Canada Study Visa
Are you seeking a life-changing experience? Enrolling in a Canadian educational institution may offer you a thrilling opportunity to broaden your horizons beyond your doorstep. The nation’s
education system boasts high academic standards and strict quality controls, ensuring that you receive a top-notch education that will have a positive impact on your career prospects in the
long run. A degree, diploma or certificate from a Canadian institution is widely recognized worldwide, similar to qualifications from the United States or Commonwealth countries. Canada offers an exceptional quality of education and standard of living, while tuition fees and the cost of living for international students are typically lower than in other countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. For these reasons, Canada is often the preferred destination for international students seeking a college or university education. Canadian post-secondary education prioritizes research, allowing you to engage with this lively aspect of education.
The Canadian education system encourages interdisciplinary studies and the development of transferable skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. It employs advanced
technology and digital media to enhance learning experiences. In Canada’s dynamic and hands-on academic environment, you will not only acquire knowledge and analytical skills but also learn to express yourself, showcase your creativity, and boost your self-confidence!
Teachers and professors are always available and enthusiastic about helping students, and classes emphasize academic excellence and collaboration.
Benefits of Canada Study Visa;
While studying in Canada, International Students in Canada may also
● Work for up to 20 hours per week while in school/college/university, and on a full-time basis during breaks.
● Obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for the equivalent duration of the studies once the program is successfully completed. PGWP also called an Open Work Permit that allows an individual to work with any employer and anywhere in Canada.
● Bring an accompanying spouse or common-law partner to Canada on an open work permit, allowing him/her to work for any employer.
● Bring accompanying minor children to study in Canada at the same rate that Canadians pay.
● Become eligible for Canadian permanent residence, either through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Quebec’s immigration system or through the Express Entry immigration selection system.
Program Requirements
1.Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
Applicants enrolled at a designated learning institute (DLI) must submit a letter of
acceptance along with the application.
2.Identity Documents
Applicants and accompanying family members are required to submit their valid passport or
travel document and photographs.
3.Proof of Financial Support
Applicants are required to prove that he/she has adequate funds to pay tuition fee and living
expenses in Canada. Applicants can provide various documents as proof of financial
support:
● Proof of student loan from a bank.
● Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from the participating Canadian financial
organization.
● Official bank statements for the past four months.
● Proof of a Canadian bank account in the applicant’s name if they have transferred
money to Canada.
● A letter from the sponsor stating the availability of sufficient funds.
● Applicants who are offered scholarships or are in a Canadian-funded educational
program must show proof of funding paid from within Canada.
Educational Documents
The submission of educational documents such as diplomas, degrees, school certificates,
transcripts, etc., is mandatory with the application.
1.English Language Proficiency Exam
Typically, applicants must provide proof of meeting the minimum language requirements for
the program. This may involve submitting test results from IELTS, CELPIP, or TOEFL
2.Statement of Purpose (SOP)
The applicant might need to provide an essay that outlines the purpose of their visit to
Canada. This letter, also known as a statement of purpose (SOP), offers the visa officer an
understanding of the applicant’s objectives and ambitions.
3.Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ)
Individuals who intend to study in Quebec must obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec
(CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, Diversité et Inclusion (MIDI).
4.Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
Applicants are required to be in good health and must provide a valid medical certificate (if
necessary) from a Panel Physician.
5.Other Documents;
Depending on an applicant’s background or profile, they may need to provide various
documents such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, experience letter, income tax
returns, and so on.
The Application Processes
1.Choose a study program
Finding a school is the first step in the process of becoming a student in Canada. No matter what your educational goals, Canada has the school for you. Finding the right school, and securing admission, is necessary for obtaining a study permit. We make program recommendations based on your work experience and education history. This will give you the best possible chance of submitting a successful application.
2.Apply for letter of acceptance (LOA)
You need to have a letter of acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) before you can apply for a study permit. We can help you in securing a letter of acceptance from Canadian designated learning institution (DLI).
3.Apply for a study visa
You need to apply for a student visa (if required) once you have obtained a letter of acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI). We will help you to prepare and submit your application to Canadian immigration.
