Canada Student Visa

Canada is one of the best countries in the world to study. As of December 2015, the country, with a population of more than 36 million, hosted about 356,000 students from 185 different countries. Advantages such as the high quality of education, the provision of internationally recognized credentials, and a stable and secure social environment have placed Canada in this position. Despite the summer festivities, winter sports, variety of nature and scenery, sports, cultures, and food, it is not surprising that studying in Canada has many applicants around the world.

If you want to study in Canada, you must apply for a Canada student visa, which is a temporary resident visa (TRV).

What is a Canada Student Visa?

It would be best if you had a “study permit,” which is a Canada student visa, to study in Canada. You do not need a student visa for courses or studies of less than 6 months, but it is better to get a visa even for courses of less than 6 months. Because if your course is extended or you decide to enroll in another course, you must first leave Canada to apply for a student visa. If you have a student visa, you can apply for an extension within Canada as it expires.

Types of Canadian student visas

Immigration Canada has two types of Canadian visas for studying in Canada, each with its requirements:

• Canada high school student visa: Students under the age of 18 studying at any of Canada’s schools
• Canada undergraduate student visa: for students over the age of 18 in any of the higher education institutions, including colleges, universities, and other reputable educational institutions.

Canada high school student visa

Minors (18 years old and in some states 19 years old) will not be able to study in Canada without a parent, guardian, or legal guardian. Although the appointment of a legal guardian is optional for persons 17 years of age and older, the case officer may request the appointment of a guardian.

Parents or legal guardians must also prove that they can afford the student’s tuition and accommodation. Another important point is to have a letter of acceptance from a reputable Canadian educational institution. Accredited educational institutions accredit all Canadian schools

Canada undergraduate student visa

Undergraduate study in Canada takes 3 to 4 years, depending on the university. Obtaining a master’s degree or higher takes 1 to 3 years, depending on the degree. Higher education in Canada is offered to applicants by local colleges, the Higher School of Technical and Applied Sciences, the School of Applied Arts (which offers certificates, diplomas, associate’s and bachelor’s degrees), and Canadian universities (which offer bachelor’s and higher degrees).

To study in Canada at any time, you must have a letter of acceptance from Designated Learning Institutions in Canada (DLI). It will not be possible to obtain Canadian student visa without a letter of acceptance.

* Depending on the region and state in question, you can search for designated institutions on the Immigration and Citizenship Canada website or get help from Mehraein institute experts.

Canada student visa requirements

A Canada student visa is a permit that allows non-Canadians to study in Canada. The method of applying for a student visa for different periods is not much different, and there are only differences in the required documents.

The student visa is valid for up to 90 days after the end of the training period. The course is considered completed when you receive the announcement of the end of the course from the institution where you study.

In order to obtain a Canadian student visa, it is necessary to have a letter of acceptance from Designated Learning Institutions in Canada. The letter must include the tuition fee, start, end date, and registration of the course.

To study in Quebec, you must also obtain a Quebec Certificate of Admission (CAQ) issued by the Quebec Immigration Service (MIDI). It is a good idea to ask the relevant educational institution to provide you with all the details of applying to study in Quebec. You do not have to wait to issue and receive a CAQ to apply for a student visa; a letter of confirmation from the Immigration Office requesting a CAQ is also sufficient to apply for a visa. After submitting a letter of approval from the Immigration Office, the embassy sets a deadline for submitting the CAQ. It is best to seek the help of professional counselors to find out the details and the latest changes in the study conditions in Quebec.

proof of financial support for Canada student visa

To study at any academic level, you must prove your financial ability to pay for your education and accommodation.

• For periods of less than one year, it is sufficient to provide proof of financial standing to cover the costs of the course.
• For courses of more than one year, it is necessary to provide proof of financial ability to cover the costs of the first year of the course.

The cost of living for international students in Canada is estimated at $ 10,000 per year and $ 883 per month. The companion fee is also estimated at $ 333 per month.

