Student Visa
If you are planning to study in Canada as an international student, you will need to apply for a student visa application Canada. A student visa, also known as a study permit, allows you to stay in Canada for the duration of your academic program at a designated learning institution (DLI). In this post, we will guide you through the steps and requirements for applying for a student visa in Canada.
The first step to apply for a student visa in Canada is to get accepted by a DLI. A DLI is an institution that has been approved by the Canadian government to host international students. You can find a list of DLIs on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Once you receive a letter of acceptance from a DLI, you can proceed to apply for your study permit online or on paper.
How to apply for student visa in Canada
To apply online, you will need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the application fee. You will also need to answer some questions on the IRCC website to get your local visa office instructions and checklist. To apply on paper, you will need to download and fill out the application forms and gather the required documents. You will then need to submit your application package by mail or in person to the nearest visa application center (VAC).
Student visa requirements for Canada
The documents you need to provide for your student visa application Canada may vary depending on your country of origin, but generally include:
- A valid passport or travel document
- A letter of acceptance from a DLI
- A proof of financial support that shows you have enough money to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you
- A letter of explanation that states your purpose of study, your academic goals, and how you plan to leave Canada after your studies
- A medical exam report if you are from a country or territory that requires one
- A police certificate if you are over 18 years old and have lived in certain countries for more than six months in the past 10 years
- An immigration medical exam if you are from a country or territory that requires one
You may also need to provide additional documents depending on your situation, such as:
- A minor consent form if you are under 18 years old and travelling without your parents or legal guardians
- A custodian declaration form if you are under 18 years old and have a custodian in Canada who will take care of you
- A Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if you plan to study in Quebec
- A biometrics fee if you are from a country or territory that requires biometrics
contacting your local visa office.
Canada student visa checklist
To make sure you have everything ready for your Canada student visa application, here is a Canada student visa checklist that summarizes the main steps and requirements:
- Choose a DLI and get accepted by it
- Gather all the required documents according to your local visa office instructions
- Pay the application fee and biometrics fee (if applicable)
- Submit your application online or on paper
- Wait for a decision from IRCC
- Prepare for arrival in Canada
We hope this post has helped you understand how to apply for a student visa in Canada. If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, feel free to contact us at Sun Bright Immigration. We are happy to help you achieve your academic dreams in Canada!
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FAQs
A student visa is usually valid for the length of your academic program, plus an extra 90 days. The 90 days allow you to prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay. In some cases, your student visa may expire before your program ends or be valid for longer than your program. If this happens, you must follow the expiry date on your visa.
Yes, you can work in Canada with a student visa if you meet certain conditions. You can work on or off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays. You do not need a work permit to work on or off-campus. However, you must have a valid study permit, be enrolled at a DLI, and be studying full-time in an academic, vocational, or professional program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Yes, you can bring your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children with you to Canada with a student visa. Your spouse or partner may be eligible for an open work permit that allows them to work for any employer in Canada. Your dependent children may be able to study at the pre-school, primary, or secondary level without a study permit. However, you must prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your family members while you are in Canada.