CANADA STUDENT VISA PROCESS – STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Updated: Apr 22, 2020
WHY STUDY IN CANADA?
According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (2018), approximately half a million foreign nationals studied in Canada in 2017. This is a 20 percent increase from the previous year. The top three reasons students cite for choosing to study in Canada are:
The quality of the Canadian education system;
Canada’s reputation as a tolerant and non-discriminatory society;
Canada’s reputation as a safe county.
Most importantly, 95 percent of international students recommend Canada as a study destination. Canada offers students a multi-cultural experience in a welcoming environment. In Canada, you will have the opportunity to develop relationships with people from all over the world and learn about a variety of cultures and ethnicities. You will also have access to schools that are high quality, affordable, diverse in student population, safe, and innovative.
Now that you know the benefits of studying in Canada, we’ll guide you through the process of acquiring a student visa.
CANADA STUDENT VISA PROCESS STEP BY STEP
1. Check the program requirements. First, check the institution's requirements to ensure that you are eligible to study in the program you have selected. Check the grade requirements, previous education requirements, language requirements, and check the tuition costs for international students (they often differ from domestic student tuition fees).
2. Be sure that your educational goals align with your career goals. Not only is this a sensible choice for your career, it also increases the likelihood that your application will be accepted. Many visa offices ask you for a letter of explanation to show that your educational pursuits are legitimate and will benefit you in the longterm.
3. Get accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. You need an acceptance letter stating your name and the program you've been accepted to in Canada.
4. Apply for the study permit. Check the document checklist to be sure you have all of the required documents to complete your application. Some countries require you to have an underlying visa to apply for a study permit.
5. Check the processing times. Processing times vary depending on your country of origin. It's important to check the processing times to ensure that your application will be finished processing before your program starts (typically in September).
6. Show available funds needed for your program of study. You must show that you have enough money to study in Canada. You should show that you have enough money to cover your program's tuition plus $10,000.00. It's also important to note that these funds should be kept in one account.
7. Check the age of majority for the province you wish to study in. Different provinces have different age requirements for students to have a legal custodian/guardian. In Ontario, for example, the age of majority is 18. In British Columbia, however, the age of majority is 19. If you require a custodian, make sure you arrange this in advance of your arrival.
WHERE CAN I STUDY?
Are you curious about where you can study in Canada? There a number of options for both secondary and post-secondary students. Below we’ve compiled a list of Canadian colleges and universities.
ONTARIO
Royal Military College of Canada
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
University of St. Michael’s College
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
The University of British Columbia
University of Northern British Columbia
University of the Fraser Valley
QUEBEC
École de technologie supérieure
Institut national de la recherche scientifique
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)
Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR)
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)
Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)
Université du Québec en Outaouais
Université LavalUniversité TÉLUQ
ALBERTA
Concordia University of Edmonton
MANITOBA
NOVA SCOTIA
Mount Saint Vincent University
SASKATCHEWAN
First Nations University of Canada
NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
Memorial University of Newfoundland
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
University of Prince Edward Island
NEW BRUNSWICK
WHAT IF I'M A SECONDARY STUDENT?
Are you interested in studying abroad in Canada as a high school student? Below, we have linked some local high schools that we have worked with in the past.
Our Services
Calver and Associates is a leading provider of Canadian Immigration services in Durham Region. We serve clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and beyond. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can provide assistance with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
