How to apply for Canada Student Visa

Table of Contents

Getting a students visa

International student application is on the increase at all Universities in North America. Canadian University enrollment for international undergraduate and graduate students is increasing for so many reasons:

Reasons are below

Tuition fees and costs of living in Canada are among the poorest in the world
Off-campus employment is plenty and gives students valuable experience and money they cannot see anywhere
Canada already has a high populations of people of all ethnic groups so students are never completely alone
Canada is very open to everyone, providing opportunities they’d find nowhere else in the world
Student Visa applications and approvals are easier to get in Canada

What You Need To Study In Canada – The Basics

STEP ONE

chossing your school

Canada has a wide range of Universities and Colleges you can choose from. For many students, study fees are a primary influence on which school they choose. For others, location and climate may be the primary factors. Lastly, reputation and prestige are often the main criteria students use to check their school choices.

Canadian Universities will offer very similar varieties of courses and degree programs. Since all Universities and Colleges in Canada are accredited by the same committees, you can rest assured that there is no difference in the level of training you will receive from one school compared to another. Some Universities have more private funding than others which affects the amount and prestige of individual research projects throughout the various fields of study. However, the academic side of each University receives comparable funding and thus, the quality of instruction and training does not vary by much throughout the Universities in Canada.

STEP TWO

Applying to Your School of Choice: Once you’ve chosen the school you wish to study in, be sure to check their list of important dates for application deadlines.

Be sure to submit your application and documents taking into account any time your application package may take in the mail or through courier to get to your school. It is often a good idea to apply to 2 or more schools just in case enrollment limits are reached at your first-choice school. Once this is complete, you may wish to begin to gather the documents listed in the following section. While acceptance is a primary requirement for applying to study in Canada, the other required documents can be gathered and prepared ahead of time. Once your letter of acceptance arrives you only need to make a copy and keep it in with the rest of your documents for submission.

STEP THREE

Language Tests: You may be asked to demonstrate your proficiency in English or French (if studying in Quebec) by writing a Language Proficiency Test. Your University application will contain information on where and how you can perform this exam

STEP FOUR

Study Permits: To study in Canada, you may need the proper permits. Not all students require these documents however so check with your country’s Visa office for exact requirements. In order to apply for a study permit, you need the following:

Letter of Acceptance from a University, College, or other accredited educational institution
Proof of Identity document(s) – valid passport or travel document for you and each family member accompanying you

Proof of financial support – proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, bank statements for the past 4 months, a letter from the institution providing your financial support, proof of payment of school fees
Letter of Explanation – if you are applying for a short-term course and wish to continue studies after that, or if you will be working in between academic programs, you will need to submit a letter explaining your condition

Be sure to check the processing times for Student Permit applications on the Canadian Government website. Submit your application early and with plenty of time to spare before your academic program begins.

STEP FIVE

Temporary Resident Visa: Some students may need a Temporary Resident Visa in order to study in Canada depending on their country of origin. If you are applying for a Study Permit you can also apply for this Visa simultaneously without paying another application fee. If however you do not need a Study Permit but do need a Temporary Resident Visa there will be an application fee. In most countries there will be a Visa office where all of these forms and applications can be filled out as well as fees paid.

STEP SIX

Arriving in Canada:

Study Permit.
Temporary Resident Visa.
Letter of Introduction from the Visa office.
Letter of Acceptance from your school.
Disclosure of finances.
Letters of Reference or any other documents recommended by the Visa office you applied through.

STEP SEVEN

Health Insurance: Health Insurance is required by law and is not provided for International students by the Government of Canada. Contact the school you will be going to for more information on Health Insurance options as they differ by state

Extending Your Stay: If at any time you wish to extend your permits to remain in Canada beyond their expiration dates, be sure to apply as early as possible. You should apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiration of your permits.

Enjoy Your Time in Canada: I’ve met many students from all parts of the world and they’re always excellent students and very friendly. The only complaint you hear is mostly about the weather but even Canadians will complain about that!

Except you are from an English speaking country, Canadian universities will require you to submit proof of English proficiency.

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