Canada Student Visa Guide

Aarushi Jain
Updated on Jan 05, 2023 2:31 PM IST

Latest Update

  • December 05,2022 12:00 AM IST
  • Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, announced that the Canadian Govt is expanding its work permit eligibility to the family members of Open Work Permit (OWP) holders from 2023 to address acute labour shortages. The OWP will allow foreign nationals to work in Canada under any legal employer.

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What is Canada Student Permit?

A Canada student permit, also known as a study permit, is a document issued by the country that allows foreign students to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in the country. Almost all international students from countries other than Canada require a study permit in order to study in Canada. Aspirants must ensure that they have all of the necessary documentation before applying for a Canada study visa, and they must apply before travelling to Canada.

It is important to remember that the Canada study permit is not a visa. International students are not permitted to enter Canada. As a result, they may be required to get a visiting visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) in order to enter the country. If the country authorises the visa, it will be issued to students along with their study permit.

Canada Student Visa in Quebec

International students who want to study in Quebec, Canada, must present a letter of acceptance from the institution to which they have been granted provisional admission. Students must also provide the Quebec Acceptance Certificate. Students seeking a study permit should enrol in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). The Canadian government provides Quebec with a Canadian study permit, but they must also have the CAQ with them. Students can only study in Quebec if they obtain a study permit issued by the Canadian government and a Certificat d'acceptance du Quebec (CAQ).

Apply for a Canadian Student Visa Here!

Why Get a Canada Study Permit?

The two most important reasons for obtaining a study permit in Canada are high-quality higher education and work prospects. Let us go over this in more detail.

Continue Education

Students who want to pursue their higher education in Canada can extend their study permits from within the country. There is an exception for students who need to update their study permits. The majority of international students extend their study permission within the country and prepare for another graduation.

Job Opportunities 

A study permit in Canada is useful for students who want to work while studying but do not have a work permit. Without a work permit, a student with a study permit may work for a maximum of 20 hours a week. This allows the student to obtain professional experience while still in school.

Graduating from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a study permit provides the student with stay-back alternatives as well as additional assistance in the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) procedure, which we will address in the following section of this guide.

Step-by-Step Guidelines to Apply for Student Visa in Canada

In order to apply for student’s visa, you need to follow certain procedures and guidelines as defined by the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Following are the steps to get student permit of Canada:

Step 1: Select the Visa Type 

Visit the official website of  VFS Global and Identify visa type. In this case, choose Study Permit and check whether you are eligible to apply for it or not. You must also check the list of documents required to submit the application, the fees that need to be submitted and the application processing time. 

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

Fill out the online application form and complete the supporting documents as mentioned in the document checklist. In case you are unable to provide all the supporting documents as mentioned in the document checklist, you will have to fill out the waiver form, sign it and attach it with the application form.

For offline student visa application submission, you can download the visa application form, fill it and carry it at the Visa Application Centre. 

3. Book an Appointment

 International students are required to provide biometric details which will include fingerprints and photos as identification for security purposes.  This is known as ‘biometric information’. For this, you will need to book an appointment once you have applied for a visa.

4. Pay the Visa Application Fees

Once the application process is complete, you will have to pay the visa application fee. The fee includes the Government of Canada Fee and biometric fee (if required) as per instructions on the  Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The fee of Study permit (including extensions) is C$150

5. Visit the Visa Application Centre

Once the application is submitted successfully, you will receive an email and SMS regarding the scheduled appointment. You must visit the Visa Application Centre at your scheduled appointment. Ensure to carry to application and required items at the centre. 

6. Track your Application

All updates related to application and decision will be sent to you via email and SMS. You must ensure to stay informed about the progress of the application for further processing of the visa. 

You can also track your application online, the link of which is available on the VFS Global website. To track your application online, you will have to enter the Tracking ID number mentioned on the receipt received from the Visa Application Centre and Date of Birth.

7. Collect your Passport

Once the visa application decision has been made, you will have to collect your documents for the Visa Application Centre (VAC). It includes the following documents:

  • Stamped Passport

  • Original Visa Application Centre Services Receipt

  • A Form of Government Identification

Also Read: Stay Back Period and Post Study Work Permit in Canada

Eligibility Criteria for Canada Student Visa

Students who meet the following eligibility requirements can apply for a Canada student visa:

  • They must be fully vaccinated travellers. Some of the approved vaccines are AstraZeneca, Covidshield, Bharat Biotech Covaxin, and others.

