Published on: January 17th, 2022
By: RCIC Maher Dery

STUDY VISA TO CANADA

What are the available Study Programs?

  • Certificate or Diploma of one or two years of duration
  • Advanced Diplomas of two or three years
  • Undergraduate Programs of three or four years
  • Postgraduate Programs of two years
  • Doctorates or PhDs of four or five years with dissertation

The most popular undergraduate courses are engineering and administrative studies. Postgraduate courses that are popular among international students are management, finance, MBA/MIM, MS, and LLB degrees.

What is a Canada Study Visa?

A Canada study visa allows you to travel to and study in Canada. This visa also allows you to work part-time to bear your expenses and qualify for student facilities.

According to The Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2022, Canada is home to 30 of the world’s top 500 universities. The number of international students opting to study in Canada keeps growing every year. A sizable number of these students stay back in Canada after finishing their studies.

Canada’s universities and community colleges provide some of the best international study programs alongside the best research facilities for foreign students. Canada should be at the top of your list if you are planning to study abroad.

Intakes in Canadian Universities

The fall, winter, and summer are the three academic intakes at the institutions in Canada.

  • Fall – Lasts from September to December.
  • Winter – Lasts from January to April.
  • Summer – Lasts from May to August.
    Note: Many colleges have their intake Dates

Some colleges offer a winter intake. Fall is the primary intake season for most institutions. International students should follow a typical application deadline, which would be 6 to 9 months before the start of the session.

Deadlines are usually not flexible except for diploma and PG diploma courses. Some institutions accept students for bachelor’s and master’s degree courses past the given deadline, if seats are available.

What are the available Study Programs?

  • Certificate or Diploma of one or two years of duration
  • Advanced Diplomas of two or three years
  • Undergraduate Programs of three or four years
  • Postgraduate Programs for two years
  • Doctorates or PhDs of four or five years with dissertation

The most popular undergraduate courses are engineering and administrative studies. Postgraduate courses that are popular among international students are management, finance, MBA/MIM, MS, and LLB degrees.

What is the different type of universities in Canada?

The higher education system in Canada is no different from the American education system.

There are three main types of Canadian institutions for education:

  • Public Universities: Besides receiving tuition fees from students, these universities are run by the provincial, territorial, or federal governments.
  • Private Universities: These universities do not receive any funds from Canadian government bodies. These universities receive funds through donations and research grants.
  • Liberal Arts Colleges: Public or private colleges are smaller in number in Canada than in the USA. Their primary emphasis is on undergraduate programs in liberal arts.

Which Canadian universities can I apply to without IELTS?

  • Please contact Us to help you.

Eligibility for a Canada Study Visa

The eligibility criteria for obtaining a Canadian study permit are listed below.

  • You are enrolled at a designated learning institution in Canada.
  • You can have enough money to pay for tuition fees, living expenses, for yourself and your family, and pay for return transportation for yourself and your family to your home country.
  • You obey the law, have no criminal record, and can obtain a police certificate if required.
  • You are in good health and are willing to undergo a medical examination if required.
  • You can prove to the visa officer that you will leave Canada on the expiry of your study permit.

Do I have to get a study permit?

It is important to note that a study permit is not the same as a study visa. Here are some scenarios where a foreign national will not require a study permit for education in Canada.

Short Term Studies

  • When your study program or course lasts 6 months or less.
  • When your studies are not a part of any longer study program.
  • When you complete all studies within the time frame approved. 

You will however have to obtain a study permit even if the course is less than 6 months long if you are taking a prerequisite course. You may otherwise have to apply for a study permit before you begin the full study program.

What are some conditions for exemption of study permits?

Other conditions for exemption of study permit for your education in Canada:

  • You are related to the staff of Foreign Representatives: Foreign representatives are accredited by GAC (Global Affairs Canada). Your embassy will have to contact GAC to find out if you require a study permit to study in Canada.
  • You are a member of Foreign Armed Forces: Members of foreign armed forces on official duties will not require a study permit in Canada. However, family members, including minor children will need one for studying here.
  • You are a Registered Indian in Canada: If you are a citizen of another country but have a Registered Indian status in Canada, you will not require a study permit for studying there.
  • Minor Indian Children in Canada: Minor children whose parents are refugees, refugee claimants, or parents having work or study permits will not require a separate study permit while seeking admission into preschool, kindergarten, primary or secondary school.

