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Canada Student VISA: Process,Eligibility and Requirement

Written by  Rachit Agrawal, MBA

Published on Tue, July 24, 2018 5:12 AM   Updated on Mon, December 16, 2019 6:46 AM   18 mins read

For studying in Canada, the student needs to have a Canadian study permit. It serves as a Canadian student visa for the duration of their stay. One does not need a student visa if their course or program lasts six months or less. For full-time students, student visas also them to work part-time on campus.

Canada Student Visa Process Step by Step

It is compulsory for each and every foreign student to have a student visa. It takes almost 4 to 6 weeks for the visa to be processed.

Process for applying is:

  • Apply for admission in college/University.
  • Pay tuition fees
  • Purchase GIC
  • Undertake medicals
  • Visa Lodgment
  • Visa Outcome

Canada Student Visa Requirement:

Each and every individual need a study permit to study in Canada. They may also obtain a temporary resident visa or an electronic travel authorization that they can carry along with their passport and study permit. The person will get the notification if they need a visa after applying for a study permit.

Requirements for Canada Student Visa are:

  • A letter of acceptance from DSI in Canada.
  • Letter of introduction
  • Evidence of Passport
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Biometric information such as photographs and fingerprints.
  • Payment of accommodation
  • English language proficiency exam score
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Credit Card
  • Immigration Medical Examination

Canada Student Visa processing time:

Processing time is the time taken by CIC to take a decision about the application you filed. The main processing time for a visitor visa for Canada is a maximum of 15 days. A Student visa needs a maximum of 3 days while a work visa needs a maximum of 4 days. The processing time may vary according to the location of the application center and individual cases.

Canada Student Visa Tracking:

The most common way of checking or tracking student visa is online. One can go through or check the application status only once after processing their application. If one can’t check their status online then they can use processing time as a guide to finding how long it might take to process.

  • One can track the application from the website.
  • They can also send email to their official website, i.e. [email protected]
  • They can call to their helpline no, i.e. 18002668858
  • They can also track from the application center.

Canada Student Visa Process:

There are many students from all around the globe who go to Canada for studies or for work. Hence, all of them need study permit to take admission in renowned universities in Canada.

To process for Canada Student Visa:

  • Check the processing time
  • Determine how you will apply
  • Apply online
  • Apply in person
  • Fill out the VFS Consent Form
  • Pay the processing fee
  • Submit your application and supporting documents

Canada Student Visa Checklist:

There are various documents that needs to be submitted along with the application form. The documents needs to be submitted in the fixed order and if the documents are missing out or are incorrect than the processing can take more time or can be delayed.

The lists of the documents needed are: 

  • Application for study permit
  • Family information
  • Fee payment
  • Declaration of common law Union
  • A Valid passport
  • Letter of acceptance

Canada Student Visa Fees:

 All the international students must need to prove that they have enough funds to support themselves and their family in Canada. The visa processing fees are different for different places. If you are applying for a study permit in Canada than the cost is $CAN 150. The minimum amount one needs to study is $10,000 plus tuition fees of 12 months who are outside Quebec. The minimum amount for the in Quebec is $11,000 plus tuition fees for 12 months. The amount can increase if the extra family member adds.

Canada Student visa in Indian Rupees:

The student visa fees differ in nature for favorable foreign destinations. A Canadian study permit visa fee is almost over 4,700 in Indian Currency. 

Sample sop for Canada Student Visa:

If you want to take admission in Canadian University than you need to score well because it’s totally depended on your grades. SOP stands for Statement of purpose and some university may ask you to write an essay for the purpose of admission (SOP). Also, it is one of the most important parts of the document and must be paid special attention.

How to write SOP:

  • You need to write all the details about your past
  • You should highlight the bits that are related to your course.
  • You should write a reason for choosing Canada for higher studies.
  • You need to mention valid reasons.
  • UG students should mention their overall personality
  • The SOP should not exceed more than 1200 words.

