Ways To Get A Canadian Student Visa
As an international student going to Canada for studies, you will be required to obtain a Canadian Study permit to gain access to the country. This study permit covers your stay in the country for the duration of your study. You do not need a Canadian study permit if your program or training lasts for six months or less. However, it would be a good idea to apply for a study permit before going to Canada as you would be required to leave the country to apply for a study permit in case you decide to switch to a different program with a longer study duration.
Application For A Canadian Study Permit
The process of
applying for a Canadian study permit is not very complicated if you adhere to
the application process. Basically, there are two ways one can apply, you can
either apply directly online or use the offline method by simply filling out
and downloading the application form from the Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada website. The offline application method can be a bit stressful and takes
a longer time to process compared to the online application. Nevertheless, it
is good to go with what suits you.
Prior knowledge of the visa processing times will help you plan which method to go with. To successfully carry out the online application, you will need a credit/debit card for online payments, a camera for photographs, and relevant electronic gadgets to scan and upload all supporting documents needed for the application. It is important to note that supporting documents can vary based on the location of the application. You can always verify with the Visa Application Centre in your location in case you get confused about what to provide.
Steps To Get A Canadian Student Visa
1. Letter Of Acceptance
The first step to
getting a Canadian student visa is to obtain a standardized letter of
acceptance from any of the reputable universities in Canada. Students admitted
to any university in Quebec must also apply for a Certificate of Acceptance
(CAQ) from the government of Quebec.
You must have your acceptance letter before applying for a study permit.
2. Canadian Student Visa Application
With your acceptance
letter in your possession, you can proceed with your student visa application.
First, you need to visit the Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada website or
contact the local visa office in your home country to get the Canadian student
visa application package.
A few questions will
be asked concerning your application before you are given the visa application
package whether online or at the local visa office. These questions are used to
determine if you are eligible for a Canadian student visa.
Note that you might be
required to get a temporary residence permit depending on your location or
country, but there is nothing to worry about as it takes some processing time
for the study permit.
See Also: Top Reasons Why You Should Consider Studying In Canada
3. Eligibility
Your eligibility for a
Canadian student visa will determine if you will be issued a study permit or
not. On the IRCC website, there are certain questions you will be required to
answer for them to ascertain your eligibility and the supporting documents you
will need to provide. Make sure to provide correct answers only.
Upon successful
confirmation of your eligibility, you will be sent a personal checklist code
that is valid for 60 days. This code will enable you to continue with your student
visa application. Print this code out and keep it in a safe place for future
reference.
Other information
attached to the checklist code sent includes an application guide, estimated
tuition fees, and a list of supporting documents you will need to provide.
4. Create An Account
With your
eligibility confirmed, you are ready to continue your application. Visit the
official website of IRCC, and create an account using the personal
checklist code sent to you. You will be sent a personal document checklist that
will enable you to upload all the needed supporting documents for your
application. You will need the services of some electronic devices like
scanners and printers to do this.
5. Pay The Recommended Fees
There are certain fees
you will be required to pay during your application. For online payments, you
will need a credit/debit card to carry out the transaction. Once the necessary
fees have been paid and your application properly completed and reviewed, you
can proceed to submit your application to IRCC.
6. Interview
Note that you might be
called for an interview at the local visa office in your home country. So,
always visit your email for any updates regarding such.
Requirements For Canadian Visa Application
Applicants for the
Canadian student visa may be required to provide some or all of the
requirements listed below.
- Biometric
details – especially for students from Europe, the Middle East, or Africa
- Medical
report
- Police
clearance certificate
- Valid
passport – exception for students from the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon
- Proof
of fund – bank statements
Work As A Student
As an international
student in Canada, you need all the help you can get to provide the things you
need. If you would like to work as a student while studying in Canada, there
are certain requirements that you must meet for you to be eligible. There are
stipulated work durations for students – 20 hours when schools are in session
and full-time during holidays. Below are some requirements to meet.
- Possess
a valid study permit
- Must be
a full-time student in any of the universities in the country
- Must be
studying a relevant program leading to the award of a degree, diploma, or
certificate with a study duration of at least 6 months
To enjoy certain
benefits from government programs, you will need to get a Social Insurance
Number (SIN) from the Canadian Service department. This number allows you to
work as a student.
Note: Upon your
graduation, your study permit stays valid for a maximum period of 3 months. To
continue your stay in Canada, you will need to apply for a post-graduation work
permit to enable you to seek jobs in Canada.
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