Canada Study Visa And Permit For Student Guide: Requirements, Fees, Application And Process

Canada is not only one of the top and most popular destination for tourists, it is also a very enticing and attractive prospect for students both home and abroad. Canada is a highly developed and well-organized country featuring some of the greatest learning skills, methodology, and valuable degrees. Here are some guidelines on Canada-study-visa-and-permit-for student.

This is why most students both local and international strive to gain admission in any of its institutions, be it primary, secondary, tertiary or post-graduate. However, there are certain requirements you need to provide and also steps you need to undertake before you can school in Canada, first of which is to secure a study visa and study permit.

In other words, you must obtain a student visa and study permit, because they are the requirements that will grant you free entry to study in any Canadian school of your choice. This article will take through the various requirements you need and steps on how to get Canada Student Visa & Study Permit.

CANADA STUDENT VISA AND PERMIT FOR CANADA

WHAT IS CANADA STUDENT VISA?

Canada student visa is an important study permit or document required for international students that want to enroll on any study program in Canada, and that needs to be in for a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). With a Canada Student Visa, you can gain free access to study in any Canadian institution of your choice.

Meanwhile, the visa for students is basically similar to Canada Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTa), but the student will also require a study permit. Therefore, the Canada student visa is a combination of either a visitor visa and a study permit or an Electronic Travel Authorization and a study permit.

With the Canada study visa, you will be permitted to begin your studies in Canada at what is otherwise known as Designated Learning Institution (DLI). The study visa is different from the study permit, as with the latter, you are allowed to stay in Canada till the end of your program your and in some cases work while schooling or after graduating.

The following are the necessary conditions required of you to fulfill before you can be allowed to keep the Canada study visa:

• You must always be enrolled in a DLI.
• You must be working to complete your study program.
• You must have met the requirements of the student visa.
• You will be stopped from studying if you do not meet the requirements of the student visa.
• You will be forced to leave Canada as soon as your study permit expires.

The study permit will not allow you to get Canadian issued documents or Canadian government benefits such as health benefits. It will however create an easier path for you to be able to apply for a Canadian citizenship if that is your dream.

BUT, WHAT DOES DESIGNATED LEARNING INSTITUTION MEAN?

As we earlier mentioned, you will only be permitted to get a Canada student visa if you are enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). DLIs means schools or universities that are approved and allowed by the provincial or territorial government to welcome international students.

By default, every primary and secondary school in Canada are DLIs; however, there are also lots of universities or other educational institutions that are not certified DLIs. You don’t have to apply in those uncertified ones, because you will not be permitted to go even if they accept you.

To get more information of universities or educational institution that is a DLI, go through their official website using this link, which is the official website of the Government of Canada and the official institution for all Canadian visas. Once you pick any of the province or territory, it will highlight a list of every institution that are DLIs. Then, you can see if the place you’re applying for is a DLI or not.

In a case whereby you are still attending the institution, and it suddenly loses its status as a DLI, you’d be granted permission to keep on studying there until your study permit expires. Once it expires before you are done with your degree, then you will have to enroll in a new institution, which is a DLI to be able to get a new study permit.

What Are the Requirements for Canada Student Visa

After you’ve completed the forms you, there are certain documents you’ll need to summit with your application form including;

• Your passport scan to prove that it is valid.
• Your travel history, meaning your whole passport scanned to also prove that you have blank pages in it.
• Letters from the court and police in your country to prove you have a clean criminal record;
• A Declaration Letter from you to the Government of Canada where you explain why they should give you a visa and study permit.
• Two photos that meet the Canada Photo Requirements.
• Medical examinations.
• Your employment or education status through a resume or diplomas.
• Proof that you can cover the expenses of studying in Canada (tuition and living costs) through one of the following:
• You must have proof of a Canadian bank account that is in your name;
• You must have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) issued by a Canadian financial institution.
• You must have proof that you have taken a student loan from a bank.
• You must have bank statements for at least the past 4 months.
• You must have proof that you have already paid your tuition and housing fees.
• You must have a letter from a person or institution giving you money.
• You must have proof that you have a scholarship.
• If you are going to study in Quebec, then you will also need to submit a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ)which is issued by the Quebec government. You will get the instructions from your school on how to apply for a CAQ.
• You must submit a letter of explanation saying why you want to study in Canada and guaranteeing that you accept and understand your responsibilities as a student in Canada.
• If a minor is going to Canada to study and need a custodian that is not a parent of the minor, then you also need to submit a Custodian Declaration Form which states who the custodian of the child is and must be signed by the parents or legal guardians of the child.
• If you are applying for the first time, then a document number on the study permit that is called a Unique Client Identifier (UCI) is not required for you. If you have applied for a study permit before, you are required to write your study permit document number which you can find in any letters that have been sent to you by the Canadian Government.
• If your family members (spouse or common law partner and minor children) are also accompanying you, you must also have the application forms ready for them and apply together as a family.