  • They must be admitted in any one of the designated learning institutes (DLI) in Canada.

  • They must demonstrate sufficient finances to cover their tuition, living expenditures or cost of living for themselves and any family members accompanying them to Canada, and return transportation for themselves and any family members accompanying them to Canada.

  • They must demonstrate that they have a clean record and no criminal history. To demonstrate this, the candidates must present a police verification certificate.

  • Students must also undergo a health examination and present a medical certificate proving that they are in excellent health.

  • In addition to the above-mentioned criteria, during the visa interview, students have to persuade the visa officer that they will depart Canada after their studies are completed.

Backlogs and Student Visa 

Most DLIs in Canada accept no more than four to five backlogs. Students must have a minimum of 70% in their last degree or certification. In Canada, colleges accept students with 7 to 8 backlogs and a minimum of 65% in undergraduate. If students with backlogs are admitted to one of Canada's colleges, their study visas will not be affected. All they need to do is submit the Canada study visa officers with a letter of acceptance from the institution.

Visa Application Process for Canada

Indian students seeking education in Canada will have to acquire the Canadian student visa, also known as Student Permit. Candidates can apply for a Canada Student Visa either online or on paper. For those of you who wish to apply on paper, you will have to submit the application and all the necessary documents at the visa application centre in India in person.

For the online visa process, candidates must visit the official website of the VFS Global and follow the step by step procedure to fill the visa application form. 

VFS Global is the service provider authorised by the Government of Canada to provide administrative support services to Indian visa applicants. The Student Visa offered by Canada is valid up to the duration of the course and an additional 90 days. This enables the students to stay in Canada till the entire duration of the course. 

Students may need to renew their visa in case they want to stay after the duration of the course. For this, students will have to apply for a different visa from the immigration office After the course is completed, in case they are not planning for further stay in the country. 

Note: Due to COVID-19, the Canada Visa Application Centres in India will be providing limited services until further notice. Those who have already applied for a student visa will be receiving emails from VFS Global for biometric, interviews and further procedure. Applicants must carefully read the instructions mentioned in the email and act accordingly.

Are You Prepared to Apply for a Canadian Student Visa?

Canada Student Visa Fees

For Indian students wishing to study in Canada, a Canadian study permit costs CAD 150, which is roughly equivalent to INR 9,069 at the current currency rate (2022). Since the exchange rate fluctuates, we recommend that students check it when applying for a visa. Online and offline applications for Canadian student visas are available. As a result, visa processing fees can be paid online (by credit card only) or offline (through demand draught if paying at the High Commission of Canada) or in cash at the VAC. This fee must be paid when the application is filed, or an online payment receipt must be given.

The Demand Draft must be drawn up in Indian rupees in favour of the Canadian High Commission. VACs only accept cash payments. Furthermore, the visa fee does not include VAC service charges. Students must pay the additional service charges that apply to their region. In addition, for each payment accepted, a receipt will be supplied.

Students must pay a biometric cost of CAD 85 after submitting their student visa application. Candidates must pay this charge in addition to the standard visa fee. Following that, their biometrics will be taken at a designated Visa Application Centre.

Procedure Followed at the Visa Application Centre

Once your appointment is confirmed with the authorities at the Visa Application Centre, one must attend it in person. No other person on the behalf of the candidate will be allowed to visit the centre. However, a child below 18 years is permitted to visit the centre along with one guardian. 

Initially, random checking of the visitors and his personal belongings is done by the authorities for safety and security purposes. Any misbehaviour or dubious activity will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Documents to be Carried at the Visa Application Centre:

You must carry the following items at the Visa Application Centre:

  • Printed copy of Visa Application

  • 2D barcoded sheets

  • Passport

  • Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)

  • Consent form

  • All supporting documentation (originals and copies)

Biometric Enrollment Process

The fingerprint scan and facial scan will be captured as a part of the Biometric Enrollment Process. Also, a digital photo will be captured. One must avoid wearing sunglasses, spectacles, head covering etc at the time of biometric entry. Also, the fingers must be free from injuries cut or colour marks. 

