Canada Student Visa for Indians

Higher studies in Canada at an institution of post-secondary education statutorily requires you to obtain a Canadian study permit from India, which in turn, allows you to reside in the country during the full course of the program and further for an extended fixed duration if required. The Canadian government has made it easier to obtain a Canadian student visa for Indian along with students of some selective countries by formulating various mechanisms to ensure quick and faster processing of applications. This blog aims to elaborate on what a study permit is as well as the essential details pertaining to the application process of Canada visa for Indians, eligibility criteria and essential documents required.

Also Read: Bachelors in Canada

Canada Visa for Indians-Latest Updates

International students: as of January 15, 2022, you will need to be fully vaccinated to enter Canada. If you are unvaccinated, you will be able to enter Canada until January 14 as long as the DLI you are attending has a #Covid19 readiness plan in place. https://t.co/XGrYfkUbya

— IRCC (@CitImmCanada) November 19, 2021

Listed below are the important pointers for Canada visa news for Indian students-

• Student Direct Stream has been streamlined in India for students. Students applying through the SDS route can expect their student permit from Canada within 7 to 8 days.
• Direct flights between India and Canada were recently approved by the Canadian government. Reducing the cost and time spent on travel.
• Fully vaccinated students are exempted from the three-night stay at a government-approved hotel. Students have to self-isolate themselves for 10 days after arriving in Canada.
• Students have to submit a negative RT-PCR test before boarding the flight to Canada and can be subjected to random testing after arriving in the country.

Why Study In Canada?

Canada is one of the top countries in the world for higher education, attracting thousands of students from all over the world each year. Canada’s universities offer world-class education that is recognised across the world, and research is one of the most important aspects of every graduate programme. Universities give support to students who come up with the greatest research ideas, and scholarships are awarded based on research effort. Other reasons to study in Canada include the following:

• Affordable Education
• Innovative and Abundant Research Opportunities
• Immigration Possibilities
• Exciting Campus Lifestyle
• Healthy and Safe Communities
• Work and internship opportunities for international students while they study

Upcoming Intakes In Canada

To study in Canada, universities offer three popular entry points or intakes for admissions. These are Fall, Winter, and Summer. The fall intake is the most popular in the country followed by Winter and Summer. Summer intake is the least popular intake because of the limited courses and students applying to universities.

Intakes	Applications Begin	Starting Month
Fall	June	September
Winter	November	January
Summer	February	April- May

Canada Visa for Indians: What is a Study Permit?

The Citizen and Immigration (CIC) issued a study permit to all the interested students who have received an offer from an accredited institution in Canada. Further, for those aspiring to study in Canada, this permit alone is not enough to let you travel and enter Canada and you may be required to possess either a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) as well. Reasonable and timely performance in your course program is also vital in order to hold a study permit. Though there are two methods of application, namely, the regular study permit application and the student direct stream, a Canada visa for Indians can be obtained in an expedited manner only through the second procedure which we have explained in detail below.

Also Read: PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada

Student Direct Stream

In order to facilitate faster visa approval for applications from select countries (mentioned in the following paragraph), the Government of Canada started the Student Direct Stream. Through this method, duly filled and completed applications are typically processed within 20 calendar days from the date of application. However, the duration of this process of obtaining a Canada visa for Indians varies on biometrics as well as on whether the applicant fulfils all the specified eligibility requirements or not.

Following are the eligible countries specified for Student Direct Stream Method:

• India 
• China 
• Morocco 
• Pakistan 
• The Philippines 
• Senegal
• Vietnam

Regular Study Permit Application

The regular study permit application for getting Canada visa for Indian students is more of a traditional method of application. The eligibility requirements, documents and almost every other aspect is similar to the Student Direct Stream method except it may take longer.

Why You Need a Canada Student Visa?

A study permit is a document issued by the Canadian immigration authorities that allows international students to study in Canada. It is not a visa. International students must have a valid study permit in order to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada. A valid guest visa to Canada is required in addition to the study permit. If it is utilised for study reasons, it is referred to as a Canada student visa or a Canada study visa.

