How to Apply for Student Visa in Canada

If you want to study in Canada, obtaining a student visa is an essential requirement and an integral part of the application process.

You can't even enter Canada without a student visa. After all, if you want to stay and study, you will need a study permit, too. 

In this article, we’ll go through the application process in detail, what the requirements are, the necessary documentation to submit, how to apply when inside and outside Canada, and the importance and benefits of obtaining a student visa for Canada.

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Let’s get started!

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Canada Student Visa Requirements

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If you are determined to study in Canada, you need to make sure to fulfil all requirements. Obtaining a student visa is one of them; each requirement is significant in your application process.

To efficiently gather and prepare the necessary documents for a student visa, it’s essential to know:

1. Specific requirements for a student visa, but also a study permit (who needs a study permit)
2. Admission requirement compliance
3. Visa regulation understanding
4. Deadline and timeline adherence
5. Information accuracy assurance
6. Application fee payment

For a complete application, it’s necessary document submission. Below, pay attention to the most important ones.

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for as long as you are in Canada. Otherwise, complications may arise in the application process.

To prevent that, make sure it’s:

• Legal
• Not expired
• Renewed if necessary, and
• Accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

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Proof of Acceptance at a DLI or Designated Learning Institution

A DLI or designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to accept international students. To study at all, you need a study permit; to apply for a study permit, you need proof of acceptance from a DLI. Since the study permit and the student visa are inseparable, it’s obvious why DLI is so essential for the visa application.

First, you should know that the time you need to get your Letter of acceptance (LOA) depends on the university or college you are applying to. Most take at least four to six weeks to evaluate your application, determine your study permit eligibility, and issue an acceptance letter. However, it can sometimes take up to two or three months.

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Steps to take if the acceptance letter has not yet been received are:

1. Follow up with the DLI to ensure they have received all required documents and to inquire about any additional steps you may need
2. Application status checking with BorderPass

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Proof of Funds

Part of the student visa application is proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses. As of January 1, 2024, Canadian immigration authorities estimate your first year's tuition plus $20,635 CAD living expenses. You will need to provide bank statements for four months and show assets or ongoing financial support from your family during your studies.

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As per the IRCC website, you must provide a list of documents. 

• Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name if money has been transferred to Canada.
• A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution
• Evidence of a student or education loan from a bank
• Bank statements from the past four months
• A bank draft convertible to Canadian dollars
• Proof of payment for tuition and housing fees
• A letter from the person or institution that provides you with funds
• Proof of funding from within Canada if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program

However, you shouldn't submit all of them. The number of records depends on your country and "risk environment."

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English Language Proficiency Exam Score

The procedure entails meeting language proficiency requirements, usually by taking specific tests. Canada has a few accepted English tests and minimum score requirements.

Some of the tests and required English language scores are:

• IELTS: Undergraduate programs require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each module, while postgraduate programs require up to 6.5 overall and 6.0 per module
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): If the result ranges between 59-75, you'll be able to apply for most undergraduate and postgraduate courses
• TOEFL: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80-100

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To prepare for the English language proficiency exam efficiently, you should:

• Know the test format
• Assess your current level
• Practice your grammar
• Work on vocabulary
• Improve your reading, listening, and speaking skills

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Statement of Purpose 

A statement of purpose is a document that shows your main reasons for choosing Canada as a study destination.

This is what you need to include in a Statement of Purpose:

1. Introduction
2. Personal Information
3. Academic Background
4. Professional Experience
5. Reasons why you choose this particular course
6. Reasons for Attending a Specific University
7. Professional goals
8. Finances
9. Conclusion

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Your SOP must be original and unique. Knowing that the admissions committee reviews thousands of SOPs, do your best to make yours stand out.

5 Steps To Apply for a Student Visa in Canada

There is a 5-step process as a structured approach to applying for a student visa. 

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Let’s go through all of them individually.

Step 1: Researching Educational Institutions

If you are curious about how to research and choose the right DLI for your field of study, you should choose a major that interests you. Then, eliminate specific options to narrow down the selection. You can even find an academic advisor or ask students to talk about their experiences.

It is easier to find DLI with the help of the DLI number (starting with the letter "O"), which you can find on the study permit application form.

There is also an option to:

• Select the province or territory where your school is located
• Enter keywords such as school name or city
• Find the DLI number and enter it in the Details of Intended Study in Canada section of your study permit application

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Step 2: Obtaining an Acceptance Letter

Once you have been accepted to DLI, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance from them, which you will attach to your study permit application. Your full name, date of birth, and student number are written in the acceptance letter.

