Canada Student Visa Requirement

Canada is renowned for its top-notch education, but what truly attracts several Indian students is its sense of familiarity. Today Canada has around 319,130 Indian students students, making up nearly 37-40% of the international student population. This even helped India gain a special status card in the country which allowed family members without a study permit. However, despite this privilege, many Indian students are facing unexpected challenges with their study permits. To help you navigate the process, here is a brief overview of the Canada student visa requirement documents required for a successful visa application.

Canada Student Visa Requirement

After completing the 12th standard, you apply for undergraduate and postgraduate courses which fall under the category of post-secondary education institutions. The list of Canada student visa requirement is designed based on these criteria. You can create a Canada study visa checklist based on this information. 

Passport

You must have a valid passport that identifies you as an Indian citizen. This is crucial, to access the past visa application and travel history of the students. However, travel history also affects your chances of obtaining a visa.

Photographs

Photographs are required during your visa application. Whenever you are called for an interview, ensure to write your name and date of birth on the back of the photo. These details are essential for identification during the visa interview.

Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

A Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian university confirms that you have secured a place. Here’s how you can obtain an LOA:

Choose the Course and university

Immigration officers are more likely to be inclined towards universities who have a clear understanding of the course and university they wish to attend, as this demonstrates a strong determination to study abroad.
 

1. 
   Select your course. 
2. 
   Look for universities listed under Designated Learning Institutions (DLI).
3. 
   Apply at least a year ahead for the post-secondary program. 
4. 
   Check the university's website for the admission eligibility criteria.
5. 
   Some universities require you to post your application form and documents, while most have an online application porta

Apply for the Admission

Here is a common checklist that students can refer to obtain an LOA.
 

1. 
   An English Proficiency Test score; there is an IELTS requirement for SDS Canada with a minimum score of 5.0 to 6.0 that meets the eligibility criteria.
2. 
   Statement of Purpose which is to explain your mindset regarding the course chosen and study plans. 
3. 
   An educational certificate that meets the university’s grade requirements. 
4. 
   A letter of recommendation from a teacher highlighting your achievements and explaining why you would be a valuable addition to the university.

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

The PAL or TAL is an additional document required from your university. You need to contact your university to obtain PAL and TAL. Every university has different criteria, and government approval is also involved in sanctioning the letters. However, you only need one of these documents, not both.

Only students applying for the undergraduate courses require a PAL or TAL, students applying for master's and doctoral courses don’t need them. If you don't submit the PAL or TAL, your visa application will be returned with the application fee. 

Medical Certificate & Insurance

When a student applies for a visa, you must undergo a medical examination to confirm that you are in good physical and mental health. The immigration office will appoint a clinic for the medical test for student visa Canada. However, you can get medical insurance, get in touch with the university for details. They will provide you with contact details of consultants who offer medical insurance.

Canada Student Visa Proof of Funds

International students pay five times more tuition fees than local students, which is a huge amount. Therefore, to ensure that students complete their studies and have the financial means to complete their studies without interruption, proof of funds is mandatory. You need to upload the following documents during the visa application.
 

1. 
   A Canadian bank account under your name.
2. 
   Loan sanction document, if applicable.
3. 
   Four months' bank statement showing the monthly income of your sponsor.
4. 
   A bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars.
5. 
   Acknowledgment receipt from the university as proof of paid tuition fees. 
6. 
   Rent agreement for the accommodation where you will stay.
7. 
   A scholarship letter, if you are receiving any scholarship. If only part of the tuition fee is covered by the scholarship, you must show that your sponsor can cover the remaining amount.

Educational Certificates

Even though you submitted your educational certificates during the admission. You are required to upload your educational certificates during the visa application. But why? The immigration officer confirms your educational background and checks for the gap year. If you have a gap year, you must provide a valid explanation for it.

Custodian Declaration

The custodian declaration is a Canada student visa requirement for students under the age of 16. Parents must agree to send their child abroad, and a guardian is required for them in Canada. In some cases, parents accompany the child, which requires them to show some extra funds covering both the child and the accompanying parent. 

Students Exempted from Study Permit

Some students may be exempted from specific documents, and in some cases, they may not even require a study permit to study in Canada. Let’s explore these exceptions:

Short Term Courses

If you are opting for a course that is less than 6 months, you can enter Canada on a tourist or visitor visa. The option involves lesser formalities and does not require an interview.

Member of Foreign Representative

If a family member is a part of a foreign representative to Canada or accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), you do not need to apply for a study permit.

Indian Status Card

Being Indian and residing in Canada for years makes you eligible for an Indian Status Card. If a family member holds this card, you can study in Canada without a study permit. 

French Language and Cultural Integration Course

If you are enrolled in a French language and cultural integration course, you may study in Canada without a study permit. 

Study Permit of a Family Member

If someone in your family holds a study or work permit, students can drop a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) out of the Canada student visa requirement. Although, you still need a study permit, but can apply without an LOA. 

Conclusion

Students are often eager before applying and may overlook important details. To avoid mistakes, create a Canada study visa checklist with all the necessary information. Refer to the Canada Immigration Website for all necessary information. Remember, you should start preparing at least one year before applying to a university. For more detailed information about the Canada visa application process.

Frequently Asked Questions