Canada Student Visa Guide: Requirements, Fees, Study Permit, Application Process

 

Canada keeps attracting a steady volume of students from other countries. While obtaining admission to the best universities in Canada requires outstanding academic scores, the authorization to study is legalized through a study permit.

Suppose you want to take academic, professional, or vocational training at a university, college, or any other educational establishment in the country. In that case, you will acquire a study permit before you come to Canada. This study permit is given to students when they enter Canada. But, to get there, a student must first request or apply for a temporary resident visa offered by the Canadian High Commission and facilitated by the Visa Application Centers.

VFS Global Services is the nominated visa application center for Canadian visas. This post will give you details about everything from the Canada Student Visa Guide: requirements, fees, study permits, and application processes.

What is a Canada Study Permit?

A study permit is a document given by Canadian immigration officers that assist as authorization for foreign nationals to study in Canada. International students can’t study in Canada without receiving a valid study permit. Students who get a study permit are also permitted to register in Designated Learning Institutions.

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is an educational organization that has gotten endorsement from a provincial or territorial government to host international students.

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Canada Student Visa Guide: Requirements, Fees, Study Permit, Application Process

Obtaining the Canada Study Visa

You are expected to take the Letter of Introduction alongside completely specified documents to Canada. At the airport, you will see an Immigration authority. Hand in the Passport and the Letter of Introduction to the border control agency authority, who will then authorize the same and, if found acceptable, give you your Study Permit.

Eligibility Measures for Canada Student Visa

1. You may apply for or request a Canada Study Permit if you fulfill the following criteria:
2. You have to qualify as a wholly vaccinated traveler. Some recognized vaccines are AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, Bharat Biotech Covaxin, etc…
3. A DLI has recognized you.
4. You need to prove that you have sufficient funds to make payments for your school fee, accommodation expenses for yourself and relatives who go to Canada and return transportation for yourself and any relatives who go with you to Canada.
5. You must show that you have a clean background and no criminal history. The applicants have to present a police proof certificate to attest to this.
6. You must do a medical health examination and present a medical certificate confirming that you are in good health.
7. Also, during the visa interview, you must let the visa officer know you will leave Canada when you finish your studies.
8. What documents are required for Canada Student Visa/Permit?

You have to apply for a student visa. Subsequently, you obtain the university or college acceptance letter. You must start the visa process around January if you target the April intake. The following are the documents necessary to apply for a Canada Student Visa.

1. A Valid Passport

2. A Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution

3. A Proof of Sufficient Funds

4. Passport Size Photos

Note:

• The size of the image should be at minimum 35 mm x 45 mm
• The image should be not older than 6 months
• Your name and date of birth should be written on the back of each photograph

5. Immigration Medical Examination (IME)

6. English Language Proficiency Exam Score

7. Statement of Purpose

8. Credit Card

During the private interview, supplementary documents may be asked for by the interviewer. These might be documents to prove academic or financial status. These may include:

• Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from your previous schools 
• Results from examinations like the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT
• Your intention to leave Canada once you are done with your course of Study
• Proof of sufficient funds on how you will pay all educational, accommodation, and travel costs

Canada Student Visa Fees

1. A study visa for Canada is about CAD 150, almost equivalent to INR 9,049 (as seen on the CIC Website) as per the current exchange rate. Since the exchange rate continues to vary, we recommend you check the same at the time of your visa application.

2. Canadian Visa Applications are accessible both online and offline. The visa processing payment can be made online (with a credit card), offline (by demanding a draft if paying at the High Commission of Canada), or by cash at the VAC. This payment must be made once the application is handed in or a payment receipt online payment is provided. VACs receive only Cash Payments. 

3. Likewise, the visa fee mentioned does not involve VAC service charges. You would have to make an additional service charge related to your region. Likewise, a receipt will be given for each payment made. Please save the receipt as proof of payment.

4. After submitting their visa application, students must pay a biometric fee of about CAD 85. Applicants have to submit this fee plus the regular visa fee. Then, your biometrics will be taken at a Visa Application Center.

How to Apply for a Canadian Permit for Study

Follow the below-mentioned stages to apply for the Canada student permit process.

View or check the processing times: Canada visa processing takes about 12 weeks. It is wise to check the Canadian consulate website to understand the estimated time to process the student permit. Know that the time shown is not an assurance but an estimate.

1. Know How to Apply: There are Two Ways to Apply:

(a) Online Application: To apply online, you should have access to a scanner or camera to scan copies of your documents for uploading and have a valid credit card to make payment. You will still be asked to provide a finger scan at the regional VAC. Remember, when using online applications, you must visit the VFS offices to submit your passports and present the validation form and fee payment. The stages would only differ regarding the documents you must take to the VAC.

(b) Paper application: Download the application kit and study the instruction guide. The instruction guide has vital details about study permits and directions to help you fill out your application form. And use the document checklist. You are permitted to apply on paper only in two situations:

• If you have a disability that stops you from using an online application
• If you have an identity or travel document for non-national residents, refugees, or stateless individuals
• Complete the VFS Consent Form and enclose it with your application form. You need this form to obtain the help of VFS services for your visa filing process.

2. Make the Processing Fee Payment.

• When handing in an application through the VFS, in person, or by mail, visa fees should be made in addition to VFS Global service charges. The processing payment is non-refundable in all-around cases.
• Suppose your spouse/common-law partner or children are traveling with you, and you will be applying for temporary resident visas, work visas, or study visas for them. In that case, you will have to pay reasonable processing fees. 

3. Hand in Your Application and Supporting Documents

• You must visit the closest VFS office. When you get there, pay the service charges and hand in your complete application to get a receipt. This receipt has your unique tracking number, which you will use to track the progress of your application online.
• If your application is accepted, you will get a notification from the Government of Canada asking for your passport. You can hand in the passport and request letter in person or via VFS. You would be given a Temporary Resident Visa and a Letter of Introduction.

Conclusion

Canada is known as one of the top global study destinations for international students, though studying here is not economical for some.