Are you eager to embark on a transformative academic journey in Canada? At StudyHQ, we understand the excitement and challenges of obtaining a student visa in your educational adventure. Our mission is to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information on Canada’s student visa requirements and guidelines, helping you make the right decisions. So, let us guide you through the essential visa application steps, ensuring a smooth transition into your Canadian academic experience.
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Student/ Study Visa vs Study Permit
A student visa and a study permit are terms often used interchangeably, especially in the context of Canada and some other countries. However, there lies a slight difference in the meaning of these terms:
Student Visa
An entry document that allows a person to enter and stay in a country to study. The study permit fulfills this function in Canada, but in other countries, such as the United States, a separate student visa (such as an F-1 visa) might be required in addition to the study permit or equivalent.
Study Permit
This is an official document issued by the government of Canada that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.
Overview
| Key elements | Description |
|---|---|
| Who needs | International students planning to study in Canada for more than six months at a designated learning institution (full time/part-time/ exchange students) |
| Who does not need | International students planning to study in Canada for more than six months at a designated learning institution (full-time/part-time/ exchange students) Family or staff of foreign representatives |
| Processing Time | 20 days with SDS and around 8 weeks for Non SDS. Click here for the exact processing time according to your country. |
| Types | S1, SX- 1, SW- 1 |
| Fees | CAD $150 |
| Duration | Length of your program plus 90 days (to apply for extension/ or other permits) |
Talk to our student advisor to make your Study in Canada dream possible with easy options.
Types of Student Visas
S1 Visa- The S1 visa in Canada is issued to foreign nationals planning to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) for more than six months. It allows students to stay in Canada for the duration of their study program, plus an additional 90 days to prepare for departure or apply for an extension.
SX-1 Visa- The SX-1 visa is a type of student visa issued to individuals who plan to undertake short-term studies in Canada, typically for courses or programs that last six months or less.
SW-1 Visa- The Canadian government issues the Category SW1 visa, a study permit for international students that allows you to study and work in Canada, particularly if your curriculum requires you to complete a work placement.
How to Apply
The Canadian study permit can be applied in three ways; before arriving in the country (which is advisable), at the port of entry or while staying in Canada. Let us discuss which one is suitable for you:
Applying From Outside Canada:
There are two ways for you to apply from outside Canada- online or offline. However, the offline application is restricted only to
- People with disability have problems applying online
- People who hold an identity or travel document for non-national residents, refugees
- People who are stateless (someone who does not enjoy citizenship in any country)
Applying at the Port of Entry:
To be eligible to apply at the port of entry, you should either be one of these-
- A citizen/ Permanent Resident of the US/ people who have lawfully been admitted to the US as PR
- A resident of Greenland
- A resident of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
Applying from Inside Canada
The Candidates from the following criteria can apply for a Student Visa if they are already in Canada-
- A Ukrainian National or their family members
- Hold a valid study or work permit
- Your close family member already has a valid study permit
- You wish to be accepted at a DLI after your short-term course in Canada
- Exchange or visiting student
- You or your close family member has a Temporary Residence Permit
- You are a refugee claimant in Canada or a family member of one
- You are sponsored to immigrate and have applied for a PR
- You or your family are subject to an unenforceable removal order.
- You are the spouse/ children/common-law partner of an athlete/ media personnel/ clergy/ military/ foreign representative
Online Application Procedure
The Canadian Immigration office offers two categories to apply for online student visa- The Student Direct Stream and the Non- Student Direct Stream:
| Student Direct Stream | Non- Student Direct Stream |
|---|---|
| For legal residents from the following countries to get study permits faster: Antigua & Barbuda, Brazil, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Vietnam | If you are a citizen of the listed countries for SDS but live outside, you must apply through a Non-SDS or a regular application process. |
| You should be living outside Canada for an SDS application. | If you have dual citizenship, one of which is not of the countries listed in SDS |
| The process is completely online and you should have proof of tuition payment for the first year | If you fail to fulfill any of the Eligibility criteria for SDS. |
- Register on the IRCC portal using your email to get an invitation code.
- After getting the invitation code, create an account and sign in.
- Carefully fill out the online application form, and scan and upload the necessary documents
- Pay the required fees using credit cards/ prepaid cards- Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, and Union Pay.
- Keep checking your application status wait for the processing, and go for an interview, if asked.
- Upon acceptance, you will receive a letter of introduction and temporary residency which you need to take with you to Canada
- After you reach, you will be required to go to an official biometric collection site to give biometrics in person. There is no online provision for this and you should book an appointment beforehand.
- Wait for the issuance of your student visa
On-Paper Application Procedure
- Visit the Official IRCC Website
- Navigate to the Study Permit section
- Download the IRCC application package or form
- Fill in the application form following the instructions, and click on validate. You’ll have a new page with barcode and signature line
- Print the form along with the barcode page, sign it, and place the barcode page at the top of your package.
