are you planning to study in Canada?
here is everything you need to know about securing a Canadian student visa!
summary
1. You need a Canadian Study Permit, along with either an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
2. You must apply online and submit all the necessary forms and documents.
3. You are required to pay the processing fees, along with biometrics, medical examinations, and other fees (if required).
4. The study permit is valid throughout the duration of your study, plus an extra 90 days
Canadian Study Permit
You need a Canadian Study Permit to study in Canada. Do note that this is a permit, not a Visa. With this study permit, you can study in Canada and must remain enrolled with steady progress towards your course completion. Apply before you travel to Canada.
There are two types of Visas: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). The type that you need is based on your home country.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) – Valid for 5 years / until your passport (used to apply for eTA) expires. You can use this to travel to Canada several times.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) – You can apply for this if you have been accepted into a designated learning institution (DLI) but couldn’t apply for the eTA.
To find out if you need an eTA or a TRV, visit the Government of Canada website or contact [email protected] for more information.
To be eligible, you must:
1. Be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI).
2. Be able to fund your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
3. Obey the law and have no criminal record.
4. Be in good health. You may be required to get a medical exam.
5. Prove that you will leave Canada once you complete your studies / once your Study Permit expires.
Exemptions
If you plan to study in Canada for 6 months or less (Short-term Studies), you may be exempted. Kindly check with the Government of Canada or contact [email protected] for more information.
Students from China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal, or Vietnam are eligible to get their study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream.
What You Need
01.
Proof of acceptance from a DLI / Acceptance letter
02.
A valid passport and other related travel documents
03.
Financial proof that you are able to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation
04.
Medical examination report
05.
Letter of explanation
06.
A certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ)
07.
Other documents
Note: You need these documents to apply for a study permit
When To Apply
International students / from outside Canada:
- You must apply for a study permit before travelling to Canada. Some students may also apply from within Canada, and some can apply at the port of entry. Kindly check and confirm the available option for you.
- If you submitted your application that includes your biometrics and immigration medical examination results by 15 May 2021, you should get a decision by 6 August 2021. You will be in time for the fall semester.
- We will still process your application if you submit it after 15 May 2021. However, we cannot guarantee that the decision will be finalized before fall semester begins.
Online Visa Application
- Ensure that your documents are complete.
- Read the instruction guide. It helps you to fill each form correctly.
- Answer some questions as accurate as possible for us to create a personalized document checklist for you.
- Find out the processing fees, biometrics fees, and third-party fees (medical exams, language testing, Visa application services, and others).
- Create an online account and sign in. You can use this account to pay your fees, submit the application, and check your status.
Fees
- Study permit: CAD150
- Biometric fees: CAD85
- For more information, please contact [email protected]
Immigration Medical Examinations Results
- This exam is only valid for 12 months from the day you receive it. Please ensure that your exam results are still valid the day you enter Canada
- If it expires before your entry into Canada, despite the validity of your letter of introduction, it is still required to get another exam.
Extended Stay
To continue studying in Canada, you must extend your study permit. Please apply at least 30 days in advance before your study permit expires. You can apply online by following the instructions given on the Government of Canada portal.
You have a few options if you want to continue staying in Canada for reasons other than studying:
- Apply for a work permit. You must complete your studies and be eligible for this permit
- Apply to change your status and stay as a visitor.
- Leave Canada if your study permit expires and you have not applied for an extension within the given time.
Duration Of Stay
- The study permit is valid for the duration of your course, plus an extra 90 days. The extra 90 days are meant for you to prepare to leave or to apply for your extended stay.
English Language Requirements
- Your DLI will tell you about the requirements for the English Language test. Kindly contact your school or [email protected] for more information.
Biometric Residence Permit
The biometrics is a way for you to be identified as you stay in Canada. It consists of your photo and fingerprints.
Please follow these steps:
- Pay the biometric fee.
- Get the instruction letter. It tells you where you can go to submit your biometrics. Please bring this letter along with your valid passport.
- Make an appointment with the official biometrics collection service point of your country and submit your biometrics in person.
Your Arrival
You are required to use the newest version of ArriveCan. It is an application that allows you to provide mandatory travel information regarding your arrival and entry into Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will ensure that you have the basic requirements.
You may be required to show them:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Your valid passport and other travel documents
- The letter of introduction from the Visa office that you receive when your study permit is approved. It contains your permit reference number.
- The letter of acceptance from your DLI
- Financial proof that you can pay for your course, living expenses, and return transportation
- Reference letters or other documents required by the Visa office
- Either a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
