Canada Study Visa | Most Frequently Asked Questions by Students while applying for a study visa in Canada

Canada Study Visa Process: Are looking to Study in Canada, Let’s discuss the most commonly asked questions by students while applying to Canada; work permit to permanent residency in Canada without a job offer or work experience. In this article, you will find how to plan your immigration once you have started your studies in Canada.

Can we apply to study in Canada on our own? Do we need to apply through a local agent, or can we apply on our own?

Yes, you can complete the entire procedure on your own. No, you do not need an agent to process your application for the school, college, or IRCC (i.e. the application for a study permit or visa processing).

Some educational counsellors may insist that you enrol in a particular course of study or move to a particular area because of the commissions they can earn from them.

So don’t leave it entirely to them; do some basic research about college, the area, and the cost of living in that particular region. Take wise decisions based on our research and input from educational counsellors.

What is the processing time for a Canada Study Visa?

At least 6 months; don’t expect under 6 months from the time you apply to the college, receive admission, and apply for a study visa or permit. In general, students need to plan 6-7 months in advance in order to gain access to the most popular programmes at colleges that fill up quickly.

Should the entire year’s tuition be paid in advance?

Yes, if you apply under the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which is processed in Edmonton, Canada. If you are applying under the regular study permit application programme, the answer is no (which is processed in the local embassies, i.e., in India).

How much does it cost, and what is the most affordable programme offered by public colleges and universities in Canada?

Answer: The lowest tuition cost for an undergraduate certificate or diploma at a public college is about CAD $9,000 per year, which is about Rs 5,46,048.

The most expensive tuition you can find is approximately $55,000 per year for a Master’s degree in Business Administration from a reputable university. Of course, the average is between CAD $16,000 and CAD $20,000,

This tuition varies depending on whether you are applying to a college, university, undergraduate programme, or specialised programme, as well as the region or province where the college is located. There is a programme for nearly every tuition budget.

Note: Graduates of public schools are eligible for a PGWP (Post-Graduate Work Permit), whereas graduates of private schools were not eligible for this programme.

What documents and information must I submit with the application?

You can download the checklist from the IRCC (Canadian government) website, but here’s a quick view of what we need at the time of submission.

• Letter of acceptance from the Canadian college, a valid passport, national ID, birth certificates, and the completion of all forms in the IRCC web portal. All supporting documents must be in either English or French.
• Income Proof: You must show proof that you have enough money to live in Canada (either on your own or with the help of a financial sponsor). If you have a financial sponsor, you need a letter from them that is notarized or attested.
• Money in the bank, investments, or properties can all serve as proof of funds (yours, your parents, or any other financial sponsors).
• If you want to apply through the Student Direct Stream, you’ll need a CAD $10,000 Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), proof that one year’s tuition has been paid in full to a Canadian school.
• Language proficiency test (IELTS) documents; If applying through the Student Direct Stream, you must have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 and a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each language testing component.
• Education certificates: Produce relevant academic certificates, which are a minimum requirement for admission.
• Statement of Purpose or Study Plan: You need to explain some of the questions in the statement of purpose, like why you want to study in Canada, why did you pick Canada over other countries like the US, the UK, and your home country, and how studying in Canada will help you in your future or existing career path.

How much money do I need to show IRCC if I want to get a study visa in Canada?

If applying through the Student Direct Stream, you’re required to show at least $10,000 CAD for your first year’s living expenses, which can be covered by the GIC.

If you want to apply for UG and PG courses in Canada, you only need to show bank statements and investment or deposit statements from your parents or other sponsors.

For recent graduates, as income proof, we can include parental assets like real estate and stock in a business. However, if you are in your thirties, listing your parents as your only financial sponsors could hurt your application. If you are in your thirties and applying for a Canada Study Visa, you must have some assets in your name.

What is the best time to apply to colleges in Canada, get a letter of acceptance, and then apply for a study permit?

As stated above, a minimum of six months is required to access the best programmes; however, 7 to 8 months is suggested. Allow 3 months for the admissions process and at least 3-4 months for your visa to be processed. Colleges may take longer to respond, and Canadian holidays may cause delays.

When should you apply for a visa if you already possess a Letter of Acceptance? As soon as you can, you must allow a minimum of 3 months, but we recommend at least 4 to 5 months before classes begin. Keep in mind that master’s and graduate-level programmes at universities have limited enrollment, so you must apply well in advance in most cases.

Is SDS (Student Direct Stream) faster? And what are the processing times for study permits in India?

The only reason you should apply for the SDS programme instead of the regular study permit stream is that the approval rate for the SDS programme is 98%, whereas the refusal rate for the regular stream is higher.

If my classes begin in May, September, or January, when is the optimal time to arrive?

There is no definitive answer. It depends on individual choice. In general, students will arrive a month in advance; they can even register in advance about 2 to 3 months before classes begin.

Remember, you were required to show that you had sufficient funds to support yourself and the reason why you were arriving 3 months ahead of your scheduled classes at immigration. And if you’re late, you have to show proof that you went to class online and didn’t miss any classes before you got there.

I’m over 30 years old and considering further studies in Canada.

The risk of rejection is high if you are over 30 years old, have an education gap of more than 5 years, and have no travel or employment history.

What is the significance of the Study Plan or Statement of Purpose (SOP)?

If you are between 16 and 22 years old and a recent college graduate, your study plan or SOP is not the most important document in your study permit application. If you are over 30, then your study plan plays a vital part.

Your statement of purpose is also important if you are between 22 and 27 years old and want to get a Master’s degree or do other graduate studies in Canada.

What if you are turned down?

You may reapply at any time and any number of times (no limits), but you should request the case officer’s refusal notes prior to reapplying so you can address their concerns in the new application. Do not blindly reapply.

You also have the option of Judicial Review, which is the initial step in appealing your study visa to the Federal Court. Yes, you can appeal almost any type of immigration application in the Canadian Federal Courts, even if you’ve never set foot in the country.

What’s next if you are approved?

Send your passport to the local VAC for the visa stamping (which allows you to enter Canada; however, this is not your study permit), book your flight, obtain any necessary medical insurance, and bring your Port of Entry introduction letter and all supporting documents to pick up your study permit at the Canadian border.

Since you might not be able to get medical care right away when you get there, you should bring your prescription medicines and an extra pair of glasses if you need them.

How do you plan your immigration once you have started your studies in Canada?

Verify that your college and programme qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. We tell graduate students to move to British Columbia, Ontario, or Newfoundland because they can apply for permanent residency there without a job offer or work experience right after they graduate.

The best option for other students is to apply for the Express Entry Program after graduation and gain valuable Canadian work experience through the PGWP. Before you apply to college in Canada, you should plan out how you will study and how you will become a permanent resident there.

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