Documentation Required for a Canadian Student Visa

The following documents are required:

  1. Proof of acceptance 
  2. Proof of identity 
  3. Proof of financial support
  4. Statement of Purpose
  5. A custodian declaration (for minors)

Documents must be scanned and uploaded. Later, you need to carry the original documents to your visa interview, if you are called for one. It is important to make sure the documents are valid and in order. Kansas can help you with this.

How do I obtain a study permit for 2022?

International students have to submit the following documents for the first stage:

  • letter of acceptance;
  • Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (for Quebec students only);
  • proof of funds;
  • proof that they can leave Canada when they no longer have legal temporary or permanent status; and
  • any family ties to Canada.

International students can begin studying after immigration officers assess their applications and issue pre-approval when eligible. 

International students will need to submit the following documents to go to Canada:

  • Immigration medical examination
  • Security-Police certificates
  • Biometrics

Step 4: Finance your studies

Living in a foreign country can be expensive, especially when you factor in the exchange rate. There is rent, tuition fees and several expenses that can add up in the long run. You need to have a solid financial plan, and cannot depend on funding it with a part-time job when you get there. 

The government needs to see that you have sufficient funds in your account for them to move forward with your application. Therefore make sure you have evidence that you have the funds, be it a bank statement or an accepted loan application.

Step 5: Apply to the university

Apply to the universities well before the deadline to avoid unwarranted mistakes. Speaking to university delegates is a great idea, as they can help you out with information that you may not find on their websites. Canadian universities are very intuitive and applying is easy. However, to know how to make your application stand out, contact us. 

Once a prospective student has selected a Canadian university or college, he or she may refer to that institution’s website or contact the office of admissions for information on how to apply. Many institutions receive applications electronically online. 

In general, an applicant may receive a decision on an application within four to six months after the application deadline. Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Acceptance, which may be used in the application for a Canada Study Permit.

Step 6: Letter of Acceptance to a Canadian Designated Learning Institution

The Letter of Acceptance is mandatory in the application for a Canada study permit. To obtain a Letter of Acceptance, a potential student may first submit an application to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). If he or she is successful, the institution may issue a Letter of Acceptance.

The universities will email you acceptance letters when you get in. You must respond to your desired university within a stipulated period of time. Once you have accepted their offer, there are several things to take care of. If there are scholarships that you have in mind, now would be the time to apply to them. 

You also need to apply for your study permit and find a place to live. If choosing to live in university dorms, applying early is advisable as they fill up fast. It is also important to keep track of dates so that you know exactly when to make your way to Canada. 

The country does not entertain students coming in earlier than required for their courses, and you will be sent back. You also do not want to arrive too late and miss important events like orientation.

Step 7: Get your Student Visa

Once you get admission confirmation done, you can apply for your student visa. It is important to do this at the earliest. You will not be able to travel to Canada without one even if your session has started. This is also why it is important to apply for your study permit as this enables you to apply for your visa. There is also a question of not getting through your interview the very first time, so make sure you start the procedure well before your program starts to date.

How do I choose where to apply?

Choosing where to apply is the next logical step in the process of applying. Narrowing down the best option can be daunting.

Apart from your area of study, consider these factors while choosing the right college or Canadian university :

  • Primary Language of the College: English and French are common languages in Canada. Some colleges use one or both as their main language.
  • Type of College: Choose an institute, college, or university that is the right kind for you. This is an important point in your education.
  • Type of Degree: This will depend upon what you are planning to pursue. It can be an associate, bachelors, master’s or Ph.Ds.
  • Location : Research the area surrounding your educational facility. Is it an urban, suburban, or rural location, and does that suit you?
  • Size of College : Are you comfortable in a large or small campus? Do you prefer small seminars or big lectures? Decide where you are most comfortable.
  • The reputation of the University : Spend time researching the reputation of the college. Job placement rates of graduates from the college or university depend on this.
  • Quality of Resources & Facilities : Check out the availability and quality of technical equipment, including the labs and libraries that are in the institution.
  • Opportunities for Work Experience : Does the college run a cooperative program to add to your experience?
  • Fees & Financial Assistance :  Does the institution offer you grants or scholarships to help? Studying abroad can be expensive.
  • Faculty & Staff : Research the faculty and staff associated with your study program. There may be someone in particular that you would like to study with.
  • Recreational Activities : Check out the availability of sports, clubs, or a newspaper, if it interests you. Extracurricular activities can be useful.
  • Accommodation for Special Needs : This is particularly important for international students, if you have physical or learning disabilities.

