it does not come as a surprise that student visa process can be mind-boggling. The numerous immigration rules and regulations, and the difference between study permits and visas might make you break out in a cold sweat. That is where I come in. This travel blog presents tips and tricks experienced by real people who have successfully studied while traveling abroad.

The process of applying for a study permit has become more complex due to changes in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) effective April 1, 2004. While most of these changes apply equally to all study permit applicants, one change affects provinces that are members of the Canada-Quebec Accord (CQA). This change requires Quebec residents to obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ), a certificate demonstrating that Quebec has accepted them into one of the province’s universities. The province administers the CAQ program in collaboration with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

Canadian study permit requirements vary depending on your country of citizenship, but the general process is the same no matter what.

First, you must obtain a letter of acceptance from a school in Canada. Then you need to apply for a student visa at a Canadian consulate before traveling to Canada.

You’ll also need to show proof of financial support while you’re in Canada. This can be in the form of bank statements or other documents that prove you have enough money to cover all costs while studying in Canada (including tuition, living expenses, and healthcare costs).

The requirements for a student visa in Canada are extensive and specific. If you’re planning to study in Canada, you’ll need to have your documents in order before you apply.

First, you’ll need to apply for a study permit online through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. Once you’ve applied, you will receive an email with instructions on how to proceed with your application. You’ll need to provide some documentation when you apply, including:

-Passport or travel document that is valid for at least six months after your arrival date in Canada

-Two passport photos (you can take these pictures yourself)

-Proof of payment for any fees associated with your application (this should be noted on your receipt)

The next step is to send off the application form along with the required documents (including proof of acceptance from a Canadian educational institution) by mail or courier service to the address specified on the instructions email. You should receive confirmation from Citizenship and Immigration Canada once they’ve received your application; this will tell you whether or not there are any issues that need addressing before they grant approval for your visa.

If all goes smoothly and there are no problems with your application, then congratulations! Your student visa

To enter Canada, you will need a Canadian student visa if you are planning on staying in the country for more than 6 months.

The Canadian government has strict visa requirements that vary depending on your age, nationality and program of study. You will need to meet these requirements before applying for a student visa.

You must also be accepted at an institution which is recognized by the government as an accredited educational institution in order for them to issue you a study permit.

It’s important to note that there are different types of visas that allow you to study in Canada: international students who plan on studying at an accredited post-secondary institution may apply for a study permit; international students who plan on studying at an accredited primary or secondary school may apply for a student authorization permit; and international students who plan on attending a non-accredited primary or secondary school may apply for a temporary resident permit allowing them to attend school without first obtaining a study permit.

If you plan on studying at an unaccredited school, it’s important that you get your student authorization before applying for your student visa so you can ensure that everything is done correctly and that your application is approved by both institutions!

Table of Contents

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 Canada is CAD 160. 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

Do I Qualify for a Canada Student Visa?

To be eligible to apply for a Canada Student visa and permit you must fulfill the following conditions:

Have a valid acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with this information:
- An official letterhead of the school.
- The program and degree you will obtain.
- The amount of tuition fees you must pay.
- The start and finishing dates of the program.
Be at least 18 years old to apply as the primary student visa applicant and your children who are under 18 years old cannot apply alone. So, if you have a child who wants to attend primary or secondary school, you must apply on their behalf.
Have a clean criminal history and submit court documents to prove it.
You must fill and sign a Visa Application Center (VAC) Consent Form.
You must submit copies of your current immigration status in another country or in Canada.
Prove that your stay in Canada is temporary and that you will return to your home country once your studies are over.

What are the Minimum Financial Requirements for a Canada Study Visa?

To be able to get a student visa or study permit, you must have enough funds to cover your tuition fee and living costs in Canada. If you have family members accompanying you, then you will also need additional funds. There are two types of fund requirements for students:

Students studying outside of Quebec
Students studying in Quebec

Students studying outside of Quebec must have these funds to prove they can cover their studies in Canada:

Persons coming to Canada	Amount of funds required per year (in addition to the tuition)	Amount of funds required per month (in addition to the tuition)
You (Student)	$10,000	$833
First family member	$4,000	$333
Every additional family member accompanying you	$3,000	$255

Students studying in Quebec must have these funds to prove they can cover their studies in Canada:

Persons coming to Canada	Amount of funds required per year (in addition to the tuition)	Amount of funds required per month (in addition to the tuition)
You (Student)	$11,000	$917
First family member (18 years old or older)	$5,100	$425
First family member (under 18 years old)	$3,800	$317
Every additional family member accompanying you (18 years or older)	$5,125	$427
Every additional family member accompanying you (under 18 years old)	$1,903	$159

What is the Cost of the Canada Student Visa?

