Study Visa
Have you ever considered studying abroad? Canada might just be the perfect destination for you! With high academic standards and quality controls, you can rest assured that you'll be getting a top-notch education that will open doors for your future and benefit your career in the long run. Not only that, a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate is recognized worldwide as equivalent to those obtained from the United States or other commonwealth countries. Living and studying in Canada also means you'll enjoy some of the highest living standards in the world, at a lower cost than other popular study destinations like the United States or the United Kingdom. Plus, with research being a key component of the Canadian post-secondary education system, you'll have ample opportunities to get involved in cutting-edge projects and become part of a vibrant academic community. The Canadian educational system also encourages interdisciplinary studies and the development of transferable skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. You'll be able to learn and grow in a dynamic, hands-on environment that prioritizes creativity and self-expression. And if you ever need help with your studies, professors and other professionals are always available and eager to provide support.
Not only this, they also prioritize your mental health, and the government provides free support to every individual. All in all, studying in Canada can be an unforgettable experience that will help you grow both academically and personally.
Benefits of Studying in Canada
While studying in Canada, international students may also
- Work for up to 20 hours per week while in school, college or the university, and on a full-time basis during breaks.
- Obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for the equivalent duration of the studies after the program is completed. PGWP is called an Open Work Permit which allows an individual to work for any employer, anywhere in Canada.
- Bring an accompanying spouse or common-law partner to Canada on a spousal open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer.
- Bring accompanying minor children to study in Canada at the same 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
Applicants who wish to study in Canada are required to show that they have sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees and living expenses while in the country. To do so, they can provide a range of documents as proof of financial support.
- A student loan from a bank
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial organization
- Official bank statements from 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 a sponsor stating the availability of sufficient funds.
- Additionally, applicants who are offered scholarships or are in a Canadian-funded educational program must show proof of funding paid from within Canada.
Educational Documents
Applicants are required to submit their educational documents such as diploma, degree, school certificate, secondary school marksheet, and official transcripts obtained from the college along with the application.
English Language Proficiency Exam
When applying for a program, it's common for applicants to have to show that they meet the minimum language requirements. This usually involves submitting test results from exams such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TOEFL to demonstrate proficiency in the language required by the program.
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Applicants 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 future 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 a good health condition and need to submit a valid medical certificate (if required) from the authorized Panel Physician
Other Documents
Based on the applicant’s background or circumstances, may be required to submit Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, Experience Letter, Income Tax Return documents etc.
The application process
1. Choose a study program
The first step to becoming a student in Canada is to find a suitable school that aligns with your educational goals. Canada offers a diverse range of schools catering to different educational needs. It is essential to choose the right school and obtain admission to apply for a study permit. We assist you in selecting the best program that aligns with your work experience and education history. This increases your chances 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
After obtaining a letter of acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI), you may need to apply for a student visa. Our experienced team will help you in preparing and submitting your application to Canadian immigration.
Seven Reasons for Student Visa Refusal
It's important to keep in mind that meeting the academic and admission requirements for a Canadian institution is just the first step towards obtaining a student visa. One of the most common reasons for visa refusal are-
1. Financial insufficiency
This means that if an immigration officer believes that the applicant does not have enough funds to cover the first year of their study program, the application may be rejected. To address this issue, applicants should research the cost of studying and living in Canada beforehand, and provide proof of adequate funds for more than just one year, along with any additional supporting documents. This will go a long way in giving the immigration officer the confidence that the student can sustain themselves financially throughout their course of study.
2.Choice of study program
It's important to keep in mind that if the study program you choose doesn't match your academic or employment background, it may increase the chances of your visa application being rejected. To address this issue, including a detailed personal statement explaining your choice of program can be helpful. However, if your chosen program aligns with your previous education or work experience, attaching a detailed education or work history along with your application can also be beneficial.
3. Letter of Acceptance
It is important for prospective students to keep in mind that obtaining an official letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada is a crucial step in the study permit application process. Without a valid letter of acceptance, the study permit application may be refused. Additionally, applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements for their chosen institution, and failure to do so may result in a refusal of the study visa. To avoid this, it's recommended that applicants ensure the educational institute they receive their LOA from is registered.
4. English language proficiency
It's important for international students who aren't native English speakers to provide proof of their language proficiency. When applying for a student visa, applicants need to meet the minimum standardized test scores in English language tests like IELTS, CELPIP, or TOEFL. However, meeting the minimum score isn't enough - applicants also need to ensure that they meet the program requirements for their chosen institution. Failing to do so could result in a refusal of a student visa. Therefore, it's crucial to make sure that the minimum score requirements for the specific program are met.
5. Incomplete Travel or Identity Documents
It is important for applicants to ensure that their travel history is well documented and supported by adequate evidence. Any gaps in the travel history may raise concerns and lead to a refusal of the study permit. Similarly, incomplete or illegible identity documents can also result in a visa refusal. Therefore, it is crucial to provide clear and easily readable identity documents to avoid any such issues.
6. Intent of return to home country
Please note that the study permit is a temporary visa with a specific validity period. In order to obtain the permit, applicants must provide evidence of their intent to return to their home country after their studies are complete. This does not mean that applicants cannot extend their study visa or apply for permanent residency in Canada in the future. However, it is crucial to provide sufficient documentation to demonstrate the intention of leaving Canada at the end of the authorized stay. A detailed personal statement is one way to address this concern and ensure a successful application
7. Lack of job prospects in home country
When applying for a study permit in Canada, it is important for the applicant to demonstrate their intent to return to their home country after completing their studies. One way to do so is by indicating job opportunities in their home country and explaining how they plan to secure a job offer after completing their studies in Canada. It is essential for applicants to explain how their Canadian education and/or experience will enrich their profile in securing a job in their home country. This can include highlighting the skills and knowledge they will gain from their Canadian education and how it will make them a more competitive candidate in their home country's job market. Providing a clear and detailed plan for securing employment in their home country can help strengthen an applicant's case for approval of their study permit in Canada.
