Want to study in Canada? You need to apply for and secure approval for a Canada student visa before traveling to the country. A Canada student visa is a legal document required for every international student to study in Canadian universities. Due to the top-ranking universities, affordable tuition fees, ample job opportunities, and high quality of life, Canada is a popular study destination among international students. Indian students are required to pay an embassy fee of CAD 150 (approximately INR 9,296) to obtain a Canada study visa.
A Canadian student visa is typically valid for the duration of your study program, with the option to extend it for post-graduation work permits. Before applying for a Canada student visa, ensure that you have selected one of the most demanding courses offered by your dream institution and have prepared all required documents, includes academic records, financial proof, language proficiency results, and letters of recommendation.. This guide will walk you through the Canada student visa process, helping you make your dream of studying in Canada a reality.
What is a Canada Study Permit?
A Canada student visa, or study permit, is a document issued by Canadian immigration authorities that serves as permission for foreign students to study in Canada. International students must have a valid study permit to pursue education in Canada. A study permit enables students to register at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). A Designated Learning Institution is an educational institution that has received approval from a provincial or territorial government to host international students.
It's essential to start your application for a Canada student visa well in advance, just after receiving your admission letter. The processing time for a Canada student visa for Indian applicants is roughly 4 weeks. Make sure you apply with all the documents required for a Canada study visa.
Latest Updates for Canada Study Visa
Here are some latest updates and new rules for international students in Canada in 2024:
- April 30, 2024:
- April 05, 2024:
- January 23, 2024:
International students can work up to 24 hours a week off-campus. Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced that the number of hours students may work off-campus per week will increase to 24 hours. These new rules will help students cover personal expenses during their studies.
Canada announced the Net Zero First Growth Model to maintain the number of study permits. According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, a total of 485,000 Canada student visas will be approved in 2024, a revision from the previous 364,000 based on the expected number of study permits expiring this year.
Canada has announced a two-year cap on new international student permits to ease the demand for housing and social services. Around 364,000 international students will receive study permits in 2024. The government has put a temporary cap and reduced permits by one-third.
Getting Your Canada Study Visa
To get your Canada student visa, you must carry the Letter of Introduction along with all specified documents when you travel to Canada. At the airport, you will meet with an Immigration Officer. Present your passport and the Letter of Introduction to the border control agency officer, who will validate the documents and, if found adequate, issue your Canada student visa.
Eligibility Criteria for Study Permit Canada
The following are the Canada student visa requirements:
- Fully Vaccinated Traveler:
- Acceptance by a DLI:
- Proof of Funds:
- Clean Background:
- Health Checkup:
- Intent to Return:
You must qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler. Vaccines like AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD and Bharat Biotech Covaxin are accepted.
You must have been accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
You need to prove that you have adequate funds to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any family members who accompany you to requirement also covers your return transportation, as well as that of any family members traveling with you.
You need to prove that you have a clean background with no criminal record by producing a police verification certificate.
You need to undergo a health checkup and provide a medical certificate certifying that you are in good health.
During the Canada student visa interview, you need to convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada once you complete your studies.
List of Documents Required for Canada Study Visa
You should Apply for student visa canada after receiving your college acceptance letter. If aiming for the September intake, start the visa process around June. The following are the documents required to apply for a Canada student visa:
- Valid Passport:
- Proof of Acceptance by a DLI:
- Proof of Funds:
- Passport Size Photographs:
- Immigration Medical Examination (IME):
- English Language Proficiency Exam Score:
- Statement of Purpose:
- Credit Card:
- Provincial Attestation Letter:
You must have a valid passport that covers your intended stay in Canada. For instance, if you plan to study in Canada for two years starting September 2022, your passport should be valid until at least September 2024.
You need an acceptance letter from the university or institution you plan to attend. If you are applying to a Quebec institution, you will also need a CAQ (Québec Acceptance Certificate), issued by the Quebec Government.
You need to show proof of funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses. You may need a minimum bank balance depending on whether you stay in Quebec or outside Quebec.
If applying offline, you will need two passport-sized photographs that conform to given standards. For online applications, you need a digital copy of the photograph.
Students from India must undergo an IME from empanelled doctors before applying for a visa. The panel physician will perform a comprehensive medical examination, which may include chest X-rays and lab tests.
Although not mandatory at the time of application, it is recommended to have your English Language Proficiency Score ready. Exams like TOEFL, IELTS, and CAEL are accepted.
You must submit a Letter of Explanation stating the purpose of your trip to Canada and your responsibilities as a student.
You will need a credit card to pay the Canada student visa fees online. The embassy fee for a Canada study visa is CAD 150 (INR 9,296) for Indian students.
This letter is required for UG students and is proof that the student's admission aligns with the designated quota fixed for a province or territory.
How to Apply for a Canadian Visa for Study
Below is a list of documents necessary to apply for a Canada student visa:
- Check Processing Time:
- Determine Application Method:
- Submit Your Application:
- Biometric Appointment:
- Wait for Notification:
- Passport Submission:
Canada student visa processing time for Indian students is 6 weeks, excluding biometrics. Check the Canadian consulate website for exact processing times and application tracking.
You can apply online or on paper. If applying online, ensure you have a scanner or camera for electronic copies of your documents and a valid credit card for payment.
Visit the nearest VFS office, pay the service charges, and submit your complete application to obtain a receipt containing your unique tracking number for application tracking.
If required, schedule and attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
If your application is approved, you will receive notification from the Government of Canada requesting your passport.
Submit your passport and passport request letter in person or through VFS. You will be issued a Canada student visa if all documents are in order.
Conclusion
Applying for a Canada student visa involves several steps, from gathering required documents to completing the application process. By following this comprehensive guide and meeting all Canada student visa requirements, you can ensure a smooth application process. Remember to keep all your documents ready and apply well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. Once you have your Canada student visa, you're all set to embark on your educational journey in one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world.