Are you looking to study in Canada? As an international student, you will need a Canadian Student Visa during your stay. One may not require it if their program duration is less than six months. Still, the Canadian Student Visa can open multiple doors for you in Canada and beyond.
Canada boasts of first-level education, admirable standards of living, and a pool of coveted job opportunities. Every year, Canada receives millions of study permit applications. For instance, amidst Covid-19, 2020 saw Canada have over 500,000 study permit holders.
Also known as a Study Permit, the Canadian Student visa is a document given to an international student by the IRCC. It serves as permission for international students to study in Canada for the stipulated time.
Advantages of having a Canadian Student Visa
You Can Work Part-time
With a valid Canadian Student visa, an overseas student can work in Canada for not more than 20 hours a week. During semester and summer holidays, they can work full-time even without a work permit. All you need is a valid Social Insurance Number.
On the contrary, it is illegal for those international students without a Canadian student visa to work in Canada.
You Get Globally-recognized Certifications
Canada’s education system is globally recognized to be leading-edge stellar. In 2018, Canada saw 5 of its universities making it to the top one hundred best universities globally.
Most Canadian study institutions give Certificates, Diplomas, or Degrees for programs whose durations range between 8 months and three years. Canadian Academic Certifications are globally recognized and can easily land you great jobs anywhere on earth.
A Gateway to Permanent Residence in Canada
It becomes easier for an overseas student to get a Permanent Residence in Canada. Having a Canadian study permit usually serves as the first step to living in Canada.
After getting an acceptance letter, a study permit authorizes you to study and stay in Canada. Then, you can apply for a work permit that can see you ultimately applying for and gaining permanent residence in Canada using programs like the Canadian Express Class (CEC).
Your Spouse or Children can accompany You
Full-time students can move to Canada with their spouses and children. While you study, your spouse can get granted either a spousal open work permit or a valid study permit. It is harder for international students that do not have a study permit.
Instances where you do Not Need a Canadian Student Visa
The following groups of people are permitted to study in Canada without a Student Visa:
- The study program you want to take lasts less than six months.
- You are either a staff or family member of a Canadian ascribed foreign representative.
- You are a foreign armed forces fellow and mentioned in the Visiting Forces Act.
How to Apply for a Canadian Student Visa
Step 1: Apply to Study in an Authorized Canadian DLI
Wanting to study in Canada alone is not enough. Ensure that the Canadian institution accepts international students. All Canadian primary and secondary schools are DLIs. Post-secondary schools need the authorization to accept overseas students.
Once that is sorted, pick a course or program to pursue in that institution. Make sure that the program runs for over eight months if you would, later on, want to acquire a work permit. For example, you can take a 2-year long Diploma course in Electrical Engineering at the University of Toronto in Canada.
Step 2: Get a Letter of Acceptance
If the institution you applied to study in accepts your application, they send you a Letter of Acceptance. It usually takes about 4-6 weeks for the institution to go through your application and documents then get back.
Due to the global pandemic, Canada requires eligible DLIs to have a Covid-19 readiness plan to take in international students. Usually, a letter of acceptance has an expiration date. Make sure you take heed of this to avoid last-minute hiccups.
For instances where you get awarded a conditional Letter of Acceptance, you complete the prerequisite before you get awarded the main letter. These usually cover one year longer than the prerequisite. Once done with it, you have to apply for a new LOA to have your stay extended.
Those international students planning to study in Quebec for over six months need a valid Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) or proof of application of the same. You can print the CAQ online.
Step 3: Visit the CIC Website and Do the Eligibility Check
Go to the website of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Answer a few questions about yourself. It checks if you are eligible for a Canadian student visa.
Step 4: Receive the Personal Checklist Code
Once you pass the eligibility check, you get awarded a personal checklist code with a validity period of 2 months. It is what you will need to present your application online. Print for future use.
Go through the pages and take note of the application guide, projected tuition fees, and other documents you will need to attach.
Step 5: Create your MyCIC Account
Input your checklist code to log in. Then, you will get a personal document checklist. Using either a scanner or a printer will help you upload your documents to CIC.
Step 6: Attach All the Required Documents to your Application
Note that your application will only be processed after you submit all the required documents. These include:
- Letter of Acceptance
- Filled in Student Visa Application form
- Proof of Finances
- Proof of identity such as a Passport and Travel Visa
- A Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) for those studying in Quebec.
- A letter of explanation
- A Custodian’s declaration where minors are involved.
- Proof of English or French skills.
- Any other document requested if need be. These may include zero criminal records and clinical records showing good health. You have a 30-day window to submit the documents.
Step 7: Pay the Canadian Student Visa Application Fees
The Canadian Study Permit fee is usually $150. Make sure you pay this amount to proceed.
Step 8: Submit your Application and Wait
Even if you are in Canada, you have to apply online. One can apply on paper where cases like poor internet connection or disability are involved.
Depending on where you are from, sometimes, you may need to have your biometrics taken. Others may want you to show up for an interview. Whatever the case, make sure you are confident and ready.
Step 9: Receive your Canadian Student Visa and Travel to Canada to Study
The Canadian study permit processing time usually lasts between 20 and 90 days. Now is the best time to have your study and travel documents ready. You can fast-track your student visa using Student Direct Stream. It costs 150 CAD, enabling you to get your study permit in less than one month.
Once you receive your Canadian student visa, travel to Canada and get your dream education.
Conclusion
Canada attracting many of international students globally calls for applicants to know how to ace the student permit application process. Smooth online applications, elaborate systems, and quicker turnaround times aid applicants towards getting their dream education in Canada.
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