This article was last updated and fact checked on December 11, 2022 by Mani Karthik.
Applying for a Canadian student visa is a fairly straightforward process, though it can be time-consuming. Before you start the application process, it’s important to understand the requirements and prepare the necessary documents.
In this article...
1. Determine Your Eligibility
Before applying for a Canadian student visa, you must first determine your eligibility. The Canadian government has specific requirements for international students who wish to study in Canada. To be eligible, you must:
- Have been accepted to a recognized school, college, university, or other educational institution in Canada
- Prove that you have enough money to pay for tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation
- Demonstrate that you are a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada
- Be in good health and provide a medical exam if required
2. Gather the Required Documents
Once you have determined your eligibility, you must gather the documents required to apply for a Canadian student visa. These documents include:
- A valid passport
- Proof of acceptance from an educational institution in Canada
- Proof of financial support such as bank statements or scholarship letters
- A letter of explanation outlining your reasons for wanting to study in Canada
- Two passport-sized photos
3. Fill Out Application Forms
The next step is to fill out the application forms for a Canadian student visa. You will need to complete two forms: the Application for a Study Permit (IMM 1294) and the Declaration (IMM 5707).
You will also need to provide additional information such as your personal details, educational background, employment history, family information, and contact information.
4. Submit the Application and Pay the Fees
Once you have completed the application forms and gathered all the necessary documents, you must submit your application and pay the applicable fees.
The fees for a Canadian student visa are $150 for the application and $100 for the processing fee.
5. Attend the Interview
If your application is successful, you will be required to attend an interview at the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country.
During the interview, you may be asked questions about your studies, finances and personal background.
6. Receive Visa
Once you have attended the interview, you will receive your visa within 4-6 weeks. Once you have received your visa, you are free to travel to Canada and begin your studies.
Following these steps will help ensure a smooth and successful application process for a Canadian student visa.
How much money do I need to apply for a student visa in Canada?
Applying for a student visa in Canada is a multi-step process that requires you to prepare and pay for various application fees.
The amount of money you need to apply for a student visa will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, your country of origin, and other factors.
The Canadian government charges a $150 non-refundable fee for a study permit application. This fee must be paid before your application can be processed.
You may also need to pay an additional fee if you are from a visa-exempt country and need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to entering Canada.
In addition to the visa application fee, you may also need to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition, living expenses, and return transportation costs.
Depending on your circumstances, the minimum amount of funds required may vary.
For example, international students who are studying in a designated learning institution may need to prove they have at least $10,000 CAD per year to cover tuition and living expenses.
Finally, you may also need to pay for a medical exam and/or police background check. Depending on your country of origin, the cost for these services may vary.
Overall, the exact amount of money you need to apply for a student visa in Canada will depend on a variety of factors. Be sure to research your specific requirements and budget accordingly.
What are the requirements for student visa in Canada?
A student visa is a document that allows a foreign national to study in Canada. It is issued by the Canadian government and must be obtained before traveling to Canada.
To apply for a student visa, you must meet certain requirements, including:
- A valid passport: You will need to have a valid passport or travel document to apply for a student visa.
- Proof of acceptance: You must provide proof of acceptance into an approved program of study at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Financial support: You must prove that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation costs.
- English or French language proficiency: You must demonstrate that you can communicate in either English or French.
- Good character: You must provide a police certificate to show that you do not have a criminal record.
- Medical exam: You must complete a medical examination if required.
- Tuition fee payment: You must pay your tuition fees before applying for a student visa.
- Document checklist: You must submit a completed document checklist with your application.
Once you have met all the above requirements, you can apply for a student visa. Depending on your country of origin, you may be able to apply online, or you may need to submit a paper application.
The processing time for a student visa can vary, so it is important to apply as early as possible.
Is Canada student visa easy to get?
Canada student visa is one of the most sought-after student visas in the world. It provides international students with the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most developed countries.
In order to be eligible for a Canadian student visa, you must meet certain eligibility criteria.
The first criterion is that you must have been accepted into a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. A DLI is an educational institution approved by the Canadian government to host international students.
The institution must also have a valid Designated Learning Institution number, or DLI number. You will need to provide your DLI number when you apply for a student visa.
The second criterion is that you must have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs while studying in Canada.
You will need to provide proof of these funds with your visa application. This could include bank statements, pay stubs, and other financial documents.
The third criterion is that you must be able to prove that you intend to leave Canada at the end of your studies. You will need to provide evidence of your intention to return to your home country.
This could include a return ticket, proof of employment in your home country, or a letter from your family or employer confirming your return.
Overall, obtaining a Canadian student visa can be relatively straightforward if you meet all of the eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documentation.
However, it is important to note that the application process can take several months and the processing time can vary depending on the country of origin.
Additionally, the Canadian government reserves the right to reject applications without providing any reason. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you provide complete and accurate information when applying for a student visa.
How long does it take to get approved for a student visa in Canada?
The length of time it takes to get approved for a student visa in Canada depends on several factors, including the type of visa you are applying for and where you are applying from.
If you are applying for a study permit to attend an educational institution in Canada, the processing time will vary depending on the country where you are applying from.
Generally, it can take anywhere from two weeks to three months to receive a decision on your application. If you are applying from within Canada, the processing time is usually much shorter, typically taking only a few days.
In addition, the processing time may be affected by the completeness and accuracy of the application, as well as the current processing times at the visa office where you are applying.
It is important to ensure that all of the documents included with your application are up-to-date and accurate, as this can help to speed up the process.
You should also be aware that if you are applying for a study permit from a country other than Canada, you may need to submit additional documents or complete additional steps, such as attending an interview at a Canadian embassy or consulate.
This could add additional time to the processing of your application.
Finally, it is important to note that if you are applying for a student visa to study in Canada, you may need to meet certain eligibility requirements, and be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies in Canada.
Overall, the amount of time it takes to get approved for a student visa in Canada can vary depending on a number of factors. It is important to ensure that all of your documents are up-to-date and accurate, as this can help to speed up the process.
Additionally, depending on your country of origin, you may need to take additional steps or submit additional documents, which can also affect the processing time of your application.