Can I apply for a Canada Student Visa without IELTS?

Yes, you can study in Canada without IELTS. This English skill test is not required in 2022. There are several Canadian institutions offering study programs without IELTS. They adopt different measures to check your language capability. These universities accept other forms of English language credentials apart from IELTS.

Can I Bring my Family to Canada while studying?

Yes, your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children are eligible to enter Canada with you on a work or study permit. Your ability to bring along your family while you study is a great benefit.

What conditions may be listed on my study permit?

The following conditions depending on your case may be listed on your study permit –

  • Whether you are allowed to work in Canada while studying.
  • If you are allowed to travel within Canada during the study.
  • The last date of your education in Canada.

How can I get exempted from having to provide a Letter of Acceptance?

  • If a foreign national receives written approval for a temporary work or study permit before entering Canada, his or her family members may apply for a study permit without a Letter of Acceptance.
  • Students who wish to pursue a study program of six months or less do not need to obtain a Letter of Acceptance because they do not require a study permit.

Can I get a study permit for multiple DLIs?

If an applicant is applying to a study program offered by more than one institution, the Letter of Acceptance should state this clearly. Both institutions must be DLIs. The Letter of Acceptance should be issued by the concerned DLI. If the degree is issued by more than one DLI, the Letter of Acceptance should be issued by the DLI where the student intends to begin his or her study program.

In this situation, the Letter of Acceptance should clearly state:

  • The name, type, and location of the other institution;
  • The course(s) the potential student intends to pursue at a different institution; and/or
  • The semester(s) that the potential student intends to spend at a different institution.

Can I reapply if my visa is rejected?

Canadian student visa applicants can reapply after being rejected. Evaluate why the earlier application was rejected and ensure that the same mistake is not repeated again. Your Canada Student Visa can take up to a maximum of 45 business days as per new guidelines issued under the SDS program.

Costs Involved for a Canadian Student Visa

The Canadian student visa requirements state that you must have $10,000 CAD or above to study in Canada and $11,000 CAD in Quebec, on top of tuition fees.

Living costs in Canada depend on your spending habits and location. Living in large cities is generally more expensive

Application Fees for a Canadian Student Visa

Study Permit Application FeesCA$150
Work Permit Including ExtensionsCA$155
Visitor Visa(Single or Multiple Entry)CA$100

Source: Government of Canada

Average Costs for International Students Studying in Canada

Undergraduate Degree$29,714 per year
Engineering & Medicine$21,717 per year
Dentistry$14,162 per year
Business & Management$6,827 per year
Postgraduate Courses$17,744 per year
Executive MBA Program$56,328 per year
Regular MBA Program$27,397 per year

Source: Statistics Canada

Processing Time for a Canadian Student Visa

Your Canada Student Visa can take up to a maximum of 45 business days as per new guidelines issued under the SDS program.

Why Choose Us?

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  • Visit Visa: Travel for leisure or business to any part of the world with Kansas.
  • Study Visa: Study in Globally-recognized Universities!
  • Work Visa: Work & settle in the World’s Best Cities!
  • Immigration: We are your one-stop solution for all your visa and immigration needs
  • Permanent Residence: Become a Permanent Resident and enjoy special benefits.

Customized services:

  • Profile Evaluation: Based on your unique profile history, we make matches with the visa eligibility requirements, and advise you about the visas you must apply for.
  • Resume Writing: We guide you to create a resume that stands out as desired by the concerned immigration authority.
  • Procuring documents: Help you arrange documents needed before applying for a visa.
  • Professional guidance: Be it providing you with interview training, French/English courses or working samples for resumes, cover letters or assisting with application forms, medical or police clearance certificates – we will always be there for you.
  • Dedicated Case-Officer: We offer personal assistance and a single point-of-contact between the company and you, throughout the process
  • Post-Landing Services: We help you settle down in the country after you’ve received your visa. These services are specifically customized as per your requirements.

You can expect a one-stop solution for all your visa needs from profile evaluation, documentation, application drafting to post-visa services with Kansas. If you are confused about filing the AIPP application, you can contact us immediately. We will be pleased to help you in any way we can.

Other Important FAQs

1.  Is it Difficult to Get a Canada Student Visa?

There is a rise in rejection with an increase in the number of student visa applications. On average, about 39% of total study permit visas are rejected each year. Several factors influence the steep rise in Canadian student visa rejection.