The application process for the Canada Student Visa requires that you pay all the application fees per person as well as for your family members applying. You cannot submit an application without paying your fees if you are applying online and if you submit paper applications without the fee, they will not be processed.

You must pay the fees if you are serious about applying for a student visa and starting your studies in Canada. The fees are as follows:

Application (per person)	CAN$
Study permit (including applications for extensions)	$150
Biometrics fee (per person)	$85
Biometrics fee for a family (2 or more applicants) Maximum total fee for families that are applying together at the same time	$170

How long is the Canadian Student Visa valid?

A Canadian student visa is valid only for the length of the study program and an additional 90 days. These 90 days allow you to prepare for leaving Canada or to apply for extending your Canada study visa.

So if you do not complete your program within the time that your study permit is valid, then you will need to extend it. If you complete the program earlier than the study permit expiration date, then you will only have an additional 90 days and must leave Canada.

You must provide proof that you have completed your program by submitting the notification of graduation from your school such as an email, a letter, or another document, or submit a copy of your degree, diploma, or certificate. The date when one of these was issued will be used as the date you completed your program and then your additional 90 days for preparation to leave Canada will begin.

Does the Canada Student Visa Allow you to Visit Your Home Country?

The Canadian school system has many breaks in between the school years during the summer and winter. Naturally, many foreign students want to travel to their home countries during these breaks.

The student visa for Canada allows international students to travel abroad during their holidays; however, when they return to Canada they must provide proof of their status. They must show a valid visa or eTA and their study permit. Even if the study permit is valid, the visa or eTA must be valid, otherwise the student is not allowed to enter Canada. So before you travel out of Canada, make sure that your documents are in order and that they are valid. If they are not, apply for extensions before you travel.

Can I Change Schools With a Canada Student Visa?

The student visa for Canada allows the holder to change schools while they are enrolled if they meet the requirements of the visa. You must notify the Canadian Government if you are changing schools in these situations:

If you have finished primary school and want to start high school.
If you finished high school and are starting post-secondary school.
If you are a post-secondary student and you are changing schools. Post-secondary schools include:
- Universities.
- Community colleges, CEGEP, institutes.
- Private universities, academies, career colleges, training institutions.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) / French as a Secondary Language (FSL) or other language training courses.
If you need to change any of the conditions that are stated in your study permit.

In these situations, you will have to change your study permit, so get a new one. You will have to go through the application process and get the study permit for the new school.

You do not need to notify the Canadian Government when changing schools in these situations:

If you are changing schools in the same educational levels such as from one primary school to another.
If you are changing a study program but remaining in the same institution.
Your study program is 6 months or less.

Can my Family Members Accompany me to Canada?

Your close family, so your spouse or common-law partner and minor children can accompany you to Canada when you go there to study. However, they will have to apply for their own visas (not study permits), which will be visitor visas. You can submit the applications together so you can tell the Canadian Consulate that you are a family and want to stay together for the duration of your studies.

Can I work while on a Student Visa?

There are several conditions which a student must meet to work while they are on their Canadian student visa. These conditions are to prevent illegal workers who want to just get a student status and not attend classes or get their degrees. However, students are allowed to work in these following instances:

On-campus work if they are enrolled in a full-time program;
Complete co-ops or internships if they are required from their program curriculum;
Off-campus work if your study permit allows it and you work less than 20 hours per week;

Each of these options has additional requirements and conditions which depend on the individual student’s situation, so you must check with the Government of Canada and refer to our article on working while on a student visa in Canada for more details.

Can I Work After I Complete my Studies?

Some students want to keep working in Canada after they finish their educational degree. When you have a student visa, then it is easier to get a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), the length of which depends on the length of your study program:

If your study program was less than 8 months, you are not eligible for a PGWP;
If your study program was between 8 months and 2 years, you can get a PGWP for the same length as your study program;
If your study program was two or more years, you can get a PGWP that is valid for 3 years;
If you were enrolled and completed more than one study program, you can get a PGWP for up to 3 years.

Conclusion

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?