Eligibility Criteria for Canada Student Visa

To avoid delays, it is critical to be aware of the Canada student visa requirements for 2022 in advance. Below are the eligibility requirements, which have been given for the benefit of the students:

• The institution’s enrollment requirements for candidates must be met.
• One must have enough money to cover both living costs and tuition.
• Candidates must also have a police certificate and have no history of criminal activity.
• optimum possible health is required. Candidates must obtain the medical exam record to substantiate this, if needed.

However, candidates must disclose to the authorities at the visa interview that they will depart as soon as their study permission expires.

Documents Required for Canada Student Visa

In order to apply for a Canada Student Visa from India, you will typically require the following documents. The following are the requirements for Indian students seeking a student visa in Canada:

• Valid Passport
• Attested copies of 10th, 12th, and Degree certificates
• SOP (Statement of Purpose)
• Certificates of extracurricular achievements
• An acceptance letter from your education institution
• Proof of payment
• Proof of financial funds
• Passport size photographs
• English Proficiency
• Your institution will make you aware of additional requirements if any prior to your application 

IELTS Requirement for Canada Student Visa

An internationally recognised exam of proficiency is the International English Language Testing System. It evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in four key areas of English communication: reading, listening, speaking, and reading.

Additionally, candidates must get a minimum IELTS score to be admitted to any Canadian university of their choice.

Candidates should be aware that for undergraduate courses, an overall band score of 6 to 6.5 is required, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each area. For Post Graduate courses, students must obtain an overall band score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6 in each part. This must be considered when submitting an application for the Canada student IELTS requirement.

Also Read: IELTS 6 Band Universities in Canada for Masters

Canada Visa: Application Process

Online applications for student visas to Canada are accepted. However, it is imperative to maintain the necessary paperwork close to hand. They must adhere to the suggestions while submitting an application.
Step 1: To register for an account on the Canadian government’s website. One will benefit from the account because they may monitor the progress of their application.
Step 2: Describe the programme and organisation you are applying to in writing.
Step 3: Log in using the information you were sent through email.
Step 4: After the necessary documents have been submitted, pay the $150 (about Rs. 7,800) visa charge.
Step 5: Submit and monitor the status of your visa application.

Must Read: Study in Canada without IELTS

Also Read: Costs of studying in Canada

Canada Student Visa Fees

• According to the current currency rate, a study permit in Canada costs CAD 150, which is roughly comparable to INR 8,873 (as reported on the CIC website). 
• Canadian visa applications are available both online and offline. As a result, visa processing costs can be paid either online (with a credit card) or offline (with a demand draught if paying at the Canadian High Commission) or in cash at the VAC. This charge must be paid at the time the application is filed, or a fee receipt must be produced for online payment. The Demand Draft must be made in Indian rupees in favour of the Canadian High Commission. VACs only take cash payments.
• Furthermore, the visa price does not include VAC costs. You’ll have to pay the additional service fees that apply to your location. Each payment will also be accompanied by a receipt. As evidence of payment, please save the receipt.
• Students must pay a biometric cost of CAD 85 after submitting their visa application. This amount is in addition to the standard visa application fee. Your biometrics will be taken at a Visa Application Center after that.

Processing Time for the Canada Visa

Processing time refers to the time it takes the CIC to complete a visa application.It starts when the applicant files his or her application and concludes when a final decision is reached.. As a result, there is no time limit for processing a student visa application in Canada. Aspirants can check the progress of their applications (both online and on paper) using their MyCIC accounts.

Canada Study Permit Renewal

Students must have a valid study permission to stay in Canada. You must apply for a study permit renewal if your study permit expires before you finish your studies (programme). You should submit your application at least 30 days before your existing permission expires. Candidates can send their applications via mail or submit them online.

