Canada is a popular destination for international students at all levels, students come to study in the country from all over the world and it’s no surprise.
Canadian institutions are constantly ranking high on the world stage which makes them even more attractive to students seeking high-quality education.
In addition, the country’s welcoming atmosphere and commitment to diversity also work in their favour.
With high-quality education, research opportunities, post-graduation work options, and an excellent quality of life, you have everything you need as a student in Canada.
To study in Canada, you need to obtain a student visa, which allows you (as an international student) to enter Canada for academic purposes.
You have to apply for admission to any Canadian institution of your choice, once you have been offered admission, you can apply for your student visa.
To get your visa, you have to submit a bunch of documents, from identifying documents to financial documents – if you have been offered admission to study in any school in Canada, here is a list of documents required for a Canada student visa.
You need to submit all of these documents during your student visa application.
List of documents required for a Canada student visa
Before submitting your Canada student visa application, ensure you have these documents included in your application.
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Acceptance Letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
The first and foremost document you’ll need is an acceptance letter from a Canadian educational institution designated by the government.
Only schools, universities, and colleges with DLI status can admit international students.
To get an acceptance letter for a designated learning institute, you must apply for admission to a Canadian institution and get accepted to study in the institution.
Only then will you be issued an acceptance letter. If you haven’t received an official acceptance letter, you can’t apply for a student visa because it acts as the foundation for your visa application without which you can’t be allowed into Canada for academic purposes.
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Proof of Identity – your international passport
To establish your identity, you must provide a valid passport. Ensure that your passport is current and will remain valid for the duration of your study period in Canada. – with enough blank spaces too.
If you need to renew your passport, you need to do so before initiating the visa application process.
Your passport not only serves as a means of identification, but it is also a travel pass – you can’t embark on international travel without it.
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Proof of Financial Support
Studying in Canada costs a lot of money and if you are not financially capable, you won’t be allowed into the country for academic purposes unless you are in any form of sponsorship.
You need to demonstrate your ability to cover the costs associated with your education and living expenses – it is a crucial step in the visa application process.
Prepare a comprehensive financial plan that includes:
- a. Tuition Fees: Provide evidence of payment for at least the first year of your program.
- b. Living Expenses: Estimate and show proof of funds to cover accommodation, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses.
- c. GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate): Some provinces may require you to purchase a GIC, which acts as proof of funds and provides financial support during your stay.
Every document is important but these financial documents are way very important, they increase your chances of getting visa approval.
With these documents, you are signalling to the immigration officers that you are sponsoring yourself in Canada.
Canada doesn’t want you to come in as a student and depend on the country’s social services for survival.
You need to be able to handle your financial needs.
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Visa Application Form
To start your visa application, you need to complete the Student Visa application form (IMM 1294), which is available on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
When filling out the form, make sure you pay close attention to the instructions, and ensure that you provide accurate and up-to-date information.
You also need to pay the visa fee and provide evidence of your payment, it should be attached to the visa application form.
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Passport-sized Photographs
You need to also include your recent passport-sized photographs with your visa application, and make sure you adhere strictly to the specifications outlined by immigration authorities.
These specifications usually include specific dimensions, background colours, and other details.
If you follow the guidelines properly, it will help avoid any delays in the processing of your visa application.
In addition, make sure that the photographs accurately represent your current appearance and meet the official requirements to present a professional and organized application.
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English/French Language Proficiency Test Results
In some schools in Canada, you need to prove your English or French language proficiency.
Canada has English and French as official languages and for you to study here, you need to prove that you are good in any of these languages.
Some institutions do not require this but others do. Commonly accepted tests include the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
If your institution requires it, make sure that you take the test well in advance of your application deadline and submit the official results.
This not only demonstrates your language proficiency but also aligns with the language requirements of your chosen educational institution.
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Academic Documents
You also need to share copies of your academic records like transcripts and diplomas.
If these documents aren’t in English or French, get them accurately translated by a certified translator and make sure that the translator maintains the integrity of the information.
Note: Submitting clear and organized documents strengthens your application.
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Medical Examination
You need to undergo a medical examination and it just be done by a panel physician approved by IRCC.
The results will be sent directly to the immigration office, and you must include proof of the examination with your visa application.
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Police Clearance Certificate
You also need to get a police clearance certificate from each country you’ve lived in for more than six months since turning 18.
This certificate confirms you have a clean record. Start this process early to avoid delays and to show you’re a law-abiding individual.
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Statement of Purpose (SOP)
You also need to write a thoughtful Statement of Purpose (SOP) outlining your educational and career goals.
Explain why you’ve chosen Canada for your studies.
Be sincere about how your program aligns with your ambitions. A well-written SOP gives authorities insight into your genuine intentions and commitment to studying in Canada.
Frequently asked question
Do I need to submit original documents with my visa application?
No, usually, photocopies or scanned copies of your documents are just ok. However, you need to also be prepared to present the original documents during the application process if requested.
Can I submit my application online?
Yes, your Canada student visa application can be done online. You can fill out the forms, upload documents, and track the status of your application through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online portal.
Is there an age limit for obtaining a student visa for Canada?
No, there is no specific age limit for obtaining a student visa. However, you must prove that you have been accepted by a designated learning institution and that your primary purpose is to study.
What happens if my visa application is denied?
If your application is denied, the rejection letter will provide reasons for the refusal. You have the option to appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the issues mentioned in the letter.
Can I extend my study permit if my program lasts longer than initially planned?
Yes, you can apply to extend your study permit but you need to apply for an extension before your current permit expires.
Conclusion
If you want to study in Canada as an international student, you need a Canadian student visa, which allows you to enter Canada for academic purposes.
Read also:
- Why study in the USA, why not the UK or Canada?
- Can I enter the UK before my student visa starts?
- After visa approval when should I travel?
- Why students choose Canada for study
- How do I report someone who lied to immigration UK?
Without your visa you won’t be allowed to enter Canada, you get your visa, and you need to carefully collect all the necessary documents, it will increase your chances of a successful visa application.
Make sure that the documents are in order with the specifications stated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – this way, the processing of your visa will be seamless.