Canada is currently one of the best study destinations because of the affordable cost of living, friendly environment, and good educational system. As an international student moving to Canada for study, you will need to secure a student visa and a study permit before you can move for your study.
You may also need to secure an electronic travel authorization or a temporary resident visa while obtaining the necessary documents for your application process. These documents will grant you access to Canada as a student.
If you need an electronic travel authorization or a temporary resident visa, you will be notified by the relevant authorities when you submit your student permit application.
How To Apply For a Canadian Student Visa
To apply for a Canadian study visa, log in to the Canada immigration and citizenship website to create an account and fill the study permit application form.
To be qualified for a Canada study permit, you must meet the following requirements:
• Must have been admitted to study a program in a Canadian University: An international student must have gotten admission into a Canadian university and you must have a letter/evidence of admission from the university.
• Must have all the necessary documents: Valid documents requested by the immigration officials are needed to complete your application for a study permit.
• Show proof of funds: You will be requested to provide proof of funds to show that you are capable of paying your tuition fee, travel and return fee, as well as basic expenses you would incur during the duration of your stay in the country.
• Police Report: This document is to show you have no criminal records from your home country and any country you have stayed in for more than 6 months.
• Medical Report: You must provide proof showing you are medically fit to travel and stay in a different country away from your family and country.
• Attachment to your country: You will be requested to provide evidence that you have an attachment to your country and will leave Canada when you are done with your studies.
• Letter of explanation: This is a personal statement attached to your applications to immigration, explaining why you want to study in Canada and communicating any other information you feel would help your application process.
Other requirements for Canada student visa application include;
• First-degree certificate (for master’s students)
• Statement of purpose
• Academic references
• Employers references
• Passport size photographs
• Proof of English proficiency
Student Visa Application Process
In most cases, you will need to apply for a study permit from your country before going to Canada. The application could be done on paper by filling the application form and taking the form to a visa application centre in your country.
The application process will be done by a visa application agent if the form is submitted to an application centre. You can however choose to do an online application yourself by visiting the immigration and citizenship website.
If you are required to have an interview, you will be notified through an email or an update will be made on your Canadian study permit application dashboard, with instructions on the venue for the interview.
Regardless of how you choose to apply for a Canadian study permit (through a visa application center or online), you are to visit a visa application center to upload your biometric data. The amount required to apply for a Canadian student permit is CAD 150.
Approved Student Visa Application
When your study permit has been approved, you will receive a letter of introduction and in some cases, a temporary resident visa from your country’s Canadian embassy. These documents along with your valid international passport and all other essential original documents used at the point of registration will be requested upon your entry into Canada.
Once the immigration officers are satisfied with your proof of study, they will give you your student study permit and you can enter the country.
Rejected Visa Application
A student’s visa application can be rejected if the student does not meet certain requirements. There are two major reasons for study permit application rejection.
• Insufficient Proof of funds: Your visa application will be rejected if the proof of funds submitted does not show that you can support yourself as a student for the period of your stay in Canada.
• Police report: If your police report shows that you have a criminal record, there are chances that your study visa application will be rejected.
In the event that your application for a Student Visa is rejected, you can always reapply and work towards meeting the requirements.