Also Read: COVID-19 Screening Pilot Project for Int'l Travellers Now Available at Canada’s Largest Airport

Canada Student Visa Processing Time

The processing time is the time it takes the CIC to process international students' student visa applications. It begins when the student submits the application and ends when the decision is made. As a result, there is no set time frame for processing a Canada student visa application. It usually takes 12-14 weeks. Aspirants (both online and offline) can access their MyCIC accounts to check the status of their applications.

Types of Canada Permits

Average Process Time 

Study Permit 

12 weeks

Study Permit Extension

34 days

Work Permit 

29 weeks

How to Extend Your Canadian Study Permit?

Every Canadian study permit will have an expiration date which tells you when to leave Canada and is usually valid for the total length of your study program plus 90 days. These 90 days are given for the student to prepare for their departure from Canada or to extend their stay in Canada.You can extend your visa to either continue studying or stay in Canada without studying.

Extend Your Canadian Study Permit to Keep Studying

When to Apply: If you want to continue studying, you must apply for extension of your study permit at least 30 days before it expires. For the same, ensure the following:

  • That your passport does not expire at the same time or else your study permit cannot be extended after your passport has expired.

  • Apply before your permit expires and you will be allowed to keep studying under the same conditions as your current study permit. However, this applies only until you stay in Canada.

How to Apply:

You can apply for your Canadian study permit extension online or on paper. However, you may be allowed to apply on paper only if you have a disability to not be able to apply online or if there is a problem with online application.

  • To apply online, you will need a valid credit or debit card and a scanner or camera to make electronic copies of required documents.

  • Read the instruction guide to applying successfully for a visa extension. 

  • Answer the required questions before uploading your forms.

  • Pay the fees which might include processing fees at the end of your application.

  • Create your account or sign in to pay your fees, submit your application and check your status.

  • Give your biometric information after the Government of Canada sends you the biometrics instruction letter. 

  • Carry your biometrics instruction letter and a valid passport or travel document to your biometrics appointment.

What to do if your permit expired

In case your Canadian study permit has already expired, you can do either of the following:

  • Apply for a new study permit or

  • Restore your status as a temporary resident in Canada.

How to Stay in Canada When You are No Longer Studying

If you wish to stay in Canada or extend your stay in the country but are no longer studying, you can do one of the following options:

  • Apply for a work permit - This includes options such as post-graduation work permit (PGWP) or other types of work permits such as open work permits or employer-specific work permits.

  • Apply to change your status and stay in Canada as a visitor

  • Leave Canada

Get Your Canadian Student Visa Applications Reviewed Here!

Applying for Canada Study Permit Via Student Direct Stream

The application process for a Canadian student visa might take up to 90 days. As a result, students must ensure that they provide plenty of time while applying. Students from select countries have the option of expediting their Canada student visa application through the Student Direct Stream or SDS. This typically takes 20 days and is offered to students from a variety of nations, including Brazil, China, India, Morocco, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Students applying for their Canada study permit via the student direct stream must meet the following criteria before applying:

  • They must be legal residents of India, Pakistan, Morocco, Peru, Vietnam, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Trinidad and Tobago, Senegal, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Colombia, China, or Brazil are eligible.

  • They should have a letter of acceptance from a postsecondary-approved learning institution.

  • When applying, they must live outside of Canada.

  • If they wish to study in Quebec, they must receive a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation, et de l'Intégration.

  • Must have a CAD 10,000 Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).

  • A medical checkup must be completed.

  • A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 is required.

  • Transcripts from recent secondary or postsecondary schooling are required.

Students will receive confirmation via the online portal once their Canadian student visa has been accepted. However, if they apply from outside of Canada, they will receive a "port of entrance letter of introduction." This demonstrates that they are permitted to study in the country. When they arrive in Canada, they must provide this to border officials along with their visiting visa or electronic travel authorization.

Validity of the Canada Student Visa

A study permit in Canada is typically valid for the duration of the student's study programme plus an additional 90 days. The 90-day period allows students to either prepare for departure or apply for an extension of their stay.

The length of time students can stay in Canada after finishing their studies is determined by three things:

  • Whether they are taking required courses

  • Or, their study permit expires before they finish their studies

  • Or, whether they finish their studies before their study permit expires

If a student's school requests that they complete courses before being accepted into the main programme (conditional acceptance), their study permit will be valid for the period of those courses plus one year. After being accepted into the main programme, the student must seek to extend their stay as a student.

