Are you planning to study in Canada? If so, you must apply for a student visa and permit. Embarking on this journey is an exciting and life-changing experience.
However, navigating the immigration and visa processes can be complicated, which requires careful preparation and planning. As a new student preparing to pursue your education in Canada, you must have the essential documents to apply for a student visa.
This would ensure smooth processing and transitioning. In this article, we’ll take you through the essential documents you need to successfully obtain a Canada student visa!
What is a Canada Student Visa?
A Canada student visa allows an individual to enter Canada as a student, while a study permit will enable them to study full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI). Your study permit will be issued on arrival in Canada.
To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a study program listed under the Canadian government’s Designated Learning Institution list. You must also apply for a student visa before you travel to Canada and have all the essential documents gathered and translated, if applicable.
These documents include a statement of purpose and proof of funds. Here is a breakdown of the student visa application requirements, but your requirements may vary depending on where you travel from.
1. Letter of Acceptance
An essential document, the Letter of Acceptance, is issued by a designated Canadian learning institution after a successful admission application. This letter serves as evidence of registration and summarizes the details of the program, including its duration and start date. Therefore, you must obtain this document before applying for a study permit.
2. Proof of Identity
A valid passport or travel document is essential when applying for a student visa in Canada. You must submit it with at least one blank page in your passport so your student visa can be stamped.
In addition, the Canadian High Commission stated that your passport must be valid for your intended stay in Canada. If you have family members traveling with you to Canada, they must also submit their application.
We recommend applying for your visas simultaneously to prevent delays. Adults and children may have different requirements. These documents must allow you and your family to return to your home country.
3. Proof of Funds
You must show substantial proof of funds when applying for your student visa. Per the present standards, you must prove you have enough funds to pay our tuition fees and care for living expenses.
Canadian Immigration believes a student would require at least $20,635 for every year of their stay. Apart from this, the student must also prove they have enough funds for a return ticket.
You can provide proof of funds through various means, such as:
- Canadian bank account.
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (G.I.C.) from a participating Canadian financial institution.
- Student or education loan.
- Bank statements from the previous four months.
- Convertible bank draft in Canadian dollars.
- Evidence of paid tuition and housing fees.
- Letter of financial support from an individual or educational institution.
- Confirmation of funding from within Canada (for scholarships or Canadian-funded programs).
4. Passport Photographs
To apply for a student visa in Canada, you’ll require two passport-sized photographs that meet the requirements to complete an application. For online applications, a digital photo under 4 M.B. is necessary. Guidelines include a natural facial expression, a simple background, and no headgear unless on religious grounds.
5. Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
Students must undergo a mandatory Immigration Medical Examination by authorized panel physicians to follow Canadian Immigration regulations. Schedule this examination at least a week before you start the visa application process.
6. English Language Proficiency Exam Score
While not compulsory during the application, it’s advisable to have obtained your English Language Proficiency Score before you begin your visa application process. Generally, submitting your English language proficiency score guarantees admission to a Canadian University.
7. Statement of Purpose
Also known as a Letter of Explanation, it summarizes the basis for your visit to Canada and shows your comprehension of obligations as a student. This letter will help the person reading your application understand why you’re coming to Canada.
It’s an opportunity to explain why you want to study in Canada and what makes you a great candidate for your program. Also, it’s essential to acknowledge the responsibilities of an international student.
Suppose you have a gap in your studies, have low grades, or have chosen a different program than your previous area of education; the statement of purpose is where you can explain your rationale.
8. Ties to Your Home Country
Though you won’t need to attach a separate document, you’ll need to fill out this section in the study permit application. After your study program, you must demonstrate your economic and emotional motivation to return to your home country. This could be things like your family, property you own or rent, investments, or similar ties.
9. Personal Documents
You may need to include additional documents according to the requirements of your country. You may have to provide the following:
- Biometrics
- Police clearance certificate
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae or resume
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
10. Provincial Attestation Letter
A Provincial Attestation Letter (P.A.L.) is one of the essential documents to apply for a student visa in Canada! It proves that a student’s admission aligns with the designated percentage fixed for a province or territory. The provincial authority or university issues a P.A.L. letter after paying the first-year tuition fee.
Important Note: If your required documents are not written in English, you must include a complete translation, including your translator’s name and contact information.
Common Reasons for Rejecting Canada Student Visa Application
- Poor letter of acceptance: You must provide a good acceptance letter from a registered DLI in Canada.
- Incomplete documentation: Ensure you provide all required documents for your application. If you add some vital documents like your travel documents and language test scores, your application may be accepted.
- If you have yet to make a plan to return to your home country, You must establish that you plan to return to your country after completing your study program in Canada.
- Insufficient funds: It would be best if you showed that you can cater to your needs in Canada for more than a year.
You will be informed in the refusal letter of the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (I.R.C.C.) decision why your student visa is denied. You can reapply anytime, but you must ensure that the problems with your first application have been resolved.
Also, you can always file an appeal if you believe your initial application was improperly refused.
Canada Student Visa Application: Online and Paper
Applying Online
To apply online, you will need a camera or scanner to scan your papers into an electronic format for uploading. Also, you will need a working credit card to pay your application fee. However, you must still submit your biometrics at the local V.A.C.
Remember that if you submit an online application, you must also visit the V.F.S. offices to submit your passports and the receipt for your fee payments. The only difference between the processes would be the documents you’d need to provide to the V.A.C.
Applying on Paper
Read the instructions and get the application kit. Essential details about student visas are provided in the instruction manual and instructions on completing your application.
Complete the document checklist and thoroughly read the instruction manual. You may only submit a paper application if you can’t apply online because of a disability or possess the travel document or identity for non-citizen residents, stateless persons, or refugees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my student visa in Canada?
Most applicants apply to extend their student visas online in Canada. You should file your application for an extension of stay before the expiration of your current permit.
How much money is required for a student visa in Canada?
You’d need to pay the visa and biometric fees. As a Canada student visa applicant, you’ll need to pay CAN$235 for both visa and biometric fees.`
What is the processing time for a Canada student visa?
Canada study visa processing time is six weeks (this does not include the time required for biometrics). It is advisable to go through the Canadian consulate website to learn the exact time taken to process the student visa and track your application.
How can I stay back in Canada after my studies are over?
Once your education ends, you must apply for a Post-Study Work Permit (P.G.W.P.) in Canada. The work permit’s duration will depend on your course’s duration. Your course must be at least eight months to be eligible for a work permit.
If your course is between eight months and two years, P.G.W.P. will be equal to the duration of the course. If the course is for two years or more, P.G.W.P. may be for three years.
Once you have gained sufficient Canadian work experience, you can apply for Canada PR. Students can quickly check the details about the Canada PR requirements and the total cost.
Good luck!