Canada Plans to Welcome Over 500,000 Newcomers Per Year from 2023 to 2025, especially those who wish to study in Canada. To study in Canada, you need to have a study permit, this is also called a student Visa which legalises international student to study in Canada.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know on how to obtain a Canadian study permit to be able to study in Canada.
Why Should You Apply for Canada Student Visa?
There are many reasons and student may choose to study in Canada. Besides having one of the best academic system in the world, there are also many reasons why a student should choose to study in Canada.
Canada has a low cost of living
Canada has a lot of fully funded scholarships
The Standard of living is high
Canada is one among the safest countries in the world for international Students
Tuitions fees are affordable compared to other first-world countries
Canada’s Top Universities
Canadian provinces and territories have a list of universities deemed eligible to accept international students. These are called designated learning institutions (DLIs). If you need a study permit, you must obtain an acceptance letter from a DLI. Your application will only be accepted if you do.
Top Universities in Canada:
These are some of the top universities in Canada;
• Toronto University
• University of British Columbia
• Montreal university
• University of Alberta
• Ottawa University
• McGill University
Who Needs a Student Visa?
All interneuronal candidate needs a student visa to study in Canada. However, the following category of students may not need a study visa before they can study in Canada;
• Short-term students
• Family members or employees of foreign officials
• Foreign armed force members
• Registered Indians in Canada
Minor children in Canada
• Temporary residents and asylum seekers who take French language and culture courses
Students who falls within this category may be allowed to study without a student visa in Canada, if not, then a study permit is mandatory.
Apply for Canada Student Visa
How to Apply
The following procedures are guidelines to apply for a study permit in Canada:
1. Be approved by the Canadian DLI: This means that’s you have to be accepted into one of DLI approved schools in Canada.
• If accepted by a college that is not DLI approved, you cannot get a student visa. However, Canada has many DLI educational universities.
• You have to pass a medical exam which shows you won’t place excessive pressure on the Canadian healthcare system.
• You have to pass a police report checking showing you have no serious criminal offences.
• You have to be vaccinated of COVID-19
• You should have enough funding to study and live in Canada for a period of time.
• Prove that you will leave once your study permit expires unless you gain further permission to stay in Canada.
All these require written proof which is to be submitted along side other documents.
2. Gather Documentations: You should gather all documents that proves you meet the required criteria. Such documents as;
• Proof of Acceptance: You are to submit an acceptance letter from a DLI approved college in Canada. An electronic or physical copy of this letter must be included when you submit your application.
• Proof of Identification: You are to submit an internationally recognised document, such as a passport. This determines the validity of your application.
• Proof of Finances: This document shows that you have enough funds to sustain you through the period of your student visa validity. There are many forms this document can be, examples are;
– Evidence of a student loan from a bank: 4 months’ bank statements
– Proof of payment if you have already paid for tuition and housing
– A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial company
– A letter from your financial sponsor
– proof of a scholarship or financial aid
– A bank draft that an authority can convert to Canadian Dollars.
– Guarantee you have a Canadian bank account if you have transferred money to Canada.
These are some ways a financial proof document can come.
However, if you are not sure if your financial records are valid, visit the IRCC website, click the support button below to speak to a registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and sign up for an evaluation. An expert will analyze your documents and ensure you know what is and is not valid.
• Other documents: There may be a need to include other documents, such as a letter of explanation specifically to explain what you want to study and what type of work you’ll be doing in Canada.
You must also demonstrate that you understand the responsibility placed on you as a student.
– If you’re applying to study in Quebec for longer than six months, you will need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
– you are under 18, you may also need a notarized Custodian Declaration from a custodian living in Canada.
The Canadian government may request further documentation depending on your country or situation. If they do, you will have 30 days to send the necessary documentations.
3. Complete the Application: The Canadian government has a handy application instruction manual showing you how to complete each application form field.
You will be asked some questions before being allowed to upload your forms after which the Canadian government will create a custom document list for you based on your answers to the questions.
4. Pay the Fees: Be certain to know the exact fee to pay and the legal means of making the payment which is to be made before submitting the application.
• Study permit (which includes extensions) – per individual $150
• Renewing your student status costs $200 and a new study permit, $150 = $350
5. Submit your application: During the submission of your application, the Canada government mandates that applicants should apply online through the Canadian government web portal.
However, applicants with disability that prevents them from applying online or applicants that are non-national residents, refugees or stateless persons can apply on paper.
Apply for Canada Student Visa:
When to Apply
• All international candidates outside of Canada should apply for Canadian study permit before entering Canada.
• It is important to apply immediately after you receive your acceptance letter
• The Canadian government recommends you apply during June at the latest to give your application enough processing time before the start of the new term.
• If you must apply on paper, you can submit your application to your Visa Application Centre.
It is important to take a look at our breakdown of How to apply for Canada Students Visa application process.
Apply for Canada Student Visa
After Application;
After you submit your application, the Canadian government still review it and ensure that you have included all required documents and met all criteria. You may be asked to do the following;
• Attend an interview with Canadian officials in your home country
• Provide additional information
• Go for a medical examination
• Obtain a police clearance certificate
There will be no record of your application until you send in a complete application. This can massively delay the application process.
Student Work in Canada
Students may work to 20 hours per week in Canada, within which they may work in multiple work place but always ensure you work within the legally permitted time. Working for over 20 hours per week is a violation of study permit conditions and you may lose your student status if you do.
Working More Than 20 Hours Per Week Off Campus
From November 15, 2022, up to December 31, 2023, certain students will be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week off campus while classes run, but there are conditions;
• You must be a study permit holder and study at a DLI full-time
• You must have approval for a study permit but haven’t arrived in Canada yet
• Your application must have been received on or before October 7, 2023
• You must have off-campus work authorization
• You must be in Canada on or before 31,December, 2023.
Note:
For a student to be permitted to work legally in Canada;
• You must be a full-time student
• You can’t work before the first school semester
• If your program doesn’t have scheduled breaks
You can work up to 20 hours per week
• Working more than 20 hours per week violates your study permit conditions and you can lose your student status for doing this, and may not be approved for a study or work permit in the future and may lead to being deported from the country.
FAQs on How to apply for a Student Visa
1. How can I get study visa?
You will need the following documents for your student visa applications:
• 4 Passport of (6 month validity)
• Student visa application forms
• Passport pictures
• Evidence of admission
• Proof of financial means
• Police Checks documents
• International student health insurance
• Transcript.
2. What is a study visa?
This is a government-issued immigration document granted by a consulate general or embassy, which allows you to legally study in canada for a specific period of time. Typically, a visa is a stamp placed on the inside pages of your passport.
3. How long is the validity of student visa?
Generally, a student visa is visit for the length of time you have to study in Canada. If your study program takes a year to complete, the Embassy will most likely issue you a one-year F1 visa. If your degree lasts two years and you only get a one-year visa, you should apply to renew it later.
4.How much is a student visa?
A F1 visa allows international students to study full time at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved institution in canada. F1 visa costs are around $510 per application, and you should apply at least three months before your course start date. Part-time work is very restricted on an F1 visa.
5. What are the types of student visa?
F-1 Student Visa: for study at an accredited canada or U.S. college or university or to study English at an English language institute.
J-1 Exchange Visa: for participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study.
6. How do I know my visa is approved?
You can check the visa stamping status online by visiting the official website of the visa issuing authority of the country you wish to travel to. You can check the status by using your passport number or else you can even use your application or reference number.