Student Visa for Canada

Canada is among the favorite destinations for Indian students to pursue their higher education in a developed country. The Canadian government gives much importance to education and there are high standards set across the country to deliver quality education to students of all age groups. In Canada, education comes under provincial government and each province has set its own rules and regulations. There are both public-funded and private-funded universities/colleges/technical institutions where students can opt for higher studies. To get access to Canadian education as an international student, one must apply for a student visa for Canada through Canada Immigration Department.

What is a Student Visa for Canada?

The student visa for Canada is an essential document for international students aspiring to study at designated learning institutes (DLIs) in Canada. All international students who are engaging in study programs for more than six months must apply for a student visa for Canada. You must apply for it before traveling to Canada.

Along with your study permit, you will need a visitor visa to enter or travel to Canada. A visitor visa will be issued along with your student visa for Canada.

Benefits of Student Visa for Canada

• A student visa for Canada permits you to study and work in Canada as an international student.
• As a full-time student, you can work on-campus or off-campus to meet your daily expenses.
• If you are working off-campus- you can work 20 hours per week and full time during breaks.
• A student visa for Canada allows your spouse to take up an open work permit which will be valid for the same period as your student visa.

_{You must apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) , a 9-digit number that the Government of Canada gives to working people. With SIN you can avail government benefits and services.}

Duration of Student Visa for Canada

A student Visa for Canada is valid for the duration of your course. Once your course duration is over, it gives you an extra 90 days to prepare you for an exit from Canada or extend your stay in Canada.

Eligibility for a Student Visa for Canada

• You are enrolled at a Designated Learning Institute (DLI).
• You have enough funds to pay for your education and living expenses in Canada.
• You have no criminal record and proof of good character/police certificate.
• You are in good health and have proof of a medical certificate
• You will leave Canada when your study permit expires

Cost and Processing Time for a Student Visa for Canada

• The cost to apply for a Canada study permit is CAN$ 150.
• It can take up to a maximum of 45 business days to process a student visa for Canada.

Where to Apply for a Student Visa for Canada?

A Student visa for Canada can be applied online on the Canada Immigration & Citizenship website www.cic.gc.ca whether you are applying from outside Canada or inside Canada. If there is some problem with an online application, only then you apply on paper.

Must have documents to apply for a student visa for Canada.

• Proof of acceptance letter- You must submit a ‘letter of acceptance’ by your Education Provider/ DLI you will be attending.
• Proof of Identity- A valid passport
• Letter of Explanation- This document explains why you want to study in Canada and your understanding of responsibilities as a student in Canada.
• Proof of financial support- you must have sufficient funds in your bank account to sustain yourself as a student in Canada. You can show proof of funds through the following: -
• Proof of education loan from a bank
• Proof you paid the tuition and housing fees
• Proof of your scholarship or funding paid from within Canada
• Your bank statements for the past 4 months
• A bank draft that can be converted to Canadian Dollars
• Valid sponsorship letter from the person or institution funding your education
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating financial Institution

If you are planning to study in Quebec, you must provide a valid certificat d'acceptation du Québec or proof that you applied for one with your student visa for Canada application.

Funds needed to Support Yourself as a Student in a Canadian Province (Outside Quebec)

For Quebec province

After Submission of Student Visa for Canada Application

• You will be required to submit your biometrics (fingerprints & photo).
• You may be required to go for a visa interview at the Canadian embassy/high commission in your country.
• You will be asked to submit any missing documents in the Canada study permit application.
• You can update your Canada study permit application if there is a change in address, phone number, etc.

Visa Outcome

If your application for a student visa for Canada is accepted, the visa processing authorities will send a “Letter of Introduction” and a ‘visitor visa’ or an ‘electronic travel authorization’ (eTA) allowing you to enter Canada. The Letter of Introduction is not the Canada study permit document. But it will have your permit reference number, which will be used to issue your study permit once you land in Canada.

‘Letter of Introduction’ is an important document and you must carry it and show it to the border security officer at the airport when you arrive in Canada.

If your visa application is refused, you will be informed through a letter explaining why it was refused.

Documents Required at the Canada Airport

• A valid passport
• ‘Letter of Introduction’ sent by the visa office while approving your study permit application.
• A valid eTA or Visitor visa linked to a passport while applying for a Canada study permit.
• Letter of Acceptance from your Education provider/DLI in Canada.
• Proof of sufficient funds in your bank account to support yourself and family members stay in Canada.
• Proof of good health.
• Proof of good character- no involvement in criminal or immigration-related offence.
• Fully Vaccinated Certificate- you must have received 2 doses of accepted Covid vaccines or one dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Arrangement plans for a 14 day quarantine even if you are fully vaccinated.

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