Over the years, Canada has become renowned for providing students from all corners of the world with the opportunity to pursue higher education due to its high standards of education.
Data shows that more than 130,000 individuals apply for a student visa to study in Canada and at least 100,000 of the applications are accepted by Canadian universities.
One of the primary reasons why people choose to study in Canada is the relatively lower tuition fees compared to countries like the United Kingdom and the United States.
If you wish to study in Canada, you must obtain a student visa and the following steps are necessary when applying for one:
Understanding the Requirements
Before you apply for a student visa to study in Canada, it is important to understand the criteria that universities require.
This can include having an up–to–date passport, and proof that you can effectively speak either English or French, which can be demonstrated by passing a language test with an average score. Additionally, you must be able to show that you can cover the costs associated with staying in Canada.
Student study permit
A study permit and student visa are two different things. A study permit is what allows an international student to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. You need either a study permit or a student visa to study in Canada.
The study permit does not give you permission to migrate to Canada; that is what a student visa is for. In order to enter Canada with a study permit, you must also have a visitor visa, also known as an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization).
You can apply for a study permit before coming to Canada, but you must have all the necessary documents.
The study permit is only valid for the duration of your studies in Canada. After your studies, you will be given a 90–day period where you can either leave the country or apply for an extended stay in the country.
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When to apply for a student visa
Before coming to Canada, you must apply for a student visa. If you would like to change your course of study, you must leave the country and apply for a study permit at a designated visa office.
With a study permit, you can also apply for an extension of your stay in Canada if you wish to continue your studies.
Additionally, the study permit allows you to work part–time as an intern, and gives you the potential to obtain permanent residence or a job after your studies are complete, provided that you are enrolled in a full–time program.
How to apply
You can apply either online or in person at a designated office. Please be aware that an online application requires a credit card, not a debit card.
If you do not have a credit card of your own, you can use one from a family member.
Process for getting a student visa
Below are the process to get a student visa to study in Canada.
1. Begin the process of obtaining a student visa to study in Canada by obtaining a study permit application from a recognized university.
2. Next, go to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website and take a screening test to determine your qualification for a student visa.
3. If you pass the screening test, you will receive a valid checklist code that will expire within 60 days. Use this code to submit your application for the permit online.
4. Create an account on MyCIC, which will help you use your checklist code to send and upload all the necessary documents.
5. After paying the necessary tuition fees and submitting your application, you will be required to attend an interview with the visa officials.
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Conclusion
If you are interested in studying in Canada, let us know by leaving a comment below! Don‘t forget to share this post with family and friends who may also be interested in studying in Canada. There are many benefits that come with this opportunity, so make sure you meet the criteria for application.