The Canadian student visa is the surest way to start your academic journey in Canada. Envision a classroom overlooking snow-capped mountains and amiable locals who are going to take you on road trips to see wild moose or on expeditions through some of the world’s most spectacular national parks. Welcome to the Great White North, where you can study abroad!
With more than 300,000 foreign learners who can make you feel at home, excellent colleges, and a diverse yet hospitable culture, Canada ranks as one of the most sought-after study abroad destinations in the world. However, to fulfill your desire of studying abroad in Canada, you will need to obtain a student visa. It is not as easy as just walking across the border.
Obtaining a visa doesn’t have to be difficult. All you must know to ensure a smooth application procedure for a student visa to Canada is covered here. You’ll be saying “eh” to the ultimate educational experience in true Canadian fashion before you know it!
What Is A Canadian Student Visa?
First of all, you should be aware that obtaining an educational visa in Canada is actually done under the guise of a study permit. For foreign students wishing to learn in Canada, a study permit is comparable to a student visa, although it has restrictions.
Students must be enrolled in a program lasting more than six months at a designated learning institution (DLI), which is a school that has been granted government approval to accept international students. There is a straightforward application process to apply for a visa to study if you have checked all the boxes and been approved by your DLI.
After your application is accepted, you will instantly receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or visiting visa to accompany your study permit, allowing you to enter the nation as a student.
How To Obtain A Canadian Student Visa
Although obtaining a student permit in Canada is a relatively simple process, it’s crucial to begin the application process early and ensure that you fully comprehend it. Due to Canada’s appeal to overseas students and the volume of applications received, your application may be rejected if any parts are missing. To ensure that you get it correctly the first time, avoid unnecessary tension by doing your homework before grabbing your tuque and practicing your ice hockey skills.
What Qualifications Are Needed To Obtain A Student Visa In Canada?
If you fulfill all the conditions, obtaining a student visa for Canada may be quite easy. To apply for a study permit, you must first get a letter of acceptance from a Canadian university which is included in the DLI list. Depending on your nationality, you can also be asked to submit to a medical examination and give biometric data.
Once received, you can pay the application fee, upload all necessary papers, and complete a simple online application. Remember that the processing of the visa may take up to ninety days, therefore it is advisable to send in your application immediately you have an acceptance letter.
RECOMMENDED:ÂHow To Apply For A Student Loan Abroad
A shorter procedure known as the Student Direct Stream, that calls for a comparable procedure with a faster processing time, is possible in some countries. To discover if you can expedite the process of obtaining your study visa, see the list of countries available for the Student Direct Stream.
What Paperwork Is Needed In Canada To Obtain A Student Visa?
Do you want to make sure everything is in order before submitting your application? This is a brief outline of all the paperwork you’ll need to obtain a student visa for Canada:
- An electronic version of your DLI admissions letter
- A passport that is currently valid
- A pair of passport-sized images
- Documentation proving you have enough money to pay for both your living expenses and tuition during your study
- A letter outlining your rationale for coming to Canada to study
- A confirmation that your application cost was paid
- The findings of an authorized physician’s medical examination, if necessary
- If necessary, biometric data from a Visa Application Center
- In the event that you are under 17, the Custodian Declaration
- You will additionally require a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if you plan to study in Quebec.
Who Is Eligible To Sponsor A Canadian Student Visa?
Don’t give up on studying in the Great White North if you lack the money to study abroad within Canada on your own, you can get a study permit sponsored. All you’ll need is relatives who is over eighteen, a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, and who can attest to their ability to offer you with financial support during your academic career.
To agree to support you while you study abroad in Canada, your sponsor must sign the sponsorship contract and give proof of their connection to you.
What Is The Cost Of A Student Visa In Canada?
When in contrast with other student visas throughout the world, the cost of a Canadian student visa is rather reasonable. To send in your visa online, all you have to do is pay a cost of $150 Canadian dollars.
What More Must I Complete In Order To Obtain A Student Visa For Canada?
Unless you’re studying in Quebec, the majority of Canadian universities offer English instruction. You might have to take a test of English proficiency if you’re from a non-English speaking nation. To make sure you satisfy their requirements, it’s advisable to verify with your DLI as each university has distinct requirements.
Can Someone With A Student Visa Work In Canada?
Since learning in Canada is an all-encompassing experience, having a study permit typically entitles you to work as well. Generally, you must be registered in a course of study lasting more than six months in order to earn a certification, degree, or certificate.
If you meet the requirements, you may function up to 20 hours a week, which would be an ideal addition to your coursework, or work full-time during prearranged pauses in your studies. Just be certain your program has started before starting a new work, or else you risk violating the terms of your student visa!
Is It Possible To Change A Visitor’s Visa To A Student Visa In Canada?
To study in Canada, one may not always require a student visa. You can study on your visitor’s permit before it expires if you choose to register in a short-term course while traveling through snow-capped mountains.
You won’t be able to change your visiting visa to a student visa if you choose to enroll in a course that lasts longer than six months, but you can apply for a study permit by getting in touch with the Canadian Admission Hub and completing the application through them. If necessary, they can even help you extend your visiting visa whilst your study permission is being processed.
Can I Convert A Work Permit Into A Student Visa While I’m In Canada?
There’s good news if you’re a student hoping to work after graduation in the country of polar bears and maple leaves. After completing their studies, DLI graduates are eligible to apply for a post-grad work permit (PGWP) within six months of graduation. This visa enables them to work full-time for a maximum of three years. A letter of recommendation from your DLI, your degree, and a transcript are all you require to apply online.
You may also apply for a work permit if you’ve received a job offer and request a Labour Market Impact Assessment to be submitted with your application if you didn’t study with a DLI or haven’t graduated yet.
How Much Time Does A Student Visa To Canada Last?
Permission to study is given based on the duration of your course. A visa will normally be issued to you for the duration of your course plus an additional 90 days.
On the other hand, you will normally be granted a visa that is valid for the length of your required courses plus an additional year if your conditional offer calls for you to complete necessary courses. Do not worry if you are worried about how long your study permission will last. If your plans change, you can always reapply.
How Can My Student Visa Be Extended In Canada?
It is possible to extend a student visa in Canada, but doing so basically entails starting the application procedure over. If your intentions change or your course lengthens, you can ask for an extension of your study permission by filling out a fresh application and depositing the CA$150 cost no later than 30 days prior to when your existing study permit expires. You will have to apply for a work visa or a visitor visa if you have finished or stopped your education.
How To Extend Your Study Permit In Canada
In Canada, the procedure for maintaining a student visa is similar to that of extending a visa. All you have to do is reapply for a study permit and stay enrolled in a DLI, with a minimum of 30 days left before your present permit expires.