Canada is the dream country of many students. If you want to study or further your education in Canada, it is possible and applying for a Canadian Study permit is not difficult.
Do you know that Canada has one of the highest numbers of educated people in the world and over half of the population in Canada are degree holders? This is an indicator of great levels of academic prowess. Many people around the world travel to Canada to study. The reasons are quite clear.
With a robust economy, Canada has a lot of institutions having great standards of education with prices that are very affordable and this has continued to attract millions and millions of people from all over the world to the country to study.
However , before we proceed with the application for the study permit, it is good to understand exactly what a study permit is.
How To Apply For A Canadian Study Permit
Generally, you should apply for a study permit before coming to Canada. Some people however, apply for a study permit within Canada or when they arrive at the port of entry. To apply, you must;
- Get Your Documents Ready
There are certain documents you must have before you apply for a study permit in Canada. They include;
- Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution(DLI) you will be attending
- Proof of identity
- Proof of financial support
- Letter of explanation- explaining why you want to study in Canada and that you understand your responsibilities as a student
- Custodian declaration
- You may also need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate if your DLI is in Quebec
2. Apply Online
You apply online for a study permit, whether you are outside or in Canada. The only exceptions are for individuals with disabilities that prevent them from applying online and individuals with an identity for non national residents, refugees or stateless persons.
While filling the form online, you’d be required to scan and upload your documents.
Processing Time For A Study Permit In Canada
The processing time for a study permit in Canada takes about 9-11 weeks on the average. It begins when the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada(IRCC) receives your complete application and ends when they make their decision.
Cost of Study Permit In Canada
Studying in Canada requires you to obtain a Canadian study permit. It serves as a student visa for the period you are to stay in the country. You do not necessarily need a study permit if the course or program lasts six months or less.
The cost of applying for a study permit in Canada is CA$150 which is about US$114.
Criteria for Canada Student Visa
In order to apply for a Canada Study Visa, you must meet the following criteria;
- You must have been accepted by a designated learning institute
- You must provide proof of adequate funds to pay for your tuition and living expenses
- Proof of no criminal records. The applicant is usually needed to provide a police verification certificate.
- You need to go for a health checkup to prove that you’re in good health condition
Documents Required for Canadian Visa
You can begin applying for a visa after you’ve been granted an acceptance letter from a college. The following documents are necessary and required for your via to be processed.
1. Valid Passport
A valid passport is needed for your application. Its validity should cover the intended period of stay in Canada.
2. Proof of Acceptance From A Designated Learning Institution
A designated learning institute is a university approved by the Canadian government that allows students to complete their learning there. You need a letter of acceptance from them.
3. Proof of Funds
The applicant/student needs to prove that he can take care of his tuition fees and other expenses he incur. As a student in Canada, you would require about CAD 10,000 for every year of your stay.
4. Passport Size Photographs
- The image size should be at least 35 mm x 45 mm
- And the photograph should be recent (not older than 6 months)
5. Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
International students are required by Canadian Immigration to undergo an Immigration Medical Examination. You would have to book an appointment with their doctors for the medical examination. It’s advised to book your appointment a week before you start your visa application.
The doctor will perform a complete medical examination and in some cases refer you for chest x-rays and laboratory tests. After your medical examination is completed, he will send the results to CIC.
6. Language Proficiency
You’d also require a proof of proficiency in the English language. SAT, GRE, TOEFL and IELTS are acceptable.
7. Statement of Purpose
In your application, you would be required to submit an explanation stating your purpose of visiting Canada and your intent on leaving after completion of studies.
How to Apply for a Canadian Visa for Study
Follow the below-mentioned steps to apply for the Canada student visa process.
- Check The Processing Times
It is important that you go through the Canadian consulate website to know the approximate time it takes to process the student visa. The visa application cycle usually lasts between 3-4 weeks.
- Apply
There are two ways you can apply; either you apply online by filling out the form or you apply in person.
- Pay The Processing Fee
When your application is approved, you will receive a notification from the Canadian government requesting for your passport. After submitting the passport , you would then be given a Temporary Resident Visa and a Letter of Introduction.
In Conclusion
Canada is a wonderful place that is open to all and sundry and offers admission to international students who wish to study there.
Applying for a study permit in Canada is not a tasking job. All you require is the necessary documents and your application would be processed.
We hope the tips we’ve provided would be helpful to you.
