Imagine a classroom with a view of snow-capped mountains and friendly locals who will take you on wild moose-spotting road trips or adventures through some of the most epic national parks in the world. Welcome to studying abroad in the Great White North!
Canada is one of the world’s most popular destinations for study abroad, boasting top-notch universities, a diverse but equally welcoming culture, and over 300,000 international students who will make you feel right at home. But studying abroad in Canada isn’t as simple as waltzing right over the border—you’ll need to secure a student visa if you want to make this dream a reality.
The visa process doesn’t have to be daunting. Here you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to get a student visa in Canada to make the process seamless. Before you know it, you’ll be saying “eh” to the ultimate education experience—Canadian style!
What is a student visa in Canada?
Ready for a study abroad adventure complete with epic views? Here’s how to get a student visa in Canada.
The first thing you need to know about getting a student visa in Canada is that the student visa goes by a different name: a study permit. A study permit is the student visa equivalent for international students wanting to study in Canada, but there are conditions attached.
Students have to be studying at a designated learning institution (DLI), a school approved to host international students by the government, with a program that is longer than six months. If you check the boxes and have been accepted by your DLI, you can apply for your study permit through a simple application process.
Once approved, you’ll be automatically issued an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or visitor visa to go along with your study permit, granting you permission to enter the country as a student.
How to get a student visa in Canada
While the process for getting a student visa in Canada is fairly straightforward, it’s important to start the process ahead of time and to make sure you have a solid understanding of the application. Because of Canada’s popularity with international students and an influx of applications, if yours has missing pieces, it can get denied. Save yourself the stress and do your research before you grab your tuque and practice your ice hockey skills so you can get it right the first time.
What are the requirements for a student visa in Canada?
Getting a student visa in Canada can be simple if you meet all the requirements. The very first thing you’ll need to apply for a study permit is an acceptance letter from a Canadian university that falls on the DLI list. You also may be required to do a medical checkup and provide biometrics, depending on your nationality.
Once received, you can fill out a straightforward application online, upload all of your required documents, and pay the application fee. Keep in mind the visa can take up to 90 days to process, so it’s best to submit your application as soon as you receive an acceptance letter.
Some countries can do a faster process called a Student Direct Stream, which requires a similar process with a quicker processing time. Check out the country list for the Student Direct Stream to see if you can save time on receiving your study permit.
What documents are required for a student visa in Canada?
Check that you have all the required documents before submitting your application online.
Want to get your ducks in a row before filling out your application? Here’s a quick checklist of all the required documents you’ll need for getting a student visa in Canada:
- An electronic copy of your admission letter from a DLI.
- A valid passport.
- Two passport-sized photos.
- Proof that you have adequate finances to cover your tuition and living costs for the duration of your studies.
- A letter explaining your reasons for studying in Canada.
- A receipt of your application fee payment.
- Results from a medical exam from an approved physician, if required.
- Biometrics from a Visa Application Center, if required.
- Custodian Declaration, if you’re under 17 years old.
If you’ll be studying in Quebec, you’ll also need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
Who can sponsor a student visa in Canada?
If you can’t afford to study abroad in Canada on your own, don’t rule out studying in the Great White North altogether—you can have someone sponsor your study permit. All you’ll need is a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, is over 18 years old, and who can provide proof that they can support you financially throughout your studies.
Your sponsor will need to provide evidence of their relationship to you and will need to sign a sponsorship contract to agree to supporting you while studying abroad in Canada.
How much is the student visa fee in Canada?
The student visa fee in Canada is quite affordable compared to other student visas around the world. You’ll just need to pay a 150 Canadian dollars fee to submit your visa online.
What else do I need to do to get my student visa in Canada?
Most universities in Canada teach in English, unless you’re studying in Quebec. If you’re from a non-English-speaking country, you may be required to take an English proficiency test. Each university has different requirements, so it’s best to check with your DLI so you can ensure you meet their criteria.
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Can I work in Canada on a student visa?
Whether you’re studying in a big city or breathtaking rural area, you might want to supplement your studies with a job.
Studying in Canada is a fully immersive experience, which means if you’re on a study permit, you’ll usually have working rights, too. Typically, you’ll need to be enrolled in a program that’s longer than six months that leads to a degree, diploma, or certification.
If you meet the criteria, you can work up to 20 hours per week, perfectly supplementing your studies, or full-time hours during scheduled breaks mid-study. Just make sure your program has begun before you kick off a new job, or you could be in breach of your student visa!
Can a visitor visa be converted to a student visa in Canada?
Not everyone needs a student visa to study in Canada. If you’re adventuring through snow-capped mountains and decide to enroll in a short-term course, you can study on your visitor visa before it expires.
If you decide to enroll in a course that’s longer than six months, you won’t necessarily be able to convert your visitor visa to a student visa, but you’ll be able to apply for a study permit by contacting the Canadian Admission Hub and submitting your application through them. They can even assist you in extending your visitor visa while your study permit is processed if needed.
Can I change a student visa to a work permit in Canada?
If you’re a student with dreams of post-grad work in the land of maple leaves and polar bears, there’s good news. Students who have graduated from a DLI can apply within six months of their graduation for a post-grad work permit (PGWP), allowing you to work full time for up to three years after you’ve completed your studies. All you need to apply online is a transcript, degree, and a letter from your DLI.
If you didn’t study with a DLI or haven’t graduated yet, you can also apply for a work permit if you’ve received a job offer and ask for a Labour Market Impact Assessment to submit with your application.
How long is a student visa valid in Canada?
You’ll have time for those moose-spotting road trips!
Study permits are granted depending on your course length. Usually, you’ll be granted a visa for the length of your course, plus 90 days.
However, if you have a conditional offer that requires you to take prerequisite courses, you’ll typically receive a visa that’s valid for the duration of your prerequisite courses, plus a year. If you’re concerned about the length of your study permit, don’t fret. You can always apply again if your plans change.
How can I extend my student visa in Canada?
A student visa extension in Canada is possible, but it essentially means going through the same application process again. If you extend your course or change your plans, you can apply for a study permit extension at least 30 days before your current study permit expires, completing a similar application and paying the CA$150 fee again. If you’ve completed or ceased your studies, you’ll need to apply for a work permit or a visitor visa instead.
How to renew a student visa in Canada
Similar to a visa extension, renewing a student visa in Canada follows the same process. You’ll simply need to fill out the study permit application again, at least 30 days before your current one expires, and remain enrolled in a DLI.
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Getting a student visa in Canada will be one of the best decisions you ever make!
Do your research now so you’re fully prepared to enjoy this magic.
Diving into the world of Canadian study abroad is an adventure, and securing a student visa is the first step. While the visa process is nothing like scaling mountains, it’s important to be prepared. Do your research, gather your documents ahead of time, and if you’re feeling nervous about the process, you can even chat with a study abroad advisor to have all your questions answered. Embrace the process—you won’t regret the maple-flavored magic that awaits you in Canada!
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