Are you planning to study in Canada as an international student? If so, you will need to apply for a study permit, which is a type of visa that allows you to stay in Canada for the duration of your academic program. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about how to apply for a Canada student visa, including the eligibility criteria, the required documents, the application process, the fees, and the processing time. We will also share some tips and tricks on how to make your application stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of getting approved. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of how to apply for a Canada student visa and what to expect along the way.
What is a Canada student visa and who needs it?
A Canada student visa, also known as a study permit, is a type of temporary resident visa that allows you to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada for the duration of your academic program. A DLI is a school, college, university, or other educational institution that is approved by the Canadian government to host international students. You can find a list of DLIs on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
You need a Canada student visa if you want to study in Canada for more than six months. If your program is shorter than six months, you do not need a study permit, but you may need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) depending on your country of origin. You can check if you need a visitor visa or an eTA on the IRCC website.
A Canada student visa is not a travel document. It does not guarantee your entry to Canada. You will also need a valid passport and, in some cases, a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an eTA to enter Canada. A TRV is a sticker that is placed on your passport by a Canadian visa office, while an eTA is a digital authorization that is linked to your passport electronically. You can find out if you need a TRV or an eTA on the IRCC website.
A Canada student visa is valid for the length of your academic program, plus an extra 90 days. The 90 days allow you to prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay. You can check the expiry date of your study permit on the document itself or on your online account with IRCC. You must leave Canada or apply to extend your stay before your study permit expires. If you stay in Canada beyond the expiry date of your study permit, you will lose your status as a student and may face serious consequences.
What are the benefits of studying in Canada with a student visa?
Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students who want to pursue higher education abroad. There are many reasons why studying in Canada with a student visa can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Some of the benefits are:
- Quality education: Canada has a world-class education system that offers a wide range of programs and degrees in various fields of study. Canadian universities and colleges are recognized globally for their academic excellence, research innovation, and teaching quality. Many Canadian institutions rank among the top 100 in the world according to various rankings . As a student in Canada, you will have access to cutting-edge facilities, modern technologies, and diverse learning opportunities.
- Affordable tuition: Compared to other countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia, studying in Canada can be more affordable in terms of tuition fees. The average annual tuition fee for an international undergraduate student in Canada was $32,019 CAD in 2020/2021, while the average annual tuition fee for an international graduate student was $18,187 CAD. Of course, the tuition fees vary depending on the institution, the program, and the province. You can find more information about the tuition fees of different institutions on the IRCC website.
- Scholarships and financial aid: As an international student in Canada, you may be eligible for various scholarships and financial aid programs that can help you cover some or all of your education expenses. Some of these scholarships and financial aid programs are offered by the Canadian government, such as the Canada Graduate Scholarships, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, or the International Scholarships Program. Others are offered by the provincial governments, such as the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, or the British Columbia International Student Award. Additionally, some scholarships and financial aid programs are offered by the individual institutions, such as the University of Toronto International Scholar Award, the McGill University Entrance Scholarships, or the University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award. You can search for more scholarships and financial aid opportunities on the IRCC website or on the EduCanada website.
- Work opportunities: One of the advantages of studying in Canada with a student visa is that you can work while you study, both on and off campus. This can help you gain valuable work experience, earn some extra income, and enhance your skills. As a student visa holder, you can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter or summer holidays. However, you must meet certain conditions, such as being enrolled in a full-time program at a DLI, having a valid study permit, and having a Social Insurance Number (SIN). You can find more information about working while studying in Canada on the IRCC website.
- Post-graduation work permit: Another benefit of studying in Canada with a student visa is that you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after you complete your studies. A PGWP is a type of open work permit that allows you to work in Canada for up to three years after you graduate from a DLI. This can help you gain more work experience, build your network, and explore your career options in Canada. To be eligible for a PGWP, you must meet certain criteria, such as having completed a full-time program of at least eight months in length at a DLI, having a valid study permit at the time of application, and applying for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final grades. You can find more information about the PGWP on the IRCC website.
- Immigration pathways: If you want to stay in Canada permanently after your studies, you may have several immigration pathways to choose from. Canada has a number of immigration programs that target international students and graduates, such as the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Provincial Nominee Program. These programs are based on factors such as your education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. You can also apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system, which is an online application system that manages the pool of candidates for the above-mentioned programs. You can find more information about the immigration pathways for international students and graduates on the IRCC website.
- Multicultural and welcoming society: Canada is a multicultural and welcoming society that embraces diversity and inclusion. As a student in Canada, you will be exposed to different cultures, languages, religions, and perspectives. You will also have the opportunity to make friends with people from all over the world and learn from their experiences. Canada is known for its friendly and polite people, its safe and peaceful environment, and its respect for human rights and democracy. Canada is also a bilingual country, with English and French as its official languages. You can improve your language skills by studying in either language or by taking advantage of the many language learning opportunities available in Canada.
