Canada Student Visa Guide: Eligibility, Fees, Steps to Apply

Canada Student Visa / Canada Study Visa Overview

Canada remains a popular destination for students from India, thanks to its world-class education system and diverse opportunities. While gaining admission to top universities in Canada typically requires strong academic performance, students must also secure a study permit to legally study in the country.

Key Details:

• Study Permit:
  The study permit is the primary document that grants international students the permission to study in Canada. The Canadian government issues this permit.
• Visa Fee:
  The embassy fee for a Canada study visa is CAD 150 (approximately INR 9,296) for Indian students.
• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV):
  Before receiving the study permit, students must first obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), which is issued by the Canadian High Commission. The TRV is facilitated by Visa Application Centers (VACs) and is necessary to enter Canada.
• Visa Issuance:
  The student visa is officially issued to students upon their arrival in Canada. However, securing a TRV is a prerequisite before traveling.

Eligibility Criteria for a Canada Study Permit
To be eligible for a Canada Study Permit, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Vaccination Status:

• You must qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler. Canada accepts several vaccines, including AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, Bharat Biotech Covaxin, and others. Ensure that you are fully vaccinated with one of the accepted vaccines.

2. Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institute (DLI):

• You must have been accepted by a recognized Canadian educational institution known as a Designated Learning Institute (DLI). A letter of acceptance from the DLI is a crucial document in your study permit application.

3. Proof of Financial Support:

• You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover:

4. Your tuition fees.

• Living expenses for yourself and any family members who accompany you to Canada.
  Return transportation for yourself and any accompanying family members.

5. Clean Background and No Criminal Record:

• You must prove that you have a clean background with no criminal record. This typically involves submitting a police verification certificate to the Canadian authorities as part of your application.

6. Health Checkup and Medical Certificate:

• You are required to undergo a health checkup and provide a medical certificate confirming that you are in good health. This is to ensure that you meet Canada’s health standards for international students.

7. Intent to Leave Canada After Studies:

• During your Canada Student Visa interview, you must convince the visa officer that you intend to leave Canada once you have completed your studies. This is an important aspect of the application process, as it demonstrates that your intention to study in Canada is temporary.

Meeting these eligibility criteria is essential for successfully obtaining a Canada Study Permit, allowing you to pursue your educational goals in Canada.

Required Documents for Canada Study Visa:

To apply for a Canada Study Visa, you will need the following documents:

1. Valid Passport:

• Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your planned stay in Canada.

2. Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI):

• You must provide the acceptance letter from the Canadian institution where you plan to study. This institution must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

3. Proof of Funds:

You need to show that you have sufficient financial resources to cover:

• Tuition fees.
• Living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members.
• Return transportation costs for yourself and any accompanying family members.

4. Passport-Sized Photographs:

• Recent passport-sized photographs according to the specifications provided by Canadian immigration authorities.

5. Immigration Medical Examination (IME):

• You are required to undergo a medical examination from a panel physician approved by the Canadian government. This is necessary to ensure that you meet health standards.

6. English Language Proficiency Exam Score:

• Provide the results of an English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted exams, as proof of your ability to study in English.

7. Statement of Purpose (SOP):

• A letter explaining why you want to study in Canada, your educational goals, and how the chosen program aligns with your future plans. This document also helps demonstrate your intent to return to your home country after your studies.

8. Provincial Attestation Letter (For UG or Non-Degree Courses):

• If you are applying for undergraduate or non-degree courses, you may need to provide a provincial attestation letter, depending on the program and institution.

It’s important to start the visa application process after receiving your college acceptance letter.

Process of Applying for a Student Visa:

Step 1: Apply for Admission to a College/University

• Begin by securing an offer letter from a recognized educational institution in Canada. There are many colleges and universities in Canada offering a wide range of degrees and programs. Admission approval from one of these institutions is the first step in the visa process.

Step 2: Pay the Fees

• After receiving an offer letter, the next step is to pay the tuition fees to the college or university. You can pay via International Wire Transfer. Once the payment is received and processed by the institution, you will be issued a receipt. This receipt is essential for your visa application, so make sure to save it.

Step 3: Purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)

• As a foreign student, it is mandatory to purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) to cover your living expenses in Canada. The GIC amount is $10,200 CAD. Upon purchasing, the bank typically deducts around $200 CAD as administrative charges (this may vary by bank). Once you arrive in Canada, you will receive $2,000 CAD immediately, with the remaining $8,000 CAD distributed in 12 equal installments over the year for your living expenses.

Step 4: Go Through the Medical Examination

• You must undergo a medical examination conducted by a doctor recognized by the Canadian government. The results will be sent directly to the immigration authorities, but you will receive a receipt of the examination, which you will need to submit with your visa application.

Step 5: Apply for a Visa

• With all the necessary documents prepared, you can now apply for your Canadian student visa. This involves filling out the required forms, submitting your documents, and paying the visa application fee.

Step 6: Get Your Visa

• If your application is approved, you will receive a notification from the Government of Canada requesting your passport. You can submit your passport either in person or through a Visa Application Center (VFS). Once processed, you will receive a temporary resident visa and a letter of introduction, which you need to present when you arrive in Canada.

Need Help with Your Student Visa Application?

If you need assistance with your Canada study visa application, professional services are available to help ensure a smooth and error-free process.

Annual University Intakes in Canada
Canadian universities offer three main intakes during the year:

1. Fall Semester (Intake 1): September

• This is the primary intake for most universities and programs in Canada. The majority of students apply for this intake as it offers the widest range of courses and programs.

2. Winter Semester (Intake 2): January

• The winter intake is the second most popular intake. While not as comprehensive as the fall intake, it still offers a significant number of courses and programs for students who may have missed the fall intake or prefer starting in the new year.

3. Summer Semester (Intake 3): April/May

• The summer intake is less common and is available for a limited number of programs and universities. It is typically suited for specific courses or shorter programs.

Each intake has its own set of deadlines and application processes, so it’s important for students to plan ahead and apply accordingly.

Canada Study Visa Processing Time:

The processing time for a Canada Study Visa typically takes around 3 to 4 weeks. This can vary depending on the time of year and the specifics of your application.