To study in Canada, you must first get a Canadian study permit and a student visa for your stay.
You do not require a Canadian study permit if your course or program is for six months or less.
Nevertheless, it may be a good idea to apply for permission before traveling to Canada; otherwise, if you decide to continue your studies in another program, you must leave Canada to apply for a study permit through a visa office.
You can renew your study permit from within Canada if you wish to continue your studies.
A study permit allows full-time students attending a recognized higher education school to work part-time on campus.
You can also work off-campus, participate in a co-op or internship as part of your degree, remain a permanent resident of Canada, or find work after graduation.
This blog will provide information on the Canadian student visa application process, including requirements, documentation, expenses, and tips.
What is a Canadian Student Visa?
A Canadian student visa, sometimes a study permit, is a government-issued document allowing international students to study in Canada.
Any student spending more than six months in Canada must obtain a study permit. The Canadian student visa enables international students to work in Canada while studying and traveling abroad.
How to Apply for Student Visa in Canada
Step 1: Take the initiative to check your eligibility. This proactive step is crucial in ensuring a smooth application process and can make you feel more responsible and in control of your application.Understanding the eligibility conditions is crucial before applying for a Canadian student visa. This knowledge will help you prepare your application more effectively.
First and foremost, you must be admitted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
DLIs are Canadian government-approved educational institutes that admit international students. You must send your admission letter from a Canadian DLI and study visa.
It’s essential to have enough settlement funds to cover your tuition, living expenses, and transportation home once you finish your studies. This will guide you in your financial planning for your studies in Canada.
When you come to Canada, you must also verify that you follow Canadian rules and have no criminal record. You can do this by obtaining a police certificate.
The final eligibility criterion for obtaining a Canadian study permit is your health. You must provide a medical certificate to confirm your excellent health.
After receiving their Canadian study permit, international students must meet further qualifying conditions. They are as follows.
While studying in Canada, you should:
- Work to complete your program.
- Be aware of your study permit’s criteria and follow them.
- Stop your education if you can no longer meet the criteria.
Your study permission may also have conditions, such as:
- If you’re eligible to work in Canada
- Can you travel within Canada?
- Your departure date is from Canada.
- Your study location (a specific DLI mentioned on your permission) and
- You may only study at the DLI specified by your permission.
- Do you require a medical examination?
Suppose you’re unsure whether you meet these requirements or want to learn more about how your circumstances affect your eligibility for a Canadian study visa. In that case, you should speak with an immigration specialist who can provide the necessary information.
Step 2: Create Your Application
Once you’ve determined your eligibility, the next step is to create your application. All applicants must apply online unless they have a disability that prevents them from doing so or are refugees, non-national residents, or stateless persons.
If you are applying outside Canada, you must use the Canadian government website. To produce reliable electronic copies of your papers, you’ll need a scanner or camera and a valid debit or credit card.
To complete your application, you must send the following documents:
- Proof of Acceptance
- This will be the acceptance letter from the DLI.
- Proof of Identity
- A verified copy of your valid passport or travel document
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of Financial support
You can prove this in numerous ways, but some include:
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution
- Evidence of a bank loan for schooling or student debts.
- At least four months of recent bank statements.
- Proof of payment for tuition and housing.
- A letter from the giver
If you are enrolled in a scholarship or Canadian education program, please confirm funding from within Canada.
Letter of Explanation: Write a letter outlining your motivation for studying in Canada and your understanding of and commitment to fulfilling your responsibilities as a study permit holder.
Custodian declaration (if you’re a minor): Depending on your case, the Canadian government may require you to supply further evidence, and they will contact you as soon as possible to let you know what you need to add.
Suppose you need help determining which documents are relevant to you and how to obtain and verify them. In that case, you should speak with an RCIC, since they have an extensive understanding of what documents are and are not accepted by Canadian border authorities.
Before you upload your papers, please read the student visa application instruction booklet. This article covers how to fill out your application forms and the questions the Canadian government asks when you set up your online account.
After that, answer the questions above and upload your papers.
Step 3: Pay Your Fees and Submit Your Application
Once you’ve uploaded your documents, you must pay the application fees. The cost of a Canadian student visa varies according to the type of visa you are applying for and how long you intend to stay in the country.
However, the main expenses you will have to bear are as follows:
Fees CAD
Study permit (including extensions) – per person 150
Biometrics – per person 85
Tips for Applying for a Canadian Student Visa
Applying for a Canadian student visa might be challenging, but here are some tips to make the process easier:
Before you begin the application process, be sure you have all of the relevant documents and information.
Double-check your application form to ensure that all information is accurate.
Applying for your visa as soon as possible is crucial. This will ensure you have enough time to receive it before your planned departure for Canada.
