Each year, Canada welcomes more than 350,000 newly admitted international students attending colleges and universities. It is essential for applicants to understand each step of getting their own Canada student visa. There are different requirements, documents, and conditions when applying for a student visa. Therefore, in today's topic, we will provide in-depth details on how to get a student visa in Canada successfully.

What is a Canada Visa for a student?

All international students studying in Canada must obtain a student visa and study permit. The visa itself does not allow you to enter Canada.

However, some people do not need a study permit to study in Canada and only need a visitor visa or eTA. You can do so if you meet the following conditions:

• You can complete the study program within six months.

• Family members or staff members of a foreign represenatitve carrying out offical duties that is properly accredited by Global Affairs Canada.

• You are a citizen of a foreign country with registered Indian status in Canada.

How to be eligible for Canada Visa student?

To apply for a Canada visa student, you must fulfill all the eligibility requirements listed below:

Obtain a valid acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI). The acceptance letter from DLI must have the following information:

• Provide the school’s official letterhead, the program, and the degree

• State the amount of tuition fees you must pay.

• State the start and finish dates of the study program.

​Applicant also needs to satisfy these conditions:

• No criminal history background

• Have a completed and signed Visa Application Center (VAC) Consent Form.

• Submit a copy of your current immigration status in Canada or another country.

• Prove that your stay in Canada is temporary and that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies.

An example of a Letter of Acceptance from DLI

What are the required documents for a Canada student visa?

The required documents for a Canada student visa are crucial for your application. Applicants who do not submit all required documents may have their applications slow down or being refused by the Canadian Embassy. The documents below are required for a study permit application:

• A valid passport

• Two passport-style photos

• Medical examination (if applicable)

• Proof of your ability to cover study expenses

• Proof of acceptance

• Proof of identity

• Proof of financial support

In some specific cases, you may also be required to submit:

• A letter of explanation

• A Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)

• A custodian declaration (for minors only).

• If your family members (spouse or common-law partner and minor children) travel with you, you must apply together as a family.

How much does a study visa for Canada cost?

The administrative fee for Canada student visa is CAD$150 and it is subject to change without prior notice. Applicants are highly advised to check for the most updated fee before applying.

Biometric and photo capture will incur an additional charge. These fees can be paid in advance or directly at appointed Visa Application Center in your home country.

How Long Does It Take To Process A Study Visa For Canada?

The processing time for a Canada student visa will vary, between 3 weeks and up to 12 weeks, depending on the country you are applying from. Applicants in some countries can benefit from shorter processing time by applying through Student Direct Stream (SDS).

How Can I Apply For A Visa If I Am Under 18 Years Old?

Applicants under 18 are considered minors and can still study in Canada. However, depending on each province or territory, children must have a legal custodian, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, taking care of them during their studies. 
To appoint a legal custodian for a minor in Canada, the Custodianship Declaration Form needs to be signed and notarized by the minor' parents in their home country. The form must be signed by a legal custodian and notarized within Canada.

How Can I Apply For A Canada Study Visa?

Apply Online

Applicants can apply for a Canada student visa, whether inside or outside Canada, through online portal by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Create an IRCC online account.

You need to create an online account for IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) and an account on the Government of Canada website. To do that, follow the instructions below:

• Access the destination website.

• Click on the "GCKey" option.

• Enter a username, password, and email address.

• Check your email to receive a verification code that you need to enter.

Step 2: Fill out Canada student visa form.

After accessing the application form, you need to:

1. Fill out the study permit application form.

2. Answer a series of questions related to your passport number and expiration date. Besides, these questions may also pertain to your travel information, the length of your course, and any other relevant information.

Step 3: Upload the required documents for a visa application.

In this step, you need to upload your required travel documents. These include your passport, passport-style photos, and some letters from the school.

Step 4: Pay the Canada visa application fee.

You can pay the visa fee online with your credit or debit card.

Step 5: Take medical examination 

Applicants from designated countries must take medical exams at panel physicians as authorized by the IRCC. 

Applicants will be notified by the IRCC via email or IRCC online portal when biometrics are needed.

Apply at the Port of Entry (POE)

If you can meet the following requirements, you can apply for a Canada student visa at the port of entry:

• You are a US citizen.

• You are a US Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR).

• You are considered a resident of Greenland or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.

For US Lawful Permanent Resident, you must first get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). After that, you need to collect all the required documents. Then, upon your arrival at the POE, you must present them to the border officials. These documents include:

• Your valid passport

• Two passport-style photos

• Proof of sufficient funds

• DLI Letter of Acceptance 

The port officers will review your documents to determine your eligibility for a study permit. If your application is accepted, a study permit will be issued at the port of entry. 

If you have any further questions regarding obtaining a Canada student visa, we are more than happy to help you via +1 315 715 8498 or [email protected].