Latest Canada Student Visa in 2024 – Complete Guide

A comprehensive guide to the process of obtaining a student visa for Canada, including the necessary documents, the application procedure, and frequently asked questions.

In addition to being a highly sought-after tourist destination, Canada is also an attractive option for students. The country is highly developed and offers valuable degrees, as well as a wonderful teaching methodology. That is why a significant number of individuals are interested in enrolling their children in Canadian primary or secondary institutions, and adults are also interested in beginning their undergraduate or graduate programs there. In order to accomplish this, students must possess a study visa and study permit.

We will examine the specifics of the student visa and study permits in this article.

What is a Canada Student Visa?

A Canada Student Visa enables the holder to commence their studies in Canada. The student visa is virtually identical to a Canada Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTa); however, a study permit is also required. Therefore, the Canadian student visa is a hybrid of either a study permit and a visitor visa or an eTA and a study permit.

The Canada study visa will only permit you to commence your studies in Canada at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). The study permit enables you to remain in Canada until the conclusion of your program and, in certain circumstances, to work while you are enrolled in school or after you graduate. In order to maintain your study visa for Canada, you must satisfy the following requirements:

• Remain enlisted in a DLI at all times.
• Make an effort to finish your academic program.
• Comply with the conditions of the student visa.
• If the student visa requirements are not met, it is necessary to discontinue your studies.
• Upon the expiration of your study permit, you must depart Canada promptly.

The study permit will not permit you to obtain Canadian-issued documents or participate in Canadian government benefits, such as health benefits. Nevertheless, it will facilitate the process of applying for Canadian citizenship if that is your objective.

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Benefits for Latest Canada Student Visa

• Top-Ranked Universities and Colleges: Canada is home to world-class institutions that provide globally recognized degrees and diplomas.
• A Wide Array of Programs: A diverse selection of programs in a variety of disciplines, including engineering, business, arts, and healthcare, guarantees that you will discover the ideal program to align with your career objectives and interests.
• Working Part-Time While Attending School: A student visa typically enables you to work full-time during scheduled vacations and up to 20 hours per week during academic terms, which can assist in covering living expenses.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): You may be eligible for a PGWP after graduation, which enables you to work in Canada for a maximum of three years and acquire valuable work experience.
• Easier PR Pathways: International students in Canada can utilize programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry or provincial nomination programs (PNPs) to transition to permanent residency.
• Work Experience Advantage: The PGWP provides work experience that is considered for PR applications.
• Inclusive and Multicultural Environment: Canada is renowned for its diverse and inclusive culture, which enables individuals from a variety of backgrounds to coexist in harmony.
• Affordable Education In comparison to other prominent destinations such as the United States or the United Kingdom, tuition fees and living costs in Canada are generally lower, resulting in exceptional value for money.
• Opportunities for Research of the Highest Quality: Canada is a global leader in research, particularly in disciplines such as healthcare, technology, and environmental studies, providing students with the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking innovative ideas.
• Healthcare Accessibility: Health insurance is available to international students in numerous provinces in Canada, guaranteeing access to high-quality medical care.

What is a Designated Learning Institution?

The only way to obtain a student visa for Canada is to enroll in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), as previously mentioned. Schools or universities that have been authorized by the provincial or territorial government to accommodate international pupils are referred to as DLIs.

By default, all primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs; however, there are numerous universities and other educational institutions that are not certified DLIs. It is imperative that you refrain from submitting an application to those organizations, as you will be denied entry even if you are accepted.

More Info

To determine whether a university or educational institution is a DLI, refer to this link. It will redirect you to the official website of the Government of Canada, which is responsible for issuing all Canadian visas. In order to generate an inventory of all institutions that are DLIs, the user must select the province or territory on the page. There, you can determine whether the location to which you intend to submit is a DLI.

If the institution loses its DLI status while you are enrolled, you are permitted to continue your studies there until the expiration of your study permit. In order to obtain a new study permit, you must enroll in a new institution that is a DLI if your permit expires before you have completed your degree.

Who Needs a Canadian Study Permit?