2.  Is it easy to get Canadian PR after my studies are completed?

There is a multitude of opportunities for international students to apply for permanent residency after studying in Canada.

3.  Why is my Canada Student Visa rejected?

Most common reasons for rejection of Canada Student Visa include –

  • Financial insufficiency for studying in Canada.
  • The chosen study program fails to align with the applicant’s academic or employment background.
  • Issues with the applicant’s Letter of Acceptance from the Canadian institution 
  • Non-native, English-speaking international students failing to submit the required proof of language proficiency when required
  • Lack of supporting evidence in your travel history or identity documents 
  • Lack of intent to return to the home country as the study permit is a temporary visa 
  • Lack of job opportunities in the home country is another indication that the applicant is intending to settle in Canada. The choice of your study program should not cast such doubts.

4. What are my responsibilities while studying in Canada?

You must abide by these while studying in Canada :

  • Ensure progress with your study program.
  • Respect all conditions listed on your study permit.
  • Stop studying when you no longer meet the requirements.
  • Prepare to leave Canada at the expiry of your study permit.

5. Are there good language schools in Canada for foreign students with English and French as their second language?

Prospective international students can study either French or English as a second language in Canada. The programs are of good quality, as can be seen on the Languages Canada website. This organization provides a quality assessment of the language schools across Canada and offers lists of approved programs and members.

6. What can I expect when renewing my study permit?

The immigration officer examining an application for a study permit renewal has the right to request proof that the applicant has met the requirements of the original study permit. This may manifest as a letter from the institution clarifying that the student has been actively pursuing his or her studies. The second Letter of Acceptance is not generally required for the renewal of a study permit.

7. Can I work while studying in Canada?

As an international student in Canada, you can work for 20 hours every week during sessions, and full-time on breaks.

8. What are the eligibility requirements for working on campus?

In order to be eligible to work off-campus during his or her studies, an international student must:

  • hold a valid study permit;
  • be studying full-time at a (Visit our dedicated page for a comprehensive Designated Learning Institution (DLI) List);
  • have satisfactory academic standing as determined by their institution;
  • be studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that is at least six months in duration and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
  • have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

If an international student’s situation changes and he or she no longer meets any of the above eligibility requirements, he or she must stop working off-campus.

9. Do I have to stop working if I change my course?

Sometimes a student who is no longer studying full-time may be able to continue working off-campus if he/she is now studying part-time because it is the last semester of his or her study program and a full-time course schedule is no longer required to complete the program of study.

10. Who is not allowed to work off-campus?

  • Students enrolled in an English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) program;
  • Students taking a general interest course or program; and
  • Visiting or exchange students at a designated learning institution

11. How does the IRCC determine course completion?

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) considers a student’s full-time status based on the number of hours and credits allocated towards the completion of a degree.

12. What is on-campus work?

If a student gets a job working for an employer based on campus, it is considered on-campus work.

An on-campus employer includes the school, a faculty member, a student organization, a private business (located within the boundaries of the campus), a private contractor that provides services to the school, and being self-employed on-campus.

13. When can I work as a co-op or intern?

International students pursuing a study program at a DLI in Canada that requires a mandatory work placement or internship can apply for a co-op or intern work permit in addition to a valid study permit.

Learn more about Co-op Work Permits in Canada.

14. What is a Post-Graduate Work Permit?

Once the international student graduates, a Post-Graduation Work Permit may be obtained.

15. Who is eligible for an open work permit?

In some cases, spouses or common-law partners of international students studying full-time may be eligible for an open work permit. Visit our dedicated page for information on the advantages of an open work permit.

16. What are the types of immigration categories for International student Immigrants?

If you have any questions about applying for Canadian permanent residence, please contact us.