Note that you will have to translate every document into English or French and have certifications and proof that it is a correct translation. After submitting all the documents, you can then proceed to submit the application and pay the fees.

THE MINIMUM FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A CANADA STUDY VISA?

If you want to obtain a student visa or study permit, you will need to have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fee and sustain you through your periods in Canada. If any of your family member is going with you, then you must have extra funds. There are two types of fund requirements for students including;

• Students studying outside of Quebec
• Students studying in Quebec

Students studying outside of Quebec need these funds to prove they can cover their studies in Canada:

For students studying in Quebec, you must have these funds to prove they can cover their studies in Canada:

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE CANADIAN STUDENT VISA

Once you’ve been given an acceptance letter from the university, you can then proceed to the next step, which is application for the study permit or student visa, through the following steps;

1. Application for the visa should be online via Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website before your journey to Canada.
2. In case, you face a challenge with internet connection or you have issues of submitting the documents online, you can forward the application documents by post.
3. Get an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (it ought to be a university recognized by the Canadian government).
4. Provide enough proof that you’re financially buoyant to support your studies in Canada (tuition fees and living expenses). In other words, you must have up to 10,000 and 11,000 CAD per year for living in the country.
5. Submit a proof showing that are clean (you have no criminal record).
6. Provide health records showing you are in good health; submit complete medical examinations if required.
7. Provide a proof showing you paid the study permit fee (150 CAD).
8. If you come from an English speaking country, Canadian universities will require you to submit proof of English language proficiency.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR THE CANADIAN STUDY VISA TO BE PROCESSED?

Once your application for Canadian study permit or visa is sent and is successful, it may take up to 90 days, but it’s usually faster than that. However, how quick it arrives, also depends on the situation in your home country. Nevertheless, to get it done faster, you can use the Student Direct Stream.

But, fees apply starting from 150 CAD and the processing time is usually around 20 days. Although, the Student Direct Stream is only available if you are student from the following countries; China, India, Philippines, Senegal, Vietnam, Pakistan, or Morocco.

WHAT IS THE COST OF THE CANADA STUDENT VISA?

The application process for the Canada Student Visa demands you to pay all the application fees per person and that of your family members that are applying. You cannot submit an application without paying your fees if you are applying online and if you submit paper applications without the fee, they will not be processed.

You must pay the fees if you are serious about applying for a student visa and starting your studies in Canada. The fees are as follows:

WHAT IS THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE CANADIAN STUDY VISA?

Meanwhile, the Canada study visa expires 90 days after your studies are finished (after you receive a notification for the programme completion). However, you can still remain in Canada to travel and explore or you can apply for a work permit, which allows you to take a full time or part-time job, or even be self-employed.

Note: Current visa rules has stated that, if any of your family member is working or applying for a work permit in Canada, it would make your study permit application to be processed in just two weeks. Then, you are free to renew or extend it (study visa) if:

1. You wish to continue your studies
2. Your programme has an extension
3. You change your university

For more updated information about the Canadian student visa, you can visit the official student visa page of the Canadian government. You can also get to check out if your home country is eligible for the biometrics requests for the Canadian study visa application.

CAN I CHANGE SCHOOLS WITH A CANADA STUDENT VISA?

The Canadian student visa allows the holder to change schools while they are enrolled if they can meet the requirements of the visa. You must notify the Canadian Government if you are changing schools under the following circumstances:

• If you have finished primary school and want to start high school.
• If you finished high school and are starting post-secondary school.
• If you are a post-secondary student and you are changing schools. Post-secondary schools include:
• Community colleges, CEGEP, institutes.
• Private universities, academies, career colleges, training institutions.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) / French as a Secondary Language (FSL) or other language training courses.
• If you need to change any of the conditions that are stated in your study permit.

In these circumstances, you will have to change your study permit, so get a new one. You will have to go through the application process and get the study permit for the new school.

