Canada Student Visa

Canada continues to draw a constant stream of students from India. To enter top Canadian universities, you need good academic grades and a valid study permit. The right way to study in Canada is through a Study Permit. However, to get a Canada student visa, students must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, given by the Canadian High Commission and supported by Visa Application Centers. Moreover, the embassy will also charge CAD 150 (INR 9,296) for a Canada student visa for Indian students.

In this article, we will discuss everything from a Canada student visa to its requirements, cost, and procedure to obtain a Study Permit.

If you are a student who wants to study abroad, then Canada is a suitable choice because -

• 31 top-ranked universities worldwide have offered study scholarships worth up to CAD 21,000.

• The country has issued 1.75 lakh student visas until June 2023.

• Easy study permit application process

• International students are eligible for scholarships in all courses.

• The postgraduate work permit program permits you to work for 1-3 years.

• After fulfilling the eligibility, you can obtain Canada PR.

If you want to study in this country, you must have a Canada student visa. There are three different categories of Canada student visas available for students.

1. Study Permit: It allows you to study in Canadian Universities for up to 3 months or up to the duration of your short-term courses. Eligibility criteria include an acceptance offer from a well-known university, proof of finances and language proficiency scores.

2. Student Direct Stream (SDS) Program: It has a faster application process for eligible students. It allows students to get a permit in 20 calendar days. The eligibility requirements include English or French proficiency and proof of funds.

3. There is NON SDS stream as well.

4. Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ): If you are planning to study in Quebec, you need a CAQ for a study permit. The government of Quebec issues the CAQ, which validates that you match the province's immigration standards for studying and living in Quebec.

There are three intakes for international students in Canada: fall (September-December/January), winter (January-May), and summer/spring (May-August). Check the details of these intakes below.

• Fall Intake (September-December/January): This is a major intake in Canada when most students apply for admission to Canadian Universities. Students also have various course options, and almost all the universities offer admissions during fall intake.

• Winter Intake (January-May): It is a secondary intake and offers a comparatively smaller number of courses.

• Spring/Summer Intake (May-August): This intake is for students who missed the fall and winter intake. It offers a limited number of courses.

Canada is one of the world’s most developed nations and a popular choice among international students. It is a preferred study-abroad destination. Below, you can check the five benefits of study in Canada.

• Affordable Education: Canadian universities have cheaper tuition fees than other countries. Along with affordable and quality education, it has a great return on investment. Also, students have a wide range of scholarship options, which can ease the burden of students.

• Quality Education: The universities and colleges in Canada consistently rank among the top global institutions, providing high-quality academic programs and research possibilities. 

• Safety and Security: Canada is safe for international students. Students who live in campus accommodation are protected by 24-hour security measures. Canadians are warm and welcoming towards international students and have a multicultural environment. 

• Work Opportunities: Students can work part-time up to 20 hours per week, according to visa and immigration authority guidelines. This helps them earn extra income and adjust to the new work culture. 

• Job Opportunities: Canada provides a Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) to its international students, which permits them to work for up to three years after completing the course. 

Other benefits for international students include -

Following are the top universities in Canada as per QS world ranking 2024:

The universities in Canada offer different courses. These degrees provide immense career growth opportunities and upgrade the quality of life. Let's check the list below to better understand which courses to choose.

The amount and type of reward vary between universities. Getting a scholarship is competitive, so you must apply well in advance. We advise that you begin the process approximately 8-12 months before the intended intake begins.

Here are some well-known scholarships available for Indian students before you apply for a Canada student visa:

Qualifying requirements may vary depending on the degree level and university. The following are the essential prerequisites and eligibility criteria for various courses, the minimum IELTS score and other standardised requirements for the Canada student visa.

There are some general student visa requirements exist. The requirements may vary from university to university. Check it on the official website before proceeding further. The documents required to study in Canada are as follows: 

• Academic Transcripts

• Study Permit Application

• SOP (Statement of Purpose)

• Acceptance Letter from the University

• Payment Receipt

• Proof of English Proficiency Test

• Educational References

• Attestation Letter from the province or territory

• Employer references

• Certificates of extracurricular achievements

• DLI has to confirm every LOA submitted (applicant outside Canada)

•  Proof of financial funds

After checking the eligibility criteria boxes, here are a few steps to follow while applying for a Canada student visa.

Step 1: Arrange all the required documents to proceed with the application.

Step 2: Apply for the student visa through an online portal.

Step 3: Wait for the visa acceptance.

Step 4: Prepare everything and get ready to fly to Canada.

The fees for acquiring a Canada student visa as per the CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) are mentioned below.

Studying in a different country is expensive so students can set a budget. The following table includes the average cost of living and tuition fees for different programs.