Financial conditions for obtaining Canada student visa

• Student: Tuition + one year living costs $ 10,000

A companion: $ 4,000 a year to live

Accompanying more than one person: The cost of one year of living is $ 3,000 per child

Financial requirements for obtaining a student visa in the state of Quebec

One person under 18: $ 6,377

• One person 18 years or older: $ 12,750
• Two people 18 years or older: $ 18,702

One person under 18 and one person 18 years or older: $ 17,137

• Two people 18 years of age or older and one person under 18 years old: $ 20,950
• Two people 18 years of age or older and two people under 18 years old: $ 22,611

* You must submit your application to increase the validity of the student visa, change the visa conditions (such as changing the university) or change the type of visa (changing the student to work visa) up to 30 days before the expiration of your visa.

Application for Canada educational institutions

Through the Immigration Canada website, you can view all of its training centers by selecting any state or region.

After selecting your preferred training center, you should contact the International Affairs Office and ask them for guidance on the application process. There is no centralized application system, and you must submit your application directly to each educational institution.

*Our experienced consultants in Mehraein institute can assist you in choosing the best schools or universities and all the steps of obtaining admission.

To get admission to many Canadian schools and universities, you need to get a grade and a language degree. Some academic disciplines and programs require the submission of an article, academic motivation, or description of personal experiences. Other documents may be required, including referrals, extracurricular certificates, public service certificates, sports activities, and details of Canadian awards and scholarships you have earned.

Canada student visa fees

The following should be considered when estimating the cost of applying for a Canada student visa plus incidental costs:

• Student visa application fee: The cost of applying for a study permit or student visa is C $ 150 per applicant. This is Canada $ 350 to extend your study stay ($ 200 to maintain your academic status and $ 150 to apply for a new visa).
• Application Fee from Designated Learning Institutions in Canada: The cost of applying for admission varies depending on the educational center and the nationality of the applicant. In this case, you should get information from the relevant institution.
• Insurance Fee: It is mandatory to purchase health insurance during your studies in Canada, and it costs about C $ 600 per year.
• Medical Examination Fee: If the duration of the course is more than 6 months, you may need a medical examination, depending on what country you were in the year before you arrived in Canada. The cost of a medical examination includes the usual costs of a doctor’s visit and related tests.

Canada student visa application process

Normally, obtaining a Canadian visa does not require an interview, but since 2013, citizens between the ages of 14 and 80 in some countries have been required to undergo biometrics (fingerprinting and face painting). Biometrics are performed at one of the VAC centers. After submitting the documents (online), you will be assigned a biometric appointment, which you must attend at one of the VAC centers at a specific time. If the documents are delivered in person, your biometrics will be done in the same center.

In the process of obtaining a visa, there is no need to present and send the original passport, and only the image of your passport will be included in the file, but when attending VAC centers, it is necessary to have the original passport with you. After reviewing the file, the result will be sent to you.

* To obtain Canada student visa, like other Canadian visas, a series of specific steps such as collecting documents, filling out the relevant forms, and paying the fee must be followed carefully:

Step one: Collection of documents

The documents required to apply for Canadian student visa are:

• Letter of acceptance from Designated Learning Institutions in Canada
• CAQ letter for applicants to study in Quebec
• Study Plan
• Translation of the latest degree
• Translation of transcripts of the last degree
• Completed visa application forms
• Letter of financial support for the last 4 months
• Scan the first page of the latest passport and pages stamped with a visa
• Scanning the original identity card with translation
• Scanning the original identity card with translation for companions if married
• Two 3.5 by 4/4 photos
• Documents related to personal assets
• Letter of record and work insurance
• Tuition deposit receipt

Note: Translation of documents into English or French is acceptable.

Note: Depending on the degree and the educational institution, other documents may be required, such as a language certificate, a teacher’s letter of introduction, or a printed article. For more details, you should contact the educational institution.

If you apply online, these documents will be uploaded to your account on the Immigration and Citizenship Canada website. If you present in person, you must submit the documents to the visa office.

