Before moving to Canada as a student, it’s very important to understand the visa you need to apply, its procedure, and its details properly. If not, visa rejection is a possibility. This post would help you understand almost all the aspects of this entire process so that you can take each and every step carefully and thoroughly without any mistakes. Obtain your Canada student visa by taking informed decisions.

Canada Study Permit

A Canada Student Visa is a permit issued by Canadian immigration authorities, granting foreign students permission to study in Canada. It is essential for international students to have a valid study permit to pursue education in the country. With a study permit, students can enroll in Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), which are educational institutions authorized by provincial or territorial governments to host international students. This permit ensures that students comply with Canadian immigration regulations while pursuing their education in the country.

Getting The Canada Study Visa

  1. Prepare Documents: Carry the Letter of Introduction and specified documents for your arrival in Canada.
  2. Airport Arrival: Present your passport and Letter of Introduction to the Immigration Officer at the airport.
  3. Validation: The Immigration Officer will validate your documents.
  4. Study Permit Issuance: If everything is in order, you’ll be issued your Study Permit.

Canada Student Visa Process

Navigating through the Canadian government’s Immigration and Visa website is the initial step. Follow the details meticulously. Apply for a study permit, which remains valid for 90 days after your course completion. The cost for a Canada Student Visa application is CAD 150.

Step by Step process on How to apply for Canada student Visa

Apply To University: The journey begins by applying to a university, with many students submitting applications to multiple institutions to weigh various offers and make an informed decision.

Appear for IELTS: Achieving a score of 6 to 6.5 on the IELTS is crucial for your Canadian student visa application, as this is the only accepted language proficiency test for the visa process.

Get University Admits: After receiving an admission offer from your desired university, it’s essential to pay the initial tuition fee as stated in the offer letter. This payment often serves as confirmation of your admission, although some universities may provide unconditional offers as well.

Receipt of Payment: The university will furnish you with a receipt, a crucial document for your Canadian visa application. When completing the visa form, you’ll need to demonstrate proof of the fees paid.

Proof of Funds: It is required to demonstrate CAD 10,000 for each year of your stay in Canada, or CAD 11,000 if studying in Quebec, in addition to your university’s tuition fees. This financial proof can be in the form of bank statements, a bank draft, or a letter from a person or institution sponsoring your expenses.

Apply for Visa: Complete a few questions about yourself on the Canadian visa application. You can submit the application online through the CIC website or opt for a paper application through the Canadian Embassy in your country. Ensure to check the processing time for paper applications well in advance.

Canada Student Visa Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

Basic InformationAcademic HistoryProof Of Funds
Valid PassportAcademic RecordsBank Statements
Passport-size photosIELTS ScoreSalary Slips
Registration letterACT, SAT, GMAT, GRE score (if required)Tax Returns
Medical reportsLORs & SOPsLoan approval letter (if needed)
GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)Work experience proof (if have any)Scholarship letter (if have any)
Admission letterProvisional CertificatesAssets (bonds, shares, FDs, savings, mutual funds, etc.)

Age Limit

There’s no age limit for a study permit in Canada. So, even if you are a 50 year old, you can still study in Canada legally.

English Proficiency Test

TestMinimum Score Required
IELTS6.0
CELPIP7.0
CAEL70
Pearson PTE Academic50
TOEFL80

Documents Required For Study Permit

Documents requiredDescription
PassportEnsure your passport is valid.
Passport-size PhotographsProvide recent passport-size photos.
Unconditional Letter of AcceptanceObtain the acceptance letter from your chosen institution.
Fees Receipt (Recommended)Keep a receipt of paid fees.
Scholarship Letter (if applicable)Include a scholarship letter if awarded.
Correspondence with the InstitutionInclude any relevant communication with the institution.
Financial DocumentsProvide proof of funds for tuition and living expenses.
Academic DocumentsInclude academic transcripts and certificates.
Test ScoresInclude results of required tests like IELTS.
Work Experience CertificatesSubmit work experience certificates if applicable.
Medical Report (if already undertaken)Include a medical report if you’ve already undergone a health check.
For complete Visa Checklist, click here.

Canada Study Visa Fees

  1. You have the option to pay the processing fees online through a credit card or offline using a demand draft.
  2. Cash payments are also accepted at the Visa Application Center (VAC), but not at the High Commission.
  3. The processing fee is paid at the time of submitting the application.
  4. A fee receipt will be provided for online payments.
  5. It’s important to note that the processing fee mentioned does not cover VAC service charges.
  6. VAC service charges vary depending on the region from where you are applying for the student visa.
  7. A receipt is issued as proof of payment for all transactions.
FeesAmount
Canada Student Visa Application FeeCAD 150
Biometric FeeCAD 85

Minimum Bank Balance For Canada Student Visa

Studying in Canada is a dream for many, and to make it a reality, you need a Canadian study visa. This visa, issued by the Canadian Government, allows you to study and live in Canada throughout your course.