If the first choice of institution rejects you, you can:

• File a complaint
• State the reasons you were rejected
• Submit a new application if you believe the reasons for rejection are valid

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Step 3: Preparing Documents

List of the documents needed for the student visa application is:

• Valid passport
• Proof of funds
• English language proficiency test
• Statement of purpose
• Proof of acceptance at DLI
• Medical examination completion if necessary
• Credit card

Ensure you prepare each document carefully and submit complete documentation with all necessary information.

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Step 4: Applying Online

If you want to apply online, you should check your eligibility, collect and submit all documents, submit a student visa application form, and wait for processing. 

You can find your application on the official Government of Canada website or, more straightforwardly, application process tracking at BorderPass if you decide to go through your application in one place. BorderPass makes the process easier and more efficient and puts students’ best foot forward by working with Canadian Immigration Lawyers who are experts in the field. 

Common mistakes to avoid when filling out the online application are:

• You don’t have a study plan or letter of explanation
• Apply late
• You haven’t submitted all the documents, or you have submitted incomplete documents
• You have no proof of funds
• You have no connection to your homeland

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Step 5: Paying Application Fees

The application necessitates payment of application fees. The current application fee is $150.

You can pay online through the IRCC website using a credit card or debit card from a Canadian bank that uses INTERAC® Online by registering for online banking through your bank's website.

You can also pay in cash or dollars or by credit card - Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover or American Express or debit card - Visa.

Here are some advice on how to confirm payment has been received:

• After you pay, you should usually receive a copy of the invoice in your email
• Print the receipt and attach it to the application if you applied on paper
• There is also proof of a Canadian bank account in your name with the required amount
• Bank statements for the last four months

How to Apply for a Student Visa Outside of Canada?

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There is a determined application process specifically for those applying from outside Canada.

Applying for a student visa inside or outside of Canada only applies to where the application is processed.

• To apply INLAND, you must be in Canada
• To apply for OUTLAND, you must be outside of Canada

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Step 1: Collect Documents

Here is the list of documents needed if you apply outside of Canada:

• Valid passport requirement
• Passport pictures
• Student visa application form completion
• Proof of admission
• Proof of funds
• Civil documents
• International student health insurance
• Previous university records

For complete documentation, keep all documents organized in a folder for quick access during the application and interview process. Also, the credibility of your application involves ensuring all information is accurate.

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Step 2: Read the Instruction Guide

The instruction guide contains information on what you need to know before you apply and how to fill in the forms and collect the supporting documentation. Once you've read it, you're ready to fill out the form that's designed with the questions.

You can find the most current instruction guide on the official website of the Government of Canada.

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Step 3: Prepare Your Answers for the Online Tool

Online application tools make the application process more efficient, convenient, and easier to navigate for candidates. Follow the instruction guide to submit a complete and accurate application.

Here is how to best prepare answers for the online tool:

• Provide accurate information about yourself and the program you are applying for
• Read all about your university and program
• Keep all your documents in order and neatly filed

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Step 4: Know the Fees You Have to Pay

To remind you of the fees for overseas applicants. The current application fee is $150.

Here is a checklist of fees to ensure all necessary payments are made:

• Study permit (including extensions) per person: $150
• Temporary resident permit per person: $229.77
• Visitor visa (including super visa) - per person: $100
• Visitor visa – per family (1 fee per family of 5 or more people): $500
• Extend your stay as a visitor per person: $100
• Biometrics per person: $85, and per family (2 or more people): $170

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Step 5: Create Your Online Account or Sign in

One of the best ways to create an online account for the visa application portal is the IRCC account.

IRCC's portal allows representatives to apply for temporary resident visas, study permits, and refugee claims in Canada on behalf of their clients.

Enter your name (as in your ID or passport), email address and preferred notification language on the Create Account page, and create your security questions and answers.

If you have made a mistake when applying, try to correct it as soon as possible before submitting your application by filling out a new form.

Troubleshooting tips for common issues with online account creation or signing in are:

• Use the latest version of a browser such as Edge, Safari, Chrome or Firefox
• Do not use a favourite link or bookmark.
• Delete any saved favourite links or bookmarks
• Close the browser and then
• Re-open your browser and clear your browser cache
• Close the browser
• Open your browser again and try to sign in to your account

If you still can't log into your account, please submit a web form for help.

