Is a Study Visa easy to get in Canada?

Alisha Khan
[Published 27 May, 2022 | 05:04 PM]
About Author - 5 min read

Over 130,000 overseas students apply for higher education in Canadian universities each year. Canada offers a diverse range of opportunities and lively culture in addition to a high-quality educational system. Canada and its academic institutions place a strong emphasis on research, scientific publications, and international cooperation, therefore, being a top choice for students worldwide. 

The processing time for your Canadian study visa can take up to 90 days, however, it is normally much faster. This is also contingent on the state of affairs in your native nation. Your study permit will expire 90 days after you finish your studies (after you receive a notification of the program completion). You can still travel and see Canada, or you can apply for a work permit that permits you to work full-time or part-time, or even be self-employed.

But how tough is it to obtain a student visa for Canada, often known as a Canadian study permit? When it comes to deciding where you want to study, knowing this will be critical. So, here's a detailed process of applying for a Canadian student visa to determine if it shall be easy for you or not.

1. Get the Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian university

If you are still undecided about where you want to study in Canada, you must make a decision before proceeding with your student visa application. You'll receive an acceptance letter after being admitted to a Canadian university, which you'll need for your visa application.

2. Have a document checklist

• Complete the student visa application
• Your university's initial letter of acceptance
• Your current passport or travel document allows you to return to your native country once your degree is completed. This is not required if you live in the United States.
• Two recent passport-size pictures with your name and date of birth information on it.
• Proof of financial assistance during your studies. This entails demonstrating that you have a yearly income of between 10,000 and 11,000 Canadian dollars.
• A good statement of purpose
• Payment receipt of the study permit fee (150 CAD)

Read Also: Which is the best consultant for a Canada Study Visa?

3. Language Assessment reports

The list of required documents for a Canadian student visa does not include proof of English language ability. However, Canadian institutions will require confirmation of English language proficiency unless you are from an English-speaking country. Language tests that are acceptable in Canada include:

• Academic IELTS
• iBT TOEFL
• Academic PTE
• Advanced C1

4. Begin your application process for Canada Study Visa

Once you have your university acceptance letter, language test results, and other important documents ready, it's time to move on to applying for a student visa, also known as a study permit. The steps in acquiring a student visa are as follows:

• Before you arrive in Canada, apply for your Canadian student visa on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.
• If you are from a remote area with difficulty in procuring a good internet connection or are unable to submit the documents online, send the documents by mail.
• Provide a letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution (a university recognized by the Canadian government).
• Provide evidence of enough financial resources to support your studies in Canada (tuition fees and living expenses).
• Show proof that you have never been convicted of a crime.
• Send medical records

5. Prepare for the interview and get your Biometrics

Depending on your nationality, you may be required to submit your biometrics to complete your Visa Application in your country. The biometrics fee is 85 CAD. This price is separate from the visa application charge (150 CAD). Some nations are exempt from the biometrics requirement, which means their people will not be required to visit an application center. You may also be contacted for an interview, depending on your specific case. For employing their services, local visa application centers will charge a nominal cost.

6. Apply for the Student Direct Stream (if applicable)

Canada launched a specific partnership program with certain countries to encourage students from those countries to study in Canada. You acquire your study permission faster by applying under the Student Direct Stream. The processing time is normally around 20 calendar days, and the fees start at 150 CAD. Students from the following countries can participate in the Student Direct Stream:

• China
• India
• Morocco
• Pakistan
• The Philippines
• Senegal
• Vietnam