The Canada Study Visa Process is extremely simple, provided that the applicants carefully follow the instructions from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
And in case you do not know what the Canadian Student Visa Procedure is, do not worry as English24x7 is here to guide you through it. So, let’s get started!
What is a Canada Study Permit?
As a Non-Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, known as a Foreign National, there is a need to have both i.e. a Study Permit as well as a visa for studying in Canada.
A document that is issued to allow any Non-Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident to study at a Designated Learning Institution of Canada is a study permit.
Most Foreign Nationals require to apply for a study permit before traveling in order to study in Canada.
Legal Residents of selective countries can get a Canadian Study Permit faster by applying faster through the Student Direct Stream.
Know more about applying for a study permit from outside Canada here.
As of November 2021, the fee for this application is $150 (including extensions). And there also might be a need to give biometrics for obtaining the permit.
Study Permit Canada Processing Time
Though due to the Covid-19 pandemic the processing time of Canada Visas has increased, there is a frequent variation in the time under which the applications are processed.
Processing time also varies according to the type of application i.e. application through online or offline mode.
According to the IRCC, it starts once the application is received and ends when the final decision is made.
As of the time when the article is written, it takes around 9-11 weeks to process the Canada Study Visa Application.
Check the recent updates in processing time by clicking here.
It is also important to note that the time to process an application also depends on the number of files applied during that particular course of time.
What is Canada Student Permit Validity?
The Study Permit of Canada is usually valid for the length of the applicant’s study program with additional 90 days which lets the applicant prepare for either leaving Canada or applying for a stay extension.
There are also certain exceptions to the student permit, and therefore, it is always advised to keep oneself updated with the information provided by IRCC from time to time.
Canada Student Visa Requirements
Every applicant must be aware that a student will not be allowed to enter Canada even after having a study permit.
In order to be admissible to Canada, the applicant must also apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa.
A visitor visa is issued to applicants after the approval of the study permit application, and hence a separate application is not required.
However, applicants must also fulfill certain requirements and earnestly adhere to the instructions meant for those who apply for a Canada Study Visa.
Below mentioned are the requirements of a Canadian Student Visa:
- Valid Passport
- Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution
- Proof of Funds
- Passport Size Photographs
- Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
- English Language Proficiency Exam Score
- Statement of Purpose
- Credit Card (If any)
- Qualifying as a fully vaccinated traveller.
Click here for more information on Canada Study Permit Requirements.
Note: Knowing and fulfilling responsibilities as a Canadian student is also extremely important for foreign national applicants.
What to do After Applying for a Canada Student Visa?
As discussed above, there are several factors that affect the processing time of a visa application.
Waiting for the decision of the application is surely stressful, however, there is more for the applicants to do than just wait.
Applicants also need to give their biometrics as a part of their Canada student visa application process if they have not done that in the last 10 years.
While the checking of the application is under process, it is verified that the applicants have submitted all the necessary documents with the application.
In case some document is missing, the application is either returned without being processed or the applicant is requested to submit the missing documents.
Certain applicants are also required to appear for an interview, send more information, get their medical examination done, or provide a police certificate.
No file is ever processed unless the documents are complete. Missing documents, hence, result in delaying the filing process.
It is also the responsibility of the applicant to update the application in case there is some change in the contact information like address, telephone number et cetera.
What happens When the Canada Study Visa is Approved?
Once an applicant’s file is approved, a letter of introduction is sent to the applicant which states that the applicant is now allowed to study in Canada.
This letter, however, is not a study permit but has to be carried by the applicant and shown to the border services officer after arriving in Canada.
The applicant will also be sent an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) for entering Canada.
Depending on the country an applicant is from, the letter of introduction would include the details of eTA which is further linked to the passport.
It is therefore recommended to travel with the passport which was used while applying for the study permit.
For those belonging to the countries where there is a requirement to get a visa, the same will be in the applicant’s passport. This visa shows whether a single entry is permitted or multiple.
What to Know Before Coming to Canada?
At the time when an applicant’s study permit is approved, it is necessary to know whether one is eligible to travel to Canada.
It has become even more important to know this since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. So, it is also advised that applicants carefully read the travel exemptions.
International Students also need to answer some questions which will let them find out whether they are eligible to travel to Canada at that point of time.
Canada Study Visa Process Conclusion
At this point you might have had some fair idea about the procedure of Canada student visa application.
English24x7 is a platform where you can find professional experts in the field of immigration and visa consultancy.
Hence, if you still have some doubt in understanding what is Canada study visa process then feel free to drop your query in comment section below or connect with an expert consultant by clicking here.
Check out our Web Story at https://celpip.biz/web-stories/what-is-canada-study-visa-process/
Summary:
- Study Permit Required
- Apply Before Travel
- 9-11 Weeks Processing
- Visa or eTA Needed
- Letter of Introduction
- Check Eligibility
- Seek Professional Help
