Visa Applications
Student Permit (Canadian Student Visa)
The student permit (student visa
Canada) allows an individual to enter Canada as a
full-time student at an accredited college, university, or other
institution. The individual must possess sufficient funds to pay
for tuition and living costs.
In order to be eligible to apply for a student
permit, a student must be enrolled in a program of study that
culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate and the school must
be authorized by the Canadian federal or provincial government to
accept international students.
The following 6 steps provide guidance on acquiring a
student permit to Canada:
Step 1: Visa counselling
Your IDP counsellor will provide visa counselling and guidance
as soon as your applications are submitted. This way you will have
sufficient time to collate the financial, academic and other
documents as required by the Canadian High Commission.
Step 2: Collate visa documents
Your counsellor will check all the documents you collate in
support of your application for a student permit to Canada. The
general sets of documents you will require for your student permit
application are:
- Passport
- Passport size photographs
- Unconditional letter of acceptance
- Fees receipt ( recommended )
- Scholarship letter ( If applicable )
- Any relevant correspondence with the institution
- Financial documents
- Academic documents
- Test scores
- Work experience certificates ( If applicable )
- Medical report ( If already undergone )
Your counselor will also clarify any doubts you have when you
fill the student permit application forms.
Step 3: Check provincial guidelines
If you choose to study at an institution located in the province
of Quebec, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Acceptance
(CAQ). Your counsellor will advise you about the process and ensure
that you receive this prior to submission of your visa
application.
Step 4: Submit application through VFS Canada
Once your IDP counsellor has checked all your documents, you
will be advised on the nearest VFS Canada office where you will
need to submit your application. The Canadian High Commission
accepts applications through VFS only. You will need to make two
payments for your student permit application; the first is towards
the student permit application fee and the second is the VFS
service fee.
If you are applying for a student permit under SPP, you will
need to collect your medical forms from VFS and undertake the
medical examination conducted by doctors empanelled by the Canadian
High Commission. The doctor will provide the medical reports in a
sealed envelope which you will need to submit to VFS with your
student permit application.
If you are applying for a program outside of SPP, you have the
choice of undertaking the medicals at the time of application
submission or at a later date once the Canadian High Commission
approves your application. Your visa will be stamped on your
passport only after the medicals are approved.
Step 5: Provide additional information or documents
Once the Canadian High Commission commences review of your
application, you may be requested for additional documents and your
IDP counselor will advise on what needs to be provided.
Step 6: Decision on student permit application
Once a decision is made on your application the Canadian Embassy
will deliver your passport to VFS. VFS will courier the passport to
you within five working days to the address provided in your visa
application form. You also have the option to collect your passport
personally from the VFS office. Your IDP counselor will check the
details of your student permit and advise you on important
pre-departure formalities.
Remember your personal IDP Counsellor will help you from start
to finish, providing assistance and guidance to improve your chance
of securing a student permit to study in Canada.