Student Visa Guide for Canada

All you need to know about the Canadian Student Visa

Canada, the world's most educated country, is the hub for some of the best universities and schools in the world. The cold haven is well known for its climate, diversity, and welcoming culture. The warm-hearted and approachable citizens of Canada have always made everyone feel welcomed and appreciated in the country and this is why Canada is one of the most preferred destinations among international students. The country attracts a large number of immigrants from all around the world as it greets them with exponential academics and learning experience.

The number of international students in Canadian institutes is increasing day by day with the introduction of a faster and efficient visa processing system. The high-quality education, affordable living costs, advanced healthcare systems, progressive policies, and mesmerizing landscapes make it a popular choice amongst people dreaming to study abroad.

Variety is what the northern country is all about, it prepares you for your future career by providing you with the best mix of learning and practical experience. There are approximately 125 universities (public as well as private) and over three thousand programs to choose from if you plan to study in Canada. Canada believes in valuing education and is, therefore, home to some of the best universities in the world. Let's list some of the world-class institutes of Canada

• University of Toronto
• McGill University
• University of British Columbia
• University of Alberta
• University de Montreal
• McMaster University
• University of Waterloo
• University of Calgary
• Queen's University

The expert faculty, prestigious campus, and high employer reputation are what makes these universities stand out from the crowd.

Study Permit for Student

Applying to a Canadian school can be quite tricky and tedious as each program has its own set of rules and regulations. Once you're through with the decision process, the applied university will send you an email acknowledging your application. Once selected you'll need to get your permission to study in Canada via the means of a 'study permit.' This study permit is granted to a student after arriving in Canada but before that, a student has to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (Student visa) to stay and complete his education program in the fabulous country.

A study permit is basically a document that serves as permission for the international students to study in Canada by enrolling in the Designated Learning Institutions or DLI. It is issued to a foreign student by the Canadian immigration authorities after landing in Canada. The procedure is to provide your passport and letter of introduction to an immigration officer at the airport to validate the same.  If he finds everything to be adequate, you're permitted your study permit.

Applying for a Canadian Study Visa

There are certain steps and procedures to follow while applying for your temporary resident visa in Canada.

• The candidate should be aware of the processing time of the applications. A visa application might take somewhere around 3-4 weeks to be handled out thus it is advisable to plan your application accordingly. You can consult the website of the Canadian Embassy to know the estimated time for processing of the student visa application.
• Determine your method of applying for the study visa. A candidate can apply either online or in person.

In order to apply online, you should have access to a scanner and camera to create digital copies of the relevant documents. However, you will be required to visit a nearby visa application center to provide your biometric data, hand over your passport, provide confirmation form, and make payment as well.

If you want to apply in person, you'll need to download the application kit and fill up all the required details according to the instructions mentioned.

Check the document according to the checklist provided in the instruction manual.

• Fill up the relevant information in the VFS consent form and attach it with your visa application.
• You need to pay the visa processing fees along with the VFS Global service charges to take the process ahead.
• Submit your application along with the documents and receive the receipt with a unique tracking number to stay updated on the progress of your application.
• After your application is approved, you'll receive a notification from the embassy requesting your passport. Submit your passport along with the passport request letter and you'll be granted the temporary resident visa with a letter of introduction.

Fee Structure

The study permit for Canada costs around CAD$ 150 as per the current guidelines. However, it is advised to check the fee once at the time of your visa application. You can pay the fees via both online and offline methods. You can use your credit or debit cards, demand draft, and cash to make the payment of your application. Remember that the mentioned fee is exclusive of the additional service charges applicable you would have to pay. keep the receipt as a proof of the payment.

Eligibility criteria

• An undergraduate program requires 6.0 bands in the IELTS exam with no band less than 5.5 and a postgraduate program requires an overall of 6.5 bands with no band less than 6.0.
• You should be accepted by a Designated Learning Institute (DLI)
• Prove that you've adequate funds to handle your tuition and living expenses.
• The candidate needs to provide a police certificate to ensure that he has a clean background and no criminal record.
• You should also be eligible in medical terms while applying for a Canadian student visa. Go through a health check-up to prove that you're in good health.
• Provide appropriate details to convince them that you'll come back to your home country after completing the timeframe of your visa.

Documents required for a Canadian student visa

After getting accepted by a Designated Learning Institution you should begin with the visa process. The documents required for the same are

1. Valid Passport: A valid passport is the most important document required to apply for a study permit as well as for the temporary resident visa. The validity of your passport should extend up to the date that covers your entire stay in Canada.
2. Acceptance letter from the DLI: You would need to provide a proof for the acceptance by the Designated Learning Institution, i.e. the university or school you're planning to attend. These institutes are recognized by the immigration department of Canada.
3. Evidence of adequate funds: It is important to show that you have enough funds to support the fact that you've enough money to pay for your tuition fee as well as take care of your living in the country. A candidate with an amount of at least CAD$ 10000 for each year of the stay is deemed suitable to get the student visa.
4. Statement of purpose: You'd be required to submit a write up along with your visa application to state your reasons for visiting Canada. It should also include the reasons for your choice of program and the institution.
5. IME document: As per the rules of the Canadian Immigration, foreign students have to undergo a compulsory and thorough medical examination, called Immigration Medical Examination. The applicant will have to book an appointment with the listed doctors almost a week before they start with all the procedures of the visa application. Once the tests are done, the physician will send your reports to the CIC.
6. Passport-sized photographs: You would need two physical passport-sized photographs that match the guidelines of the given standards. However, if you're applying for the visa online, you'd need digital copies of the same photograph.

Reasons for the rejection of your Visa

Canada is one of the most sought after destinations in the world because of its world-class education and better life prospects. As a large number of people apply for the Canadian study permit, it becomes difficult to get an application approved. Here are a few reasons why the Canada student visa gets rejected

IELTS or TOEFL Score

The inability to achieve the minimum IELTS or TOEFL score, to prove your language proficiency effectively, often leads to the rejection of your visa application.

Academic Performance

Adequate academic credits are required to successfully get visa approval. If your scores do not match the set criteria your visa application won't go ahead.

Change in the Area of Study

If you are enrolling in a program that distinguishes sparingly from your past educational background and work experience. It can raise a question of doubt in the mind of the visa officer leading to the rejection of your application. In such a case it is important to provide a valid explanation about this change.

Inadequate Documents

Double-check your documents with the list mentioned in the instructions to ensure that you carry all the necessary documents at the time of the interview. It is advised to arrange your documents in sequential order for a smooth process.

No Permanent Stay

A candidate should be aware of the fact that the study permit is a temporary visa that comes with an expiry date. You should be able to convince the visa officer that you intend to come back to your home country after completing the studies and program. If you appear to be a potential immigrant to the officer, your visa will definitely get rejected.

With all the above information by your side, you're all set to apply, study, live, and work in Canada as a student and have the best experience of your life. Remember to send a note to your loved ones.