If a student's study permit in Canada is set to expire before completing their course, they must request to extend their stay as a student. If they do not, they will have to discontinue their studies and leave Canada.

If students complete their studies early, their study permit will expire 90 days after they finish, regardless of the date listed on the study permit. Their studies are officially concluded when their college or university tells them via any of the following:

  • A letter of completion of their study programme

  • Their official course completion transcript

  • Their official diploma or degree

Students must show proof of when their college notified them or when they received their degree, diploma, or certificate. If they do not have the proof, the officials use the document's earliest issue date.

Documents Required for Canadian Student Visa

After receiving the acceptance letter from the chosen college or university, students should apply for a student visa to Canada. They should begin the visa application procedure at least 5-4 months before the commencement of their course. The following documents are required to apply for a Canada student visa:

Valid Passport 

To apply for a study permit in Canada, students must have a valid passport. According to the Canadian High Commission, students must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their anticipated stay in Canada. For example, if a student wishes to travel to Canada for a two-year degree in September 2022, his or her passport must be valid until at least September 2024.

Proof of Funds 

Students must provide proof of money for their selected course when applying for a Canada Study Permit. According to the current standards, international students must demonstrate that they have sufficient means to cover their tuition and living expenses while studying in Canada. According to Canadian Immigration, a student needs a minimum of CAD 10,000 per year. The student must also demonstrate that he or she has sufficient cash for a return trip. The following can be used to demonstrate funds:

  • Canadian bank account

  • Student loan or education loan documents

  • Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution

  • Last four months' bank statements

  • Proof of the payment of the first-semester tuition fee and housing fee

  • Letter from a person or school that has provided you with funds

  • Evidence of funds received from within Canada (in case of a scholarship or a Canadian-funded educational program)

Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution

International students will require an acceptance letter from the institution or institute they intend to attend. A University recognised by the Immigration Department is referred to as a Designated Learning Institute. If students apply to Quebec, they will also require a CAQ, which will be sent to them.

Passport Size Photographs

If students choose to apply offline, they will need two passport-sized images that meet the requirements. For an online application, students must obtain a digital copy of their photograph that is no larger than 4MB. Other requirements include a standard neutral facial expression, a plain background, and no headgear (unless for religious purposes).

  • The image should be at least 35 mm × 45 mm in size.

  • The image should be current (not older than 6 months).

  • Each photo must have the student’s name and date of birth put on the back.

Immigration Medical Examination (IME)

International students from India are required by Canadian Immigration to undertake a mandatory Immigration Medical Examination performed by empanelled doctors. Students must make an appointment with one of the mentioned doctors and see them for a medical checkup, preferably a week before they begin their Canada visa application. 

This is to allow the doctor time to validate and upload the required documentation. It is generally advisable to make an appointment in advance with the nearest facility/ practitioner from the list of empanelled doctors. When the medical examination is over, the physician will email the results to CIC.

English Language Proficiency Exam Score

Though not required at the time of application, it is strongly advised that applicants take the English Language Proficiency Test and obtain their English Language Proficiency Score before beginning the Canada student visa application process. Currently, students must submit their English language competence scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, etc.) to confirm their acceptance to a Canadian university.

Statement of Purpose

Students must submit an SOP essay explaining the objective of their journey to Canada and why they choose the specific university/college when applying for a Canadian Study Permit. This will be requested as an optional document in the checklist, however, it is strongly advised that they submit the same.

Credit Card

If international students are applying for their Canada student visa online, they will also need a credit card to pay the application fee because the system only accepts credit cards and not debit cards. For Indian students, the application fee for a Canada student visa is CAD 150. 

Note: If students apply offline, they must have true copies of all of the above-mentioned documents. It is vital to note that students must download a few documents, fill them out, print them, sign them, and then upload them while applying online.

Related Reads:

How is University SOP Different from Visa SOP?

