Canada Student Visa Guide

This year has been particularly challenging for Indian students seeking a study visa in Canada. For 2024, from July to October, only 86,562 Canada student visa were submitted. This shows a significant drop of 40% compared to 2023. Several factors contribute to this decline, including reduced part-time work hours for students and a surge in rental costs. However, the recent announcement by the Canadian government about the cap on International students has also impacted this figure. Despite these hurdles, competition remains fierce among international student visa Canada. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in understanding the student visa. If you want to secure your student visa on the first attempt, keep reading!

There are four different routes for international student visa Canada however, the Student Direct Stream(SDS) has added a fifth option specifically for Indian applicants.

Study Permit:

A Study Permit is essential for any student wishing to study in Canada for a course longer than six months. This is the travel document that every student requires in Canada.

 

1. 
   The institution you are applying to must be on the Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) list. 
2. 
   Allows students to work part-time for 20 hours/week. 
3. 
   Provides eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon course completion.
4. 
   Grants an additional three months of stay after the course ends.

Student Direct Stream (SDS) Visa:

The SDS is a fast track for Indian Students to get a Canada student visa. The study permit through SDS is usually granted within 20 calendar days. This even allows students to arrive early giving them time to adapt to the new culture. To qualify you should have:

 

1. 
   Proof of upfront payment of the first-year tuition fee
2. 
   Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000
3. 
   IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each skill (or equivalent)
4. 
   Medical examination

Visitor Visa ;

This is a perfect choice for students applying for courses shorter than six months. But, you can’t do the following things on the visitor visa.

 

1. 
   Extend the stay beyond six months.
2. 
   Work part-time while studying.

You can even consider a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for short-term courses.

Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

This doesn’t fall under the category of international student visa Canada but, helps fresh graduates get hands-on work experience. Key features include:

 

1. 
   The validity ranges from eight months to three years. 
2. 
   Serves as a pathway toward Permanent Residency (PR) for many students after they have completed the course.

Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ):

Students enrolled in Quebec University require a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) before applying for a study visa in Canada. However, you need a CAQ certificate if your course is longer than six months.

Before applying for a study visa in Canada, you must prepare several essential documents. Missing any of these could jeopardize your chances of flying to Canada.

Passport:

You will be asked to upload a copy of your passport, including the passport number while applying for the student visa for Canada from India. Ensure that your passport is in good condition and if you have an old passport, submit its details too.

Photographs:

Recent photographs within the last six months, match your present appearance and meet the visa photo guidelines.

Letter of Acceptance (LOA):

LOA is a document without it you can’t apply for a student visa for Canada. The LOA should be issued from the Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). To obtain this letter, you are required to submit your educational certificates, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), and a Letter of Recommendation to the university or college.

Provincal Attestation Letter (PAL) & Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL):

For bachelor courses, you will either need a PAL or TAL. However, students of master’s and doctoral courses are exempted from this letter. To get these letters, contact your university. Every university follows different procedures to grant you a PAL or TAL.

Medical Certificate & Insurance:

During the visa application process, an immigration officer will appoint you to a clinic to obtain a medical certificate. Schedule your appointment and obtain your medical certificate, but, for medical insurance, contact your university for a referral of a suitable provider.

Proof of Funds:

Students require a huge amount of money to support their education abroad. Therefore, to avoid dropouts in the middle of the session. You need to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover one year of living expenses and one year of tuition fees. Moreover, you need to provide proof of income from your financial sponsor. In case of insufficient funds, your visa application can be rejected. Looking for a loan but, scared of EMI? Use GyanDhan’s Education Loan EMI Calculator.

Educational Certificates:

You must present your educational certificates during the visa interview. The interviewer verifies your educational certificates and checks for any gaps in your education. Unsatisfactory reasons for gap year or low scores can lead to visa rejection.

 

Your Complete Checklist For Canada Student Visa Requirement is a detailed guide on obtaining documents for visa application.

Once you have prepared all the documents for the student visa application, apply online through the Canada Immigration portal.

Create an Account:

Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and create an account, ensure that you select the student visa portal, as there are different accounts for other visa types.

Sign in option:

For a student visa, you will see two ways to create an account; GCKey or sign in as a partner. Choose whatever suits you well. 

Fill in Your Information:

Complete your application form with the required information and upload the necessary documents.

Pay the Application:

After reviewing the information, make sure to pay the application fee for early visa processing. The more you delay in payment, the more time your visa application will take for approval.

Biometric Appointment:

After submission, you will receive an appointment for biometric data collection. Ensure you attend the appointment on time.

Interview:

Attend the interview as scheduled and carry all your documents. Refer to Your Detailed Guide to Faster Canada Student Visa Processing for a detailed visa application process.

You can refer to the table below for the recent cost of the Canada application fee.

 

 

 

The interview is a crucial and overwhelming process of the student visa application process. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Impress the Interviewer:

Your communication style and genuine intentions will help you impress the interviewer. Be sure to highlight your best qualities and convey your sincere intentions clearly to the interviewer.

Explain Your Family Connection:

The interviewer will want to ensure that you have strong ties to your home country and that you plan to return after course completion. If they perceive a weak connection, it could negatively impact your chances of obtaining a visa. Make sure to explain your family connections and commitments during the interview.

Finances:

Be ready to provide detailed information about your finances and how your sponsor plans to support you during your studies abroad. Clearly explain the income and any additional sources of income to explain your financial stability.

Stay Updated on Recent News:

The interviewer may ask about recent changes in Canada’s student visa policies to gauge your enthusiasm and research efforts. Staying informed about Canada new policy for student visa to showcase your commitment and preparedness.

Congratulations! You’ve received your student visa and it’s just the beginning, now you need to maintain the validity of your visa. The government monitors your activities, so keep these pointers in mind to maintain your visa validity.

 

1. 
   Perform well in your studies because poor academic performance can cause some concerns. 
2. 
   Always adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in your student visa.
3. 
   Do not engage in any form of criminal activity, as this can lead to immediate visa cancellation.
4. 
   Avoid using any illegal methods to prolong your stay in Canada.

Some students can study in Canada without a study permit. Check below to see if you fall into one of the categories:

Member of Foreign Representative:

If someone from your blood relations is a foreign representative or accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), you do not need a student visa to travel and study in Canada. 

Indian Status Card:

If someone in your family holds a registered Indian status card, you are allowed to study in Canada without a study permit. 

French Language and Cultural Integration Course:

If you are enrolled in a French and cultural integration course, you don’t need a study permit. Temporary study visa or visitor visa works. 

Short-Term Study Visa Canada:

Students planning to take a short-term course in Canada do not need to apply for a study permit. They can opt for a visitor visa or a temporary visa if their course duration is less than six months.

Canada is the most popular destination among Indian graduates and for this, one can experience a competition for study visa in Canada. Still, visa applications are accepted, and students which grants them freedom and exposure to new opportunities. Even the Canadian authorities have acknowledged that a significant portion of their education revenue comes from Indian students. However, it is essential to be prepared for the challenges associated with the Canada student visa process. We hope this guide has resolved your queries regarding Canada's new rules for student visa. Now, go ahead confidently and fill out your student visa application!