Before you start your application process, speak with an immigration consultant, such as an RCIC, to ensure you understand what you must do.
Remember, you’re not alone in this process. An immigration consultant, such as an RCIC, can provide invaluable support, guiding you through the immigration process and helping you take the appropriate next steps in Canada. This reassurance can make the process feel less daunting.
Suppose you are from one of the 14 eligible countries. In that case, you can obtain a Canadian study permit through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) in as little as 20 calendar days.
Next Steps After Applying
Suppose your Canadian student visa application is approved. In that case, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. In contrast, students from countries that require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and a temporary residence visa will be issued these if necessary. The eTA will be linked to your passport.
It would help if you traveled with the passport you used when applying for your study permit. The eTA is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Present these, along with your passport, proof of your funds, and letter of acceptance (and any other documents you’ve been told to bring), to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in Canada, who will then issue your Canadian study visa and allow you to enter Canada.
Specific Country Requirements
The requirements and processing times may differ based on your country of origin. For example, suppose you are from the United Kingdom or the United States. In that case, all of the previously described requirements will apply to you, but you will not be required to submit a medical exam.
Applicants from the United Kingdom must pay an extra $7 CAN eTA and wait up to 21 days after final approval to receive their authorization.
Applicants from the United States will not be required to pay any additional costs, but they will have to wait up to 35 days for their permit.
If you are applying from Nigeria, you must pay the $85 CAN fee to collect your biometrics and the cost of flying to London for your medical examination.
Once your application has been finalized and approved, you may have to wait up to 112 days to obtain your permit.
Work while studying in Canada.
Suppose you wish to work part-time to support yourself while studying in Canada. In that case, you can work on or off campus for up to 20 hours during university semesters and full-time during breaks like the winter or summer holidays without requiring a work visa.
To qualify, you must:
- Have a valid study permit.
- Be a full-time student.
- Enroll in a postsecondary learning institution or, in Quebec, a secondary vocational program.
- You must be enrolled in an academic, vocational, or professional training program for at least six months that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
To work in Canada or access government benefits and services, you must first obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada.
Your study permit will expire 90 days after you finish your study program. You’ll need a post-graduation work permit to stay in Canada and find work. This is good for three years.
FAQs
How can I apply for a Canadian student visa from Nigeria?
Receive an acceptance letter from a DLI in Canada.
You can apply for the study permit online.
Obtain a letter of introduction with the reference number for your study permit.
Document the receipt of your visa application after completing payments.
Is it easier to get a student visa in Canada these days?
In 2021, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) granted 329,213 study permits, with 60% of all student visa applications approved. In comparison, the study permit approval rate dropped to 55% in the first quarter of 2022.
What is the required minimum bank balance for a student visa in Canada?
The financial criteria for a Canadian student visa can be complicated. As you plan your educational trip to Canada, one crucial issue arises: “How much bank balance is required for a Canada visa?” The visa requires a minimum bank balance of CAD 10,000.
How long does a student visa for Canada take?
Your visa application can be processed in up to 90 days, so submit it as soon as you have a legitimate letter of acceptance from your college or university.
How long is a student visa in Canada?
If your application is granted, your student visa will be valid for the entire term of your studies, plus 90 days. You can use this extra time to plan your departure from Canada or to request a visa extension if you want to stay.
Who Does Not Need A Study Permit to Study in Canada?
While most international nationals require a Canadian study permit, the following are permitted exceptions:
- Short-term students
- Family or staff of foreign representatives
- Members of foreign armed forces
- Registered Indians in Canada
- Minor children in Canada
- Temporary residents attending settlement and integration classes
How long does it take to obtain a Canadian student visa?
The processing period for a Canadian student visa varies according to the kind of visa and the duration of your stay in the country. In general, receiving a student visa can take up to ten weeks.
Can I extend my student visa?
Yes, it is possible to extend your student visa. However, you must request an extension before the visa expires.
Are International Students Allowed to Work in Canada?
Yes, international students can work in Canada while they study. However, you will need to apply for a work permit in Canada.
The Canadian government has declared that international students can work up to 40 hours per week to help supplement their income.
If you wish to work in Canada as a student, here are some of the best-paying part-time jobs in the country.
Conclusion
Studying in Canada can give you the beautiful opportunities you’ve been looking for. It offers some of the world’s best education, an extraordinarily high standard of living, and many life-changing events.
Applying for a Canadian student visa can be challenging, but it is doable with the correct information and preparation.
If you need additional information on applying for a Canadian student visa, please get in touch with one of the Canadian RCICs. They’re available to assist you at every stage, from knowing the requirements to submitting your application.
An RCIC can assist you in filling out your application forms, obtaining paperwork, submitting your application, and providing the support and direction you require to construct the future of your dreams in Canada.
Best of luck!
