Last Updated Apr 14,2023

Canada Student Visa Requirements & How to Apply for Study Visa Canada

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Canada welcomes above 1,30,000 international students every year and allows them to study in Canada. A student must have a study permit allotted by the Canadian government to accomplish his purpose of Study in Canada.

“The study permit enables the international students to stay and study in Canada for a definite period”. The student must satisfy a certain set of eligibility requirements to get a Canada study permit. Let understand Canada study visa requirements:

Check Your Eligibility for Study in Canada

Canada Student Visa Requirements For International Students

  • Acceptance to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): International students must receive a letter of acceptance from a DLI before applying for a student visa.
  • Adequate Finances: International students must prove that they have sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees and living expenses while studying in Canada.
  • Clean Criminal Record Certificate: International students must provide a clean criminal record certificate to be considered for a student visa.
  • Biometrics: International students may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) as part of the visa application process.
  • Interview: International students may also be required to attend an interview to determine their admissibility to Canada. The specific requirements may vary depending on the program of study and the country of origin of the applicant.
  • Health Requirements: International students may also be required to undergo a medical examination to prove that they are in good health and do not pose a risk to public health in Canada.
  • Language Proficiency: International students may be required to demonstrate proficiency in English or French, depending on the language of instruction of the program they are applying to.
  • Proof of Ties to Home Country: International students must also provide proof of ties to their home country, such as family, property, or employment, to show that they have a strong incentive to return home after completing their studies in Canada.

Once you fulfill Canada student visa requirements mentioned above, your path to settle in Canada will be easier.

Steps To Get A Canada Study Permit

Canada Study Permit, also known as a Canada Student Visa, can be acquired by following the given set of steps.

1. Apply for Admission at a Canadian University

Your Canada Student Visa Process starts by applying for admission in a recognized Canadian school or university. The acceptance letter you receive from the underlying school is a required document to get Canada Student Visa. Some of the Top Canadian Universities where you can seek admission are:

  • University of Toronto
  • University of Manitoba
  • York University
  • McGill University
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Waterloo
  • University of Alberta

Based on your Canada student visa requirements in 2021, you can choose the right one from the list of universities shown above.

2. Commence Your Application for a Canada Student Visa

After you receive the acceptance letter from a Canadian university, it’s time to apply for your Canada Student Visa. You can raise an online application for your Canada student visa using Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website. The documents you require to apply for your Canada student visa successfully include:

  • The acceptance letter you have received from the designated learning institute in Canada.
  • Proof of adequate funds to manage your tuition fees and other expenses during your study in Canada.
  • Proof of your clean criminal record.
  • Health certificates demonstrating your good health.
  • Proof of English language proficiency (such as IELTS scorecard) and so on.

3. Organize the Mandatory Documents

As mentioned, you require a set of required documents to apply for your Canada student visa successfully. Prepare the mentioned documents along with:

  • A valid passport.
  • Passport size photographs.
  • Fee payment receipt (for study permit).

Note: This is a general list. You may require to organize and submit additional documents as well. To know the comprehensive list, you can connect with our Canada student visa consultants.

4. Schedule a Biometrics Appointment and Interview

To schedule a biometrics appointment and interview for your Canada student visa application, you can use the biometrics tool to check if you need to provide biometrics, and then schedule an appointment at a designated biometrics collection service point. Make sure to bring your biometrics instruction letter and a valid passport or travel document to the appointment.

Know More About Biometric Appointment

Canada Study Visa – Processing Time

The processing time of Canada Study Visa can vary depending on various factors such as the country of application, the type of program you are applying for, the volume of applications received, and the completeness of your application. The Canadian government provides estimated processing times for student visa applications on their website. As of April 2023, the estimated processing times for study permit applications are as follows:

  • Online applications: 8 weeks
  • Paper-based applications: 16 weeks

It’s important to note that these are only estimated processing times and not guaranteed. It’s recommended that you apply for your student visa well in advance of your intended travel date to account for any potential delays. Additionally, you can check the status of your application online using the application status tool on the Government of Canada’s website. If your application is taking longer than the estimated processing time, you can contact the Canadian visa office in your country for an update.

The Importance Of IELTS Score

Demonstration of English language proficiency is an imperative requirement to get your Canada student visa and achieve your intent of Study in Canada. IELTS is the most preferable and widely accepted test in this respect. IELTS scorecard is accepted by a large number of universities and colleges across Canada. Hence, the test can play a vital role in securing admission to a reputed Canadian university and study in Canada.

Although the minimum IELTS Score Requirement may change on the basis of your selected university and study program, the required minimum score usually lies around 6. Achieving IELTS score above 6.5 means your topmost Canada student visa requirements for 2021 has been fulfilled successfully.

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The below table shows the minimum IELTS score requirement for a few top universities in Canada

University Name Minimum IELTS Score (Post Graduate Programs) Minimum IELTS Score (Undergraduate Programs)
University of Toronto 7 6.5
McGill University 6.5 6.5
University of British Columbia 6.5 6.5
University of Alberta 6.5 6.5
McMaster University 6.5 6.5
Get a Free IELTS Demo Online!

Other Benefits Of Having Good IELTS Score

Apart from helping students to obtain admission to a renowned Canadian university, a remarkable IELTS score can bestow students with many other persuasive benefits including the following:

  • It helps students to enhance their CRS Score if they aim to get a Canada PR through express entry.
  • A student with an Appreciable IELTS Score has a higher chance to grab the swift attention of the admission committee.
  • A student with a good IELTS score can easily get a teaching assistantship role as compared to the ones who hold a low IELTS score.

Top Reasons To Study in Canada

High-Quality Education

Canada is home to many world-rated universities. The degree acquired from a Canadian University is recognized and valued in all parts of the world.

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Affordability

Canada provides good quality education with relatively fewer funding requirements. The tuition fees in Canada are less than the other leading study abroad destinations such as the USA and UK.

Security

Canada is a safe place to live and study. The crime rate in Canada is lower than many other trending study abroad destinations present on the planet.

Freedom of Work

The students holding a valid Canada Student Visa can work in the country while they study. It helps them to regulate their expenses in a better way.

High Immigration Chances

Canada offers great post-study work options to international students after they finish their study in Canada. Also, the Canada PR can be acquired very easily by talented youths.

Conclusion

Canada is the most popular study abroad destination among Indian students. The booming education system of Canada bounds youths from all parts of the world to Study in Canada. If you are planning to study in Canada and seeking support from reliable experts to know Canada student visa requirements, you can connect with our Canada student visa consultants anytime.

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Written By

Bijal Shah

Mrs Bijal Shah, a senior process and counselling expert is an enthusiastic study abroad advisor with 10+ years of experience in managing the Study Abroad department. She has expertise in post-secondary and university applications, choosing the right educational institutions for the candidates. She is carrying an extensive knowledge of 5 study-oriented countries like Australia, Canada, NZ, the UK, and the USA. Her superlative skills of advising students and their parents help plenty of students to choose the right country with the right course. Within Aspire Square she is known for her career development guidance and academic planning for the student. At the organization, she is the one of contact for communicating effectively with various constituencies including domestic, and international students’ campuses, administrators, and faculties.