The processing time is the time when it takes the CIC to process a study visa application. It begins when the aspirant files the application and ends on the day of the final decision. Typically, the processing period for a Canada student visa is about six weeks. Aspirants (both online and on paper) can track the application status via their MyCIC accounts. Furthermore, if students apply the SDS route, the Canada student visa processing time following biometrics is 20 calendar days.

International students who desire to stay and work in Canada can do so through post-study work permits. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) administers the Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) program, which enables international graduates to work in Canada for up to three years.

• The PGWP program allows international students to work directly for any Canadian business in any industry.

• If you completed a course in less than two years, you can work for the equivalent course duration under the PGWP program.

• If your course lasts two years or more, you will be eligible for a three-year post-study work permit.

Meridean Overseas Education Consultants can assist you in achieving your objective. Our consultants will help you choose the best universities and courses. They will assist you in obtaining a student visa and provide English training for the IELTS and TOEFL exams, allowing you to get high band scores and increase your chances of admission to top Canadian universities.

1. What are the prerequisites for a Canada student visa?

Canada student visa requirements include

• Acceptance into a course at an authorised learning institute

• Financial proof that you can pay your tuition fees at a Canadian college

• Cost of living for yourself and any family members accompanying you

• Clean background (no criminal record)

• Medical Test Results

• English Language Test Scores

• Letter of explanation

• Payment evidence of Embassy fees for a Canada student visa, application expenses

To avoid rejection, students must meet Canada's student visa standards. The processing period for a Canada study visa is roughly 6 weeks if all paperwork is submitted in order and the IRCC's requirements are met.

2. What is the minimum IELTS score needed for a student visa in Canada?

To obtain a Canada Student Visa, you must earn at least 5.5 bands in the four IELTS segments for undergraduate courses and an overall score of 6.0 or above. To study in Canada, graduate courses require a score of 6.5 bands, with at least 6.0 in each of the four components.

3. Is it necessary to present proof of English language proficiency in order to receive a Canadian student visa?

If you are from a country where English is not the native language, you must present proof of English language proficiency to obtain a Canadian study visa. You can apply and take numerous English proficiency tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. If you are applying for an undergraduate degree, you must have an IELTS score of at least 6.0 and 6.5 if you are applying for a postgraduate degree.

4. How many backlogs are permitted for the Canada student visa?

Some Canadian colleges accept up to five backlogs, requiring students to have a minimum of 70% in their undergraduate degree. Aside from that, some universities accept a maximum of 7 or 8 backlogs for postgraduate degree programs if the candidate achieved 6.5 percent or higher in the undergraduate program.

5. How long does it take to get a student visa in Canada?

An application's processing time varies by nation. Anyone seeking a study permit in Canada from India can expect a processing time of about 20 calendar days. Indians may expect a shorter processing time for their study visa in Canada because they are qualified for the Student Direct Stream [SDS].

6. What are the advantages of studying in Canada to obtain a PR visa?

Some benefits to study in Canada to get a PR are:

• PR applicants are evaluated using a variety of criteria, including age, skills, education, and job experience.

• Applicants who decide to study in Canada will receive points in three categories: language, education, and employment. An education in Canada might earn you crucial points for different immigration streams, including Express Entry and PNP.

• Students can also work up to 20 hours per week while pursuing their education, which gives them significant job experience and increases their CRS score.

7. What minimum bank balance is required for a Canadian student visa?

Canadian Immigration estimates that a student will need at least CAD 20,635 for each year of their stay. In addition to the requirements listed below, the student must demonstrate that he/she has sufficient cash for a return fair. Funds can be proven using the following methods: Canadian bank account.

The requirements are as follows: 

• Academic Transcripts

• Study Permit Application

• SOP (Statement of Purpose)

• Acceptance Letter from the University

• Payment Receipt

• Proof of English Proficiency Test

• Educational References

• Attestation Letter from the province or territory

• Employer references

• Certificates of extracurricular achievements

• DLI has to confirm every LOA submitted (applicant outside Canada)

8. How many months does Canada's proof of money last?

If the immigrant obtained the Notification of Interest (NOI) through express entry, the money must be three months old in their bank account. If the immigrant receives a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the Provincial Nominee Program, their funds should be 6 months old in their bank account.

9. Can I bring my spouse to Canada on a student visa?

Yes, you can bring your dependent children and spouse to Canada. They could qualify for a visiting visa and a study or work permit, which you must apply online.

10. Can I work in Canada with a student visa?

You may be able to work in Canada while studying if your study permit allows you to work on or off campus. You must also meet all other conditions. You'll be allowed to work as soon as you start your studies in Canada.