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How Long Does the Visa Process Take for Students?

Once you get a letter of acceptance from a DLI, we suggest you apply for a study permit, which usually takes up to 3 months, depending on the country where you are using.

Factors that can affect processing time include overall application volume, the processing capacity of visa offices, the response time of applicants, and more. Typically, each individual applicant may have a different experience with processing times.

Advice on how to track the visa application status includes:

• Using the Reference Number presented on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre
• Visiting BorderPass for insights into your application process

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Canada Student Visa Cost

A study permit is essentially a student visa that you need to enrol in a specific program in Canada. 

The application fee is:

• $150 for study permit application
•  $85 for biometrics, or $170 for a family applying together

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If you are wondering about budgeting for the total cost of the visa application process, here are the costs:

• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
• Single Entry: CAD $100
• Multiple Entries: CAD $100
• Family (5 or more): CAD $500
• Super Visa (for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents):
• CAD $100 per person
• Biometrics Fee (if required):
• CAD $85 per applicant or CAD $170 per family (for most applicants)
• Study Permit extension fee: $45

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What are the Minimum Financial Requirements for a Canada Study Visa?

Each applicant studying in Canada, not including Quebec, must demonstrate that they have at least CAN$20,635 in addition to the first year's tuition and travel expenses.

If you plan to be in Canada for about six months, roughly $10,000 CAD should be enough. Of course, that amount increases if someone comes with you. Apart from CAD 10,000 for living expenses for a 12-month period, you must show funds for tuition, too.

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Documentation as proof of funds includes:

• Proof of full tuition payment for your first year of tuition
• A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution for total living expenses
• A bank statement for the last six months
• Proof of source of funds, such as employment

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What to Do After Applying for the Canada Student Visa?

After submitting a visa application, you will receive an approval letter (entry letter of introduction) stating that you are allowed to study in Canada.  Then, you apply for a study permit.

You will need a biometric submission (fingerprints and photo), which implies paying the biometric fee, downloading the biometric instructions, and going to the official biometric collection site. Then, your application is being processed and checked for all the necessary documents. 

Although the visa interview can be uncomfortable and cause you some trepidation, it is a simple process. For example, a part of that is the Language proficiency meeting.

If you prepare well and practice your answers, the interview can go without problems.

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Common interview questions include:

• University selection
• Program selection
• Reasons to study in Canada
• Study plan
• Travel arrangement planning

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Key Takeaways

• If you want to study in Canada, you need to make sure to fulfil all requirements 
• You need to submit documents, which include providing proof of acceptance at DLI and requires a valid passport, proof of funds, a criminal record clearance, an English language proficiency test, and a statement of purpose
•  There is a 5-step process as an approach to applying for a student visa from inside Canada
•  There is a 5-step process as an approach to applying for a student visa from outside Canada
• Together with a study permit, a student visa processing time takes up to three months
• You must pay for visa application fees. Each student must have at least CAN$20,635 in addition to the first year's tuition and travel expenses
• After you submit a visa application, you will receive an approval letter proving you are allowed to study in Canada. Then, you apply for a study permit.

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We advise you to double-check your application and all documents before submission to prevent possible mistakes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long is the Canadian Student Visa Valid?

A Canadian student visa is valid for the length of the study program plus an additional 90 days, during which you can leave Canada or apply for a Canadian study visa extension.

You must extend your study permit if you want to extend your studies. The rule is to apply at least 30 days before your permit expires.

Can I Work in Canada After I Completed My Studies?

A work permit is the primary condition under which a former student can work in Canada post-graduation. 

Graduating from a designated learning institution makes you eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). 

You can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGVP) from within Canada or outside of Canada. You have about 180 days to apply after graduation. You must confirm which program you attended and the name and length of the program, which involves submitting necessary documents, such as a diploma, your transcript, or an official letter from DLI.

Does Canada Give Students Visas Easily?

Canada's student visa acceptance rate is roughly 50%, at least according to statistics from last year. About 40% of student visa applications from India are rejected, with reasons marked as “other” or “unspecified”.

The factors influencing the approval rate of student visas for Canada may include submitting biometrics and a letter of acceptance, but can also be financial sufficiency, type of the program, English language proficiency, or intention to return to the home country.

If you fulfil all requirements, you will increase the chances of approval of a student visa.