Canada Student Visa financial Requirements:

As we know that it is not that easy for students to get admission in Canada. Therefore, it requires a hell of a lot of things different purposes. The basic requirements that Canada Student Visa requires are:

  • Proof of funds
  • CA$10,000 for every year of your stay.
  • CA$11,000 if you’re applying to study in Quebec.

Canada Student Visa with Low percentage:

To apply for a Canadian student visa, you have to crack the eligibility criteria. To apply for a Canadian visa one must have at least 60% in their graduation. This percentage is very much required in progressing your profile. There are many cases in which students with high scores get rejected and students with bad scores get selected. Also, students who have low marks can improve their results by giving improvement tests or by earning high bands in IELTS. 

Canada Student Visa IELTS Band Requirements 2018:

Once you have given your exams, the wait begins for the scores. For checking the IELTS Score, you need to visit the website. The score will list you out for each of the four sections, writing and speaking. A student visa for Canada would require to score at least 5.5 in each of the four segments with an overall minimum score of 6.0 and above for undergraduate courses. Whereas for graduate courses the score goes up to 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four points.

How many bands required for Canada student visa after 12th:

Almost all colleges and universities accept the IELTS score just to analyze the ability of an applicant to read, write, speak and understand English. However, the Canadian Commission has a requirement of 6.0 bands in IELTS for undergraduate students and also with no bands less than 5.5. And the students who score 6.5 bands with no band less than 6.0 are surely getting admission to a postgraduate degree in Canada.

How to apply for a Canada Student Visa:

The Universities of Canada recruit almost 130,000 international students yearly. Universities in Canada offer a high-quality education system and teaching system. It is also rich in possibilities and culture.

The main steps to apply for a Student Visa are:

  • Decide a University to apply and get your acceptance letter
  • Check if you need to apply for a student visa in Canada.
  • Start your application for a Canadian student visa.
  • Prepare all required documents.
  • Language requirements for the Student Visa
  • Biometrics appointment and interview

Canada Student Visa application form:

Basically, there are two ways to fill the application form. One is online and one is through the paper.

To apply online:

  • One must have access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of their documents to upload.
  • Also, one must have a credit card to pay with.

To apply on paper:

  • One must read the instructions carefully before filling up the form.
  • Once the candidate has read the application, they can prepare their application package.
  • They must select the country/territory from which they will be applying to get a visa.

Canada Student Visa Rejection:

As Canada is now the fastest-growing destination for international students, the immigration department has rejected almost over 39 percent of study visa applicants this year. As said by immigration officials, 1 among the 10 applicants are apparently fraud and others don’t get cut because they are unable to prove that they have enough money to pay tuition fees and rents in Canada.

Canada Student Visa approval rate:

Canada is one of the most popular places for studies abroad. Almost 60% of all study visa applications were approved, in the early quarter of 2017. Over 38,000 applications were approved in those three months from 175 countries. Approval rate varies depending on the source country like:

  • Application from Japan had the highest rate of approval i.e. 97%.
  • Cameron had a very low approval rate of 9.5%
  • India had over 6928 applications among which over 59% of the applications were approved.
  • Whereas, there were only 218 applications from USA, out of which 88% was approved.

Chances of getting Canada Student Visa after Refusal:

Canada became the top most famous country for higher studies. Therefore, people try to get into the city at any cost. They also try to get the visa even after being rejected. Also, there are not many chances of getting a student visa after refusal. Many people get into wrong track and also do fraud to get into Canada city and to get a student visa.

Canada Student Visa rejection reasons:

Some of the top reasons for rejection include:

  • Insufficient Family
  • No job prospects in the home country
  • Inadequate Travel History
  • Financial Insufficiency
  • Dual intent

Canada Student Visa rejected apply again:

Students can apply again even after being rejected but first they need to know the reason why it has been rejected. Also, it depends on the reason for rejection of visa. If the reasons for rejection were related to documents or honest errors, then you can reapply. One just need to note that your last mistake should not be repeated. A letter of acceptance is basically the way to show that you’re selected.

Canada student Visa rules 2018:

Canada is the new hub for international students who go there from all over the world to fulfill their desires and dreams. Applying to Canada Student Visa is itself a big task.

