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To study in Canada, you will need to obtain a Canadian student visa which allows you to enter and stay in Canada for the study duration. Having questions related to student visas for Canada? This article is for you. Here is everything you need to know about the student visa for Canada. 

Planning to Study in Canada

How to get a student visa for Canada

With student visa rules getting stricter in countries like the USA, there is an increase in students opting for Canada as their study abroad destination. Here is the complete process you need to follow for obtaining a Canadian student visa:

 

1. Apply at a Canadian university and obtain your acceptance letter

Your process starts from getting enrolled at one of the DLI(designated learning institutes) in Canada.  After being accepted at the university, you will obtain your acceptance letter. This letter is required for the visa application. You can check out the universities, where you can pursue your higher education.

 

2. Start your application for the Canadian student visa

Once you obtain your acceptance letter from the university, it is time to move to the next step, applying for a student visa. Apply online for your Canadian student visa, on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website. You will receive updates on the status of their applications directly.

 

3. Collect all the required documents for the Canada student visa

Before applying, collect all the required documents for the visa application. The following documents are required for the application for a Canada study visa:

  • Proof of acceptance from the Designated Learning Institute
  • Proof of financial stability for funding your studies in Canada
  • Identity documents: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, and passport.
  • A Medical report from CIC-approved doctors. 
  • Academic certificates and transcripts.
  • Work experience certificates (if applicable)
  • English language proficiency test scores.
  • Two passport-sized photographs.
  • If you want to study in Quebec, you will also need a Certificate d'acceptation du Québec, English and French translations of the document, a statement from the translator, and a certified copy of the original documents.
  • A valid passport.
  • Proof of payment of fees.

4. Biometrics appointment and interview

Depending on your nationality, you might have to book and take your biometrics by visiting Visa Application Centre in your country. The biometrics fee is 85 CAD which is additional to the regular visa application fee. Some countries are exempt from this biometrics requirement, so the students from those countries need not visit an application center at all.  

 

You might be called for an interview at a local Visa Application Center, for which they will have to pay a fee as well. The following are a few of the common questions asked during the student visa interview at the Canadian Embassy/Consulate:

  • Why did you choose Canada?
  • Why did you choose that particular college/university?
  • Which program will you be joining and why?
  • What are your future job plans?

Canada Student Visa Financial Requirements

Financial evidence is required to prove that you can sustain yourself in Canada for your study period. Here are the financial documents required for a Canada student visa:

  • If you have already transferred money to Canada, you should provide proof of your Canadian Bank Account.
  • GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) from Canadian Financial Institute
  • If someone is sponsoring the student, a sponsorship letter will be the mandatory required documents for a study permit in Canada, Who can sponsor a student Visa in Canada? The student’s parents, relatives, friends, and employers can sponsor the student.
  • Proof of education Loan 
  • Bank Statement for the last four months
  • Proof of tuition and housing fees paid

Processing time of Canadian Visa Application

If you qualify for the Student Direct Stream (SDS), the Canada student visa procedure takes place much faster which is around 20 calendar days. If you are not eligible for the SDS program, then the application will get through a slower processing channel and take up to 90 days.

 

Apart from all these, students traveling to Canada must be aware of the latest travel guidelines, government, and university’s Covid-19 restrictions and rules.

 

Read also
Checklist Before Going to Study in Canada
Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada for International Students
Things to Know Before Studying in Canada for International Students

Twinkle
About the Author:

Twinkle is an active listener and observer. She has a boundless curiosity to improvise her all-round knowledge. She is always open about her thoughts and her personality is filled with thirst for acquiring knowledge about different fields. Her favourite pastime is to pen down her thoughts and knowledge. Her strength is the simplicity of language yet being artistic.

Categories: Canada

Tags: Study Abroad

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