Everything You Need to Know About Applying for a Student Visa in Canada; One of the most exciting aspects of going to school in Canada, aside from studying abroad and being immersed in another culture, is that you may be able to obtain an international student visa to study there.
Applying for this type of visa, however, isn’t something you can do on your own.
You will need to hire a Canadian immigration lawyer to apply on your behalf and ensure that all of the necessary paperwork has been filed correctly and all fees have been paid accordingly.
Luckily, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
READ MORE How to Check the Canada Student Visa Processing Time
Benefits of studying in Canada
There are plenty of advantages that come with studying in Canada.
For starters, Canadian universities are known worldwide for their rigorous standards and excellent facilities.
As well, the study-abroad experience will enhance your résumé when you return home.
This is why international students flock to Canadian schools each year.
If you want to be part of this trend, then apply for a student visa today.
The application process is not complicated, but there are a few key points to keep in mind:
1) Ensure you have proof of sufficient funds on hand while attending school
2) Make sure you have all documentation required by the Canadian Embassy (or other institution)
3) Understand the types of work available to those who hold student visas.
If you are looking for a job after graduation, it is important to understand what work you can do legally with your student visa.
With some exceptions, most types of employment or self-employment require confirmation from Immigration Services Canada before they can begin.
There are two main exceptions: volunteer work and work-integrated learning programs where course content revolves around experiential learning at an organization or business.
In these cases, Employment and Social Development Canada must provide written confirmation that confirms they are aware of the employment/internship position and has no objections to it going ahead as planned.
However, it’s still best to consult with Immigration Services Canada beforehand to ensure everything goes smoothly.
In general, if you are working as an intern or volunteering, then you should also look into a Temporary Resident Permit .
It is much easier than applying for a work permit and often allows more flexibility in terms of duration and location.
What documents do I need to apply for?
There are three main documents you’ll need when applying for a Canadian student visa: an application form, a passport that’s valid until at least six months after your program of study is over and letters of acceptance from educational institutions or scholarships.
Also, make sure you have enough funds available to support yourself during your time in Canada.
The financial requirement is determined by factors such as where you will live and whether or not you have family in Canada.
However, the amount of money you can carry on arrival into Canada is limited.
What if you don’t meet the requirements?
If it happens, then your letter of acceptance must come from a high school institution rather than an education institution.
In order to be eligible for this, the minimum language proficiency standard (i.e., IELTS) must be met instead of the university level standard.
You may also be able to bring a number of other people with you under this category as well, depending on your relationship with them.
Keep in mind that there is no guarantee that bringing family members with you will get their visas approved and it may take longer for them to get here.
If you’re planning on coming to Canada to visit someone who is studying here, consider getting a visitor’s visa first.
Some countries require that the applicant attend an interview; others do not.
The good news is that once you’ve applied for a student visa, it’s unlikely that anything will change significantly in your life circumstances before you’re able to travel.
How much does an education visa cost?
An education visa costs between $150 and $800, depending on your country of origin.
Once you are accepted into a school and have secured housing, you can go to any immigration office in Canada with your acceptance letter from that school and apply for an education visa.
Upon approval, you will be issued an immigration paper that says how long you can stay.
For example, a student’s work permit may only allow them to work 10 hours per week on campus, or off-campus if they get permission.
The permit might also specify the type of job (for example: waitress).
The type of work is usually set by the school. Work is usually only allowed when classes are not in session (summer break or holidays).
What are the requirements for study permit renewal?
To apply for renewal, students should submit their application within the 90-day period before the expiry of their current study permit.
When renewing online, applicants are required to provide their passport and study permit numbers (if they are available).
The new study permit will be mailed out within 10 business days after processing.
Students can also mail applications with all supporting documents including passports, letters of reference and proof of financial support.
The student must have been enrolled full-time during the entire duration of the last permit, or part-time with 60% course load or more throughout the duration of the last permit.
There is no guarantee that an application submitted at this stage will be processed by time as there is a backlog due to high demand.
It is recommended that international students file earlier than the deadline to avoid delays.
Students who wish to continue studying in Canada but don’t want to go through the process of applying for a study permit may consider applying for a Canadian temporary resident visa on compassionate grounds or if they are members of family class immigration.
All you need to know About Canada Student Visa
The visa is an electronic travel authorization (eTA) that will be valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes firs.
As long as you are traveling to Canada by air only and have a valid passport with at least six months left on it, you’ll be able to get the eTA when booking your flight through any airline.
If you are traveling by land or sea you’ll need to apply for the visa ahead of time.
You can’t enter Canada without this document.
The fee for applying for a Canadian student visa from the USA is $140 CAD. However, if you’re going to study in Quebec, they may require additional documents.
In addition, there may be costs associated with traveling to the Canadian consulate office outside of the US (in Toronto).
Here’s what you’ll need: A complete application form; two passport photos; two letters of reference/support including full contact information; proof of acceptance into an institution abroad that meets our criteria; proof of funds sufficient to cover tuition fees and living expenses while studying in Canada including bank statements dated within 6 months; fee payment confirmation letter stating amount paid and date received.
For students from countries other than France, Italy, Malta, United Kingdom or Ireland: Students who come from countries other than France, Italy, Malta, United Kingdom or Ireland should also provide their results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam with their application.
The TOEFL examination is required for those whose native language is not English and who want to study in one of the following fields: education sciences; humanities; law; natural sciences; engineering (except engineering design); applied sciences.
It is not required for business, commerce, computer science or social sciences majors.
Most universities require a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based test or 100 on the internet-based test, but some schools ask for 740 points (paper-based) or 100 points (internet-based).
Can Student permit be extended before graduating?
Yes, you can apply for a student permit extension before graduating.
This can be done at least 90 days before your original study permit expires.
You will need to show that you are still studying full-time and that you have enough money (or funds) to cover the entire extension period. If approved, you will get an extension of up to 5 years.
For example, if you applied for a 2 year extension, then you would be able to stay in Canada until 10 months after graduation date.
As long as you had submitted your request for extension by 8 months before the expiry date on your current study permit, we would extend it until 12 months after your graduation date.
A new study permit extension application should be submitted every time a student needs one, even if they were granted one in the past.
It is recommended that students do this once their previous student visa has expired and they have completed their studies.
This is because every situation is different, so whether or not you qualify may change over time.
Students who do not yet qualify for another Canadian work permit or who want to switch to another program or institution within Canada may also find themselves needing a new visa.
How long does a work permit remain valid once I graduate and find employment?
A work permit is valid for one year and if you have applied after graduation and found employment, then your employer will apply for renewal on your behalf.
If approved, then your work ermit will be extended by another year.
However, student visas don’t automatically convert into work permits upon graduation you need to apply separately.
The process can take up to four months but sometimes it can take longer.
The length of time also depends on whether you are applying from within or outside of Canada.
One more thing to note about the Canada student visa is that unlike the United States there are no caps so applicants don’t have to worry about getting accepted and being forced to wait for years before being able to get a visa.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re interested in moving to Canada, then you’ll be glad to know there are several different types of student visas available, each type has different eligibility requirements and renewal options.
Be sure you understand what your options are before you apply! For more information on how to apply for your student visa, check out our Complete Guide To Moving To Canada page.