There is no fixed limit or minimum bank balance for US Student Visa, however, you must have 10,000 US or above to get the F-1 Visa.

  1. First-year tuition in Canada: CAD 15,000 on average
  2. Minimum bank balance for a Canada student visa: CAD 10,000
  3. To cover daily expenses while awaiting visa decision: Approximately CAD 10,000
  4. Total funds to prove for studying in Canada: At least CAD 25,000

Proof of Funds

  1. Having clear funds or proof of sufficient finances is crucial for a Canadian student visa.
  2. You need to show you can cover both tuition and living expenses throughout your program.
  3. Your chosen institution will ask for evidence of financial stability.
  4. “Proof of Funds” (POF) is required to show you can afford your education in Canada.
  5. While advance fees are often accepted, various options exist for proving financial stability.
  6. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) requires a consistent set of necessary documents.

Requirements

  1. Tuition for the first year at a Canadian university can go up to $15,000.
  2. For the visa application, you need to show a minimum of $10,000 for living expenses as per Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.
  3. To support your Canada study permit application, the total amount you need to demonstrate is $25,000.
  4. Students in Canada can sponsor their families, but they must prove the ability to support themselves and any dependents during their studies.
  5. For international high school students in Canada from 2022 to 2023, proof of assets in bank accounts or sponsor’s account statement is required, and each dependent must have their own funds.

Canada Student Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Canada student visa is how long it takes for the immigration authorities to make a decision on your application. It begins when you submit your application and ends on the day they make a final decision. Generally, it takes about 6 weeks for the processing of a Canada student visa. Applicants can check the status of their applications through their MyCIC accounts, whether they applied online or through paper. For those applying through the SDS route, the Canada student visa processing time after biometrics is typically 20 calendar days.

Canada Student Visa Rejection & Renewal

Rejection

7 reasons for UK Student Visa Rejection

  1. English Language Proficiency:
    • Take entrance exams (IELTS) and achieve the required score.
    • Failing to meet criteria may lead to visa rejection.
  2. Insufficient Funds:
    • Show you have enough money for the first year.
    • Provide valid documentation confirming your finances.
  3. Transparency about Return:
    • Provide documentation indicating intent to return after study.
    • Lack of valid documentation leads to rejection.
  4. Choice of Programs:
    • Ensure alignment with past education and future goals.
    • Sudden changes or gaps may result in rejection.
  5. Acceptance Letter:
    • Obtain a letter of approval from a Canadian DLI.
    • Fulfill minimum entrance criteria for the school.
  6. Insufficient Documentation:
    • Have proper, strong, and trustworthy documentation.
    • Faulty or insufficient documents may lead to rejection.
  7. Low Chances of Employment in Home Country:
    • Demonstrate potential job opportunities in your home country.
    • Lack of prospects may imply an intention to stay in Canada permanently, leading to rejection.

Renewal

Extending Your Canada Study Permit

  • The Canada Study Permit is valid for your study period plus an additional 90 days.
  • If your permit is close to expiry and you need more time, apply for an extension.
  • Submit the renewal application at least 30 days before the permit expires.
  • Check the expiry date on the permit (top right corner) before applying.
  • Ensure your passport is still valid; an extension won’t be granted if it’s expired.
  • Traveling with an expired passport may lead to entry denial upon return.

Canada Study Permit Extension Fees:

  • Extension application fee: CAD 150 per person.
  • Biometrics fee (if required): Additional CAD 85.

SOP For Canada Student Visa

The Statement of Purpose (SOP) for a Canada student visa is a letter where you express your interest in studying in Canada. Unlike other countries where SOPs are presented to universities, in Canada, you need to write SOPs for both universities and visa officials. It serves as a way to communicate your intentions and reasons for wanting to study in Canada.

How Important Is an SOP for Canada Study Visa?

Writing an SOP is not a rocket science, but drafting the same for visa application cannot be taken lightly, as there is a hike in the rejection rate of SOP for Canada Study Visa in recent years. 

Can I Get a Canada Student Visa Without SOP?

Yes, an SOP is a mandatory document for Canada student visa application, no matter if you apply in SDS or non SDS category, an SOP is a vital document for your visa application.

  1. Start early. SOPs written in haste are a disaster.
  2. Keep it crisp.
  3. Be honest about yourself.
  4. Present facts in a positive and motivating tone. Do not indulge in exaggeration.
  5. Follow the format.
  6. Do not exceed the word count.
  7. Don’t copy content as plagiarism is strictly prohibited.
  8. Avoid sentence formation errors and other grammatical mishaps in your SOP.