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Visa Letter (Visa SOP)

Application Process and FAQs for SDS Canada

Top 5 Countries with Easy Immigration for International Students

Reasons for Rejection of Canadian Student Visa

The first step in avoiding student visa rejection is understanding what the IRCC looks for in study permit applications and why they are rejected. The following are some of the most prevalent reasons why IRCC denies Canadian study permits:

Not Having a Letter of Acceptance from a DLI

A study visa is only available if you have been accepted into a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A DLI is a university or college that allows international students to enrol. Once admitted, students will get a letter of acceptance (LOA) from their institution, which they must attach to their application. If students submit a study permit application without a letter of acceptance, or if the LOA is not from a Canadian-authorised DLI, the application will be refused.

Having Inadequate Funds or Proof of Funds

Visa inspectors want to know if students want to depart Canada after finishing their education. One of the restrictions of an international student's study permit is that they cannot stay in Canada unlawfully after their study permit expires. Although students may be eligible to apply for a study permit extension or a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduation, indicating a desire to stay in Canada after graduation may result in the denial of the Canada student visa application. 

Lack of Financial Security

The student visa application requires students to demonstrate that they have sufficient cash to pay the costs of studying and living in Canada. Students' study permits will be refused if they fail to present appropriate paperwork demonstrating that they have paid their tuition charge for the first year/semester. They should also be able to demonstrate how they received the finances, such as savings, a bank loan, a scholarship, and so on.

Unclear Purpose of Visit

If the visa officer is not convinced that the student's intention to study in Canada is genuine, their application will be denied. This can occur if students fail to include a statement of purpose that clearly states why they want to study in Canada and how this specific study programme will help them accomplish their career goals. In such a circumstance, the visa officer may believe that they are not a legitimate student and instead intend to work illegally in Canada.

Inconsistent/Incomplete Academic Records

Prior education qualifications, transcripts, and mark sheets must be included with the Canada student visa application. Academic records assist to demonstrate two things: the legitimacy of students' previous degrees or certificates, as well as their track record as good students. The visa officer may reject the student visa application if the documentation is inadequate or their previous academic performance is inconsistent.

Unexplained Gaps in Students’ Education or Experience

The consistency of students' education and job history is important. If students took a gap year while in college or were unemployed for a period of time before applying for a study permit, their student visa application may be rejected. If there is a legitimate cause for a gap in their academic or career background, they must explain it in their statement of purpose.

Low Language Test Score

English proficiency (or French proficiency if students plan to study in Quebec or enrol in a French-language programme) is a mandatory qualifying condition for a Canada study permit. A low score on an acceptable language test, such as IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada, will almost certainly result in the denial of their Canada student visa.

Incomplete Documentation

Missing any required documents, submitting incomplete forms, failing to provide sufficient justification for the purpose of the visit, or any gaps in the application may result in the study permission being denied. Students should send a statement of purpose (also known as a letter of explanation) and a Quebec Selection Certificate in addition to their LOA, proof of financial support, and proof of identity. Examine the document checklist provided by the local visa office carefully, as applicants from specific countries may be required to submit additional documentation.

Post-Graduate Work Permit in Canada

The Canadian government provides choices for international students who want to stay after finishing their studies and getting work experience. The Post-Graduate Work Permit Program is administered by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Under this programme, international graduates can obtain up to three years of open work permits. With this authorization, Canadian employers can work for any employer without having to have a job offer before applying. 

DLI graduates in Canada can apply for a work permit using a graduation certificate or a letter from the institution. The PGWP programme is only available to students who have completed a certificate/diploma/degree programme that lasts at least for 8-months.

  • If the course or programme lasts less than two years, students are eligible for a post-graduation work permit for the same length of time as the course. For example, an 8-months course equals an 8-months work permit after graduation.

  • If the student pursues a two-year course (master's or diploma), then they are eligible for a three-year post-graduation employment permit. For example, a two-year master's or diploma programme is equivalent to a three-year post-graduate work visa.

How to Apply for PR in Canada?

Many international students are entitled to apply for permanent residence programmes (PR) in Canada after gaining sufficient work experience in Canada. Here are several PR programmes for overseas students who wish to know how to earn PR in Canada when they graduate:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is part of the Express Entry system and ranks applicants using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates with competitive CRS scores are invited to apply for Canadian PR. A student must have at least 12 months of full-time skilled job experience in the country to be eligible for CEC application. However, work experience earned while studying does not count as work experience when applying for CEC. As a result, after finishing their studies, students can apply for PGWP, earn experience, and then apply for CEC.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Express Entry immigration system is used by the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program. FSW does not demand prior work experience from overseas students. The FSW programme uses CRS scores to rank and invites qualified international students to apply for PR after studying in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows international students who want to migrate to a specific Canadian territory or province to apply for Canadian PR. PNP qualifications vary by province in Canada. Students who have a connection to a certain province, whether through education or employment, have a better chance of becoming accepted for the PNP programme.

