Visa

Canada Student Visa Application

Posted on by Chidiebere Onuoha

Settling in Canada for studies is the dream of a good number of international students. Canada is known to have a prestigious schooling system, receptive culture and and a rich quality of life. Regardless, before embarking on this journey for your studies in Canada, it is important to note that you would need a Canada student visa to be recognized as a legal migrant by the government of Canada.

This blog post will walk you through the complete Canada student visa application process with the aim of providing the necessary information that will grant your desires.

Types of Canada Student Visas:

  • Study Permit:

This is the commonest type of visa for international students who intend to study in Canada for more than six months. It allows you to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

  • Visitor’s Visa:

This type of visa allows you to enter Canada as a visitor, in addition to your study permit.

Canada Student Visa Eligibility Criteria:

  • Acceptance Letter:

You must possess an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution, before you can apply for a student visa.

  • Proof of funds:

You must be able to show that you can cover for all your expenses in Canada as a student. These include: Tuition, living expenses and return air ticket. You would need to present your bank statement or a blocked account for this purpose.

  • Medical Fitness:

You need to present a fitness certificate to proof that you are medically fit to study and live in Canada.

  • Clean Criminal Record:

It is required that you present a police certificate to proof that you have no past criminal record in your country.

Application Process:

  • Commence an Online Application:

To move forward with your student visa application, you have to create an account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal and fill out the study permit application form.

  • Review Required Documents:

Review the documents in your possession to ensure that it meets the document requirement for student visas. Put all necessary documents together and make urgent plans to acquire the ones you do not have. See here for the required documents.

  • Attend Biometrics Appointment:

At a Designated Biometric Collection Service Point, you may need to submit your biometrics. This depends on your country of residence.

  • Pay your Visa Fees:

It is mandatory to pay the required visa processing fees, this cost around CAD 150. The final amount depends on the exchange rate in your country.

  • Await Visa Processing:

After submitting your visa application, you will need to await it’s approval. Visa processing duration vary by the number of applications received and other factors. You can track the status of your application via the application code you received after submitting your visa.

After receiving your visa approval and arriving in Canada, you will need to present your study permit and relevant documents required at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).