Everything You Need to Know About the Canada Student Visa

If you want to study and live in Canada for more than 3 months, you should apply for a student visa.

You can apply for this visa online or through a paper application. The processing time may be between 1 and 4 weeks, depending on the visa office.

You can receive an application package with instructions and forms to fill out manually.

Before applying for a study permit at a Canadian visa office, you must first receive a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).

This letter must be issued on official letterhead by the Canadian institution (e.g. school district, university, etc.) and must include the exact tuition amount to be paid, the expected start and end dates, and the date you must enroll.

Once you receive the letter of acceptance, you can fill out and apply for a study permit.

Note: All elementary and secondary institutions in Canada are automatically designated and do not appear in the DLI list.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must have a valid passport, min. of six months after arrival in Canada.
• You must be accepted in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• You must obtain a Letter of Acceptance from the college enrolled at.
• You may be required to provide medical test results.
• You must show evidence of financial support to stay and study in Canada.
• Additional requirements may be present on case basis.

Which documents do I need to apply for the Canada Student Visa?

• Passport or travel document copy.
• 2 recent passport-size photographs with your name and date of birth written at the back of them. Biometrics requirements along with the photo may be asked.
• Letter of Acceptance from where you intend to study.
• Proof of financial support for your studies and stay in Canada.
• Photocopy of your marriage certificate/license (as applicable).
• Any additional documents as required by the visa office.

Post-Arrival Requirements

After arriving in Canada, there are a few important steps to follow. You must maintain your status as a full-time student and make progress toward completing your program. Additionally, you should be aware of the conditions of your study permit, such as the expiration date and any restrictions on work or travel. Keeping these requirements in mind will help ensure a smooth and successful educational experience in Canada.

An international student, you may work under any Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s work programs for students, if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Learn more here.

Additionally, Check out Canadian Companies That Sponsor Foreign Workers.