Step two: Fill in the forms

In both cases of online application registration or delivery of documents at the Canadian Consulate or Visa Office, you must complete the following forms to apply for Canada student visa:

• Student visa application form
• Family information form
• Guardianship form for underage applicants
• Skilled and Canadian Embassy Form

The forms are available on the Immigration and Citizenship Canada website. You may also need to fill out other forms.

Remember to fill out the forms completely and honestly. It is better not to leave any part blank. If some parts do not apply to you, specify this as “Not Applicable” or “N/A.” Incomplete forms increase the likelihood that your case will be rejected. Therefore, it is necessary to be very careful in completing the necessary documents and forms.

Step three: Payment of expenses

Visa-only fees that must be paid to the Government of Canada include application fees and, if necessary, biometric fees. It is best to pay the application fee and the biometrics fee at the same time.

Embassy payments must be made online. After submitting your online application and through your account (on the Immigration and Citizenship Canada website), you must pay the fees and print the receipt. You must attach a copy of the receipt to your application and keep a copy of it for yourself. In case of non-online or paper application, you have to pay the fees through one of the credit cards such as Visa Card and Master Card and attach the printed receipt to the file.

Irrespective of the outcome of your request, the refund will not be refunded once the review has begun. It should be noted that it is not possible to pay with any card.

* For more information, get help from the professional experts of Mehraein Institute in this field.

Step Four: Forms and documents

If you submit a paper application, you will submit all documents and forms in one place.

How long does it take for a Canadian student visa to be ready?

After submitting and submitting the application, first, the completeness of all forms, payment, and required documents is evaluated. If any of these are defective, your request will be returned, and no action will be taken until you have submitted your complete and complete application.

Your application will be scrutinized by an Immigration and Citizenship Canada staff member (case officer). After reviewing all the documents and information provided, the case officer decides whether an in-person interview is required. If so, you will be notified of the date, time, and place.

No documents will be returned of your visa application if it is rejected or accepted. If your application is rejected, you will be notified of the reason for your rejection. If accepted, you must submit your passport to the embassy. Eventually

You will be presented with a visa confirmation letter of introduction. An introduction letter is not equivalent to a student visa but must be submitted upon arrival in Canada. After arriving in Canada and presenting your application and temporary residence visa, the border guard will decide whether to grant you a student visa. If it is proven to him that your circumstances have not changed and you leave the country after the visa expires, your visa will be issued.

The overall review time depends on a variety of factors, such as the completeness of the forms and documents, the simultaneous submission of biometrics, and so on. If the forms and documents are complete, the time to review a student visa application for international applicants is currently 15 weeks. Of course, the time required to submit the biometrics (if not submitted at the same time as the application) must be added to this period, as well as the time of submitting your application from the consulate or visa application center (if registered online).

Reasons for rejecting a Canadian student visa application

Details of the visa refusal are usually not provided, but you will be notified of the reason for the refusal in a letter. Our specialists in Mehraein institute, with years of experience in this field, help you to provide all the documents in accordance with the structure approved by the Immigration Office in a way that minimizes the risk of rejection of the application.

Reasons for refusing Canada student visa

• Existence of academic distance between the previous and current level
• Lack of financial means to cover education and living expenses
• Unsatisfactory academic goals and uncertainty about the student’s return to the country of origin after graduation
• Lack of language certificate
• Inconsistency of the field of study in the previous and current level
• Defects in files and documents

It is possible for you to challenge the result of the visa, but it is unlikely that the result will change. It is better to submit a new request after fixing the problems and improving the conditions. Among the items that can be changed are:

• Provide complete and legible required documents.
• Explain the reason for choosing the program or field and clarify its impact on achieving your future goals.
• Make sure you are accepted by an institution that is on the DLI.

Spouse and family of international students in Canada

There are two ways to apply for a visa for companions, including parents, spouse, and children:

• Applying for a Tourist Visa: If you apply for this visa at the same time as applying for a Canadian Student Visa, you can also apply for a Canadian Tourist Visa, also known as a multi-or 5-Year Visa.
• Applying for a work visa: If a person has a student visa at Designated Learning Institutions in Canada, their spouse can apply for a work visa. It is best to apply for a Canadian student visa and a spouse works visa at the same time. However, you can also apply for a spouse work visa after obtaining a student visa and residing in Canada.