Reasons for Student Visa Refusal
International students fulfilling all the minimum criteria for admissions and visa are usually optimistic towards the decision. It is, however, observed that a study permit may be refused even when the applicant fulfils academic and admission requirements for an institution. Some of the popular refusal reasons are as follows:
1.Financial Insufficiency
Proof of sufficient funds for the first year of the study program is the minimum requirement for studying in Canada. However, the Canadian student visa application may be refused if the immigration officer believes that the student does not meet this requirement. Applicants can address this point by ensuring that they do not merely focus on the minimum fund required. Proof of adequate funds for more than one year, along with the additional documents supporting the finances can be included along with the application. Applicant must research cost to studying and living in Canada before applying for study visa.
2.Choice of Study Program
In cases where the chosen study program does not align with the applicant’s academic and/or or employment background, the chances of visa rejection are increased. Applicants can address this point by including a detailed personal statement for the choice of program in case it does not align with previous education or work experience. For applicants, whose choice aligns with the previous background, a detailed education history or work history can be attached along with the applications.
3.Letter of Acceptance
An official letter of acceptance from a Canadian DLI is required for applying for a study permit. If the applicant’s letter of acceptance is in question, the study visa may be refused. Along with the letter of acceptance, the applicants are required to meet the minimum entry requirements for the specific institution. If the visa officer doubts whether the minimum requirements are met by the applicant, the student visa may be refused. Applicants can address this point by ensuring that the educational institute they receive an LOA is registered.
4.English Language Proficiency
Non-native English-speaking international students are required to submit proof of language proficiency. Applicants are required to meet the minimum standardized English language test scores (IELTS/CELPIP/TOEFL) when applying for student visa. Even if the applicant has the minimum score meeting the DLI requirements, failing to meet the program requirements may result in the refusal of a student visa. Applicants must also ensure that the minimum score requirements for the specific program are met.
5.Incomplete Travel or Identity Documents
In cases where there are too many blank spaces in the travel history with a lack of proof of supporting evidence to cover those periods, the study permit may be refused. If the identity documents are incomplete or are not easy to read, the chances of Canadian student visa refusal are accelerated. Applicants must ensure that the travel history is justified with sufficient evidence and/or documents. The identity documents provided must be clear and easily readable for ensuring that the visa is not refused because of the above-mentioned reason.
6.Intent of Return to Home Country
As the study permit is a temporary visa, it has a validity period. The applicants are required to submit enough proof of intent to return to their home country. This does not suggest that the applicant cannot extend their study visa or obtain a Canadian Permanent Residency. It is mandatory to provide documents suggesting the intent of return to ensure that the applicant will not stay in Canada after the expiration of the study permit. Applicants can address this concern with a detailed personal statement.
9.Lack of Job Prospects in Home Country
Job opportunities in the applicant’s home country is an indication of the intent to return to the home country. Applicant should indicate that how they will be able to secure a job offer in their home country after completing their studies in Canada. Applicants need to explain how Canadian education and/or experience will enrich their profile in securing a job in their home country.
Tips to avoid refusal
- Make a checklist of mandatory documents required to prepare and submit your application.
- Carefully and completely fill the application forms. Some information requested in the application forms may not be relevant to your profile. Do not assume that the visa officer will understand why you have not filled a particular section. This is your responsibility to explain every point in your application.
- Students also must upload a copy of the official letter of acceptance that they have received from a recognized college or university in Canada. Letter of acceptance is usually conditional, and you must provide the one which you receive after paying the college/university tuition fee.
- If applying under SDS, the applicant must show proof of finances, it is advised to obtain a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) by transferring $10, 000 CAD to participating banks in Canada.
- You should include documents (e.g., job letter, salary slips, bank statements) if you are currently employed or have any work experience.
- Mention all your travel histories and visa refusals (if any) in the student visa application.The statement of purpose (SOP) is the most important document in the application which explains the student’s profile. Mention the academic achievements and the intent to study in Canada.
Canada Student Visa FAQ’s
Processing times for study permits vary greatly. The amount of time it takes depends on your country of residence. The shortest processing time is 1-2 weeks through SDS stream, but some applicants can expect to wait for 14-16 weeks.
Compared to many countries, studying in Canada is very affordable. You will likely need between $20,000 CAD and $30,000 CAD annually to cover tuition. This range is an average only and will vary according to the institution and program in which you are enrolled. The costs for housing, food and other living expenses will depend on your location and your own needs, but $15,000 – $20,000 CAD annually is not an uncommon estimate.
There are plenty of scholarship opportunities for international students who want to study in Canada. The opportunities available to you will depend on your field of study or research and your country of origin. More information about scholarships may be found at EduCanada.