Quebec Immigration Options

Quebec manages its immigration system, which may differ from that of other provinces. The standards of Quebec immigration programmes are designed to help international students in applying for permanent residence in Canada. For international students, the PR programme comprises two subcategories:

  • Quebec Experience Program (PEQ): It is open to students who have completed their studies at a Quebec-based institution or who are due to complete their degree within the following six months. International students must have strong French language abilities to be eligible for PEQ.

  • Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW): International students applying for QSW, like PEQ, must have completed or are about to complete their studies at a Quebec-based institution. However, students are not required to demonstrate their French language skills in QSW; however, they must score and meet the QSW standards.

Note: For students, the processing time for Canada PR can take up to six months. However, it is dependent on a number of criteria, including the number of applicants, the province, and the type of work permit.

Get in Touch with Experts to Study in Canada!

FAQs on Canada Student Visa Guide in 2024

Do you need a lot of money to apply for a student visa in Canada?

As part of the Canadian student visa application process, you must also provide proof of funds to support yourself. On top of your tuition fees, you will have to pay CAD 10,000 (USD 7,650) a year for living expenses.

Are Canadian student visas subject to an interview?

An interview with the Canadian Embassy/Consulate is being scheduled once the visa fee has been paid. Visa interviews determine whether a visa is approved/rejected at the end of the application process.

Can someone sponsor a student visa in Canada?

As a sponsor, you can only choose one of your legal guardians from 1st grade. Sponsors can also be first-degree relatives, including mothers, fathers, wives, children, and grandchildren. You can present your legal guardian as an applicant's sponsor in the case where there is no first-degree relative.

Is it easy to obtain a student visa in Canada?

It is often thought that getting a letter of acceptance is the hardest part of the pre-study abroad process, but obtaining a student visa can be even more difficult. In spite of Canada's popularity, its high applicant volume makes getting a visa significantly more challenging.

What are the requirements for obtaining a student visa in Canada?

To apply for a Canada Student Visa, you will need the following documents. - Photographs sized for a passport - Immigration Medical Examination (IME) - Proof of Funds - An official acceptance letter from a designated learning institution - Test score for English Language Proficiency - Credit Card - Valid Passport - Statement of Purpose

How much does a student visa cost for Canada?

Obtaining a Canadian study permit, which serves as a temporary student visa, is necessary to study in Canada. The Canadian study permit is not required for courses or programs lasting less than six months. The application fee for a study permit is CA$150 (~US$114).

How to know if I am eligible to apply for a study permit in Canada or not?

To apply for a study permit in Canada you must be enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. The other criteria that you must meet are as follows • You must have enough funds to pay your tuition fee, manage living expenses and transportation costs. • You must obey the laws of Canada and must not have a criminal record and get a police certificate (if required) • You must be in good health and also get the medical examination done before visiting Canada. • You must also have proof that you will leave Canada once your study permit expires.

How long is the study visa valid after the completion of the course in Canada?

A study visa in Canada is valid for the length of the course and additional 90 days are given for students to either get their study permit extended, find a job, or leave the country. Even if you do not complete your course within the period, you will have to get your visa extended to stay in Canada.

Can I get my study visa extended in case I wish to continue my higher studies in Canada?

You can apply for a study permit extension at least 30 days before the study permit expires if you wish to continue your study in Canada. In most cases, you can apply online to extend the study permit in Canada. However, if you wish to continue your study in Canada after your visa expires you will have to apply for a new study permit to restore your status as a temporary resident in Canada.

How long will I have to wait to get a student visa for Canada?

Once you apply for a Canadian student visa, it usually takes 90 days for visa processing. Students from India can also choose to apply for Student Direct Stream to get the study permit faster. The visa application received through Student Direct Stream is processed within 20 working days. However, due to COVID- 19 pandemic, the visa application process is taking a longer time than before due to several restrictions.

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