Canada Visa Application Centers in India

Ahmedabad	VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Unit No 1 and 2, Bhikubhai Chambers, Near Bharat petroleum Ashram Road, Paldi Ahmedabad 380 007
New Delhi	Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi-110001
Pune	93 Avenue (Mall Name), 4th Floor, Kalubai Chowk, Near Fatima Nagar Junction, Wanowarire, Pune – 411022
Chandigarh	VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. C-313, B-3rd Floor, Elante, Industrial Area Phase 1, Chandigarh, India – 160002
Jalandhar	Aman Plaza, 1st Floor, 310 Lajpat Nagar, Mahavir Marg, Nakodar Chowk Opposite to Lovely Autos, Jalandhar-144001
Chennai	VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. 5th Floor, Fagun Mansion, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore, Chennai – 600008
Kolkata	VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. 4th Floor, Rene Tower, Plot No. AA-I, 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Kasba, Landmark: Near Geetanjali Stadium Kolkata, 700107, India
Mumbai	VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. 4th floor, Urmi Axis Building, Behind Famous Studio, Opp. E Moses Road, Mahalaxmi (West), Mumbai – 400 011
Hyderabad	VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Zonah Crescent, 3rd Floor, Banjara Hills Road No 12, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034
Bengaluru	VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd., 8th Floor, Sobha Pearl, Commissariat Road, Near Mayo Hall, next to Bangalore Central Mall, Ashok Nagar, Sivanchetti Gardens, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025 India

Biometrics for Canada Visa in India

Visa Application Centres in India that offer Canada student visas are now offering limited biometrics appointments keeping in mind norms introduced related to covid-19. Students who are entering the country to pursue education from DLIs and the ones who are returning to Canada permanently are given priority. 

As of now, no applications other than study permit or permanent residency as a spouse or partner or dependent child under the family class are accepted by Visa Application Centres for biometrics. Biometrics for Canada visa in India opening date is 28th June 2021. 

Canada Student Visa Dependants

People who want to study in Canada are allowed to bring their spouses or kids along with them while they are there.
By doing this, one’s spouse will be permitted to work full-time. It remains valid, nonetheless, until the partner’s study permission. Naturally, they must then explain why they are bringing their family members.
As long as their parents are employed, however, children under the age of 18 who are travelling with their parents must be registered in a primary or secondary school. Additionally, a child will still be referred to as a “dependent child” if they are beyond 22 years old and unable to support themselves financially.

It should be noted that the visa immigration officer may conclude from this that the applicant does not intend to leave the country when the visa expires.

Post Graduation Work Permit and Stay Back Period

• You need to pursue a course for a minimum duration of 8 months to be eligible to stay back in Canada
• Courses with a duration of less than 8 months do not allow a student to stay back and apply for Post Graduation Work Permit
• If you pursue a course which is of duration less than 2 years, he/she is eligible for a post-graduation work permit of equivalent duration as the course
  • For Example: 8 months course = 8 months Post Graduation Work Permit; 2 years course (master or diploma)= 3 years Post Graduation Work Permit 

PR Visa Options

If an applicant chooses to study in Canada, he will get points in three areas: language, education, and job experience, as well as bonus points if he is under the age of thirty. A Canadian education can help you qualify for several immigration programs, such as Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program. Students can also work up to 20 hours per week while enrolled in their degree, gaining essential Canadian work experience and increasing their CRS score. Learning about the culture, people, and language (English/French) of Canada will aid your social integration once you become a permanent resident.

Work Authorization for Students in Canada

• Students must be over 18 years of age
• International Students can work on-campus or off-campus for up to 20 hours during university semesters and full-time during breaks such as the winter or summer holidays, without the need for a work permit
• Foreign students who are studying in a program that requires work experience, can gain it through a co-op or internship program

FAQs

Planning to study in Canada for the upcoming intake? Then connect with our Leverage Edu expert and get assistance throughout the procedure of choosing the right course and university as well as making an impressive application that can get you successfully shortlisted.