Study Visa

Are you looking for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime? Studying in Canada can be an exciting opportunity for you to experience life – and lessons – beyond your front door. Canada’s high academic standards and rigorous quality controls mean that you will be earning a high-quality education that will open doors for your future and benefit your career over the long term. A Canadian degree, diploma or certificate is globally recognized as being equivalent to those obtained from the United States or Commonwealth countries. The quality of education and living standards in Canada are amongst the highest in the world, but the cost of living and tuition fees for international students are generally lower than in other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. As such, Canada is often the preferred choice for students attending college or university. Since research is one of the key components of a Canadian post-secondary education, you will have ample opportunity to become a part of this vibrant aspect of education.

The Canadian educational system encourages cross-disciplinary studies and the development of transferable skills (e.g., critical thinking, teamwork, and communications) and uses cutting-edge technology and digital media. Under Canada’s highly dynamic and hands-on academic environment, you will not only acquire knowledge and skills in analysis and communication, but you will also learn how to express yourself, demonstrate your creativity, and develop your self-confidence! Teachers and professors are always available and eager to help with lessons, and studies fuse academic excellence with interaction and collaboration in the classroom.

Benefits of Studying in Canada

While studying in Canada, International Students in Canada may also

Work for up to 20 hours per week while in school/college/university, and on a full-time basis during breaks.
Obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for the equivalent duration of the studies once the program is successfully completed. PGWP also called an Open Work Permit allows an individual to work with any employer and anywhere in Canada.
Bring an accompanying spouse or common-law partner to Canada on an open work permit, allowing him/her to work for any employer.
Bring accompanying minor children to study in Canada at the same rate that Canadians pay.
Become eligible for Canadian permanent residence, either through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Quebec’s immigration system or through the Express Entry immigration selection system.

Program Requirements

Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

Applicants enrolled at a designated learning institute (DLI) must submit a letter of acceptance along with the application.

Identity Documents

Applicants and accompanying family members are required to submit their valid passport or travel document and photographs.

Proof of Financial Support

Applicant is required to prove that he/she has adequate funds to pay tuition fee and living expenses in Canada. Applicants can provide various documents as proof of financial support:

Proof of student loan from a bank.
Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from the participating Canadian financial organization.
Official bank statements for the past four months.
Proof of a Canadian bank account in the applicant’s name if they have transferred money to Canada.
A letter from the sponsor stating the availability of sufficient funds.
Applicants who are offered scholarships or are in a Canadian-funded educational program must show proof of funding paid from within Canada.

Educational Documents

Applicant is required to submit his/her educational documents (e.g., diploma/degree/school certificate, marksheet/transcripts etc.) along with the application.

English Language Proficiency Exam

Usually, applicant is also required to demonstrate that he/she meet the minimum language requirements of the program and therefore need to submit the test results from IELTS, CELPIP or TOEFL.

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Applicant may be required to submit an essay stating the purpose of their trip to Canada. This letter or SOP provides an insight to the visa officer about the applicant’s goals and aspirations.

Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ)

Applicants who are planning to study in Quebec will need a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) issued by the Ministère de l’Immigration, Diversité et Inclusion (MIDI).

Immigration Medical Examination (IME)

Applicants must be in good health condition and need submit a valid medical certificate (if required) from a Panel Physician.

The Application Processes

1. Choose a study program

Finding a school is the first step in the process of becoming a student in Canada. No matter what your educational goals, Canada has the school for you. Finding the right school, and securing admission, is necessary for obtaining a study permit. We make program recommendations based on your work experience and education history. This will give you the best possible chance of submitting a successful application.

2. Apply for letter of acceptance (LOA)

You need to have a letter of acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) before you can apply for a study permit. We can help you in securing a letter of acceptance from Canadian designated learning institution (DLI).

3. Apply for a study visa

You need to apply for a student visa (if required) once you have obtained a letter of acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI). We will help you to prepare and submit your application to Canadian immigration.

