How To Apply for A Canadian Student Visa

By Sarah
Updated on September 25, 2024
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

If you’ve been considering further studies in Canada, you may need a student visa to study and work in the country. You need to follow specific steps when applying for this document. Take a look at these requirements and other necessities to make your application process smoother.

What Is a Student Visa?

A student visa is an authorization permit allowing international students to study in specific Canadian learning institutions in person. Students access multiple perks when they sign up for a Canadian study visa, which include:

  • Affordable tuition
  • Access to scholarships
  • Better living standards
  • Lucrative job openings
  • A chance to immigrate to Canada

Who Can Apply for a Study Permit?

Applications for a study permit are open to students in various countries globally. However, you have to meet particular requirements before applying.

  • It would be best if you are fully vaccinated
  • A letter of acceptance from a Canadian University or college
  • It’s vital to enroll at a designated learning institution
  • Applicants must have enough money to cater for tuition, living expenses, and a return ticket
  • Provide police certificates
  • Complete medical exams
  • Provide evidence you will leave the country after completing your study

Kinds Of Study Permits Available

International students looking to further their education in Canada have access to two types of study permits. A regular study permit lets you study in a particular educational institution, and you must prove you can sustain your stay in Canada during the application.

Alternatively, you can apply for a co-op work-study visa, which allows you to study and work in Canada. With this permit, you can work on or off campus.

Requirements And Documentation Needed

During the application process, you must attach particular documents to ease your application process, which are:

  • A letter of explanation
  • A valid passport or travel document
  • Bank transactions for the past four months
  • Custodian declaration for minors
  • Letter from the school or person providing financial support
  • Proof of acceptance from your school
  • Proof of funding from a Canadian institution
  • Proof of paid tuition fees and accommodation
  • Quebec acceptance letter if you’ll be studying in Quebec
  • Two recent passport-sized photos

Where And How to Apply

You can submit your application letter online through the immigration department website if you are outside Canada. If you are already in Canada, you can submit your application online or in person. Paper applications are available only for people with particular disabilities or for individuals with valid travel documents permitting them to be in Canada.

You should begin the application process as soon as you receive the acceptance letter from your designated learning institution.

What Happens After You Apply?

After you send your application for a study permit, you should set up a biometrics appointment. You should also provide police certificates and medical exams during this period.

After your approval, you will receive a study permit to live, study, and work in Canada, depending on your application’s request.

You can only stay in Canada as long as your visa is valid. Once you complete your studies, you have 90 days to leave the county. You can extend your stay if you want to continue studying and working in Canada. The 90-day window allows you to process an extension explication.

You can work while studying only if you have a co-op work-study permit.

Cost, Validity, And Processing Time

It costs you $150 and three months to process this document, and it’s valid for as long as your course should take.

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