Canada Student Visa process for multi-ethnic student community. If you are interested in studying in Canada, one of the first things you will need is a Canadian study permit. Canada is a fantastic country for international students, with a wealth of world-class institutions and a vibrant, multi-ethnic student community.
While some people can apply for a study permit from within Canada, you will likely need to do so before you arrive in the country.
Canada Student Visa process
There are several key steps in the Canadian student visa process that you need to get right. From important Canadian student visa information to international requirements to fees and exemptions, we provide everything you need to get your application off to the best possible start.
Table of Contents
What is a Canadian study permit?
How much does a permit cost?
How do I apply for a permit?
- Formalize your Canadian university application.
- Check if you need a Canadian student visa.
- Start your Canadian student permit application.
- Find out if you have outstanding Canadian student visa fees.
- Canadian student visa requirements for international students.
- Canadian student visa process: interview and biometrics.
- Applying through the Student Direct Stream.
Canada Student Visa Checklist.
Types of Canadian visas and factors affecting processing times
What is a Canada Student Visa?
Canadian immigration authorities issue study permits to eligible international students, allowing them to study in Canada.
A study permit is not a visa and you will need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization to enter the country. Once your study permit is approved, the visa authority will issue either a visitor visa or an electronic authorization.
While holding a study permit, you can stay for the duration of your course plus an additional 90 days. Also, you can prepare to leave the country or extend your stay for these additional days.
Read more country visa process: US student visa
How much does Canada Student Visa process?
The average study permit processing fee is CAD 150. In addition to the initial processing fee, fees are added for any additional third-party tests such as biometrics and medical tests.
How to apply for Canada Student Visa process?
It is recommended to apply for a study permit in Canada as soon as you receive your course offer.
Generally, things go smoothly if you are prepared and have your documentation organized before you start your application. However, there can sometimes be delays and it can take up to 3 months to receive your study permit.
By starting your application early, you can give yourself time to overcome any issues that may arise during the process. To help you prepare everything you need to complete the permit application process, we have provided a step-by-step guide below.
Formalize your Canadian university application
If you haven’t already, the first step in applying for a Canadian study permit is to confirm your acceptance to a Canadian university.
First, you will need a letter of acceptance as well as a firm acceptance to begin your Canadian student visa application. Below, we list some of the most popular universities in Canada for international students.
- Cape Breton University
- Conestoga College
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Pacific Coast Community College
- Pacific Link College
- Niagara College
- Salt College
- Thompson Rivers University
- Canada Western University
- University of Regina
- Vancouver Film School
Check if you need a Canadian student visa
Generally, most students need a Canadian student visa for their time in the country. However, there are a few exceptions. These exceptions are for the following reasons.
Anyone who will complete their course in six months or less
- If you are under the age of 18 or 19 (depending on the province you are studying in)
- If you are a member of the armed forces on active duty at the time of your studies
- If you are a family member of a government foreign representative in Canada
- If you want to double-check your permit requirements to enter Canada, use the official government tool to find out if you need a student visa.
Start your Canadian student permit application
Once you have finalized your university application, you can start your permit application.
In Canada, a student visa is known as a “study permit.” The permit does not allow you to enter Canada. In addition to your permit, you will also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization.
First, you should start your online application immediately after you have been accepted into your course. All permit applications are completed through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
Before you begin your application process, make sure you have all of the following documents. Failure to provide any of this documentation may slow down the process.
- Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): If you have a conditional offer, you may be required to take an English or French language course before you can begin your studies in Canada.
- Proof of Identity: A valid passport or travel document, along with two passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of Financial Support : You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your family members while in Canada. This may include student loans, bank statements, or official letters from sponsors. Excluding tuition fees, you need a minimum of 10,000 Canadian dollars per year to cover your living expenses.
- Letter of Explanation: This is like a personal statement, helping visa officers understand why you want to study in Canada. In addition, this document shows that you understand your responsibilities as a student.
Know what Canadian student visa fees are due
Currently, the Canadian student visa application fee is 150 Canadian dollars. However, you may have to pay additional fees for medical exams, biometrics data collection, and language tests, such as TOEFL, PTE Academic, and IELTS Academic.
