Canadian Student Visa Explained

What is a Canadian student visa?

A student visa in Canada or a study permit is an immigration document that is issued by the Canadian government which allows you to study in Canada as an international student! This official paper allows you to pursue your dream of studying in Canada and in some of the best cities there! It is a document that allows you to start your studies in Canada.

What are the types of student visas in Canada?

There are various types of student visas in Canada that you need to know to make sure that you are applying for the right type of student visa to study there! The types of student visas in Canada are:

1. Study Permit

A study permit is a Canadian student visa that is provided to students that allow them to stay in the country for the duration of their course at a Canadian university. It is basically a normal student visa!

2. Student Direct Stream Program

A Student Direct Stream Program (SDS) is a faster student visa that is applicable for students who meet certain requirements, like proof of financial support or English or French proficiency. You can get an SDS student visa in about 20 days, which is faster than a normal study permit.

3. Quebec Acceptance Certificate 

One thing to note is that if you plan to study at one of the many colleges in Quebec, you will need to get a different type of Canadian student visa, a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). The government of Quebec issues it, and it confirms that you tick off all the boxes for studying and living in Quebec.

What are the requirements for a Canada student visa? 

There are a few prerequisites that you need to fulfil before you can apply for a Canadian student visa, like your language proficiency, financial proof, security record and more! These are the requirements for a Canadian student visa:

1. Educational Requirement 

You need to provide your acceptance into one of the designated learning institutions (DLI) in Canada. You would require proof like your acceptance or offer letter.

2. Language Proficiency

You will need to have a good English or French proficiency score! You can give various English proficiency tests, like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Here are the minimum scores you need to apply for a Canada student visa.

• IELTS: A minimum score of 6 overall is needed, and 5.5 in each band.
• TOEFL: A minimum score of 83 overall is needed.
• PTE: A minimum of 60 overall is needed.

If you are planning to give an IELTS test, these IELTS exam tips will surely help you!

3. Health Insurance

You will also need to give a health examination and must be in good health to get a valid health insurance during your stay in Canada.

4. Proof of Funds

One important checkbox that you need to tick off is that you are able to prove that you have sufficient funds that could cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and transportation costs.

5. No Criminal Record

One final requirement that needs to be met is that you have no criminal record, and you must show that you pose no security risk.

What are the documents required for a Canadian student visa?

Now that you know all the requirements for a Canadian student visa, there are a few documents you will also need to show during your student visa application process. These documents are mandatory, and missing out on anyone can lead to your student visa being rejected.

1. Offer/Acceptance Letter
2. Proof of Identity
3. Proof of Funds
4. Immigration Medical Examination
5. English Proficiency Scores
6. Credit Card
7. Statement of Purpose/Letter of Explanation
8. Minimum Funds Required for a student visa.

What is the Canadian student visa application process?

Now that you know all the required documents and requirements, you will need to know how to apply for a student visa and what the application process is! Let us help you with our detailed Canadian student visa application process!

1. Apply to a DLI

The first step of applying for a Canadian student visa is to apply to a Designated Learning Institute (basically a university) and get an offer or acceptance letter, as it is an important document that is required for the visa.

2. Pay the visa fees

As you start your journey to getting your student visa, you will need to pay a fee of CA$ 150 and a biometric fee of CA$ 85.

3. Gather all required documents

Check all the required documents above and make sure that you have all of them and make sure that you are not missing even a single one since it can lead to your visa application getting rejected.

4. Purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate

You will also need to purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) that costs around CA$ 10,000 to cover your living expenses. You will be getting all the money back!

5. Apply for the visa

Now comes the main part, after fulfilling the requirements, fill out the application form for the Canadian student visa online. Make sure that you double-check all your details before submitting the form.

6. Give the medical exam

After submitting your visa application, you will need to undergo a medical examination to ensure you are fit to study in Canada.

7. Schedule an appointment 

You will need to schedule an appointment for your biometrics and an interview with a Canadian visa officer.

8. Wait for the results

All you have to do is now wait for your results! You can use this time to make sure that you cross off everything on your checklist that you have to take when you leave.

How long does it take for the Canadian student visa to be processed?

Usually, the student visa takes around 12 weeks to be processed. Still, the processing time can increase or decrease depending on many reasons, like the number of applications, the time of the year when you apply, and many more! The best thing you can do is to apply early so that you are not rushing around trying to get your visa on time.

Can your Canadian student visa be rejected?

Yes, your student visa can be rejected for many reasons, even though you have provided all the right information and have made no mistakes; a few reasons are:

1. Insufficient funds to study or live in Canada
2. Your program choice
3. Your intent to return home after studies
4. Incomplete application form or wrong documents

Hope you have learned the entire process of applying for a Canada student visa and you are ready to experience a student’s life in Canada.