Children under the age of 18 Parents who have been admitted to Designated Learning Institutions in Canada can study in Canada without applying for a student visa.

Working while studying with Canada student visa

Full-time undergraduate and graduate students from accredited Designated Learning Institutions in Canada (DLIs) who have a valid Canada student visa will be able to work part-time on the institution premises for a university or other private employer operating within the university.

With a student visa and provided you meet certain conditions, you can work in positions under the Immigration, Asylum, and Citizenship Canada work plans offered to students.

The Canada student visa also allows you to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the semester, as well as work full-time on holidays between the two semesters, provided you have the following characteristics:

• Your student visa is valid.
• Be a student of higher education or vocational training programs at higher education institutions, or participate in vocational training programs at reputable high schools in Quebec.
• The duration of the course is at least 6 months, and at the end, you will be provided with a degree or certificate of completion.
• Follow the rules and conditions of the student visa as well as the rules of work outside the institution (such as not exceeding 20 working hours per week).

If the internship is a mandatory part of the course, international students will be allowed to work as interns. To work, you need a work permit as an intern.

With a Canadian student visa, you are more likely to be able to work off-campus or find a job within your study project as an assistant or intern. Most importantly, you can apply for permanent residency after graduation. Therefore, even if you do not need a visa to attend the training course you want, it is better to apply for a student visa.

After graduation, you need a work permit to work. There are two ways you can get a work visa:

• Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP)
• Other types of work permits

If you are a graduate of a recognized Canadian educational institution (DLI) and your study period is more than 8 months, you can apply for a work permit after graduation. Keep in mind that not all of these institutions have such a privilege.

The visa application fee is C $ 255, and the processing time is 69 days if registered online. The validity of this visa depends on the length of your training.

Work visas are divided into two main types: open work permits and limited employer-specific work permits. The first visa allows you to work in different jobs and for different employers. Employer-Specific Work Permit allows you to work for a specific employer. The process of applying for a work visa varies depending on the type of job, the employer, having a job offer, and other factors.

* Also, if you need more information about working after studying in Canada, we suggest you read the article Studying in Canada.

PGWP visa requirements work visa after study in Canada

To be eligible for a post-graduate work permit, individuals must have completed at least one full-time full-time course at a reputable training center and received a graduation certificate. The duration of a work permit varies depending on the length of the course.

Work on campus

If the student is eligible to work on campus, they will be allowed to work.

Working conditions on campus for international students

1. Study permit
2. Having a SIN social insurance number
3. Being a full-time student in:

• Public educational institutions such as college or university or CEGEP in Quebec
• Private colleges in the state of Quebec that operate under government law and receive at least 50% of government grants.
• Private schools operate under state law.

Working in a student camp includes working for an employer based on a university campus. The employer can be a university, a university professor, a student organization, a private business operating within the campus, or a private contractor providing university services. This activity can also be self-fulfilling.

• Working on campus does not require a work permit.

Working in Canada as an undergraduate or trainee student

International students studying at Designated Learning Institutions in Canada for special programs that require a mandatory internship require a work permit in addition to a valid study permit.

Working outside the campus

If you meet the following conditions, you can work outside the campus without a work permit.

• Having a study permit
• Study full time at a reputable training center in Canada
• The work permit is mentioned on the study permit
• Having a SIN social insurance number
• Study in a training course of at least 6 months that eventually leads to a degree.

After graduation, you can apply for permanent residency in Canada. As someone who has studied in Canada and probably has work experience, you have a very good chance of getting permanent residency in Canada.

* For more information on how to obtain permanent residency after studying and a work visa, you can read the article Studying in Canada.

 Get advice on applying for a Canada student visa

Our specialists at Mehraein Institute, with experience in obtaining various types of Canada student visas, can accompany you, dear applicants, in all stages of selecting an educational institution, preparing documents in accordance with the latest Canadian Immigration Office standards, obtaining student visas, and accompanying visas. Click to receive personal advice from the experts of Mehraein Institute.