Also, don’t forget to pay additional tuition fees for your institution. Make sure to include all these fees when assessing your budget.
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Canadian student visa requirements for international students
As part of the Canadian student visa application process, it is important to understand the requirements and responsibilities of international students. These are essential for maintaining your study permit and may be part of the interview process.
Here are some important requirements to keep in mind while studying in Canada.
Always maintain your enrollment at your institution of study.
Make progress towards completing your course.
Respect all the conditions of your study permit. For example, you cannot take on paid employment while you are studying.
Leave Canada when your study permit expires. It is usually valid for the duration of your study plus an additional 90 days.
Canadian Student Visa Process: Interview and Biometrics
Once you have completed your online application form and submitted the relevant documents, you can book an appointment at a Canadian Visa Application Center in your country.
Here, your biometric data will be taken. This includes things like fingerprints and an official photo. Currently, the standard biometrics fee is 85 Canadian dollars. This is not included in the regular Canadian student visa fee of $150.
As part of this process, you may also have an interview with a Canadian immigration officer. However, there is nothing to worry about. The student visa interview is conducted to show that you are a genuine student. The interview helps you demonstrate your responsibilities to the country.
Proof of Financial Support – You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your family members while in Canada. This may include student loans, bank statements, or official letters from sponsors. Excluding tuition fees, you need a minimum of 10,000 Canadian dollars per year to cover your living expenses.
Letter of Explanation – This is like a personal statement, helping visa officers understand why you want to study in Canada. In addition, this document shows that you understand your responsibilities as a student.
Make sure you practice and prepare before the interview. Go through your application by repeating the information you have entered. Ask your family members to give you a mock test or try speaking in front of a mirror.
Be calm and confident on the day of the interview. Remember to dress professionally, be prompt, and answer all questions clearly.
Applying through the Student Direct Stream
The Canadian student visa process can take up to 90 days. As a result, make sure you give yourself plenty of time when applying.
If you are a resident of certain countries, you can speed up your application through the Student Direct Stream. It usually takes about 20 days and is open to students from several countries, including Brazil, China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
More information on eligibility and how to apply for a Canadian student visa is available on the Canadian government website.
Canada Student Visa process: Apply now
Canada Visa Types and Factors Affecting Processing Time
Visa Type Processing Time
- Canada Tourist Visa 32 Days
- Canada Study Visa (Study Permit) 6 Weeks
- Canada Work Visa (Work Permit) 8 Weeks
- Canada Super Visa 54 Days
- Canada Family Visa 11 Months
- Express Visa Up to 47 Months
Once your Canadian student visa is approved, you will receive confirmation through the online portal. However, if you are applying from outside Canada, you will be sent a “Port of Entry Identification Card”. This shows that you are allowed to study in the country. When you arrive in Canada, you will show this at border services along with your visitor visa or electronic travel authorization.
Working While Studying in Canada
Canada Study Permit Checklist
Before, during and after your application, keep checking that you have the following documents available. They are essential to make your application process run smoothly and help you gain entry to study in Canada.
Having all these documents in hand makes the application process easier and faster so that you can focus more on your dream course.
- Proof of Acceptance: A confirmation letter from the university.
- Proof of Identity: A valid passport, two update capture passport-sized photographs with your name and DOB written on the back of the photograph.
- Proof of Funds: You will need to show that you can support yourself financially throughout your education. You can do this by providing your bank statement, education loan documents or a letter from the university if you are going to study on a scholarship.
- Letter of Explanation: In this letter, you should try to explain to the best of your ability why you want to study in Canada and your understanding of your responsibilities as an international student. This will help the reviewing officer assess your mindset.
Immigration Medical Examination – Depending on your country, you may be required to submit a medical examination report. If necessary, you will be examined by a registered doctor. After completing a detailed examination, the doctor will send the results to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
We have shared all the information related to Canada Student Visa process for multi-ethnic student community. We hope this detailed article will help you out of the US student visa complexities. Best of luck to you in getting your dream graduation. If you want to know about visa information for other countries, then visit our website e-visa section. www.petsgurd.com