The Canadian government has made it easier for international students to apply for a student visa online. The application process is streamlined and applicants can submit their application through the Student Visa Online System.
There are some basic requirements that need to be fulfilled before applying for a student visa.
These include:
- Your passport.
- Your study permit application form (IMM 5292).
- A recent passport-sized photo of yourself on a light background, with your name and date of birth written on the back in black ink or marker (the photo should be taken against a plain white or off-white background).
- Proof of funds (bank statements, scholarship award letter, or other proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses).
- Proof of enrolment (a letter from the institution where you will be studying that confirms that you are accepted as a full-time student at that institution).
How To Apply For Canada’s Student Visa Online
A Study Permit is the student visa needed for international students wanting to enroll on a program in Canada. It needs to be for a designated learning institution (DLI) and there’s a fee of C$150 for the application.
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Your study permit alone won’t enable you to enter Canada, and you may be issued with Electronic Travel Authorization alongside your permit.
You may be eligible to work part-time with a Canadian Study Permit, usually up to 20 hours a week.
Canadian study permit process
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Get an admission letter from a designated learning institution (DLI)
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Pay the fee for you application and keep the receipt
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Have a medical check up from a panel physician registered in your country
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Receive a decision on your application
Student Direct Stream
Residents of some countries may apply through the Student Direct Stream to get their permit faster.
You can apply via the Student Direct Stream if you are a legal resident in one of these countries:
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Antigua and Barbuda
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Brazil
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China
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Colombia
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Costa Rica
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India
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Morocco
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Pakistan
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the Philippines
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Senegal
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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
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Trinidad and Tobago
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Vietnam
Canadian visas for student dependents
If you have a spouse or child under 18 that needs to come to Canada with you during your studies they are also able to apply for a visa.
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Your spouse would have the ability to apply for an Open Work Permit, which would be valid for the same amount of time as the duration of your study program. This type of permit doesn’t require them to have a job before arriving in Canada, it simply gives them the option of working during their time in the country.
If you have a child joining you during your studies in Canada then the child may enter as a visitor as long as there is proof of your study program and study permit.
Canada student visa requirements
You’ll need to get certain documents ready for your visa application. An important factor in deciding if your study permit is granted, is your finances. The Canadian government must be able to see you can financially support yourself throughout your studies, whether with savings or through a sponsor such as a parent.
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Generally, you’ll need the following to apply for a Canadian Study Permit:
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Admission letter from a DLI
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Results from a medical exam and police check
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Two passport-sized photos of yourself
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Proof you can financially support yourself throughout your studies
You may also need to provide your biometrics. You would need to do this at an approved Visa Application Center in your country.
How long does the visa process take?
It can take up to 90 days to process your visa application, so it’s wise to get it submitted as soon as you have a valid letter of acceptance from your college or university.
If you’re from one of the countries listed above, you may be able to use the Student Direct Stream (SDS) to get your study permit faster (usually within 20 days). Fees begin from 150 CAD.
What if your Canada study permit is declined?
Canadian study permits are in high demand so, unfortunately, it’s common for applications to be rejected.
Getting your application right in the first place can save you lots of stress and money. Here are some of the most common reasons behind rejections, and how to fix them.
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Inadequate financial funds: Meeting the minimum financial threshold isn’t always enough. Your application will be more convincing if it proves you have sufficient funds for more than just a year.
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Unsuitable letter of acceptance: You need a watertight acceptance letter from a registered Canadian DLI.
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Missing documents: If you fail to attach your language test scores and travel documents, your application will be rejected.
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Plans to return home: Study permits are only temporary visas, so you need to prove that you intend to go back to your home country after your studies.
If your study permit is still rejected by the IRCC, you will be told why in the refusal letter. You can reapply for your study permit at any time, but make sure you’ve addressed the issues in your previous submission.
If you think your first application was wrongly rejected, you can always launch an appeal.
Conclusion
The process of applying for Canada’s student visa online is not a simple one. There are several steps that need to be taken in order to qualify for the visa.
The must important is to fill out the application, this must be done by filling out the form and providing all the required information, including your name, contact information, and education history. This is followed by providing proof of financial support in the form of bank statements of other documents that show you have enough money to cover tuition fees and living expenses while you are studying in Canada.
Lastly, you must provide proof of health insurance coverage as well as any other documents that prove eligibility for a student visa. If you have questions about how to apply for Canada’s Visa Online please ask using the comments section.