To study at a Canadian school, you will need to be proficient in English or French. Canadian post-secondary schools set their own conditions for language skills of international students. Language skill requirements vary from one school to the next. While preparing your application, you should research the specific requirements for your program. Some schools even allow you to complete English courses after you begin your studies. Some international students do not need to provide proof of their language skills. If you are from an English-speaking country or have studied in English, then you may not have to take the English test. Each school set its own language requirements. It is important to check the specific requirements of the school where you want to apply.
Statement of purpose (SOP) or letter of intent is a critical part of your study permit application. It should explain your plans to study in the country and your goals. You should acknowledge the conditions of being a Canadian study permit-holder. The purpose of the letter of intent is to assure the Canadian government that you will respect the conditions of your permit. You must agree to leave the country once your permit has expired.
Yes! You can change your school or program at any time. If a student is transferring from one Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to another, even if it is at the same level of study, he or she must notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) by updating his or her online MyCIC account and ensuring that the school is a DLI. The same applies for post-secondary students changing their level of study (i.e., from a bachelor’s to master’s program). Please check the conditions listed on the study permit to verify whether the permit restricts the holder from studying at a particular institution or program. If you are moving to a school in Quebec (and your previous school is outside Quebec), you must get a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ). You need a CAQ for any level of school, including primary.
Distance learning may be done through e-learning, correspondence, or online courses. Distance learning is a process that often involves a learning process by which technology is used to so that the student does not need to be physically present where the teaching is taking place. A study permit cannot be issued for a distance learning course. However, if a distance learning program includes an in-Canada portion, and the length of the program is longer than six months then the student may receive a study permit for the in-Canada portion of the program. The duration of the study permit, however, is restricted to the duration of the in-Canada portion only.
International students in Canada can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during full-time studies and full-time during scheduled breaks. Most students do not need a work permit to work while they study whether their job is on campus or off campus. If your program of study includes work experience, you may be able to work more than 20 hours during the semester. This will be indicated in your letter of acceptance. If the government approves this condition, you will be granted both a work permit and a study permit.
Yes! However, your study permit is not a travel document. It does not give you the right to travel to or enter Canada. Along with your permit, you may need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Depending on where you are from, you may only need your passport.
Yes! You can leave Canada and return as long as your visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is still valid. If your visitor visa or eTA is expired, you must apply for and receive a new one before you leave. There is only one exception to this. You may be able to re-enter Canada with an expired visitor visa (not an expired eTA) if you only visit the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon and you return to Canada before your study permit expires.
When you return to Canada
If your study permit is still valid, or we extended your permit while you were away, the officer may let you enter as a student. If IRCC is still processing your study permit extension, the officer may let you enter as a visitor. In this case, you cannot study until you get your extended study permit. The officer at the port of entry may also ask you to prove you have enough money to support yourself in Canada.
A border officer may have some questions for you when you arrive back in Canada. If the officer believes there’s reason to refuse your re-entry, you will not be able to re-enter Canada. The officer may ask you for a copy of your extension application, the fee payment receipt, or any other document to prove you applied for an extension.
International students who are married or have dependent children may wish to bring their family with them. Canadian visa officers will consider study permit applications which include accompanying family members. You should note that including family members on a study permit application may influence the visa officer’s decision. If you are approved as a family, your spouse will be able to work full time while in Canada. Any accompanying children will be able to study for free.
If your family does accompany you, your spouse or common-law partner will be eligible for an open work permit, authorizing them to work full-time in Canada while you are studying.
A Designated Learning Institution, or DLI, is a school, approved by a provincial or territorial government, that admits international students. It is vital to secure a letter of acceptance from a DLI to obtain a Canadian study permit. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs. Post-secondary schools must receive permission from the provincial government to accept international students. If you want to come to Canada to study at the post-secondary level, make sure that your school and program of study is on this list of Canadian DLIs.
All international students in Canada must have healthcare coverage. Certain provinces allow international students access to Canada’s public healthcare system. Students in provinces that do not offer health coverage must buy private health insurance. All Canadian schools offer health insurance plans for international students.
Canada makes it easy for international students to become permanent residents if they want to remain in the country. The Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to stay in Canada and work for up to three years after graduating. After working in Canada for at least one-year in skilled occupation, international graduates may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. To apply for a PGWP, you need to prove that you have respected all the conditions of your study permit. A PGWP is typically granted for the same duration as your studies in Canada.
An applicant is not required to obtain a study permit for a program, which is less than six months in duration.
If an application is refused, you may re-apply with a new application.