In order to study in Canada, all international students who require a visitor visa or an eTA to enter the country must obtain a student visa and permit. The permit does not grant you entry into Canada; however, it does grant you permission to commence your studies when combined with a visitor visa or eTA.

However, certain categories of individuals may not require a study permit to pursue their education in Canada if they are in specific circumstances, such as:

• A visitor visa or eTA is sufficient for a study program in Canada that lasts for six months or less, provided that the program is completed within that timeframe. A study permit is not required. A study permit will be required if the brief program is not completed within six months.
• A study permit is not required if you are a family member or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada who is accredited by Global Affairs Canada.
• If you are a member of the foreign armed forces in Canada and are on official duty, you are not required to obtain a study permit; however, your family members may require one.
• A study permit is not required if you are a Registered Indian in Canada and a citizen of another country.
• A study permit is not required for minor children in Canada if they are:
• In kindergarten;
• A refugee or refugee claimant;
• In the event that your parents are refugees or asylum claimants;
• If you are enrolled in pre-school, primary, or secondary school and your parent is permitted to work or study in Canada.

Do I Qualify for a Canada Student Visa?

The following conditions must be met in order to be eligible to register for a student visa and permit in Canada:

• Possess a genuine acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that includes the following information:
• An official letterhead of the institution.
• The program and degree that you will acquire.
• The quantity of tuition fees that are required to be paid.
• Start and end dates of the program.
• As the primary student visa applicant, you must be at least 18 years old, and your offspring who are under 18 years old are not eligible to apply independent of you. So, if you have a child who is interested in attending primary or secondary education, you are required to submit an application on their behalf.
• Possess a spotless criminal record and provide court documents to substantiate it.
• You are required to complete and execute a Consent Form for the Visa Application Center (VAC).
• You are required to submit copies of your current immigration status in Canada or in another country.
• Demonstrate that your stay in Canada is temporary and that you will return to your native country upon the completion of your studies.

Requirements

When you complete the forms, you will also have to submit the following supporting documents:

• Please provide a scan of your passport to verify its validity.
• Your travel history, which includes the entire scan of your passport to verify that it contains vacant pages.
• Letters from the court and police in your country that attest to your absence of any criminal history;
• A Declaration Letter from you to the Government of Canada in which you provide an explanation for the reason they should grant you a visa and study permit.
• Two photographs that satisfy the Canada Photo Requirements.
• Medical evaluations.
• Your educational or employment status as evidenced by diplomas or a resume.
• Evidence that you can afford the costs of studying in Canada, including tuition and living expenses, through one of the following:
• Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name is required.
• A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) issued by a Canadian financial institution is required.
• Proof that you have obtained a student loan from a bank is required.
• Bank statements from the previous four months are required.
• You must provide evidence that you have already paid your tuition and housing fees.
• A letter from an individual or organization that is providing you with funds is required.
• Evidence of your scholarship is essential.
• In order to pursue your education in Quebec, you will also be required to submit a “Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec” (CAQ), which is issued by the Quebec government. The instructions on how to apply for a CAQ will be provided by your institution.
• You are required to submit a letter of explanation that outlines the reasons for your desire to study in Canada and confirms that you are aware of and agree to the responsibilities that come with being a student in Canada.
• If a minor is to study in Canada and requires a custodian who is not a parent, a Custodian Declaration Form must be submitted. This form must specify the custodian of the child and must be signed by the child’s parents or legal guardians.
• If you are submitting your application for the first time, you are not required to provide a Unique Client Identifier (UCI) document number on your study permit. If you have previously registered for a study permit, you must provide the number of your study permit document, which can be located in any correspondence from the Canadian government.
• If you are accompanied by your spouse or common-law partner and minor children, you must also prepare the application forms for them and submit them together as a family.

You must possess certifications and evidence that the translation is accurate, and all documents must be translated into English or French. After submitting all the necessary documents, you may proceed to submit the application and pay the fees.

What are the Minimum Financial Requirements for a Canada Study Visa?