Program/categoryAligned with Express Entry?Is a job offer required?Additional information
Canadian Experience ClassYesNo Graduates must have a Post-Graduation Work Permit. They earn more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points because of this.
Federal Skilled Worker ProgramYesNo Graduates earn additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
Federal Skilled Trades ProgramYesNoGraduates earn additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)NoYesPost-secondary institution graduates in the Atlantic provinces can apply. Work experience is not required. A  two-year post-secondary diploma from a publicly funded learning institution in the Atlantic region is required. Has to submit an application within 24 months of earning the diploma.
Rural and Northern Immigration PilotNoNoIf they meet qualifying education requirements, graduates are exempt from the program’s work experience criteria.
AlbertaAlberta Opportunity StreamNo YesEligible if they have completed their studies at an approved Alberta post-secondary institution and are employed in Alberta on a Post-Graduation Work Permit. 
British ColumbiaBC PNP Skills Immigration: International GraduateNoYesPost-secondary education completed in BC is worth 8 SIRS points, while post-secondary education completed in Canada (outside BC) is worth 6 SIRS points.
British ColumbiaBC PNP Express Entry: International GraduateYesYesGraduates of institutions across Canada may apply, Post-secondary education completed in BC is worth 8 SIRS points while Post-secondary education completed in Canada (outside BC) is worth 6 SIRS points.
British ColumbiaBC PNP Skills Immigration: International Post-GraduateNoNoApplicants with a master’s or doctoral degree in the natural, applied or health sciences from a BC institution are eligible
British ColumbiaBC PNP Express Entry: International Post-GraduateYesNoApplicants with a master’s or doctoral degree in the natural, applied or health sciences from a BC institution are eligible
ManitobaMPNP Skilled Worker in ManitobaNoYesMust have a Manitoba qualification (language programs are excluded), except for graduates from a post-secondary program in another province who have been working for a Manitoba employer for at least one year.
ManitobaInternational Education Stream (IES) – Career Employment Pathway NoYesCandidates must have a full-time job offer from an eligible employer in Manitoba.
ManitobaInternational Education Stream – Graduate Internship PathwayNoNoA master or doctoral degree program in Manitoba within the past 3 years is mandatory.
ManitobaInternational Education Stream – International Student Entrepreneur PilotNoNoFor at least 6 months, applicants must operate a business as a senior manager on a daily basis in Manitoba, before nomination while on a valid work permit.
fFYesNoMust have completed at least two academic years of full-time study at a secondary or post-secondary school in New Brunswick. 
New Brunswick NJ Skilled Worker StreamNoYesMust have graduated from a post-secondary institution in New Brunswick with at least six months of work experience in the province.
Newfoundland & LabradorNLPNP International Graduate CategoryNoYesMust have a job or job offer from a Newfoundland & Labrador employer, and must apply while they still have at least 6 months validity on their Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Newfoundland & LabradorNLPNP Express Entry Skilled WorkerYesYesIncreased score if the applicant has study experience in Newfoundland & Labrador.
Newfoundland & LabradorNLPNP International Graduate EntrepreneurNoNoFor graduates of Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic. Must have bought or started a local business and run operations for at least one year.
Nova ScotiaNSNP Skilled Worker StreamNoyesHelps employers recruit foreign workers and graduated international students whose skills are needed in Nova Scotia.
Nova ScotiaNSNP Nova Scotia Experience: Express EntryYesNoMust have at least 12 months full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) paid skilled work experience in Nova Scotia within three years before the application is made.
Nova ScotiaNSNP International Graduate Entrepreneur StreamNoNoRecent graduates of Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions who have already started or purchased a business in the province are eligible.
Ontario Ontario Employer Job Offer: International Student StreamNoYesA full-time degree or diploma program at an eligible publicly-funded Canadian college or university that is at least 2 years in length, or a 1-year post-graduate certificate program that requires a previous degree is mandatory.
OntarioOINP International Masters Graduate StreamNoNoGraduates of a full-time Master’s course at an eligible institution in Ontario that is 1 year at the minimum are eligible. 
OntarioOINP International Student PhD Graduate StreamNoNoAt least two years of Ph.D. studies at a university in Ontario is mandatory.
Prince Edward IslandPEI PNP Labour Impact Category: International GraduateNoYesRecent graduates with a related field of study from recognized PEI universities and colleges are eligible.
QuebecQuebec Experience Class (PEQ)NoNoFrench-speaking individuals may apply at any time from 6 months before graduation, up to 36 months after graduation.
Quebec Quebec Skilled Worker ProgramNoNoCompleted higher education is a plus.
SaskatchewanSINP Experience Category for StudentsNoYesGraduates with a degree from a recognized post-secondary educational institution in Saskatchewan are eligible.
SaskatchewanSINP International Graduate Entrepreneur CategoryNoNoMust operate and manage a business in Saskatchewan for at least one year and own at least one-third of the equity in order to be considered.

17. What are the accommodation options available for international students in Canada?

Main Types of Accommodation

  1. Student Residence 
  2. Off-campus shared apartment
  3. Host family/homestay
  4. Apartment rentals