You do not need to notify the Canadian Government when changing schools under the following circumstances:

• If you are changing schools in the same educational levels such as from one primary school to another.
• If you are changing a study program but remaining in the same institution.
• Your study program is 6 months or less.

CAN I WORK WHILE ON A STUDENT VISA?

If you want to be working while schooling on your Canadian visa, then there are several conditions which you must meet to. These conditions aim at preventing illegal workers who are just planning to get a student status and not attend classes or get their degrees. However, as a student, you are only permitted to work under the following circumstances:

• On-campus work if they are enrolled in a full-time program;
• Complete co-ops or internships if they are required from their program curriculum;
• Off-campus work if your study permit allows it and you work less than 20 hours per week;

Each of these options has added requirements and conditions, but depending on the individual student’s situation. Therefore, you have to consult the Government of Canada and refer to our article on working while on a student visa in Canada to get a detailed information.

CAN I WORK AFTER I COMPLETE MY STUDIES?

Some students want to keep working in Canada after they finish their educational degree. When you have a student visa, then it is easier to get a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), the length of which depends on the length of your study program:

• If your study program was less than 8 months, you are not eligible for a PGWP;
• If your study program was between 8 months and 2 years, you can get a PGWP for the same length as your study program;
• If your study program was two or more years, you can get a PGWP that is valid for 3 years;
• If you were enrolled and completed more than one study program, you can get a PGWP for up to 3 years.

CANADA STUDY PERMIT

WHAT IS CANADA STUDY PERMIT?

The Canadian Study Permit is the most important piece of paper that will be required of you before entering Canada as an international student. If you are a foreign national, the study permit is a document that will be issued to you, which will grant you access to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

However, before you apply for this permit, you must have all the necessary documents required, and apply before making the journey to Canada. Note that, the study permit is different from your visa, as it doesn’t guarantee your entry into Canada. You’ll need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

If your study permit is approved, you’ll be issued the visitor visa or eTA together with your study permit. Meanwhile, there are certain things you need to know about Canada study permit, thus;

• Because of the COVID-19 global pandemic, international students that dream of travelling to Canada will have to always consult Canada’s Travel requirements and restrictions for international students. This site is maintained by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in coordination with provincial, territorial and other federal partners, and is constantly updated.
• Before you can apply for a study permit, you must have a letter of acceptance from a school, university or college in Canada.
• This means you need to find a school or program, apply to your program(s) of choice and receive an acceptance letter from a school, college or university in Canada.

HOW TO GET A STUDY PERMIT

There are certain requirements you must provide before you will be eligible to apply for a study permit. They include:

• A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)
• A valid passport or travel document

As we earlier emphasized, a designated learning institution (DLI) is any school or institution that is approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions.

If you plan to attend a post-secondary school, such as a college or university, make sure you have them on your list. If you need to take certain courses before you are accepted into your program (conditional acceptance), you’ll be given a study permit for the duration of those courses. Once the college or university accepts you into your chosen program, you must apply to extend your study permit.

If want to attend a college or university in Quebec, current provincial rules state that international students can only attend a designated learning institution chosen by the Quebec government. You’ll also need a study permit from the Government of Canada to study in Quebec.

ABOUT YOUR STUDY PERMIT

If you an international student with a study permit, you must:

• Always be enrolled at a designated learning institution
• Make progress toward finishing your study program
• Abide by the principles listed on your study permit
• Quit studying if you can no longer meet the requirements
• Leave Canada once your permit expires

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

First, it’s important to confirm that you are eligible to apply for a study permit. You must meet these criteria to be considered eligible to apply for a study permit:

• Acceptance Letter: You must have an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in order to apply for a Canadian study permit.
• Proof of Financial Support: You must provide documentation proving that you have sufficient funds to cover the cost of tuition for your first year of study as well as the cost of living (housing, food, etc.) for yourself and any accompanying family members for your first year of study. Please note that these funds can be under your name or the name of a family member or close friend.
• Supporting Documentation: Extensive supporting documentation must be submitted with all study permit applications. This documentation varies from country-to-country. In order to determine the documents required for a specific location, you can consult the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, or you can contact our firm and one of our Educational Counsellors will contact you with assistance.

When you apply for your permit, the visa officer will confirm to ensure you meet the requirements. If the visa officer is not satisfied, they will refuse your application.

For more information on the eligibility of the study permit application, click the link below and it will direct you to the study permit’s eligibility status.