Reasons for Student Visa Refusal

International students fulfilling all the minimum criteria for admissions and visa are usually optimistic towards the decision. It is, however, observed that a study permit may be refused even when the applicant fulfils academic and admission requirements for an institution. Some of the popular refusal reasons are as follows:

Financial Insufficiency

Proof of sufficient funds for the first year of the study program is the minimum requirement for studying in Canada. However, the Canadian student visa application may be refused if the immigration officer believes that the student does not meet this requirement. Applicants can address this point by ensuring that they do not merely focus on the minimum fund required. Proof of adequate funds for more than one year, along with the additional documents supporting the finances can be included along with the application. Applicant must research cost to studying and living in Canada before applying for study visa.

Choice of Study Program

In cases where the chosen study program does not align with the applicant’s academic and/or or employment background, the chances of visa rejection are increased. Applicants can address this point by including a detailed personal statement for the choice of program in case it does not align with previous education or work experience. For applicants, whose choice aligns with the previous background, a detailed education history or work history can be attached along with the applications.

Letter of Acceptance

An official letter of acceptance from a Canadian DLI is required for applying for a study permit. If the applicant’s letter of acceptance is in question, the study visa may be refused. Along with the letter of acceptance, the applicants are required to meet the minimum entry requirements for the specific institution. If the visa officer doubts whether the minimum requirements are met by the applicant, the student visa may be refused. Applicants can address this point by ensuring that the educational institute they receive an LOA is registered.

English Language Proficiency

Non-native English-speaking international students are required to submit proof of language proficiency. Applicants are required to meet the minimum standardized English language test scores (IELTS/CELPIP/TOEFL) when applying for student visa. Even if the applicant has the minimum score meeting the DLI requirements, failing to meet the program requirements may result in the refusal of a student visa. Applicants must also ensure that the minimum score requirements for the specific program are met.

Incomplete Travel or Identity Documents

In cases where there are too many blank spaces in the travel history with a lack of proof of supporting evidence to cover those periods, the study permit may be refused. If the identity documents are incomplete or are not easy to read, the chances of Canadian student visa refusal are accelerated. Applicants must ensure that the travel history is justified with sufficient evidence and/or documents. The identity documents provided must be clear and easily readable for ensuring that the visa is not refused because of the above-mentioned reason.

Intent of Return to Home Country

As the study permit is a temporary visa, it has a validity period. The applicants are required to submit enough proof of intent to return to their home country. This does not suggest that the applicant cannot extend their study visa or obtain a Canadian Permanent Residency. It is mandatory to provide documents suggesting the intent of return to ensure that the applicant will not stay in Canada after the expiration of the study permit. Applicants can address this concern with a detailed personal statement.

Lack of Job Prospects in Home Country

Job opportunities in the applicant’s home country is an indication of the intent to return to the home country. Applicant should indicate that how they will be able to secure a job offer in their home country after completing their studies in Canada. Applicants need to explain how Canadian education and/or experience will enrich their profile in securing a job in their home country.

Tips to avoid refusal

Make a checklist of mandatory documents required to prepare and submit your application.
Carefully and completely fill the application forms. Some information requested in the application forms may not be relevant to your profile. Do not assume that the visa officer will understand why you have not filled a particular section. This is your responsibility to explain every point in your application.
Students also must upload a copy of the official letter of acceptance that they have received from a recognized college or university in Canada. Letter of acceptance is usually conditional, and you must provide the one which you receive after paying the college/university tuition fee.
If applying under SDS, the applicant must show proof of finances, it is advised to obtain a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) by transferring $10, 000 CAD to participating banks in Canada.
You should include documents (e.g., job letter, salary slips, bank statements) if you are currently employed or have any work experience.
Mention all your travel histories and visa refusals (if any) in the student visa application.
The statement of purpose (SOP) is the most important document in the application which explains the student’s profile. Mention the academic achievements and the intent to study in Canada.

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