In order to obtain a student visa or study permit, it is necessary to have sufficient funds to support the cost of tuition and living expenses in Canada. Additional funds will be required if family members are accompanying you. Students are required to meet two distinct categories of financial obligations:

• Students who are pursuing their education outside of Quebec
• Quebec students

In order to demonstrate their ability to finance their studies in Canada, students who are studying outside of Quebec must possess the following funds:

Persons coming to Canada	Amount of funds required per year (in addition to the tuition)	Amount of funds required per month (in addition to the tuition)
You (Student)	$10,000	$833
First family member	$4,000	$333
Every additional family member accompanying you	$3,000	$255

In order to demonstrate their ability to finance their studies in Canada, students enrolled in Quebec must possess the following funds:

Persons coming to Canada	Amount of funds required per year (in addition to the tuition)	Amount of funds required per month (in addition to the tuition)
You (Student)	$11,000	$917
First family member (18 years old or older)	$5,100	$425
First family member (under 18 years old)	$3,800	$317
Every additional family member accompanying you (18 years or older)	$5,125	$427
Every additional family member accompanying you (under 18 years old)	$1,903	$159

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How Can I Apply for a Candian Study Permit?

In order to commence your academic pursuits in Canada, you must submit an application for a study permit and receive approval. Nevertheless, there are three scenarios in which you may find yourself, and you may submit an application from one of them:

• Outside of Canada;
• Within the borders of Canada;
• At the Canadian Port of Entry (POE);

Furthermore, it is possible to submit an application in either paper format or through the online system for each option. The application process will remain consistent; however, if you submit your application in paper format, you will be required to print all of the documents and send them to the Canadian Consulate. In contrast, if you submit your application online, you will be able to submit scanned documents and completed forms by attaching them to your account.

How to Apply for a Study Permit From Outside of Canada?

If you are an international student who has been admitted to a Canadian DLI but is currently located outside of Canada, the application process will involve the submission of an application for a study permit and an extended visitor visa. If you are a citizen of a country that does not require a visa to enter Canada, you will be required to submit an application for a study permit and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

You are not required to maintain them separately, as the application is completed through a single process. A study permit will be issued to you upon visa approval.

The process of applying for a Canada Student visa and permit from outside of Canada is identical to that of

How to Apply for a Study Permit Within Canada?

Only a few of the following situations qualify for a study permit in Canada:

• You are a minor child enrolled in primary or secondary education.
• You are a visiting or exchange student in Canada.
• You have successfully completed a short-term study course or program in Canada that lasted less than six months.
• You possess a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) for a period of six months or more, or your family member possesses such a TRP.
• You are the spouse, common-law partner, or individual who has applied for permanent residence in Canada or is being sponsored to immigrate to Canada.
• you possess a study permit from a country other than Canada and wish to extend it;
• You are a member of the lineage of:
• a sports franchise that is based in Canada;
• A representative of the media;
• a member of the clergy;
• military personnel stationed in Canada;
• You are a member of the family or private personnel of a foreign representative in Canada.

Submitting the necessary documents and paying the applicable fees in person at the Embassy of your country in Canada or by contacting the Canadian Embassy is required in order to apply.

How to Apply for a Canada Study Permit at the Port of Entry (POE)?

When traveling to Canada, you may also register for a study permit at the port of entry. Nevertheless, these prerequisites must be satisfied in order to submit an application to the POE:

• You are a citizen of the United States of America (USA).
• You are a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the United States.
• Are you a citizen of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon or Greenland?

To submit an application at the POE, you must first obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and subsequently exhibit the aforementioned documents at the Canadian Port of Entry (see “Applying for a Study Permit Outside of Canada”). The officials will evaluate these documents and determine whether or not to issue you a study permit.

What is the Cost of the Canada Student Visa?

The Canada Student Visa application procedure necessitates the payment of all application fees for each individual and for any family members who are also applying. If you are applying online, you are unable to submit an application without paying the fees. Similarly, paper applications that are submitted without the fee will not be processed.

If you are committed to pursuing a student visa and commencing your studies in Canada, you are required to pay the fees. The expenses are as follows:

Application (per person)	CAN$
Study permit (including applications for extensions)	$150
Biometrics fee (per person)	$85
Biometrics fee for a family (2 or more applicants)Maximum total fee for families that are applying together at the same time	$170

How long is the Canadian Student Visa valid?