Check your study permit eligibility

WAYS OF APPLYING FOR A STUDY PERMIT

There are two methods by which you can apply for a study permit: Online or by going to a visa application center in your country.

However, we recommend you apply for a study permit immediately you have gotten your letter of acceptance from a Canadian college or university. It can take you up to three months or so to acquire a study permit, depending on the country you are applying from.

COLLECTION OF BIOMETRICS

You may need to give your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) when applying for a visitor visa, study permit or work permit for Canada. If you need to give your biometrics with your application, you will have to go in person to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) closest to you. Get more details on your biometrics requirements.

If you’re required to give your biometrics, don’t submit your study permit application by mail. Instead, please submit it at the VAC when they collect your biometrics.

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR A CANADIAN STUDY PERMIT?

As we earlier mentioned, if you want to gain access into Canada to study in one of their prestigious institutions, then you have to start by applying and get approved for a study permit. Generally, you must apply for a study permit before you come to Canada.

Some people can apply for a study permit from within Canada. In some cases, you can apply when you arrive in Canada at the port of entry. You must try to understand which option is available to you. In other words, there are three situations you can find yourself in at the moment, where you can apply from including:

• Outside of Canada;
• Inside of Canada;
• At the Canadian Port of Entry (POE) ;

In addition, for each option you can also apply in paper format or through the online system. The application process will be similar, but if you apply in paper format, you must print all the documents and send them to the Canadian Consulate.

But, applying online will demand you to just submit the scanned documents and completed forms by attaching them through your account. Let’s take you through the various steps of application for each of the situations.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A STUDY PERMIT FROM OUTSIDE OF CANADA?

If you are a foreign national who has been accepted to a Canadian DLI, but resides outside the country, then the application process for you will include applying for an extended visitor visa and a study permit.

If you are from a country that does not need a visa to enter Canada, then you will apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and a study permit. The application is done through one process, so you do not need to have them separately.

If you get approval for the visa, then you will also get a study permit. The process of applying for a Canada Student visa and permit from outside of Canada is the same as the application process for every type of Canadian visa.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A STUDY PERMIT FROM WITHIN CANADA

Applying for a study permit within Canada can only be done if you are in some of the situations outlined below:

• You are a minor child in primary or secondary school;
• You are an exchange or visiting student in Canada;
• You have completed a short-term (less than 6 months) study course or program in Canada;
• You have a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) for 6 months or more, or your family member has such a TRP;
• You are the spouse or common law partner or someone who is being sponsored to immigrate to Canada or has applied for permanent residence;
• You have a study permit from outside of Canada and you want to extend it;
• You are the family member of:
• a Canadian based sports team;
• a media representative;
• a member of the clergy;
• military personnel assigned to Canada;
• You are a family member or private staff member of a foreign representative in Canada.

For application, you will need to go to the Embassy of your country in Canada or contact the Canadian Embassy to submit the documents there in person and pay the relevant fees.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A CANADA STUDY PERMIT AT THE PORT OF ENTRY (POE)

The third and next alternative of application for a study permit is by travelling to Canada at the port of entry. However, you can only apply at the POE if you meet the following conditions:

• You are a citizen of the United States of America (USA).
• You are a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the US.
• You are a resident of Greenland or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.

To apply at the POE, you will first have to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and then present the documents mentioned above (Section: Applying for a Study Permit Outside of Canada) at the Canadian Port of Entry. The officials will review these documents and will make a decision on whether to grant you the study permit or not.

WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU APPLYING FOR A STUDY PERMIT

You can check the status of your study permit application on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. The information is updated on a daily basis. First, you need to set up an account on the site.

Sometimes, the processing center will need you to send more information. Learn more about the application process.

CONCLUSION

Studying in Canada is a good idea, as the country offers one of the most popular and highly-rated institutions in the world. The most interesting part of it all is that it welcomes every international student with the right ambition to school in the country and help them to realize their goals.

However, due to the various illegal and fraudulent situations that is prevalent in the world today, there are certain requirements you must meet to achieve your dreams of studying in Canada, first of which is applying for and acquiring your Canada Student Visa & Study Permit.

In the article above, we have detailed every information you need. Just a constant reminder that we got you covered in every information you may need concerning schools in Canada and other countries. We recommend you to be a constant visitor to this site, as we would do our best to provide you with every information you need. Happy Travelling!!!