Canada is a great place for a student to live, with many opportunities to get involved and forge great experiences. If you want to apply for a Canada student visa, you must meet a few requirements before you can apply. The process may vary depending on your country of origin and program of study.
In order to make sure everyone can benefit from studying in Canada:
– Study permits are issued for the duration of the study program. The duration of a Bachelor’s program is normally four years, some programs longer and others shorter. A Master’s or a doctorate normally lasts two years.
– The study permit is only valid for the institution that has accepted the applicant as a student. Changing institutions within Canada could jeopardize your legal status in Canada.
– A study permit is valid for a single entry. If you leave Canada before your permit expires, you must apply for a new one.
– Study permits are issued to those who intend to return to the country of origin or another country after their studies are complete.
Application Process for Canada Student Visa
- Get an admission: The very first thing you need to apply for a study permit is an offer of enrollment in a post-secondary educational program in Canada (the offer is called “admission”). The only acceptable form of admission is an official admission letter issued by the institution (e.g., college, university, or professional school) that you applied to.
If the letter has been sent to your email, you need to print it and take it with you to the visa office where you’ll apply. If the letter has not yet arrived as when due, you need to engage the institution to see the reason why it is being delayed. If your acceptance letter is proof that you have enrolled in a university or college program in Canada.
- Make an appointment: Make an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) near you to apply for a study permit. You will need your passport, two passport-sized photos, the letter of admission, proof of funding, and proof of language proficiency. The process is straightforward.
- Go through background checks: Your application will be reviewed by a Visa Office at each location you visit. At your initial appointment, you’ll have your fingerprints taken and will have your photograph taken by a security official working for CIC (Canada Immigration Center). These checks will ensure that you are who you say you are – it’s not uncommon for visa applicants to have issues with their identity prior to travel.
- Wait for the decision: After the background checks have been done, the visa officer will contact you with the results. If you are approved straight away, a letter of approval will be sent to your place of residence. If denied, you’ll get a letter explaining what documents need to be submitted for reconsideration.
Canada Student Visa Requirements
- Letter of Admission from an Educational Institution in Canada: The first requirement that must be met by applicants is having an official admission letter from a Canadian institution or school which is recognized and listed on the website of Education Canada. The letter should indicate clearly the full-time program and the total amount of credits for which admission has been granted; additional fees may also be included in this estimate.
- Proof of Finances: Students must show that they have the financial means to support themselves while attending school and living in Canada. This can be proven by submitting documents such as an employment letter or bank documents that prove you have enough funds to study in Canada. You will also be required to show your financial means with proof of funds before traveling to Canada as part of the student visa application process, so it’s best if you have already acquired these documents before traveling across the border.
Students who come to Canada cannot apply and receive government financial aid. Students are responsible for getting their own funding, either by working or through private and personal loans.
- Proof of Language Proficiency: Foreign students must prove they have sufficient knowledge of English or French. This is done by showing official language test scores, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The test measures the ability of a person to sit for a university degree in English or French.
Just because you’re going to be taking an English language test before applying for your Canadian study permit does not mean you can’t prepare ahead of time in order to make sure you’re ready when it’s time to take the test to meet the required pass mark.
- Proof of Identity and Citizenship: The applicant must prove they are a citizen of their home country. This can be achieved by submitting either a birth certificate or passport that can be verified with the issuing government.
The document they present for identity and nationality will help to prove their identity, and therefore, their citizenship. Any proof that requires a signature, such as a passport or birth certificate, will be valid if it is certified by the issuing government.
- Proof of Financial Support: Students must show that they have the financial means to support themselves while attending school and living in Canada. This can be proven by submitting documents such as an employment letter or bank documents that prove you have enough funds to study in Canada. You will also be required to show your financial means with proof of funds before traveling to Canada as part of the student visa application process, so it’s best if you have already acquired these documents before traveling across the border.
The evidence of financial support is very important. The students who are coming to Canada to study must have proof that they have at least one year of funding to cater for their living expenses. This can be achieved by submitting documents such as bank documents to show that you have enough funds to study in Canada and/or have sufficient funds to support yourself while in Canada.
- Other Requirements: Applicants must have a valid passport or travel document that will remain valid until the time they leave Canada.
The applicant must remain in good health and should submit a recent medical report with their application. Students are also requested to take the Pre-Departure Orientation Course, which acts as preparation for living in Canada. Because of these requirements, it is recommended you submit your application at least 6 months before the course begins.
Conclusion
Canada student visa is valid for the duration of studies at an educational institution in the country for travel and for students employed on campus by the institution.