SOP Writing Process

Step-By-Step Procedure for Writing SOP

  1. Write an attractive introduction: To write a best sop for Canada Student Visa you must have an attractive and compelling introduction that best describes your course motivation. It can be written in the form of a story or quote, but must match with your profile.
  2. Give special emphasis on your educational background: Your educational background is a key factor in securing your visa, so make it visually appealing. Tables and other formats can help showcase your academic history effectively.
  3. Give a convincing reason for selecting the course: Clearly articulate your reasons for choosing the specific course and university. Demonstrate a genuine interest backed by thorough research in your statement.
  4. End with a great conclusion :
    Wrap up your Statement of Purpose with a compelling conclusion to leave a lasting impression on the Visa Officials. Ensure it’s engaging and contributes positively to your Canada study permit application.

Types of Visa

Choosing the right visa depends on your status and purpose of the visit. Select the visa type that aligns with your reason for visiting the country.

The Canadian Visitor Visa

The Canada Visitor Visa, also called the temporary resident visa, can be applied for online or through paper applications at the Canadian Embassy or Consulate. It’s necessary even if you’re just transiting through a Canadian airport to a final destination.

Holders of the Canada Visitor Visa can stay in the country for up to six months, and the visa can be either single entry or multiple entry.

  1. Single entry visa: Allows one entry into the country, and you cannot re-enter after exiting.
  2. Multiple entry visa: Permits entry and exit from the country as many times as needed during the validity period.

Permanent Residence Visa

The Canadian Permanent Residence Visas allow you to live, work, and settle in the country. It’s also called an Immigrant Visa and comes in different types.

Types of Permanent Residence VisasFeatures
Immigrant Investor ProgramThe Immigrant Investor Program is for those willing to invest in Canada, needing a net worth of CAD 800,000 and a minimum investment of CAD 400,000, returned without interest after 5 years.
Startup Visa ProgramDesigned for individuals wanting to contribute to the Canadian economy. Requires a net worth of at least CAD 300,000 and a commitment to owning and managing one-third of a Canadian business, creating and maintaining employment within three years.
Self-Employed Persons VisaFor individuals with skills in farming, culture, athletics, or business. Allows them to start their own venture in Canada, demonstrating their skills and outlining how they will finance the business.
Family Sponsorship ProgramA program for family reunification, allowing spouses and dependents of Canadian permanent residents or citizens to permanently immigrate. Sponsors commit to supporting family members for three to ten years.
Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP)Granted to individuals qualified to take care of children, disabled people, or the elderly. Requires living in private homes in Canada.

Express Entry Program Visa

There are three types of Express Entry categories catering to different aspects of the Canadian economy.

Types of Express Entry PR VisasFeatures
Canadian Skilled Worker VisaSkilled worker applicants need 67 CRS points, prove financial capability. Eligible for permanent residency, allowing living and working anywhere in Canada.
Canadian Skilled Trades VisaInternational skilled tradesmen eligible for permanent residency based on CRS points. Highest-scoring applicants invited through draws.
Canadian Experience Class VisaApplicants need 12 months of work experience in Canada within the last three years, meet language requirements, and agree to live outside Quebec.

Provincial Nominee Program Visa

Each province and territory in Canada has an agreement with the federal government to nominate immigrants who want to settle in that specific province. To be considered, candidates need to apply directly to the province and receive a nomination. It’s important to note that each province sets its own eligibility criteria for nomination.

Canada Student Visa

The Canada Study Permit is like a permission slip for foreign students to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada. However, it’s not a ticket to enter the country. To actually get into Canada, you’ll need a Canada Student Visa. If your study program lasts more than six months, this visa is a must. But if your course is a shorter stint (less than 6 months), you’d need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many backlogs are allowed for the Canada student visa?

Certain Canadian universities permit a maximum of 5 backlogs, provided the candidate scored at least 70 percent in their undergraduate degree. For Postgraduate programs, some universities allow up to 7 or 8 backlogs if the candidate achieved a score of 6.5 percent or higher in their undergraduate program.

Can I study in Canada without a student visa?

To study in Canada, you must apply for a student visa, meeting eligibility criteria such as acceptance by a DLI, proof of funds, a valid passport, medical reports, English proficiency, and a CAD 150 visa fee. Starting the application early is recommended due to the time-consuming processing of the Canada student visa.

Is 7 years gap accepted in Canada?

For a bachelor’s degree, a gap of 2-3 years is acceptable, while for a postgraduate degree, a gap of 5-8 years is considered permissible.

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