Canada is one of the most popular choices for international students to pursue their studies in the whole world! Not only is post-secondary education in Canada far more affordable than in places like the UK and USA but the study-life balance in this glorious academic powerhouse is a priority to policymakers at institutional and governmental levels. If you want to benefit from studying abroad then finding out how to get a Canadian Student Visa should be your next step.
There is no secret as to why hundreds of thousands of international students flock to Canada in search of high-standard tertiary education. The country ensures it remains a desirable choice for foreign students by marketing itself as inclusive.
It’s not only that International students want to study in Canada, but also that Canada welcomes foreign students. In 2021, the country broke a record by welcoming 450,000 new international students. This number is set to increase in 2022 as the world continues to open up as COVID-19 regulations relax.
So, if you’re thinking of becoming an international student this year, here’s our easy step-by-step guide on how to get a Canadian Student Visa.
Step 1: Apply to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
The first step in this process is to apply for a Canadian Study Visa. To get a study permit, you’ll have to apply to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) which are schools that are approved by the Canadian government, whether it be provincial or territorial. These governmental bodies allow certain schools to qualify as DLIs to host international students. Once you have chosen your school and received an acceptance you can begin the process of applying for a study permit.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Every visa has different requirements. Before you apply for your Canadian study permit, make sure you are not only eligible to apply for this visa but that you have everything you need to do so, for example, funds and documentation. The most important requirement of getting a study visa is being accepted into a post-secondary institution. This can be a college or university.
Here is what you’ll need to present as part of your application:
- Acceptance Letter confirming that you’ve been accepted into your program of study
- Proof of financial support which shows that you have sufficient money to support yourself and any dependants. As well as covering your tuition fees (this includes proof of being rewarded scholarships), you’ll also have to cover your living expenses.
- Identity documents such as your passport, and where applicable, marriage certificate.
Step 3: Apply Online
Most applications for study are made from outside of Canada, so having an online system helps both you to apply efficiently and the Canadian authorities to get back to you quickly. While you can submit a paper-based application, it’s easier to do everything through our online application process.
Arriving in Canada
You can come to Canada if your study permission is accepted! You won’t get a study permit until you arrive at a Canadian port of entry (POE). You’ll receive a Letter of Introduction when you receive your study permit online acceptance, which you must present at the POE to the immigration official. By presenting this latter, you’ll be given your study permit.
Why Study in Canada
Canada is a great place to study, as it boasts the most educated population in the world, and is regarded as one of the safest countries on Earth. There are also plenty of international students here. The quality of education and standard of living in Canada is well-known worldwide. There are also plenty of scholarships available to help fund your studies. Additionally, Canada allows their students to work part-time so they can work and study in Canada and support themselves.
Canada is also one of the most welcoming places to study for international students. The country’s scholarship program provides financial assistance to international students. Additionally. It has a reputation for being one of the safest places in the world, making it an attractive choice for international students living far away from home in a new environment.
Work in Canada while you Study
One of the most important things you can do while studying abroad is get a part-time job so you can keep up with your personal expenses. If you work and study in Canada, you can help pay your bills, gas, entertainment and even tuition expenses like stationery and textbooks. Working in Canada can also give you very valuable Canadian work experience.
However, not everyone on a study visa can work. Make sure to check if your study permit allows you to have a part-time job, and check out where it stipulates if you can work on or off-campus. You won’t need to apply for a work permit to become a part-time employee as a barista or a tutor, for example, but your workday cannot exceed 20 hours a week, as your primary activity in Canada is, in fact: study.
However, after you graduate you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to keep working in Canada. This will allow you to work full time. Make sure to check if you’re eligible for a PGWP, as it can truly be your ticket to staying in Canada on a more permanent basis.
Living Costs – Study in Canada
Finding out how to get a Canadian Student Visa is only part of the research you’ll have to do before you leave for Canada. One of the biggest considerations in relocation, even temporarily, is how much money you will spend. While studying abroad might be costly, it can be a fantastic investment in your future, especially if your program is well-known in your industry which will increase your chances of getting hired after you graduate.
Before applying for a visa, you must demonstrate that you have the funds to cover your living expenses. The criteria for living expenditures differ based on the region of Canada in which you intend to live. For example, if you want to study in Saskatchewan or Manitoba, the minimum necessary amount is $11,672, whereas it is $12,484 if you plan to study in British Columbia or Newfoundland and Labrador.
Whatever the technique you use to calculate your budget may be, ensure you have enough money to pay all of your costs for the first year of school. If you work and study in Canada at the same time, you can take your income into account in your budget plans.
FAQs
How can I access my funds as an international student in Canada?
Because Canadian banks are not available outside of Canada, most international students studying in Canada create Canadian bank accounts with their temporary residence visas before visiting the country for the first time. You should also ensure that no credit check is necessary when applying for a credit card after arriving in Canada; otherwise, banks may reject applicants who do not yet have a Canadian credit history.
Can I leave Canada and return on a study permit?
Your study permit allows you to study in Canada for as long as it’s valid, but it does not allow you to enter or exit the country. Alongside your Canadian Study Visa, you’ll have to have a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter and exit Canada whenever you want to.
How long is the processing time for a Study Visa?
The length of time it takes to process a study permit varies substantially. The time it takes is determined by your country of residency. Determine whether you are eligible for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and you could get your visa even faster.
You could be waiting around two weeks to get your study visa approved, that’s not to say it won’t take longer especially if you apply for a study permit towards the start of the Canadian academic year when many study visa applications are being processed. If that’s the case, then expect your results to come out therefore apply well in advance to ensure your paperwork is ready when you want to commence your studies.
Get Representation
Now that you know how to get a Canadian student visa you might want to start thinking about getting someone to guide you through these steps. A representative is someone who advises or guides you at any point of the application process, such as a Regulated Council of Immigration Consultants (RCIC) a member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Following the filing of your application, that individual may do business with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on your behalf. What they do is save you a lot of time and energy while you plan your new adventure to study in Canada.
