• Study in Canada
Canada Study Visa - Fee, Requirements, How to Apply & More
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- This blog showcases the advantages of studying in Canada. Explore why Canada has become a top choice for international students; it offers high-quality education, affordable living costs, a welcoming environment, and post-graduation employment prospects.
- It's important for international students to understand the difference between study permits and visas when pursuing studies in Canada. Both permits and visas are necessary.
- When applying for a study visa to Canada, it's important to gather all required documents, understand visa categories, and be aware of associated fees, processing times, and specific requirements based on IELTS scores.
Table of Contents
- • Why Study in Canada?
- • Difference Between Study Permit & Study Visa Canada
- • Types of Student Visa in Canada
- • Canada Student Visa Requirements
- • Canada Student Visa Fees
- • Canada Student Visa Processing Time
- • Canada Study Visa IELTS Requirements
- • How to Apply for a Canada Student Visa?
- • Benefits of Studying in Canada
Why Study in Canada?
| High-Quality Education | Canada's universities and colleges have consistently ranked high globally. Their awards or certifications are well acknowledged globally, ensuring students receive a high-class education. |
| Low Cost of Living | Despite the world-class education offered, living in Canada is relatively cheaper compared to other countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia. Students can handle and cope with these necessities, from accommodation to day-to-day expenses. |
| Welcoming Environment | Canada is a welcoming country that accepts students from all corners of the earth and is known for its multiculturalism. This guarantees that international students will not struggle to assimilate into their new environment. |
| Post-Study Opportunities | Canada offers many opportunities for students to earn while they are studying and after the completion of their studies. The process of getting a Canada study visa allows students to obtain valuable work experience, which they highly benefit from when looking to stay in Canada post-completion. |
Difference Between Study Permit & Study Visa Canada
| Canada Study Visa | It's the official authorisation for entry to Canada, which is entered on the passport and will facilitate your admittance into the country. It can be likened to your entrance ticket to the country. |
| Canada Study Permit | Once you enter Canada, this permit enables you to learn at a DLI. You cannot enrol at a Canadian academic institution without it. |
Types of Student Visa in Canada
SDS Category (Student Direct Stream)
Key Requirements:
- That one must have scored a minimum IELTS overall score of 6.0 with a minimum band of 5.5 in every module.
- Acceptance letter from a DLI located in Canada.
- Valid Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) valued at CAD 20,635 to help cover living expenses.
- Payment receipt of tuition fees.
- A valid passport.
- Medical examination report by an authorised doctor.
SDS is advantageous as it takes the study visa processing time for qualified applicants in Canada just 20 days.
General Category (Non-SDS)
Key Requirements
- Letter of acceptance from a Canadian DLI.
- IELTS score is at least 6.0 bands overall.
- Financial documents showing sufficient funds for both tuition fees and a living.
- Income tax return documents.
- Medical test reports.
Unlike the SDS category, GIC is not mandatory, but there is an aspect of proof of financial capability. The study visa processing time in Canada under the General Category is 8 to 12 weeks.
Canada Student Visa Requirements
| Acceptance Letter from a DLI | This is one of the most critical documents. A student should not apply for a study permit without an acceptance letter from a recognised Canadian institution. |
| Valid Passport | Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Canada. You should be able to ensure that it will not expire before the completion of your stay. |
| Proof of Funds | You must prove that you have enough money to pay tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation. The stipulated amount is approximately CAD 20,635 annually; in Quebec, it is around CAD 15,278. |
| Medical examination | A medical examination is mandatory to show that you are fit to study in Canada. This should be done by a panel of physicians authorised by the Canadian Government. |
| Passport-size photographs | Two recent passport-size photographs are required for offline applications, and digital copies must meet the established requirements for online applications. |
| SOP | This is simply an essay that elaborates on why you chose Canada, outlines what you want to achieve academically, and how studying in Canada relates to achieving your future aspirations. The chances of getting a visa depend on a well-written SOP. |
| IELTS or TOEFL Score | You need to be good at the English language. Most Canadian institutes require students to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores as proof of language proficiency. |
Canada Student Visa Fees
Canada Student Visa Processing Time
There is a difference in the timeframe applied to process the study visa to Canada under the category you will fall into. Below is an estimate of timeframes for each category.| SDS Category | Around 20 days |
| General Category | Typically, within the range of 8 to 12 weeks |
Processing times may vary with the volume of applications and other factors outside of their control. Applying early and ensuring all the documents are in order may help avoid delays.
Canada Study Visa IELTS Requirements
| SDS Category | Lowest overall band score of 6.0, no less than 5.5 in each module. |
| General Category | Overall minimum score of 6.0. |
Ensure that you prepare well for IELTS to meet your required score for your category and institution.
How to Apply for a Canada Student Visa?
Online Application
- Sign in to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Upload all the necessary documents, including your acceptance letter, proof of funds, passport, and IELTS score.
- Pay the Canada study visa fees, as well as the biometric fees.
- Take a biometric scan at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).
- Wait for a decision about your application.
Paper Application
- Get an application kit downloaded from the IRCC website
- Submit the filled-out form and all documents
- Pay for a visa and biometrics fee
- Apply in person at a VAC
Benefits of Studying in Canada
| Work while Studying | It allows the student to work for 24 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during break times. Such opportunities exist to combine study with some work. |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Once you have passed, you will likely be eligible for a PGWP. That means you can stay in Canada and work up to three years after your graduation. |
| Path to Permanent Residency (PR) | For many, studying in Canada is a pathway toward obtaining PR. After gaining Canadian work experience, many students become permanent residents through programs like the Express Entry system. |
Conclusion
Canada is way above an academic journey; it unlocks doors to a world of unlimited opportunities and the scale of quality education, immense cultural diversity, and unparalleled prospects at work, hence the most advanced setting for international students. However, the Canada study visa process includes fees, processing time, and IELTS requirements that greatly value the application process.
FAQ
The Canadian high commission requires 6.0 bands in the IELTS Exam for an undergraduate degree, with no band less than 5.5. Also, for the postgraduate degree, candidates require an overall 6.5 band with no band less than 6.0.
On average, processing a student visa application can take weeks to months. The processing time for a student visa in Canada can vary and depends on several factors, such as the volume of applications, the completeness of the application, and the processing centre.
There are two ways to apply for the Canadian Study Visa:
- Apply Online
- Apply on Paper
Yes, international students in Canada must have medical insurance. All international students need health insurance to cover their stay. It is mandatory because Canada's public health insurance programs do not cover international students.
A student can expect to spend around CAD 800 to CAD 1,500 per month on living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses.
A study permit for Canada costs CAD 150, which is roughly equivalent to INR 9,045.75 (as shared on the CIC Website) as per the current exchange rate. Since the exchange rate keeps changing, it is advised to check the same at the time of visa application.
Post submission of the visa application, students need to submit a biometric fee of CAD 85. Candidates need to submit this fee in addition to the regular visa fee. After this, the biometrics will be taken at a Visa Application Centre.
The most commonly accepted English proficiency tests in Canada are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
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