A Canadian student visa is valid for the duration of the study program and an additional 90 days. These 90 days provide you with the opportunity to either file for an extension of your Canada study visa or prepare for your departure from Canada.

Therefore, if you fail to finish your program within the duration of your study permit, you will be required to extend it. If the program is completed prior to the expiration of the study permit, you will be required to depart Canada after an additional 90 days.

You are required to submit proof of your program completion by submitting the notification of graduation from your school, which may be in the form of an email, letter, or other document. Alternatively, you may submit a copy of your degree, diploma, or certificate. The date on which one of these was issued will serve as the completion date of your program. Subsequently, you will be granted an additional 90 days to prepare for your departure from Canada.

Does the Canada Student Visa Allow you to Visit Your Home Country?

Many breaks occur between the school years in the Canadian education system during the summer and winter. It is only natural that a significant number of international students desire to visit their native countries during these breaks.

The student visa for Canada enables international students to travel abroad during their holidays. However, upon their return to Canada, they are required to show confirmation of their status. They are required to present their study permit and a valid visa or eTA. The student is prohibited from entering Canada unless the visa or eTA is valid, despite the validity of the study permit. Therefore, prior to departing from Canada, verify that your documentation is valid and in order. If they are not, it is recommended that you submit an application for extensions prior to your departure.

Can I Change Schools With a Canada Student Visa?

The student visa for Canada permits the holder to transfer to a different institution while they are enrolled, provided that they satisfy the visa’s eligibility criteria. When you are transitioning to a new school in these circumstances, you are required to inform the Canadian Government:

• If you have completed primary education and are interested in enrolling in high school.
• If you have completed high school and are pursuing post-secondary education.
• If you are a post-secondary student who is transitioning to a new institution. The following are examples of post-secondary institutions:
• Colleges.
• Institutes, CEGEP, and community colleges.
• Academies, career colleges, private universities, and training institutions.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) / French as a Secondary Language (FSL) or other language training courses.
• If any of the conditions outlined in your study permit require modification.

When these circumstances arise, it will be necessary to obtain a new study permit. You will be required to complete the application process and obtain a study permit for the new institution.

In these circumstances, it is unnecessary to inform the Canadian Government of your school change.

• If you are transitioning from one primary school to another at the same educational level.
• If you are altering your academic program while remaining at the same institution.
• The duration of your academic program is six months or less.

Can my Family Members Accompany me to Canada?

Your immediate family, including your spouse or common-law partner and minor children, may accompany you to Canada for the purpose of pursuing an education. Nevertheless, they will be required to register for their own visas, which will be visitor visas, rather than study permits. You may submit the applications in conjunction to inform the Canadian Consulate that you are a family and wish to remain together for the duration of your studies.

Can I work while on a Student Visa?

While in possession of a Canadian student visa, students are required to satisfy numerous prerequisites in order to engage in employment. These conditions are intended to prevent illegal laborers from obtaining a student status without attending classes or obtaining their degrees. Nevertheless, students are permitted to engage in the following activities:

• If they are enrolled in a full-time program, they are permitted to labor on campus.
• If mandated by their curriculum, participate in cooperative education or internships.
• If your study permit permits it and you are employed for less than 20 hours per week, you may engage in off-campus labor.

In order to obtain further information, it is necessary to consult the Government of Canada and consult our article on working while on a student visa in Canada, as each of these alternatives has unique requirements and conditions that are contingent upon the circumstances of the individual student.

Can I Work After I Complete my Studies?

Many pupils desire to continue their employment in Canada after they have completed their education. The process of obtaining a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is more straightforward when you possess a student visa. The duration of the PGWP is contingent upon the duration of your academic program.

• You are ineligible for a PGWP if your study program lasted less than eight months.
• A PGWP for the same duration as your study program is available if your program lasted between 8 months and 2 years.
• A PGWP that is applicable for three years is available to individuals who have completed a study program that lasted two or more years.
• A PGWP may be obtained for a period of up to three years if you have successfully completed multiple study programs.

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