How to apply for a Student Visa in Canada: Full Guide

Are you dreaming of studying in Canada? 

Or are you a parent who wants your kids to get an excellent education in this country?

Canada has a strong presence in technology, entrepreneurship, and high education standards. It is also a popular tourist destination with beautiful landscapes and cities to explore.

So, choosing this country for studies is a great decision.

To study in Canada, you require a visa, commonly known as a "study permit."

The first step is to learn how to apply for a student visa in Canada. 

This article will guide you with everything you need to know before you start your application. 

What is a Canada Student Visa?

A Canada Student Visa is the official document that international students need to pursue their studies in Canada.

This visa permits students to enroll in Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada and works similarly to a Canada Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), but it also requires a study permit. 

The study permit allows students to remain in Canada for the duration of their academic program. 

In certain cases, it also permits them to work while studying or to seek employment after graduation.

To maintain your Canada Student Visa, you must follow these conditions:

• Remain continuously enrolled in a DLI.
• Actively work toward completing your study program.
• Fulfill all requirements set forth by the student visa.
• Cease your studies if you no longer meet the student visa requirements.
• Depart Canada promptly once your study permit expires.

A study permit does not allow access to Canadian-issued documents or government benefits like healthcare. But it can make it easier to apply for Canadian citizenship in the future.

Who needs a Canadian Study Permit?

All international students wishing to study in Canada must obtain a student visa and study permit. 

While the study permit does not grant entry into Canada, it allows you to start your studies. 

Some groups may not need a study permit under certain circumstances:

• If your study program lasts less than 6 months, you only need a visitor visa or eTA, provided you complete the program within that timeframe. A study permit will be required if you cannot finish the program in 6 months.

• Individuals who are family members or staff of a foreign representative accredited by Global Affairs Canada do not need a study permit.

• If you are a foreign military member on official duty in Canada, a study permit is not necessary, although your family members may need one.

• Citizens of other countries with Registered Indian Status in Canada are exempt from requiring a study permit.

• Children in Canada do not need a study permit if they are attending kindergarten or refugees or refugee claimants.

If you're wondering how to apply for a study permit in Canada, the first step is to secure an acceptance letter from a DLI.

A designated learning institution is a school in Canada that the government has approved to host international students. 

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions, but some higher education institutions, such as colleges or universities, may not be DLI.

Make sure the institution you choose is a DLI. 

You can apply for a study permit in Canada through two primary methods: online or by visiting a visa application center in your home country. 

It is advisable to apply for your study permit as soon as you receive your acceptance letter from a Canadian institution or university. 

The processing time for a study permit can vary by country, but it may take up to three months to obtain your permit.

Once the study permit is approved in Canada, a temporary resident visa (TRV) or student visa is issued to travel to Canada.

The Student Visa Requirements

To be eligible for a Canada Student Visa and permit, applicants must submit these requirements:

• A valid acceptance letter from a DLI that includes: Official school letterhead, program and degree details, tuition fees, and program start and end dates.

• A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL)

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old. If applying for a child under 18, the parent or guardian must apply on their behalf.

• Provide a clean criminal history and submit relevant court documents.

• Fill out and sign the Visa Application Center Consent Form.

• Provide copies of your current immigration status, whether in another country or in Canada.

• Prove that your stay in Canada is temporary and that you will return home after your studies.

When submitting your application, include the following supporting documents:

• Valid Passport. 
• Travel History.
• A personal letter to the Government of Canada explaining your reasons for applying.
• Two photographs that meet Canada’s photo requirements.
• Medical Examination. 
• Employment/Education Status.
• Proof of tuition and housing payments.
• If studying in Quebec, you must obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ), following instructions from your school.
• If a minor is studying in Canada and requires a custodian, submit a signed Custodian Declaration Form from the parents or legal guardians.
• If accompanying family members (spouse, common-law partner, minor children), prepare and submit their application forms together.

Ensure that all documents are translated into English or French and certified for accuracy. 

Once you have all the necessary documents, you can submit your application and pay the required fees.

How much is the Student Visa Fee?

When applying for a Canada Student Visa, it is essential to pay all required application fees for each individual, including family members. 

Applications cannot be submitted without payment; if you are applying online, the fees must be paid upfront. For paper applications, submissions lacking the appropriate fees will not be processed.

The current fees are as follows:

• Study Permit is CAN$150
• Biometrics is CAN$85

Applying for a student visa in Canada step by step

Starting your student visa application process is easy. Just follow these steps: 

1. Register online

To apply for a Canadian visa, you must submit your application online through the immigration website. 

The first step is to create an account, so make sure you have a valid email address ready. 

Once you have an account, follow the application instructions provided to complete each required step.

2. Prepare your documentation

Before applying for your student visa, make sure to gather all the necessary documents. 

Check with the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country and get any specific documents translated or certified. 

Only authorized individuals, such as public notaries or official translators, can handle this. 

Find out from your local authorities who is considered a certified translator in your home country.

3. Fill out the application form

When applying for a student visa, you will need to fill out the visa application form and some additional forms. 

These forms can be found at the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country. 

It's important to make sure that you provide accurate and up-to-date information on the forms. 

Before you apply for your student visa, you need to pay the visa fees. These include a processing fee and a biometric fee.

These fees are non-refundable regardless of the decision on your student visa application. 

Don't forget to sign the visa application form before submitting it.

4. Submit the application

When you apply, you need to scan the documents and submit them through your immigration website account. 

After you submit your application, the system will check to make sure you've included all the necessary documents and paid the visa fee. 

If something is missing or incorrect, the system will return the application to you.

Let Parsam help you to obtain your student visa 

Applying for a student visa in Canada can be a complex process, with numerous documents and aspects to consider before submitting your application. 

If you find any of these too complicated, it’s time to leave it to the professionals. 

Parsam Immigration takes care of the forms, gives you access to an immigration lawyer, and files your application with the Canadian Government, all within 30 days.

Let’s start your trip to your student life in Canada now. Book a consultation with us.