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Canada Study Visa - Fee, Requirements, How to Apply & More

Q: How to apply for a Canadian Study Visa?

There are two ways to apply for the Canadian Study Visa:Apply OnlineApply on Paper

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Oct 05,2024 05:16 PM IST

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.

Canada Study Visa.webp

Canada has now emerged as one of the most preferred destinations for international students. With ideal combinations of quality education and living costs offered, it is also very favourable to immigrant students. The Canadian Ministry of Education has developed a strategic plan to boost international students by providing easy access to world-class engineering, healthcare, agriculture, and management programs.

Therefore, understanding various visa categories, fees, processing time, and necessary documents can help you realise your dream of studying in Canada. This blog will walk you through every step of obtaining a Canada study visa, including how to apply, the required documents, the different visa categories, and much more.

Why Study in Canada?

Canada has established itself as a top destination for international students due to several reasons:

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

One common mistake is that the Canada study visa and the Canada study permit are identical; they're not. They are related but serve different purposes.

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

Canada has very different visa categories for students, each with different criteria. Knowing which one fits will make your application process much smoother.

SDS Category (Student Direct Stream)

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) Category is an expedited visa processing option for students from India, China, and the Philippines. These programs aim to streamline the process of obtaining a Canada study visa and make it less time-consuming for those requesting visas from these countries.

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)

If you fail to meet the requirements of SDS, you should apply for the General Category or Non-SDS. Processing will take a bit longer, and students have more flexibility.

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.

This could take much more time, considering the other additional documentation required. However, the scope of post-graduation work opportunities is also vast.

Canada Student Visa Requirements

Applying for a study visa in Canada requires some documents. When you have all these, the process becomes easier and your chances of getting a visa increase significantly.

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

As of 2024, a Canadian Study Visa costs CAD 150, or approximately INR 9,500. This fee applies when submitting your visa.

This biometric fee amounts to CAD 85 and is non-negotiable. You can pay online or offline, as you prefer, to make the application. Applying at the VAC Visa Application Centre may attract some additional service charges.

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

IELTS is an important requirement for a Canada study visa for those whose first language is not English. The minimal score needed is different in various categories as well as in different academic institutions:

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?

There are two broad steps to obtaining a Canada study visa. To apply for a Canada study visa online, you will need to:

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

Both have advantages and disadvantages. Online applications take less time, while others would prefer the old paper-based approach.

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.

With this complete guide and the correct preparation of documents, you can get a Canada study visa. This goes even better, of course, when you have a professional study abroad consultants such as Canam for whom you can rely upon help in the most streamlined way to ensure you achieve the requirements and deadlines.

FAQ

How many bands are required to study in Canada?

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.

How much time does a Student Canadian Visa application take?

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.

How to apply for a Canadian Study Visa?

There are two ways to apply for the Canadian Study Visa:

Apply Online
Apply on Paper

Is it mandatory to have medical insurance before going to Canada for higher studies?

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.

What is the cost of living in Canada for a student?

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.

What is the fee for Canadian Student Visa?

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.

Which English proficiency test is acceptable in Canada?

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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Canada Study Visa - Fee, Requirements, How to Apply & More

Table of Contents

Why Study in Canada?

Difference Between Study Permit & Study Visa Canada

Types of Student Visa in Canada

SDS Category (Student Direct Stream)

Key Requirements:

General Category (Non-SDS)

Key Requirements

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?

Online Application

Paper Application

Benefits of Studying in Canada

Conclusion

FAQ

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