Foreign nationals who wish to immigrate to Canada for educational purpose need Canada study visa to do that. Canada is known for housing various renowned educational Institutions, it is therefore no surprise as thousands of international students apply to Canadian universities on a yearly basis.
Canada is a really good place to study because most Canadian Universities are globally recognized and are known for providing world class education.
Canadian Universities are also more sought after because they inculcate research as one of the key components of any graduate course which helps students make new findings in their respective fields of study.
Students who have good research ideas are supported by the universities and students who make remarkable findings are awarded scholarships according to their research.
One of the major benefits of studying in Canada is that the Canadian government gives international students the opportunity to live and work in Canada with permanent residency after graduating.
Acquiring a certificate from a Canadian university will score you more points if you wish to apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry program.
Affordable cost of studying and cost of living in Canada, work or internship possibilities for international students and safe environment are other reason why international students choose Canada as a place of study.
What is a Study Permit?
Canada study permit is a document issued to international students by Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada granting them permission and access to study any course of their choice in Designated Learning Institutions (DLI).
Who is eligible to apply for Canada Study Visa?
There are certain eligibility requirements you must meet before applying for Canada study visa. These requirements include but are not limited to the following
- You have to qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler
- If you are a student under 18 years you don’t need to be fully vaccinated. However, you do need a covid-19 readiness plan while studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Proof of funds to cover your tuition and living expenses for yourself and any other family members that are accompanying you to Canada
- Return transportation for yourself and any other family member that accompanied you to Canada
- You have to be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- You need to have proof of a clean criminal record (a police report)
- You need to take a medical exam to prove you’re in good health
- Proof that you would leave Canada as soon as your study visa expires
What documents do I need to apply for Canada Study Visa?
- Before applying for Canada study visa, you need a valid passport whose validity should not be less than the amount of time getting your degree is supposed to take.
- You need proof of acceptance into a DLI, this should be in form of your acceptance letter
- Proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses and also a return fare
- you need passport sized photographs if you are opting for offline application. Neutral facial expressions, plain background and no head wear unless it’s for religious purposes
- You need an Immigration Medical Examination report
- You need an essay stating the purpose of your visit to Canada
- If you’re opting for online application, you’ll need a credit card to pay your application fee
Additional documents may be required of you during the personal interview by the interviewer. These additional documents may be to show proof of your academic status or financial status. Here are a few other documents you may be required to provide
- Scores from SAT, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT or IELTS tests
- Documents showing how you plan on settling all expenses incurred by travel, educational and residing in Canada.
- Degrees, transcripts or certificates from previous institutions of learning
How To Apply for Canada Study Visa
- You can apply for Canada study visa either online or offline. If you are applying online, you need a scanner or camera that you will use to create electronic copies of your document and a valid credit card for payment of fees. You also need to provide finger scan at the regional Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- Applying for Canada study visa offline requires you to fill out the VSF consent form along with your application form. The VSF services is in place to help you out in your visa filling process.
- The next step is to pay the processing fee attached to applying for study visa. Canada study visa costs 150 CAD and can be paid online with a credit card or offline with cash at the VAC office. The fee should be paid when submitting your application or a receipt of online payment should be provided. The visa fee does not include VAC charges, this is paid separately. After submission of your application, an additional fee of 85 CAD for biometrics. Your biometrics will be taken at a Visa Application Centre.
You can check your application status online through your MyCIC account. When travelling to Canada you are to go with your letter of introduction and all the documents required of you. The border control agent will collect your passport and letter of introduction and validate it if it is found adequate and then your study permit would be issued to you.
