How to Get a Student Visa (Study Permit) in Canada

A study permit is a document issued by Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows international students to study at a designated learning institution in Canada. You must apply as soon as you get accepted to a designated learning institute in Canada and have your Letter of Acceptance.

Canada welcomes more than 130,000 foreign students each year, and the number is consistently growing. If you are planning to study in Canada for more than six months, you need to apply for a student visa from outside of Canada. Let’s check out the process of obtaining a valid study permit or student visa in Canada.

Step 1:  Learn about study permits

Before preparing your visa application, review important information such as what a study permit is, who needs one, why you need it, its validity, the Student Direct Stream option, study permits for minors, and other important considerations.

Step 2: Gather all important documents

For a student visa application, you will need to submit proof of identity and proof of financial support.

You and each family member who comes with you to Canada must have valid passport or travel documents and two recent passport-size photos. The name and date of birth of the person should be written on the back of each photo.

You will need to provide proof of financial support such as a: 

• proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, 
• proof of a student or education loan from a bank, your bank statements for the past 4 months, 
• bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars, 
• proof you paid tuition and housing fees, 
• letter from the person or school giving you money, or 
• proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program.

Step 3: Apply for Study Permit

You can apply online through the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The application fee is $150 CAD. The application process can get overwhelming for you. Our immigration consultants can help you. We have helped numerous candidates in getting their student visas. Contact us if you want to know if you’re eligible for a student visa, the application process, and what you need to do after visa approval.

Step 4: Submit biometrics and medical exam certificates

Submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) in person at the nearest biometrics collection point after you apply for your study permit. You may be required to complete a medical exam. You can complete the exam after you’ve applied for your study permit.

Step 5: Visa Approval

If your study permit application is approved by IRCC, you will be issued a Letter of Introduction. Applicants, whose study permit is approved, are automatically issued a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada.

Present the Letter of Introduction and TRV to the Canada Border Services Officer when you arrive in Canada and request a study permit. You will then be issued your study permit at the airport or border.

Step 6: After entering Canada

There are a few steps to complete after you arrive here. You need to maintain your student status, apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), and more.

How to Get a Canadian Study Permit – Summary

After obtaining a study permit, students may need to renew or change the study permit during the course of their studies in Canada. Contact us to learn how you can do that.

Conclusion

Canadian student visa offers some benefits for full-time international students. You can do part-time work on-campus while studying and even work off-campus. You can apply for internships and explore job opportunities while studying. If you’re ready to apply for a study permit, contact Dastur Immigration today!