- Natural beauty and outdoor activities: Canada is a country of natural beauty and outdoor activities. It has a vast and varied landscape, with mountains, lakes, forests, prairies, coasts, and islands. You can enjoy the four seasons and experience the different climates and scenery that each one offers. You can also participate in various outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, camping, fishing, or wildlife watching. Canada has many national and provincial parks, such as Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Niagara Falls Provincial Park, or Gros Morne National Park, where you can explore the natural wonders and appreciate the biodiversity of Canada.
What are the eligibility requirements for a Canada student visa?
To be eligible for a Canada student visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have a letter of acceptance from a DLI in Canada. The letter of acceptance is a document that confirms that you have been admitted to a program of study at a DLI. You must include a copy of this letter with your study permit application. You can find more information about how to get a letter of acceptance on the IRCC website.
- You must have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation. You must prove that you have enough funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members while you are in Canada. The amount of money you need depends on the length and location of your program, the number and age of your family members, and your accommodation choices. You can find more information about how much money you need and how to prove it on the IRCC website.
- You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record. You must not pose a risk to the security of Canada. You may have to provide a police certificate from your country of origin or any other country where you have lived for more than six months in a row. A police certificate is a document that shows your criminal history or lack thereof. You can find more information about how to get a police certificate on the IRCC website.
- You must be in good health and willing to undergo a medical examination if required. You may need to have a medical exam by a doctor approved by the Canadian government before you apply for a study permit. A medical exam is a physical check-up that tests your health condition and looks for any diseases or disorders. You can find more information about how to get a medical exam on the IRCC website.
- You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay. You must show that you have strong ties to your home country, such as family, property, or career, and that you have a clear purpose and plan for your studies in Canada. You must also show that you have a valid passport and, if applicable, a TRV or an eTA to enter Canada. You can find more information about how to convince an immigration officer on the IRCC website.
What are the documents needed for a Canada student visa application?
To apply for a Canada student visa, you will need to prepare and submit the following documents:
- A completed application form for a study permit. You can fill out the form online or on paper, depending on your preference and availability. You can find the application form and the instructions on how to complete it on the IRCC website.
- A valid passport or travel document. You must have a passport or travel document that is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada, plus an extra month. You must also have at least one blank page in your passport for the TRV, if applicable. You must include a copy of the bio-data page of your passport or travel document with your application.
- A letter of acceptance from a DLI in Canada. You must have a letter of acceptance that confirms that you have been admitted to a program of study at a DLI in Canada. You must include a copy of this letter with your application. You can find more information about how to get a letter of acceptance on the IRCC website.
- A proof of financial support. You must prove that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation for yourself and any accompanying family members. You can prove your financial support by providing one or more of the following documents:
- Bank statements or bank letters that show your balance and transactions for the past four months.
- Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you have transferred money to Canada.
- A bank draft or a certified cheque in convertible currency.
- Proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees, if you have already paid them.
- A letter from a person or an institution that is sponsoring you, if applicable.
- Proof of funding from the Canadian government, a provincial government, or a scholarship program, if applicable.
- A letter of explanation. You may want to include a letter of explanation with your application to provide additional information or clarify any details. A letter of explanation can help you explain why you want to study in Canada, how your program of study relates to your future goals, and how you intend to return to your home country after your studies. You can also use the letter of explanation to address any gaps or inconsistencies in your application, such as your academic history, your work experience, or your travel history.
- A police certificate, if required. You may need to provide a police certificate from your country of origin or any other country where you have lived for more than six months in a row. A police certificate is a document that shows your criminal history or lack thereof. You can find more information about how to get a police certificate on the IRCC website.
- A medical exam, if required. You may need to have a medical exam by a doctor approved by the Canadian government before you apply for a study permit. A medical exam is a physical check-up that tests your health condition and looks for any diseases or disorders. You can find more information about how to get a medical exam on the IRCC website.
- A biometrics, if required. You may need to provide your biometrics, which are your fingerprints and a photo, as part of your application. Biometrics are used to verify your identity and to prevent fraud and identity theft. You can find more information about how to provide your biometrics on the IRCC website.
- A temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), if required. You may need a TRV or an eTA to enter Canada, depending on your country of origin. A TRV is a sticker that is placed on your passport by a Canadian visa office, while an eTA is a digital authorization that is linked to your passport electronically. You can find out if you need a TRV or an eTA on the IRCC website.
These are the main documents that you will need to apply for a Canada student visa. However, depending on your personal circumstances and the specific requirements of the visa office, you may need to provide additional or different documents. You should always check the IRCC website and the website of the visa office in your country for the most updated and accurate information. You should also make sure that your documents are complete, clear, and authentic. Any missing, unclear, or fraudulent documents may result in the delay or refusal of your application.