International students often choose Canada as their
preferred destination for higher education due to its reputation as a diverse
and multicultural country. Canada offers a high-quality education system, a
welcoming society, and a range of opportunities for career and personal growth.
If you are interested in study in Canada, you will need to apply for a student visa
and a study permit.
A student visa is an official document that allows you to
enter Canada as a temporary resident for the purpose of studying. A study
permit is a document that authorizes you to study at a designated learning
institution (DLI) in Canada for a specified period of time. You need both a
student visa and a study permit to study in Canada as an international student.
How to Apply for a Student Visa and a Study Permit?
The process of applying for a student visa and a study
permit depends on your country of residence, your chosen DLI, and your program
of study. But following steps are the same for everyone and you need to do
them:
Step 1: Get an Acceptance Letter from a DLI
The first step is to get accepted by a DLI in Canada that
offers the program and degree that you want to pursue. DLIs are authorized by
the Canadian government to enroll international students, and the list can be
found on the IRCC website.
You will need to apply to the DLI of your choice according
to their admission requirements and deadlines. Once you receive an acceptance
letter from the DLI, you will need to include it in your application for a
student visa and a study permit. The acceptance letter should have the
following information:
- An official letterhead of the school
- The program and degree you will obtain
- You have an obligation to pay the tuition fees.
- The program's anticipated start and end dates.
- The date by which you need to register at the school
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
Your next task is to gather the necessary documents for your
application. The documents may vary depending on your country of residence and
your program of study, but generally, you will need:
- A valid passport or travel document
- A recent passport-sized photo
- Documentation of sufficient funds to demonstrate your
ability to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel costs.
- Proof of English or French language proficiency (if
required by your DLI)
- A letter of explanation that states why you want to study
in Canada and how it relates to your future goals
- A police certificate or criminal record check (if required
by IRCC)
- A medical examination or health certificate (if required
by IRCC)
You will need to scan or take photos of these documents and
upload them online when you apply. You may also need to provide certified
translations of any documents that are not in English or French.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
The third step is to fill out the online application form
for a student visa and a study permit on the IRCC website. You will need to create
an account on the website and answer some questions about yourself, your
education, your family, your travel history, and your plans in Canada. You will
also need to provide some personal information such as your name, date of
birth, address, email, phone number, etc.
You will need to pay attention to the instructions on the
website and fill out the form accurately and completely. You will also need to
agree to the terms and conditions of the application and sign it
electronically.
Step 4: Pay the Required Fees
The fourth step is to pay the required fees for your
application. The fees may vary depending on your country of residence and your
program of study, but generally, you will need to pay:
- A processing fee of CAD 150 for your student visa
- A biometric fee of CAD 85 if you are required to provide
your fingerprints and photo
- A service fee if you are using an authorized agent or
representative to help you with your application
You can pay these fees online using a credit or debit card
on the IRCC website. You will receive a receipt after you pay the fees.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
The final step is to submit your application online on the
IRCC website. You will need to review your application before you submit it and
make sure that everything is correct and complete. You will also need to upload
all the required documents that you prepared in step 2.
After you submit your application, you will receive a
confirmation email from IRCC. You will also be able to track the status of your
application online using your account on the IRCC website.
How Soon Will You Receive a Decision on Your Application?
The processing time for your application depends on several
factors, such as your country of residence, your chosen DLI, your program of
study, and the completeness and accuracy of your application. However, you can
check the estimated processing time for your application on the IRCC website by
entering your country of residence and the type of application.
Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few
months to process your application. To prevent any delays or complications, it
is advisable to submit your application as early as possible.
What to Do After You Receive Your Student Visa and Study Permit?
Once your application is approved, you will receive a letter
of introduction from IRCC that confirms that you have been granted a student
visa and a study permit. You will need to print this letter and bring it with
you when you travel to Canada.
You will also receive a visitor visa or an electronic travel
authorization (eTA) depending on your country of citizenship. A visitor visa is
a sticker that is placed in your passport and allows you to enter Canada as a
temporary resident. An eTA is an electronic document that is linked to your
passport and allows you to board a flight to Canada.
You will need to present these documents along with your
passport, acceptance letter, proof of funds, and any other documents that IRCC
may request at the port of entry in Canada. A border services officer will
examine your documents and ask you some questions to verify your identity and
purpose of visit. If everything is in order, the officer will stamp your
passport and issue you a study permit.
Your study permit will indicate the following information:
- The name of the DLI where you are authorized to study
- The level of study and program that you are authorized to
pursue
- The duration of your study permit
- The conditions and restrictions of your study permit
You should check your study permit carefully and make sure
that everything is correct and matches your acceptance letter. If you find any
errors or discrepancies, you should inform the officer or contact IRCC as soon
as possible.
How to Extend or Change Your Study Permit?
Your study permit is valid for the duration of your program
of study plus 90 days. If you want to extend or change your study permit, you
will need to apply online on the IRCC website before your current study permit
expires.
You may need to extend or change your study permit if:
- You want to continue studying in Canada after completing
your program
- You want to switch to a different DLI or program of study
- You want to take a leave of absence or defer your studies
- You want to work while studying or after graduating
You will need to provide some documents and pay some fees
for your application. The process is similar to applying for a new study
permit, but you will need to explain why you want to extend or change your
study permit and how it relates to your goals in Canada.
Conclusion
Studying in Canada can be an enriching and rewarding
experience for international students who want to pursue higher education in a
diverse and multicultural country. However, it requires careful planning and
preparation, especially when it comes to applying for a student visa and a
study permit.
To apply for a student visa and a study permit, you will
need to follow these steps:
- Get an acceptance letter from a DLI in Canada
- Prepare the required documents for your application
- Fill out the online application form on the IRCC website
- Pay the required fees for your application
- Submit your application online on the IRCC website
- Please wait for your application to be processed
- Receive your student visa and study permit
- Travel to Canada and present your documents at the port of
entry
- Check your study permit and start studying in Canada
You should apply as early as possible and make sure that
everything is correct and complete in your application. You should also keep
track of the status of your application online using your account on the IRCC
website.
If you have any questions or concerns about applying for a
student visa and a study permit, you can contact IRCC or consult an authorized
agent or representative who can help you with your application.
We hope this article has provided you with useful
information and guidance on how to apply for a student visa and a study permit
to study in Canada. We wish you all the best in your academic journey in
Canada!
