Canada student visa application is essential for all international students willing to further their education in Canada. Over the years, Canada has become a safe ground for students willing to learn in a conducive environment.

According to stats, Canada hosted over one million international students in 2023. The Canadian education system has attracted international students and this number is likely to increase in the year 2024.

Getting admission to study in Canada is a dream come true for millions of international students and this can be made a reality by applying for the Canada student visa. In this article, I will walk you through everything you need to know about Canadian student visa applications.

Canada Student Visa Application

What is a Canada Student Visa?

A Canada student visa is a permit that allows foreign nationals to study in Canada at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). The visa is issued to students who meet all requirements to study in Canada and it is valid for the period of learning and an extra 90 days.

In 2024, the Canadian Government announced significant changes to the student visa system. Starting in 2024 and continuing into 2025, there will be a fixed limit on the number of new study permits issued.

In addition to this, From September 1, 2024, students graduating from programs offered through public-private partnerships will not be eligible for Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWPs).

Despite the new regulations, getting a student visa to study in Canada is an easy task. An international student who meets all requirements will have no difficulties in securing a visa. So, what are the requirements needed to apply for a Canada Student Visa?

Requirement needed to apply for a Canada Student Visa

1. Valid Passport

Topping the list of requirements needed to apply for a Canada Student Visa is a valid International Passport. Prospective students must ensure they possess a valid passport. It Is advisable to get a passport that will last the length of the study program.

2. Proof OF Acceptance

Proof of acceptance is a document showing that you’ve been accepted into a learning institution in Canada. This letter is provided by the institution and will be forwarded to the potential student via mail.

3. Proof of fund

To apply for a Canada student visa, you must be able to prove to the authorities that you won’t be a burden to the community, the government, and those close to you. Proof of fund that shows you are capable of sorting all expenses will be provided to the authorities.

There are certain amounts of funds you must meet to be cleared. You must have bank statements for at least the past 4 months.

4. Medical Examination Result

A medical test proving that you’re fit to travel out will be needed while applying for a Canada student visa. These tests will also prove you are not infected with any ailment that might cause havoc in the country. Safety is important.

5. Passport Photograph

Unsurprisingly, a passport photograph has also found its way to the list of requirements needed while applying for a Canada student visa. The passport photograph must meet various requirements before it can be accepted by the authorities.

It must be taken in less than six months and must be in color or black and white. It must also be clear and must not have any design. The face must be in the center of the camera. It shouldn’t be too far and not too close, with the top of your shoulders showing.

You are also not allowed to wear sunglasses or a face cap.

6. Declaration Letter

An aspiring student must also provide a declaration letter to the Government of Canada where you explain why they should give you a visa and study permit.

The letter must be well structured and addressed to the right channel.

Having understood the requirements attached to the Canada student visa application, let’s check in detail how you can apply for a Canada student visa.

How To Apply for Canada Student Visa

1. Register Online

To ensure a seamless application process for aspiring students, the Canadian authority has provided an application portal for students willing to apply for a Canada student visa.

Visit the Canadian immigration authority’s official website.

Your first task is creating an account. Your valid email address will be needed for this cause. Once your account is created, you begin your application process.

Login to your created account to start your application. Fill in your personal information, and ensure all fields are correct and well-filled.

You will be asked to upload some documents, upload the documents, and ensure the uploaded documents are clean to avoid rejection.

Pay the Required Visa Fee

You will be required to pay for your visa before you can submit the Canada student visa form.  A processing fee and biometric fee will be deducted from your account. You can make payment via electronic means.

You must remember that the fees are non-refundable regardless of the decision on your student visa application. Moreover, fees are liable to change without notice at any given time.

Submit your application

Once the payment is made, you can submit your application. Upon submission, the system will cross-check for any missing documents which you will be asked to provide.

2.   Submit a paper-based application

For students who are unable to get a good internet service, they can submit a paper-based application. Aspiring student will compile their application in hard copy and mail it to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) assigned to their country.

3. Apply at the port of entry

Another way you can apply for a Canada student visa is at the port of entry. For an application at the port entry, you must first meet the eligibility criteria. With this option, you will retrieve your student visa at the border.

• You can only apply at the POE if you fulfill these conditions:
• You are a Ukrainian citizen or a family member of a Ukrainian citizen.
• You are a citizen of the United States of America (USA).
• You are a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the US.
• You are a resident of Greenland or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.

How Much Does Canada’s student visa application cost?

As earlier stated, you will be asked to make some payment while trying to apply for a Canada Student Visa.  Inability to pay the fee will see your application not submitted online and not processed if you submit it physically.

The fee for a Canada student visa application is listed below:

• Study permit (including applications for extensions) – C$150
• Biometrics fee (per person) – C$85
• Biometrics fee for a family (2 or more applicants) – C$170

Canada Student Visa Application: FAQ

How long is the Canadian Student Visa valid?

A Canadian student visa is valid only for the length of the study program and an additional 90 days. The additional 90 days will allow you to prepare for leaving Canada or to apply for an extension of your Canada study visa.

Are you allowed to visit your home country with a Canada student visa?

The Canadian school system has many breaks between the school years during the summer and winter. Foreign students are allowed to visit their home country during this period.

Can I work in Canada with a student visa?

Students are allowed to work with their visa but this is based on some specific conditions. You are allowed to work in the following instances:

• On-campus work if they are enrolled in a full-time program;
• Complete co-ops or internships if they are required from their program curriculum;
• Off-campus work if your study permit allows it and you work less than 20 hours per week

Can my family accompany me to Canada with a student visa?

Your close family, so your spouse or common-law partner and minor children can accompany you to Canada when you go there to study. However, they will have to apply for their visas, a visitor visa.

Can I Change Schools With a Canada Student Visa?

The student visa for Canada allows the holder to change schools while they are enrolled if they meet the requirements of the visa. However, the Canadian Government must be notified.

Conclusion

From January to June 2023, the Canadian government issued more than 280,000 new study visas, a figure that represents a 49% increase from January to June 2022. Students from different parts of the world are eager to migrate to Canada for a better education.

Canada’s international education sector shows no signs of slowing down and international students are seizing the opportunity. Getting a Canada student visa has been made easy by the authorities.

Canada’s student visa application is set to see a massive increase in 2024 with African countries on the lookout for more opportunities to study abroad, especially in a well-organized country like Canada.