- Pay your fees online
- Submit the completed application form along with necessary supporting documents and fee receipt to the address given in the application package.
- Wait for the processing and reply of the officials.
Things to keep in mind before application
- Visit the official website of IRCC and confirm your eligibility and documentation specified according to your country. Check here.
- Read the instruction guide carefully to fill out the application form correctly
- Get details of your processing fees, biometrics fees (CAD$85- 225), or any third-party fees like your language test fees, fees for health certificates, etc.
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. DLIs are government-approved educational institutions. Check the complete list of approved DLIs here.
- You must demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to cover your tuition fees, living expenses and return transportation
- You must not have a criminal record and agree to obey Canadian laws and regulations during your stay in the country.
- Canadians prioritize health and thus expect you to be in good health and willing to undergo a medical examination if required.
- You must convince the immigration officer that you have a genuine intention to leave Canada upon the expiry of your study permit.
You must stand at par with these eligibility criteria to obtain a study permit in Canada along with complete documentation to support your application and to adhere to all application procedures outlined by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For detailed information on documentation, click here.
The SDS visa pathway is designed to expedite the visa application process for eligible international students. It aims to provide a quicker processing time and streamlined documentation. For students applying under the Student Direct Stream (SDS), you’ll need to include:
Also read about the Canadian Education System.
Canada Students Visa Interview
To approve your application, the visa official may or may not call you for an interview. However, if you get called, make sure to carry all the required documents and prepare thoroughly for the interview. You may be asked about your academic background, reasons for choosing their specific program and institution, how studying in Canada aligns with your long-term career goals, etc.
Extend your Visa
If you wish to extend your student visa duration, you should try to apply at least 30 days before the expiration of your current visa/ permit. You can apply from inside the country, however, make sure you have a letter of recommendation from a DLI in Canada for your approval of an extension. For extension, you need to pay CAD $229 to restore your status as a student plus the visa processing fee of CAD $150. To learn a detailed process to Extend your Student Visa, click here.
visa acceptance rate for top countries
The average visa acceptance rate for a Student Visa in Canada is around 60% with India, China, and the Philippines being the top visa applicants to Canada, according to data by IRCC. Here are the visa acceptance rates for the top 5 countries:
| Top Countries | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| India | Approx 70% |
| People’s Republic of China | Approx 88% |
| Philippines | Approx 66% |
| France | Approx 95% |
| Nigeria | Approx 36% |
Rejections and Solutions
Canada is a prime choice for international students. However, the popularity of studying in Canada comes with a rigorous visa application process, leading to a significant number of rejections. The rejection rate has surged to 40-50% post-COVID, up from the pre-COVID rate of 15-20%.
If your study permit application gets denied by the IRCC, the refusal letter will provide the reason. While you can reapply at any time, ensure you address the reason correctly this time.
| Common Reasons for Rejection | Addressing Rejections |
|---|---|
| Financial Stability | Reapplying and identifying the issue |
| Academic Performance | Explain any circumstances that may have affected your academic performance |
| Letter of Acceptance | Submitting an accurate and complete application |
| Language Proficiency | Providing competent scores in language proficiency tests |
| Return plans | Demonstrating intent to return home |
| Course Alignment | Staying updated with immigration laws |
| Documentation | Clear and compelling SOP along with non-bogus documents |
Learn about the Canada WES Evaluation.
Latest updates for Canada Student Visa 2025
The buzzing news of capping the international student’s study permit by Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) imposed a greater impact on the number of accepted visa applications. To know more about this in detail and the new updated rules for International Students in Canada, click here.
- Language Test Scores: Provide proof of language proficiency through acceptable language tests like IELTS or CELPIP, with minimum scores of 6 in each category.
- Proof of Financial Stability: Furnish evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and return transportation costs. This includes bank statements, financial support letters, and other financial documents.
- Proof of Acceptance: Include your official letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Valid Passport and Study Permit: Attach copies of your valid passport and study permit from your home country, if applicable.
- Online Application Package: Complete the online application with accurate details and required documentation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, securing a Canada Student Visa is a multi-step process that requires careful planning. By understanding and following the steps meticulously, you can pave the way for a successful academic journey in Canada. This visa not only grants you access to top-tier education but also offers the chance to experience Canada’s rich cultural diversity and vibrant student life.
FAQs
Yes, international students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays, without a work permit.
Yes, you can bring your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children with you to Canada. They may also be eligible for work or study permits.
If your study permit expires, you must apply to extend it before the expiration date. If it expires before you apply for an extension, you will need to leave Canada or restore your status within 90 days.