 Rules for the student visa are:

  • The student must need 5.5 bands in all four segments.
  • Student must have acceptance of letter
  • They should also be financially strong
  • The student should prove that they have enough to pay for their tuition fees and living expenses.
  • They should also have other documents like passport size photo, 12th grades, etc.

Canada Student Visa New Rules:

Canada is a famous education destination for International Students as many courses are offered to international students every year. The new rule is, however, is more beneficial than the old one. Students get a lot of support, especially in the field of finance which helps in reducing the burden of the students. 

Some of the new rules are:

  • Students who are Financially weak, but are eligible can apply for a student visa.
  • SDS is launched to provide opportunities to the deserving and eligible students for studies abroad.
  • SDS has replaced SPP, which was started in 2009.
  • Students need 6 bands in each module to apply under the SDS rule.
  • Students have to pay the annual fees than semester fees.
  • SPP was linked with college whereas SDS is linked to students directly.  

Non SDS Student Visa:

Non-SDS includes students from the general category. Students who are not eligible for SDS can apply for Non SDS. The statement of purpose for successful student visa under SDS should be strong.

Documents required for Non SDS are:

  • A student may submit application online or paper application at VFS
  • Students can submit an application through GIC.
  • Students need to show fund
  • Experience Certificate required if there is a study gap for more than 2 years.
  • Income proof

Canada Student Visa Login:

To log in to the application, one needs to submit and pay for their application, get messages related to their application, check the status of their application and update their information. There are various options to sign in or log in to their application:

  • The first option is through GCKey
  • The second option is through Sign-In Partner

Canada Student Visa Interview Questions:

One of the main steps to get a Canada Student Visa is Interview. The student must qualify their Interview round to qualify for the same. After the visa fee, the next step is an interview round with the Canadian Embassy/consulate. This is the final stage of the application process. This also determines whether the application is approved/rejected.

Some of the interview questions are as follows:

  • How are you doing?

One needs to answer briefly about how they feel

  • Have you been to Canada before?

One has to answer in yes/no format. If the answer is yes then they need to mention the previous travel details and experience.

  • Why did you choose Canada?

One can mention their past study and future plans.

  • Why did you choose that particular College/University?

One needs to highlight the advantages based on their results.

  • Have you applied to any other college/University?

One should be sure about the course/program start and end date.

  • Where did you study in India?

One needs to mention college/University and city they completed their UG.

  • What does your mother/father do?

One need to Mention the occupation of their parents.

  • Are you traveling with someone else?

One needs to answer this question depending on the situation.

  • Where do you stay in India?

One needs to mention the name of the city and the place they live in.

  • Where will you be staying in Canada?

One needs to provide the address of their stay and mention whether it’s permanent or temporary. 

Canada Student Visa Duration:

A student visa is usually valid for the duration of your study program, plus an extra of 90 days. The time of 90 days is given to let you prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay. There are different cases, such as:

  • If you’re taking prerequisite Courses: Your study permit will be valid for the duration of that course plus 1 year, if your school allows you to take courses before they accept you into the main program.
  • If you’ll finish the course after your study permit expires: In such a case one must apply to extend their stay as a student.
  • If you finish your course before the study permit expires: In such a case, your permit will stop being valid for 90 days after you complete your studies.

IELTS Bands requirements for Canada Student Visa:

Once you have given your exams, the wait begins for the scores. For checking the IELTS Score, you need to visit the website. The score will list you out for each of the four sections, writing and speaking. A student visa for Canada would require to score at least 5.5 in each of the four segments with an overall minimum score of 6.0 and above for undergraduate courses. Whereas for graduate courses the score goes up to 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four points.

How to get a good IELTS Score:

  • Start your preparation early
  • Master Standard English grammar in a systematic way
  • Take every opportunity to study in English
  • Enrich your Vocabulary
  • Practice English skills in four ways- listening, reading, writing and speaking.
  • Read longer texts
  • Listen to the news and watch documentaries
  • Practice talking to other English speakers
  • Take a diagnostic test
  • Join an IELTS course or work with a professional IELTS tutor.

