Canada Student Visa Documents Checklist

You must have all the documents at the time of Canada student visa application. Your application won't process ahead without presenting complete documents. Recently, the IRCC announced various rules related to the Canadian student visa, so it is important that you know the Canada Student Visa Documentation Checklist to avoid rejection. 

Canada remains to be one of the dream destinations to pursue higher education for many fresh school pass-outs and college graduates. The country not only offers a friendly environment but its universities and colleges are on par with many internationally acclaimed educational institutes. It is always a good idea to do your homework well before planning to study abroad as you need to take care of the study permit, visa, pre-departure formalities and other requirements.

If you wish to study in Canada to pursue academic, professional or vocational training at a university, college or any other educational institution, you will need a study permit before entering the country. It should be noted that instead of a student visa, applicants need to obtain a study permit and a temporary resident visa for Canada. The study permit is issued to students when they arrive in Canada. The temporary resident visa is provided by the Canadian High Commission and facilitated by the visa application centres. In this article, we will inform you about the documents needed to start the process of Canada student visa application. 

Eligibility Requirements for Studying in Canada

Here are important points about eligibility for studying in Canada:

• The applicant should have sufficient funds to pay his/her tuition fees, living expenses (for family members as well, if required), and return ticket to his/her home country.
• He/she should have obtained admission at a DLI.
• He/she should be law-abiding and no criminal case should be registered against him/her.
• The applicant should possess a health certificate to prove that he/she is in good health.
• Should be able to prove that once the studies are complete, he/she will leave for the home country.

Importance of Canada Study Visa

Students who have obtained an acceptance letter from a Canadian university need to get a study permit in order to study in Canada. It is issued by the federal government of Canada to international students for studying at one of the Designated Learning institutions (DLIs) in the country. As it is not a visa, students whose study permit is approved are given a Canada visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) for entering Canada.

Documents Required for Study Permit

Before applying for a Canadian study permit, ensure the availability of all the relevant. Also, apply before travelling to Canada. The following documents will be required in order to obtain your study permit:

• Valid Passport
• Proof of Acceptance by Designated Learning Institution
• Proof of Funds (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)
• Passport Size Photographs
• IMM 1294 Forms
• IMM 5645 Forms
• Immigration Medical Examination
• English Language Proficiency Exam Score (CAEL)
• Statement of Purpose
• Provincial Attestation Letter (For UG or Diplomas/PGDM Courses)

Applying for Study Permit

The application fee for the study permit is $150 (INR 9,140 Approx). The applicants may apply online for the same. They may have to provide their biometrics (picture) and fingerprints along with the application. Only those who can apply offline who either are disabled, and thus unable to apply online, or if their identity or travel document is for non-national residents, refugees or stateless people.

Processing Time for Study Permit

The time taken to process your study permit application will depend on if the application submitted is complete, its type, the verification of information provided, the time duration taken by the applicant to respond to any request by the authorities, etc. For outside Canada applicants, expect a processing time of approximately 12 weeks.

Application for a Study Permit - Generic Checklist

• The given checklist should be used in conjunction with the IMM 5483 Document Checklist for applying for a Study Permit
• Any document other than in English or French language should be accompanied by a certified translation.
• Submission of faulty statements or documents will result in the refusal of your application.
• Failure to submit the required documentation can result in refusal or delay in processing the visa.
• Candidates may need to attend the visa interview.
• Candidates going for a study program exceeding 6 months need to undergo a medical exam.
• Make sure to include the bar code page while submitting the complete and signed application form.

Benefits of Applying Online

• It is recommended to apply online in order to save time and get the status of your application immediately.
• No need to pay courier fees or wait for mail delivery time.
• Incomplete applications will be returned.
• If in case the visa authority asks for more documents candidates can submit them online quickly.

Also Read

• UK Student Visa Document Checklist
• SPP Visa Requirements and Checklists