Canada Student Visa Checklist 2023
Canada continues to attract a steady volume of students from India. While getting admission to top Universities in Canada requires excellent academic scores, the permission to study is validated by means of a Study Permit. If you wish to take academic, professional, or vocational training at a university, college, or any other educational institution in Canada, you will need a study permit before you enter Canada. This study permit is issued to students when they arrive in Canada. However, to get there, a student must first apply for a Temporary Resident Visa that is provided by the Canadian High Commission and facilitated by the Visa Application Centers. VFS Global Services is the designated VACs for Canadian visas.
Moreover, candidates should also know the reasons why their Canada Visa gets rejected. In this article, we will inform you about everything from Canada student visa requirements to documents required for getting a Study Permit. To ensure a smooth application process, it is essential to adhere to the Canada student visa checklist, which includes providing all necessary documents and meeting the specific requirements outlined by the Canadian authorities.
Getting the Canada Study Visa
- Obtain the Letter of Introduction: Once your study permit application is approved, the Canadian immigration authorities will issue you a Letter of Introduction. This letter confirms that your study permit application has been successful.
- Gather Specified Documents: Before traveling to Canada, ensure you have all the required documents, which may include your passport, Letter of Introduction, proof of financial support, acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), and any other supporting documents as specified by the Canadian government.
- Meet with an Immigration Officer: Upon arrival in Canada, you will meet with an Immigration Officer at the airport or border crossing. Present your passport and the Letter of Introduction to the officer.
- Validation and Study Permit Issuance: The Immigration Officer will validate your documents. If everything is in order and meets the requirements, you will be issued your Study Permit, granting you permission to study in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada Student Visa
- Fully Vaccinated: You must qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler and have received one of the accepted vaccines, such as AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, Bharat Biotech Covaxin, or others.
- Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institute (DLI): You must have received an acceptance letter from a designated learning institute (DLI) in Canada. This letter confirms your enrollment in a recognized educational program.
- Proof of Adequate Funds: You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members in Canada, as well as return transportation expenses for you and your family.
- Clean Background Check: You must provide a police verification certificate or evidence of a clean background with no criminal record. Health Checkup and Medical Certificate: You are required to undergo a health checkup and obtain a medical certificate certifying that you are in good health.
- Convincing Visa Interview: During the visa interview, you need to convince the visa officer that you have genuine intentions to leave Canada once you complete your studies and that you will comply with all visa regulations.
Which Documents are required for a Canada Student Visa?
3. Proof of Funds
- Canadian bank account
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
- Student loan or education loan
- Bank statements for the past 4 months
- Bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
- Proof of paid tuition and housing fees
- Letter of financial support from a person or institution providing you with funds
- Proof of funding from within Canada, such as a scholarship or a Canadian-funded educational program
|
Person |
Funds Required Annually (excluding tuition fee) – Outside Quebec |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant | CAD 10,000 |
| First family member | CAD 4,000 |
| Every additional member | CAD 3,000 |
The table given below provides the minimum bank balance for Canada Student Visa (in Quebec):
| Person | Funds Required Annually (excluding tuition fee) – In Quebec |
|---|---|
| 1 person (under 18 years) | CAD 6,569 |
| 1 person (18 years or above) | CAD 13,134 |
| 2 persons (18 years or above) | CAD 19,264 |
| 2 persons (18 years or above) 1 person (under 18 years) | CAD 21,579 |
| 2 persons (18 years or above) 2 persons (under 18 years) | CAD 23,290 |
Passport-sized photographs are a necessary part of your application. The requirements for these photographs are as follows:
- Offline Application: If you are applying using a paper application, you will need two passport-sized photographs that meet the specified standards.
- Online Application: If you are applying online, you must have a digital copy of the photograph, which should not exceed 4MB in size.
- Photo Standards: The photograph should adhere to the following standards:
- Standard neutral facial expression (no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows)
- Plain background without any patterns or objects
- No headgear unless worn for religious purposes
- Photo Size: The image should have dimensions of at least 35 mm x 45 mm.
- Recent Photo: The photograph should be taken within the last 6 months.
- Name and Date: Write your name and date of birth on the back of each photo.
Canadian Immigration requires international students from India to undergo a mandatory Immigration Medical Examination conducted by empanelled doctors. Students are advised to book an appointment and visit the listed doctors for the medical examination, ideally one week before beginning their Visa Application. This ensures the doctor has sufficient time to validate and upload the necessary documents. It is recommended to schedule an appointment in advance with the nearest facility/practitioner as per the list of empanelled doctors.
During the medical examination, the panel physician will conduct a comprehensive medical assessment and may also refer you for chest X-rays and laboratory tests if necessary. Once the examination is complete, the physician will send the results directly to the Canadian Immigration authorities (CIC). This medical examination is a mandatory step in the study permit application process and must be completed as per the guidelines provided by the Canadian authorities.
While not mandatory for the visa application process, it is highly recommended that international students have their English Language Proficiency Exam Score before beginning their Canada Study Visa application. Most Canadian universities and colleges require applicants to submit their English language proficiency scores as part of the admission process.
Tests such as TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are widely accepted by Canadian educational institutions to assess the English language proficiency of international students. Having a valid English language proficiency score when applying for the study permit can strengthen your application and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in English during your studies in Canada. It is crucial to check the specific English language proficiency requirements of the chosen university or college to ensure you meet their criteria.
A Statement of Purpose, also known as a Letter of Explanation, is an essential document when applying for a Canadian Study Permit. It is an essay where you outline the purpose of your trip to Canada, your academic goals, and your understanding of the responsibilities you will have as a student.
While the submission of a Statement of Purpose may be listed as optional in the checklist, it is highly recommended that you include it in your application. This essay provides a valuable opportunity for you to showcase your genuine intentions, your commitment to your studies, and your enthusiasm for pursuing education in Canada. It allows the immigration authorities to understand your motivations and assess your suitability as a potential student in the country.
When making an online application for a Canada Study Permit, you will need a credit card to pay the application fee, which is CAD 150. It is important to note that only credit cards are accepted for online payment, and debit cards are not applicable for this purpose. Additionally, it is not necessary for the credit card to be in your name; you can use your parent’s card with explicit permission to pay the fee.
For online applications, access to a digital scanner is required to upload the necessary documents. You will need to download some forms, fill them out, print, sign, and then upload them along with other documents. While the system also allows for uploading good-quality digital images, it is recommended to use a scanner for better clarity.
However, if you are applying offline, you should ensure you have true copies of all the required documents.
During the personal interview, additional documents may be requested to prove evidence of your academic and financial status. These may include transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from previous educational institutions, as well as test scores like TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT. You will also need to demonstrate your intent to return to your home country after completing your course of study and how you will cover all educational, living, and travel expenses during your stay in Canada.
Being well-prepared with all the required documents and information will enhance the chances of a successful Canada Study Permit application.
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