Canada Student Visa Guide: Study Permit, Requirements, Fees

Nigerians continues to send students to Canada in large numbers. While exceptional academic performance is still required for admittance to Canada’s Top Universities, authorization to study is certified by a Study Permit. You will require a study permit before entering Canada if you want to pursue academic, professional, or vocational training at a university, college, or other educational institution.

Students are given this study permit when they arrive in Canada. To get there, a student must first apply for a Temporary Resident Visa from the Canadian High Commission, which is aided through Visa Application Centers. VFS Global Services is the authorized VAC for Canadian Visas. Candidates should also be aware of the grounds for their Canada Visa rejection. We will cover everything from Canada student visa requirements to paperwork needed to obtain a Study Permit in this post.

What is a Study Permit?

A study permit is a document granted by Canadian immigration officials that allows international students to study in the country. Without a valid study permit, international students cannot study in Canada. Students who have a study permit are also permitted to enroll at Designated Learning Institutions.

Getting the Study Permit

You must travel to Canada with the Letter of Introduction and all other relevant documentation. At the airport, you would meet with an Immigration Officer. Present your passport and letter of introduction to a border control agency official, who will verify the documents and, if deemed sufficient, grant you your Study Permit.

Eligibility criteria for Canada Student Visa

If you meet the following requirements, you may apply for a study visa in Canada:

• A specified learning institute has accepted you (DLI).
• You must demonstrate that you have sufficient cash to cover your tuition and living expenses.
• You must demonstrate that you have a spotless record and no criminal history. To confirm this, the candidates must present a police verification certificate.
• You must have a physical examination and obtain a medical certificate stating that you are in excellent health.
• You must also persuade the immigration officer during the visa interview that you will depart Canada after your studies are over.

Which Documents are required for Canadian Visa?

After you get your college admission letter, you should apply for a student visa. If you wish to apply for the September intake, you should begin the visa application process in June. The materials required to apply for a Canada Student Visa are listed below.

1. Valid Passport

To apply for a Study Permit, you must have a current passport. According to the Canadian High Commission, you must have a valid passport for the duration of your planned stay in Canada. For example, if you want to travel to Canada for a two-year degree in September 2022, your passport must be valid until September 2024.

2. Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution

The admission letter from the university/institute you want to attend is required. A Designated Learning Institute is recognized by the Immigration Department as a university. (For your convenience, I’ve included a list.) If you’re applying for Quebec, you’ll additionally require a CAQ, which will be properly informed.

3. Proof of Funds

When applying for your Study Permit, you will be needed to show proof of financial status.. According to current standards, you must demonstrate that you have the finances to cover both our tuition and living expenses. According to Canadian Immigration, a student will need at least CAD 10,000 for each year of their stay. Aside from the aforementioned two requirements, the student must also demonstrate that he or she has sufficient cash to make a reasonable return.

Note:

When filling out the application form, you must show proof of payment of fees as well as the stipulated cost of living of CAD 10,000. If you want to apply for Quebec, you’ll need at least CAD 11,000 for each year you want to remain.

4. Passport Size Photographs

If you are submitting your application by mail, you will need two passport-sized pictures that meet the requirements. You must get a digital copy of the image for an online application, which should not exceed 4MB. A neutral face expression, a plain background, and no headgear are also required (unless for religious purposes).

Note:

• The image should be at least 35 mm × 45 mm in size
• The image should be current (not older than 6 months)

5. Immigration Medical Examination (IME)

International students from India are required by Canadian Immigration to pass a mandatory Immigration Medical Examination by empanelled doctors. Students should schedule an appointment with one of the following physicians for a medical examination at least one week before they begin their Visa application. This allows the doctor adequate time to verify and upload the required documentation. It is generally advisable to make an appointment in advance with the nearest facility/ practitioner from the list of empanelled doctors.

The panel physician will conduct a thorough medical examination and may also propose chest x-rays and laboratory tests. The physician will submit the results to CIC after your checkup is concluded.

6. English Language Proficiency Exam Score

Though not necessary at the time of application, we strongly recommend that you take the English Language Proficiency Test and acquire your score before commencing the Visa Application Process. To confirm your acceptance to the Canadian university, you would have required to submit your English language competence score. TOEFL, IELTS, and other similar tests are all recognized.

7. Statement of Purpose

You must submit an essay stating why you are visiting Canada and why you have chosen the specific university when applying for a Canadian Study Permit. The checklist will ask you to submit this as an optional document, but we highly advise you to do so.

8. Credit Card

If you’re submitting an application online, you’ll need a credit card to pay the application cost. Canada’s visa application fee is CAD 160. Please bear in mind that the system only accepts credit cards and not debit cards. It is also not necessary for it to be your credit card. You can also use your parents’ cards if you have their specific consent.

Aside from the aforementioned, you’ll need a digital scanner if you’re applying online. If you are applying offline, you must have genuine copies of all of the papers listed above. It’s vital to remember that you’ll need to download a few documents, fill them out, print them, sign them, and then submit them when applying online. As a result, the scanner’s availability must be planned. You may also upload a high-resolution digital photograph to the system. For a camera, however, we propose a scanner.

The interviewer may ask for extra documentation during the personal interview. These might be documents proving academic or financial standing. Some examples are:

• diplomas, degrees, Transcripts or certificates from the colleges or universities you attended
• Test results such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, and GMAT
• Your intention to leave Canada after your studies are completed
• How will you pay for all of your educational, living, & travel expenses?

How to Apply for a Canadian Visa for Study

To apply for a student visa in Canada, follow the processes outlined below.

Check the processing timelines – the visa application procedure might take 3-4 weeks. It’s a good idea to check the website of the Canadian embassy to find out how long it takes to process a student visa. Please bear in mind that the time displayed is merely an estimate, not a guarantee.
Determine your application strategy. There are two methods for submitting an application:

(a) Apply online
To apply online, you’ll need a scanner or camera to make electronic copies of your papers for uploading, as well as a valid credit card. You will still be required to provide a finger scan at the regional Visa Application Centre (VAC). Remember that you must visit the VFS offices to hand in your passports and produce proof of form and fee payment in the event of Online Applications. The only difference between the phases is the documentation you’ll need to bring to the VAC.

(b) Apply in person

Read the instruction manual and download the application kit. The instruction booklet offers vital study permit information as well as directions to assist you in completing your application. Use the document checklist and read the guide thoroughly.

If your spouse/common-law partner and/or children are accompanying you, you must pay the relevant processing costs for them when applying for temporary residence visas, work permits, or study permits.

You must visit the nearest VFS office to submit your application and accompanying documentation. When you arrive, pay the service fees and hand them your completed application for a receipt. This receipt provides your unique tracking number, which you’ll use to follow your application’s progress online.
If your application is granted, the Government of Canada will send you a letter requesting your passport. You can submit your passport and passport request letter in person or through VFS. A Temporary Resident Visa and a Letter of Introduction would be issued to you.

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