It is important to know that Canada is one of the countries that excels in attracting international students from around the world, and for this reason, it enjoys a high level of popularity. If you are looking to continue your studies in Canada, you need to be aware of the requirements for obtaining a Canadian study visa. In this article, you will become familiar with the process of obtaining this visa.
Having sufficient knowledge about the application process and the documents you need to present for obtaining a study visa in this country is very important. Pay attention to the following 10 important points about Canadian study visas that we have mentioned below:
1) Important documents you need at the beginning of the process for applying for a Canadian study visa:
Valid passport: Having a valid passport is mandatory for applying for a study permit. According to the Canadian High Commission, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the country.
Acceptance letter from one of the selected educational institutions. This letter must be issued by Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs); meaning institutions that are listed as valid educational institutions for accepting international students.
Proof of financial capability: According to the Canadian Immigration Department, every international student must have a minimum of 10,000 Canadian dollars per year for their living expenses. In addition to that, the student must have sufficient funds in their bank account to return to their home country immediately after completing their study program.
2) A Canadian study permit (also known as a student permit) is different from a Canadian student visa.
To study in Canada, you need a study permit (student visa). This permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows international students to study in Canada for a limited period.
However, a Canadian study visa is a temporary residence visa that allows you to stay and study in the country for a maximum period of six months. If your study program is completed within six months, a Canadian study visa is sufficient and you may not need a study permit, as the permit is required for longer duration programs. Obtaining a Canadian study visa is relatively easy.
Tips 
3) Answering general questions about Canadian study visas during an interview is important:
The questions asked in the interview are usually very basic, and you should answer them with enough confidence. Some of the questions raised by the consulate are as follows:
Have you been to Canada before? Please respond politely with a simple “yes” or “no”.
What was your main purpose for the visit? Please honestly respond about your main purpose, whether it was as a tourist, researching colleges, or seeking valid reasons for accommodations.
Are you nervous? The best response is to continue answering with a brief and formal response.
Why did you choose Canada for higher education? You can mention the excellent teaching standards in the country and the level of progress achieved there. You can say that teaching methods in Canada are different from those in your own country and are of high quality.
4) Estimating application costs at Canadian universities:
The range of application fees is from 45 Canadian dollars at Madison Hat College to 300 Canadian dollars at Red River College. Most universities, such as Northern College, Selkirk College, Northern Lights College, Georgian College, etc., charge 100 dollars for the application fee.
5) Importance of the IELTS score:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an exam that students from non-English-speaking countries are required to take. Each university has its specific criteria for the IELTS score, but generally, the minimum acceptable score is usually around 6.5.
6) The success rate in obtaining a Canadian study visa:
In the first three months of 2017, approximately 60% of all Canadian study visa applications were accepted. 38,000 applicants from 175 different countries around the world were accepted in just the first three months of that year, indicating a very high success rate in obtaining a Canadian study visa. Of course, the acceptance rate for students varies depending on the country of origin. For example, applicants from Japan had the highest acceptance rate (97%), while Cameroon had the lowest acceptance rate (9.5%).
7) Processing time for study visas:
If you have applied for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, the processing time for the visa is usually three weeks. If you have applied for an SPP educational program, the maximum processing time required is one week. However, it is recommended to submit your application to the Canadian High Commission about three months in advance for a more favorable assessment of your study visa.
8) Opportunities for extending a study visa or converting it to a job visa:
If you wish to extend your study visa, you must do so at least 30 days before the expiry date of your study permit. If you have extended this permit, you must enroll in one of these selected institutions.
To work in Canada after graduation, you will need a work permit. The experience you will gain through working in Canada will have a positive impact on enhancing your skills, allowing you to obtain better job opportunities and potentially apply for permanent residency in Canada.
9) After completing your educational program, you can take advantage of the opportunities available in Canada:
After completing your studies, if you wish to stay in this country as a visitor, you will need to apply for a visitor record. To obtain a work permit, study permit, or tourist visa for Canada, also known as a multiple-entry visa, you will need to leave Canada and submit your biometric information for this country at the nearest Canadian visa application center.
10) The most common mistakes that lead to the rejection of a Canadian visa application are:
- Not having strong family ties in the country of origin: Having a family residing in your country and ownership of valuable properties and assets may be sufficient to prove family ties and your intention to return to your country.
- Not having sufficient financial stability: You must have sufficient documentation to prove financial stability to cover the expenses of the training program for up to one year.
- Not having job opportunities in the country of origin: Provide documentation that demonstrates that there will be job opportunities for you in your own country after completing the educational program.
- Not having a travel history: If you have not previously had a travel history to any country, it is possible that your visa may be rejected.
