SW 1 Visa for Canada – All You Need to Know

For the Students aspiring to study and work in Canada, the most popular pathway for entry is the SW 1 visa. The SW 1 visa allows the students to work for only 20 hours a week. After the student visa expires the students are not allowed to stay in Canada. The following blog will guide you through the SW 1 visa eligibility criteria, the required documents, application fees & process, etc. 

What is a SW 1 Visa?

SW 1 visa is a type of student visa for students who are planning to study in Canada. SW 1 visa is specifically for those students who are going for a Co-op program i.e. they are required to work at some point during their study program. International students need not apply for a Co-op work permit to work in Canada as students. This is because the SW 1 visa already allows the students to work during their studies.

Also Read: Permanent Resident Visa For Canada

Eligibility Criteria for SW 1 Visa Canada

In order to be eligible for a SW 1 visa the students will have to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Students must get themselves enrolled at a designated learning institution.
• The DLI of Overseas students must be on the list of DLIs with the approval of a COVID-19 readiness plan.
• The students must be able to prove that they are eligible to manage the expenses of themselves and their families in Canada.
• The students must be willing to follow Canadian laws and regulations.
• Students with no criminal record.
• It is mandatory to prove to an officer that the students will leave Canada once their visa expires.

Documents Required for SW 1 Visa Canada

For a smooth application process of the SW 1 visa, the students are required to submit the following documents. The basic documents required for a visa to Canada are mentioned below:

• An acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution.
• A valid travel document such as a passport.
• Proof of funds showing that you can support yourself and your family members coming to Canada.
• Medical Report
• Police Clearance
• Identity Proof
• Custodian Report

Application Process for SW 1 Visa Canada

In order to study and work in Canada the students are required to apply for a visa. Check below the application process for the visa:

• Firstly get an acceptance letter from a designated institution.
• Should have a valid passport or travel document.
• Apply for the visa in Canada either online or by visiting an application centre for the visa in the resident country.

Application Fees for SW 1 Visa Canada

The students will have to pay the application fees mentioned below to successfully complete the application process for SW 1 visa Canada. 

Fees	$CAN
Study permit (including extensions) – per person	150
Restore your status as a studentRestore your status ($200) and get a new study permit ($150)	350

Also Read: What to do After 485 Visa Expires?

Processing Time for SW 1 Visa Canada

The processing time for a Canada visa depends upon the resident country and the number of applications received. Sometimes the visa process may even take 3 months. 

Factors Affecting SW 1 Visa Canada Processing Time

• Category of Visa – Different categories of visas have different requirements therefore the processing time depends upon the type of visa category. However, usually the student visa takes up to 3-5 weeks. 
• Resident Country – The processing time of the SW 1 visa also depends upon the country from which the visa is applied. Some countries may have higher volumes of applications, which increases the workload on immigration officers.
• Application Status – It is essential to submit an accurate and complete visa application for timely processing. 
• Background and Security Check – The process of background and security checks often delays the process of SW 1 visa Canada.

Validity of SW 1 Visa for Overseas Students

The validity of the SW 1 visa for overseas students lasts for the duration of their educational program. For example: if a student will be studying for two years in Canada the visa will be issued for the same amount of time. However, mostly the student visa is offered for a period of 2-4 years.

Visa Extension for Canadian Students

If you wish to stay for a longer period than what is mentioned on your visa then you must apply for a study permit extension before the visa expires. Steps to apply for visa extension for Canadian students.

• Apply for immigration, refugees, and Canadian citizenship.
• The application must be submitted electronically unless stated otherwise.
• Application for visa extension needs to be submitted before the expiry of the current study permit.

Note: If you fail to apply for a visa extension before the current visa expires then the students can apply for a restoration status for up to 90 days according to the expiry date.

Also Read: Canada Visa Requirements for Indian Students

FAQs

We hope you now understand what is SW 1 visa and how to apply for it! Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu and we will guide you on your dream journey!