Canada Visa Application
VISA POLICIES¬
- In Canada, student visas are called study permits. All overseas students are required to obtain a study permit before going to Canada . Studentsa must also meet the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations. If, however, your course duration is of six months or less you do not need a study permit.
- On January 1st, 2016, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) introduced a new policy for international students in post-secondary studies. These students can now transfer between programs of study and institutions without applying for a change in the conditions of their study permit. They can also transfer between public and private institutions. This policy applies to students who have a valid study permit for training or studying at the post-secondary level, such as a university, community college, CEGEP, private university, career college, academy, school or a training institution.
SALIENT/ADVANTAGEOUS FEATURES¬
There are benefits to having a study permit. A valid study permit allows you to:
- work part-time on the campus at which you are registered as a full-time student
- apply to renew your study permit from within Canada, if you decide to continue studying in Canada.
CONDITIONS FOR APPLYING FOR A VISA¬
Acceptance by University: This is the foremost condition for applying for a student visa. You need to prove that there is a university that has accepted you and you are going to join it.
Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources available to pay tuition fees, maintain yourself and dependants, and to pay return transportation costs without engaging in employment in Canada . For example, students without accompanying dependants must demonstrate that they have at least 10,000 Canadian dollars plus the cost of tuition for a twelve-month period, plus the cost of transportation to and fro from Canada. This amount ($10,000) is the base amount considered adequate to cover all costs, other than tuition, for one person for a twelve-month period. Some educational institutions require that more funds be available. If the local cost of living is higher than average more money is required.
Non-Immigrant Intent: Satisfy the visa officer that you will return home at the end of the studies. For example you could show them p roof of land ownership.
PERMISSION TO WORK IN CANADA¬
If you are going to a private institution your study permit may have different conditions. One such condition states that unless authorized, you are prohibited from engaging in employment in Canada. If you later transfer to a public university or college, you would become eligible for on-campus employment or any other employment provisions available to students at those institutions. You do not need to change your study permit to become eligible for on-campus employment, your registration at an eligible institution is sufficient.
PROCESSING OF VISA APPLICATION¬
Step 1: First of all, you need a letter of acceptance from the school. Keep this letter to apply for your study permit at the visa office. Get your application kit ready. An application kit includes a guide an application form and a document checklist .
Step 2: Besides a study permit, you will have to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) as well. A separate application or fee is not needed for this. It is recommended that you request a multiple-entry TRV which allows you to leave (e.g. for visits home, academic conferences, etc.) and re-enter Canada many times.
Step 3: Submit your application, your fees, and the required documents to a Canadian visa office.
Step 4: An interview with a Canadian Visa Officer may be required. If this is the case, you will be told in writing of the time and place for the interview.
Step 5: Once the study permit application is approved, the Canadian visa office will issue you a letter of introduction confirming the approval. This letter is not your study permit.
Step 6: Make sure to bring this letter with you to show to immigration officials when you enter Canada . You will then be issued a study permit.
MANDATORY DOCUMENTS¬
The following documents are required (make 2 sets of photocopies for each on A4-size paper):
- Study permit application form with three photographs
- Educational certificates/diplomas/degrees (including mark sheets)
- Completed supplementary questionnaire for students and postdoctoral researchers
- Official letter of acceptance from a Canadian university, college or technical Institute
- Certificate of acceptance from the province of Quebec (this is only for those of you who plan to study in the province of Quebec)
- TOEFL/IELTS scores if applicable
- Passport, valid for at least one year from the planned date of entry to Canada , plus valid passports of any accompanying dependants
- Bank draft for the applicable visa processing fees
- Proof of funds
CANADIAN EMBASSY DETAILS IN INDIA¬
New Delhi
Canadian High Commission
7/8, Shantipath
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi – 110 021 All individuals who need to appear at the embassy for visa matters should report to gate 6 (visa gate) which is located on Nyaya Marg.