If your plan is to study and probably settle down in Canada, then its important that you apply for visa once you have received your admission offer. Canada has many colleges and universities that are renewed for having a teaching system that is based on quality. The countries also boost of diverse cultures and offers numerous possibilities for its citizens. This explains why thousands of people on a daily bases apply to study and live in Canada
Please note that if your study program last fewer than six months, you don’t need a study permit.
However, you would be wise to start the application process prior to coming into the country. It will be a hassle later if you make the choice to complete your education in a different program since you will be required to depart from Canada and visit a visa office in order to get the permit.
Applying for a Canadian student visa can seem difficult but when you follow the steps below, it will be easy for you.
How to apply for a Canadian student visa/study permit
- Apply to a University/College and get admission offer first
The first step is to apply for admission into a Canadian university and college and receive an admission offer. Once you have been accepted into a university and your admission offer letter is ready, the next thing is to start your visa application.
- Determine if you are actually required to apply for visa
Before you start your visa application, first check if you are required to apply to apply for visa.
The Canadian study permit/student visa is not required if any of the situations below apply. You are:
- Currently considered to be a staff or family member of a foreign associate/representative with accreditation from the Canadian Dept. of Foreign Affairs, Trade & Development
- Enrolling in a program of study lasting 6 months or less
- A member of the (foreign) armed forces in accordance with the Visiting Forces Act
- A citizen of a different nation, but you are registered in Canada with an “Indian” designation
- Begin your visa application
Once your school has issued you a letter of acceptance, the next thing is to apply for study permit/student visa and you do that by following the steps below:
The first steps to obtain your study permit/student visa: in Canada
- Go online to apply by visiting the website for the CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) prior to your arrival in the country
- Provide the letter of acceptance letter you have from a recognized institution of learning, a university designated by the government of Canada)
- Give proof that you have adequate financial means to pay for studying in Canada such as tuition and living expenditures
- You must not have a criminal record when applying
- Submit your clinical records indicating that you remain in proper health and then complete any medical testing that may be required
There is a recent rule regarding Canadian visas which indicate that if your family member works or is in the application process for obtaining a Canadian work permit, then your study permit application processing time will be approximately two-three weeks.
There is a possibility of extending your study permit/visa if the following conditions apply
- You wish to finish your education or if you’re going to switch schools.
- The student visa/study permit will expire 90 days (3 months) after you finish the studies and after you get a notification that the program has been completed.
- You are free to remain in the country for traveling or applying for your work permit to allow you to obtain employment (full-time or part-time).
- Gather all required documents
The documents required for your Canadian student visa include the folowing:
- An application for a student permit that has been thoroughly filled out
- An original acceptance letter from the college
- A current and valid travel document or passport allowing you to go back to where you previously lived (this is not required if you live in the United States)
- Two most recent photographs (the size of a passport), with your name and your birthdate
- Proof of your financial resources or support representing tuition fees
- A completed explanation letter (letter of explanation)
- If studying in the Quebec province, you need to have French and English translations for all of your documentation in addition to a translator’s statement and copies (certified) of original documentation.
- Proof you have paid any fees related to the study permit
- Review the language requirements
If you are coming from a country where English is not your mother tongue then you have to show your proficiency in English by presenting a language certificate like IELTS, Advanced Cambridge English and TOEFL.
Though it’s not a required document for obtaining a Canadian student visa, proving your language skills are great items to have using some type of English proficiency proof. There might be an interview and this depends on your personal situation.
- Make arrangement for your biometrics
If you come from a country where Biometrics is a requirement, you may need to provide one. You can do this by visiting one of the local visa application centers to take biometrics. The biometric fees will be additional fees to the regular ones associated with the visa. However, there are some countries where its citizens are exempted from doing biometrics.
Once you have tendered your application you need o wait for your visa to be processed. The waiting time can take as long as three months. This depends on which country you live. Once you get to Canada and your visa expires, you can apply for renewal if you want to continue your education in Canada.
For full time students, who are registered with an institution that has been accredited, the Canadian student visa will allow them hold part-time campus jobs. You may choose to work off-campus or work as an intern. After your studies, you may choose to stay back in Canada to find a new work. There are so many possibilities!!!
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