Canadian Student Visa: Eligibility Criteria, Documents Required, How to Apply 

Studying abroad is just like a dream coming true for most students. If you are planning to get admission into the top universities in Canada, you must not only have an excellent academic background but also permission to study abroad (Student Permit). A study permit is mandatory if you are planning to study abroad. The permit should be present with the students before they enter any country. To get a Study Permit in Canada, you must first apply for a Temporary Resident Visa through the Canadian High Commission or a Visa Application Centre (VAC). The VFS Global Services in the delegated VACs for Canadian Visas. 

Let’s discuss about the Canadian student visa, how students can apply, the important documents required, and most importantly, why to choose Canada as your study destination. 

New IELTS Requirements for Canada SDS

• IELTS requirements for Canada SDS will change starting on August 10, 2023, according to IRCC.
• IELTS test takers must achieve an overall band score of 6.0 to be eligible for the SDS program.
• To emphasize the significance of the test-takers comprehensive abilities, it was decided to remove the individual score of 6.0 bands.
• The most recent modification to the IELTS criteria is intended to provide international students with better possibilities to complete their studies in Canada.

What is a Canada Student Visa?

Canada student visa is a type of permit issued by the government and immigration services of Canada. This permit allows a student to study in Canada. Foreign students cannot study in Canada without a study permit. In order to get the Canada student visa the applicants are required to follow the correct application procedure, pay the fees and also satisfy the required eligibility criteria.

Study in Canada 

Students from all over the world come and study in Canada to pursue various educational courses. Canadian universities offer students great infrastructure, a cutting-edge curriculum, and fabulous campuses. Having a student visa for yourself is just like having a launch pad for your pursuits in life. 

Why Study in Canada? 

Here are a few reasons why to choose Canada as your destination. 

• You can enjoy an exciting campus lifestyle with students from all over the world. 
• Studying abroad is often a chance for a wide career and excellent job opportunities. 
• A chance for students to work and get internship opportunities for many international students while they complete their education in Canada. 
• Canada, known for its research and AI learning scope, offers students abundant research and innovation opportunities.
• Exposure for students to understand and also to learn about other countries’ cultures and lifestyles. 
• International students in Canada can also apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This will give students a job experience in Canada while completing their higher education. 

Also Read: Canada Student Visa for Indians

Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Student Visa 

There are a few guidelines which every student must follow before applying for a Study Permit in Canada. Without fulfilling these requirements, there is no chance to get a Canadian Study Permit. Check below the eligibility criteria: 

• The student must have a valid proof of financial ability to cover all the costs of education in Canada. 
• Students must have a graduation degree/certificate from an accredited institution with at least 50% marks in aggregate. 
• Students applying must also have an Offer Letter from a Canadian Institution/University.
• A character certificate issued by a legal authority stating no involvement of the student in any kind of criminal offence. 
• You must also have an IELTS scorecard with at least 6.0 or higher scores. 

How to Apply for a Canadian Student Visa? 

There are mainly two ways students can apply for Student Visa in Canada. The first application process is known as Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the second is known as the Canada Student Permit Application. The details for both of the application procedures have been explained below. 

• Student Direct Stream (SDS): The immigration authorities of Canada process SDS applications within 20 days. Students need to attach all the required documents with the biometrics for the Study Permit application completion. 
• Canada Student Permit Application: Any International student can apply through this mode. You can complete the procedure in either online or offline mode. This application procedure is longer as compared to the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

For online applications, students need to visit the official website of the Canadian Government, i.e., www.canada.ca/en.html. For offline applications, students can download the form from the available link here, Application For Study Visa. Fill in the details required and attach the documents then courier this to the nearest Canadian Embassy. 

Application Fee for Student Visa in Canada 

You must pay some amount at the time of your Visa application. Students must pay around INR 9317/- (CAD 150) for the Visa.

Important Documents for Canadian Student Visa

Students must have each supporting document for their Student Permit. You must apply for the Student Visa after you have an Offer Letter from a University in Canada. Find the list of the documents given below for SDS and non-SDS application procedures. 

SDS Application	Non-SDS Application
Language Proficiency Test Results Certificate	Language Proficiency Test Result Certificate
Passport	Passport
Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)	Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
Educational Certificates	Financial Documents
Digital Pictures	Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Digital Pictures
Medical Examination	Educational Documents
	Medical Examination
	Tuition Fee (for six months DLI)

Processing Time of Canadian Student Visa

Processing time is the time taken by the immigration authorities of Canada to process a visa application. This is the duration when the candidate starts the application procedure until the final decision. Usually, the processing time for a Canadian student visa is 6 weeks. However, the visa processing time depends upon when the application has been submitted, the submission of correct documents, etc.

Validity of Canadian Student Visa

Generally, the Canadian student visa is valid for the entire duration of the course plus an extra 90 days. The Canadian government gives temporary residents additional days to either leave Canada or apply for a visa extension.

Also Read: Difference Between SDS and Non-SDS

FAQs 

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We hope the above information regarding Canadian Student Visa is helpful for the students. For more such information students must keep an eye on Leverage Edu. Remember to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin for day-to-day updates.