Study Visa

VISA Application Process (Canada)

Your journey to study abroad education goes to next step. Here begins the most crucial step of applying for a student visa:
If you are an international student, it is most likely that you would need a study permit (student visa) to study in Canada. Study Permit is not required if you are

1. A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
2. A family member of a foreign representative accredited to Canada.
3. A member of the armed forces of a country that is a designated state for the purpose of the Visiting Forces Act.
4. Planning to take a course or program in Canada with duration of six months or less.

In addition to study permit, you may also need a temporary resident visa if you are a citizen of a country from which Citizenship and Immigration Canada requires Temporary Resident Visas for entry into Canada. If you require a temporary resident visa it is not necessary to make a separate application or pay a separate fee; an officer will issue it at the same time as the documentation necessary for your entry to Canada as a student.
Here are certain requirements that you should meet when applying for study permit:

1. A valid passport.
2. An acceptance letter from the university or college you wish to attend.
3. You must show a proof that you have sufficient funds to support your education abroad.
4. You must not have any criminal record. You might be required to submit security check at the time of Visa.
5. You must maintain good health. You might be required to submit a medical examination form.
6. You must be able to convince the visa officer that you will return to your home country after completing your studies.

Here are steps to obtain a student visa:

1. Download the application package
   http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp
2. Make sure that you meet the requirements before you apply.
3. Read the instructions carefully and complete the application. Type or print clearly, using black ink. Add appropriate characters for languages that do not use the Latin alphabet, such as Chinese, Arabic, Cyrillic, Japanese, Hebrew, etc.
4. If studying in Quebec, check the ‘provincial guidelines’: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/index.html
   This step only applies if you want to study in the province of Quebec. If you apply to study in Quebec, you need a certificate of acceptance or CAQ.
5. Enclose all the required documents. Incomplete application packages will not be processed, but will be returned to you. Make a copy of your application for your own records.

6. Pay the correct application fees.
   There is a fee to apply for a study permit. For information on current fees click http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5269E5.asp You should check the website of the Canadian visa office serving the country or region where you live for additional information on fees, including how to pay them. Once you have paid your fees online, you must print a receipt of payment form and include it with your application. The processing fee will not be refunded, even if your application is not accepted.
7. Submit the application form
   Sign and date the application form. Submit Fees, and required documents to a Visa Office at the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for the country in which you are living. You can find out list of countries and corresponding Canadian visa offices http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/apply-where.asp
8. Additional Documents

After the visa office receives your application, it might request

• Medical information
  A Visa Officer will advise you if you need to take a medical examination, and will provide you with instructions on how to proceed. If you need a medical examination, processing your application could take at least three extra months.
• Security information
  If you want to study in Canada, you and any family members who come to Canada with you, and who are 18 years of age and over, may have to provide police certificates.

Status of application:
Processing time may vary depending on the visa office where you submitted your application. The visa officer will review your application to make sure that it is complete and no documents are missing. He will decide if an interview is necessary. If so, the officer will inform you of the time and place.
Study Abroad Visa Decision:
If your application is approved, you will receive the following:

1. A letter of introduction will be sent to you confirming the approval. This letter is not your study permit. Bring the letter of introduction with you to show the immigration officials at the point of entry when you arrive in Canada. There you will receive Study Permit.
2. II. A temporary resident visa (TRV) will be issued if you are from a designated country for which Canada requires a visa. It will tell you the date by which you must enter Canada, and how many times you can enter Canada. You must arrive in Canada before your TRV expires.

If your application is not approved, the visa office will send you a letter explaining why your application has been refused.