Canada has a world-class educational system and a friendly, multicultural atmosphere, making it a popular choice for international students. Applying for a student visa is necessary if you’re an immigrant who wants to study in Canada.
How to Apply for a Study Visa Canada
A Canadian student visa can be obtained in these different ways: online, by paper application.
Online Application
The most popular way to apply for a Canada education visa is online. Applicants must have a working credit or debit card to cover the application fees and access to a camera or scanner in order to scan and produce electronic copies of their supporting documentation.
Steps to apply online
In order to apply for a study visa, candidates from Canada must first determine their eligibility by completing the “Check your eligibility to apply” questionnaire found at onlineservices-servicesenligne.cic.gc.ca/c2c/eapp.
A unique reference code will be provided to qualified candidates at the top of their customized Canada student visa checklist. It takes both of these to launch an internet application.
- Open an Online Account with IRCC
- For information on applying for a study permit in Canada, go to https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/apply.html
- Enter your email address and a new password to create an account.
- Fill out the online form called “Application for a Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1294).”
- Compile all of the necessary documentation, then submit it online.
- 150 CAD in fees should be paid with a credit card. Accepted credit cards include Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, JCB®, and UnionPay®.
Offline application(on paper)
Paper applications for a Canada education visa are only accepted in the following circumstances:
- The candidates are unable to apply online due to a disability.
- The applicants are stateless individuals, refugees, or holders of an identity or travel document for non-national inhabitants.
All other candidates, whether domestic or foreign, must submit their applications online.
Application packages for paper applications are available for download on the IRCC website. Each country’s instruction manual can be found on the website independently. It includes guidelines for filling out the Canada student visa application form, as well as a checklist of countries for study permits. It is recommended that candidates obtain and thoroughly read the instruction booklet specific to their nation.
Steps to apply on paper
- Read the guide on applying for a study permit outside of Canada by going to canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5269.html.
- Applicants must choose the country or region from which they are submitting their application in order to find the local Visa Application Centre (VAC) information and additional instructions.
- Download the “Application for a Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1294),” fill it out, and then click “validate” to submit your application for a student visa to Canada. Barcodes at the conclusion of the form and the word “validated” in the upper right corner indicate that the form has been validated.
- Print the form now, and sign it.
- Candidates must make sure they have all the common documents listed and submit the completed application form for a student visa to Canada. To find out whether any further documents are required, they can get in touch with their nearby visa application center and make sure to provide them all in advance.
- Make a credit card payment of CAD 150 for the application fees. The application package must be enclosed with the “official receipt” of the payment.
- The completed application for a student visa to Canada and all required paperwork can be turned in in person at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC). After that, VAC will transmit the application for processing to the High Commission or Embassy of Canada.
Guide for immigrants seeking to apply for a student visa in Canada:
- Select a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): The Canadian government has granted DLIs permission to admit international students as full-time instructors. On the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a list of DLIs is available.
- Apply to a DLI and obtain an acceptance letter: After selecting a DLI, send in an application along with any necessary supporting documentation. The DLI will send you an acceptance letter if your application is accepted.
- Meet the requirements of the programme: You must fulfill the requirements of the DLI’s programme in order to be eligible for a student visa after being accepted. This could entail meeting specific educational requirements, speaking French or English fluently, and having adequate income.
- Send an application for a student visa to the IRCC: Your application for a student visa may be submitted online, at a visa application center, or through a Canadian embassy. A $150 CAD application fee is required.
- Supply the necessary paperwork: The following supporting documents must be included with your application for a student visa:
- A valid passport
- An acceptance letter from DLI
- The proof of financial assistance
- The proof of health insurance
- Certifications of police clearance (where appropriate)
- Make the visa processing payment: $185 CAD is the cost of processing a visa.
- Show up for a visa interview if necessary: At a Canadian embassy or visa application centre, certain candidates would have to show up for a visa interview.
- Get your student visa: You will get a visa vignette in your passport once your application for a student visa has been granted. You can travel to Canada with this visa in order to attend the DLI where you have been admitted.
Application timeline for student visa
Depending on the season and the nation you are applying from, there can be differences in the deadline for student visa applications. Generally speaking, you should begin the application procedure at least half a year before your intended departure date to Canada.
Further Information for Students Applying for Visa
For those applying for a student visa, consider the following further advice:
- Ensure that the necessary documentation is submitted accurately and fully. Applications that are not accurate or full may be rejected or delayed.
- Be ready to respond to inquiries regarding your course schedule and financial support arrangements for your time studying in Canada.
- Throughout the application process, be accurate and truthful. The application process may reject applications that contain any inaccurate or misleading information.
A Canadian embassy or visa application center, as well as the IRCC, are the places to go if you have any issues about applying for a student visa in Canada.
