How to apply for a Canadian Student Visa

Are you looking to be one of the 130,000 annual hopefuls immigrating to Canada in search of a better future? Canada is home to some of the finest learning institutions in the world and offers plenty of opportunities for foreigners to come and study. So how do you go about obtaining a student visa?

Step 1 — Find a Canadian School

The first step in the process is to find a Canadian school to apply to. Because Canada is so multicultural and diverse, you are spoilt for choice in terms of specialized schools. Depending on what you choose to study — be it art, music or medicine — you’ll need to first do thorough research on the requirements and then search for the appropriate school in your preferred province or city.

After you have chosen the institution that best suits your interest, you’ll need to apply and if you are accepted, you’ll need to request a formal letter of acceptance from this Designated Learning Institution.

Step 2 — Get a Study Permit

A study permit allows foreign nationals to study in Canada at any one of their approved institutions. In order to be eligible for a study permit, you must:

· be accepted by a designated learning institution in Canada.

· prove that you have enough money to pay for your:

- tuition fees

- living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and

- return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada.

· be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada. You may have to provide a police certificate.

· be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.

· satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

There are however exceptions in which you do not have to apply for the study permit. These exceptions are:

· you wish to study in a short-term course or program

· you are a foreign representative to Canada

· you are a member of foreign armed forces

· you are a registered Indian in Canada

Step 3 — Which Documents do you need to apply for a student visa

All foreign nationals are expected to have the appropriate travel documents on their person, such as a valid passport. In the case of a visa-exempt national, you will need to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Step 4 — What do I do after my application?

The best way to stay on top of the status of your application is to check the processing times. Depending on where you are applying from and what you are applying for, times may vary. Once your application has been approved, you will be notified and thereafter, you may be interviewed (only if necessary).

The following documents will be requested from you on your arrival in Canada if your visa process is successful:

• the letter of introduction from the visa office that you received when your study permit was approved (this letter contains your permit reference number and the CBSA officer needs this letter to issue your study permit)
• a valid temporary resident visa (if required)
• a copy of the letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution at which you are accepted to study
• proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada and
• letters of reference or any other documents recommended by the visa office where you applied

Do you want to come to Canada? At canadianvisa.org, we make applying for your visa simple. Fill out our contact form and one of our account managers will call you to begin your Canadian visa application process.