If you are an international student aspiring to pursue higher education in Canada, you have come to the right place. Discover the Canada Student Visa Requirements 2023: Study Permit, IELTS Band & Fees. This comprehensive guide outlines the essential criteria for international students. Explore the necessary IELTS band score, study permit fees, and key details for a successful application. Embark on your educational journey in Canada with confidence.
Canada Student Visa: Overview
A student visa grants permission for candidates to study in Canada for a specified period. Moreover, students can work part-time to support their expenses. According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship research, approximately 51% of visa applications have been approved.
Study Permit for Canada
In Canada, candidates must apply for a study permit, a vital document that enables foreign nationals to seek admission to their preferred educational institution. It’s important to note that a study permit and a visa are distinct entities, as the permit pertains to the duration of stay, the specific course of study, and related aspects.
Typically, the study permit remains valid for the duration of the candidate’s academic program. Moreover, candidates receive a 90-day grace period, during which they must make arrangements to leave the country or apply for full-time employment to extend their stay for further studies.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada Student Visa
To ensure a smooth and timely process, familiarizing oneself with the Canada student visa requirements is crucial. Below, we have outlined the eligibility criteria for easier comprehension:
- Enrollment at an educational institution is mandatory.
- Adequate funds to cover living expenses and tuition fees are necessary.
- A clean criminal record and possession of a police certificate are prerequisites.
- Candidates must be in good health and may need to provide a medical exam report as proof.
- During the visa interview, candidates must inform the authorities of their intention to depart when their study permit expires.
Canada Student Visa Requirements
When applying for a student visa, candidates must ensure they possess essential documents, including:
Offer letter from the University or College: Proof of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institute approved by the Immigration Department.
Valid Passport: The passport should be valid for the duration of the intended stay in Canada.
Proof of Sufficient Funds: Candidates must demonstrate adequate financial resources for their course, with a minimum of CAD 10,000. This includes bank statements, educational loan documentation, funding confirmation from the institution, and proof of scholarships.
Passport Size Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs for offline applications, and a digital copy (not exceeding 4 MB) for online applications, with a white background and appropriate facial expressions.
Certificate of Medical Examination: Candidates must undergo a medical test following Canada Immigration guidelines.
Proof of English Proficiency: Results from an English Proficiency Test like IELTS or TOEFL, which should be obtained and submitted to educational institutions before the visa application.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): An SOP explaining the reasons for choosing the specific course and institution.
Additional documents to keep handy include:
- Letter of Recommendation from Employer and College University
- Certificates of extracurricular activities, if any
- Attested 10th and 12th-degree certificates
- Graduation and Post-graduation mark sheets
Having these documents ready will facilitate a smoother student visa application process.
IELTS Requirement for Canada Student Visa
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognized proficiency test that evaluates a candidate’s English language communication skills. It is structured around four essential skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
It’s important to be aware that Canadian universities have specific IELTS score requirements for admission to the University of one’s choice.
For undergraduate courses, candidates generally need an overall band score of 6-6.5, with no section scoring below 5.5.
For Post Graduate courses, a higher overall band score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6 in each section, is usually expected.
Aspiring students should keep these score requirements in mind when applying for the IELTS as part of their Canada student visa application process.
Application for Canada Student Visa
Applying for a Canada student visa is now made easier through the online application process. To ensure a smooth application, keep the necessary documents readily available and follow these helpful tips:
Step 1: Create an account on the official Government of Canada website. This account will allow you to track the progress of your application.
Step 2: Provide the details of the course and educational institution you are applying to.
Step 3: Log in using the credentials received via email after account creation.
Step 4: Upload all the required documents and proceed to make the visa fee payment of CAD 150 or Rs 7,800.
Step 5: Submit your visa application and keep track of its status through your account.
By following these steps, you can streamline the Canada student visa application process and stay updated on the progress of your application.
Canada Student Visa Fees
As per the Citizenship and Immigration Department of Canada, candidates are required to pay an application fee of CAD $150.
The equivalent amount in Indian Rupees is approximately Rs. 8879.83. Please note that this amount does not include service and value-added charges. The application fee can be paid either online or offline. If choosing the offline option, candidates can make the payment at the Visa Application Centre or the High Commissioner of Canada. It is essential to keep the proof of payment readily available.
Additionally, candidates must also pay a biometric fee, which is mandatory for applying for a Canadian student visa. The biometric fee amounts to CAD $85.
Processing Time for Canada Student Visa
The processing time for a Canadian student visa begins once the Embassy or Visa Granting Authority receives the application. On average, the processing time ranges from 10 to 15 days. However, in some cases, it may extend up to 30 days.
Several factors can influence the processing time, including:
- Type of application submitted.
- Submission of all required essential documents.
- Any travel restrictions imposed during the application process.
- Potential changes in political power.
It’s important to keep these factors in mind and plan accordingly while waiting for your Canadian student visa application to be processed.
Canada Student Visa Dependants
Aspiring students planning to study in Canada have the option to bring their spouses or children along during their course of study.
When a spouse accompanies the student, they are allowed to work full-time, but their authorization is valid only until the student’s study permit remains valid. The student must provide a clear outline of their purpose for bringing their family members along.
If the individual is bringing children under the age of 18, the children are eligible to enroll in primary or secondary school while their parents are employed. Additionally, if a child is over 22 years old and financially dependent, they will still be considered a ‘dependent child’.
It’s essential to note that this may raise concerns with the visa immigration officer if it appears that the individual does not intend to leave the country after their visa expires. Careful consideration and transparency in explaining family arrangements can help avoid any potential issues during the visa application process.
Upcoming Intakes in Canada
Canadian universities follow a similar enrollment pattern to American universities, with three academic intakes throughout the year.
Fall Intake: This intake, also known as the September Intake, starts in September and extends until January. It is the primary intake for most courses.
Winter Intake: Referred to as the January Intake, this period allows candidates to prepare for their study permit and typically runs from January to May.
Summer Intake: The May Intake is known as the Summer Intake, but it is less common, with only a few universities or colleges offering courses during this time. The intake is of shorter duration, offering a limited selection of courses, but the competition is generally lower compared to the other two intakes.
If you have any confusion or questions about your study abroad journey we are here to provide expert guidance and support.