Canada Student Visa Eligibility:

The first and foremost thing that you need to do is to apply in a college/University for which you are aiming for. Also, if they need to study at UG level than they need to have at least 50% at HSC and SSC. Along with this, they should also have an overall score of 6 bands in IELTS and 5.5 in each segment.

Other eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • One needs to have an offer letter from the college with a valid DLI no on it.
  • One needs to show that he/she will be able to bear the tuition fees, living expenses etc.
  • One needs to clearly state their purpose in SOP
  • One should be medically sound for which proper medical checkup is needed to be done.
  • One should not be having any criminal record and a clear background.

Canada Student Visa Checklist under General Category:

Students who are unsuccessful in qualifying under the SDS program can apply under the general category or non SDS which requires strong proof of financial background. The documents required are:

  • Acceptance letter
  • Grade 10 and 12 marks sheet
  • Biometric
  • IELTS results 
  • A valid passport
  • Medical exam Report

Canada Student Visa age limit:

The age limit for Canada Student Visa varies with the province. One must be a Canadian or foreign youth of age between 18 to 35. Students who are from the study gap of 2-5 years for Undergraduate and postgraduate courses are also accepted by Canada.

Canada Student Visa with 19 backlogs:

Students with 19 backlogs can also apply for Study permits but only after clearing all the backlogs as the authority will ask the final certificate of graduation. So, students need to clear all the profiles, they need to clear their backlogs, give their best in IELTS exam then they will definitely get the permit.

Canada Student visa Medical Test:

Students who need to stay and study in Canada also needs to go through the Medical Examination. This exam is done by a designated medical practitioner(DMS). This exam is done to make sure that the student or candidate has no fatal or infectious diseases, to protect public health. This medical exam is done either before applying or within 30 days of receiving the instructions.

Canada Student Visa processing time after Medical:

If one is applying as a temporary resident such as a visitor, student or worker then it takes almost about four to five weeks to process their medical exam results. After that only the student will be informed about what to do. If one is applying for a permanent resident, it takes about three months to process their results after they get them from the panel.

FAQ’s:

Q.1 What is a study permit?

Ans. A Study permit is a legal document that is being issued by the Canadian Government which allows foreign students to study in Canada.

Q.2 What is a Designated Learning Institution?

Ans. An education institution named designated Learning Institution permits the authorities to grant acceptance to foreign students.

Q.3 What are the requirements to apply for a Student Visa?

Ans. A student needs to submit various documents that are mentioned above.

Q.4 How much does it cost to study in Canada?

Ans. The cost of education totally depends on the college/University and the course you have applied to.

Q.5 Are student Permit required for all courses in Canada?

Ans. No, if your course or study program is of or less than six months than you don’t need to apply for the visa.

Q.6 Can a Student work on a Student Visa?

Ans. Yes, students can work for 20 hours a week, a part-time job during the semester or full time during the breaks.

Q.7 Is ILETS score necessary to submit a Student Visa application?

Ans. Yes, it is one of the most important parts. It is also an admission requirement.

Q.8 What happens if the visa application is refused?

Ans. A student or candidate can ask for consideration or can reapply if the visa application is refused.

Q.9 What is the Validity Period of a Student Visa?

Ans. The student permit is valid until the duration of your course or program. Also, it remains valid for an additional day of 90 days.

Q.10 Is a medical exam necessary?

Ans. Yes, it is necessary to go through the medical exam, as offered by the Visa Officer.

Also Visit:
  1. Canada Student Visa
  2. Canada Student Visa Requirements
  3. Canada Student Visa Process
  4. Canada Student Visa Eligibility & Rules
  5. Canada Student Visa Interview
Tags :
canada study visa
mba in canada
ms in canada
spp pogram Canada
Study in Canada

About the Author & Expert

Avatar

Rachit Agrawal

Author • MBA • 20 Years

Rachit believes in the power of education and has studied from the top institutes of IIIT Allahabad, IIM Calcutta, and Francois Rabelias in France. He has worked as Software Developer with Microsoft and Adobe. Post his MBA, he worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group across multiple geographies US, South-East Asia and Europe.

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