by If you are searching for ways to acquire a Canada study permit, then this guide is for you. Good knowledge of languages or having to acquire a better higher educational degree abroad can prove really exciting and note-worthy.
However, since the dawn of the Covid-19 pandemic in early [year], opportunities available to explore these new terrains in the quest for knowledge have been made really slim due to strict travel regulations and bans established by different countries.
When it comes down to studying in Canada as an international student, the case became even more impracticable, and with the government having to close its borders in March [year], the educational system in Canada had to re-form itself, thus leveraging on online resources in carrying out preparatory courses for international students.
Presently, due to the immediate action by the government in curbing the effect of the pandemic, and its advanced vaccination practices, the Canadian borders have been made open again to accommodate international students.
What is a Canada Study Permit?
A Canadian study permit is basically a document issued by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows international students to enroll to study at any designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
So, as an international student looking to study in Canada, you’ll definitely need a study permit!
It’s also very important to note that – a Canadian study permit is not a visa, and as such, will not guarantee your access to Canada. You may also be required to be issued a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or visitation alongside your study permit to be granted access to study in Canada.
Who Can Apply for a Canada Study Permit?
You will be allowed a Canada study permit if you meet the following basic requirements:
- Be enrolled at a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) with an official Covid-19 readiness plan.
- Proof that you’re financially capable of catering for your:
- Tuition fees
- Daily living expenses for both you and any other family member accompanying you to Canada (if applicable)
- Return tickets for both you and any other family member accompanying you to Canada (if applicable)
- You must be a recognized law-abiding citizen of your country, with no criminal record associated with your name. You will also need to provide a police clearance certificate as proof (if required)
- Your statement of current health condition will need you to get a medical examination done with an accredited medical institution (if required)
- Proof of exit back to your home country on completion of your study program, which is to be submitted to your Canadian immigration officer
- Two (2) passport-sized photos of yourself
Canada Study Permit Application Process
This includes:
- First get a letter confirming your admission from the designated learning institution (DLI)
- The next step involves you applying online for your Canada study permit, or simply downloading the application package for an offline application
- Payment of the Canada study permit application fee and carefully keeping your receipt of payment
- Taking a medical examination from an accredited panel physician in your home country
- Getting feedback on your application
Canada also offers a Student Direct Stream program for international students in certain countries to get their study permit granted faster.
Applicants with legal residency in one of these countries qualify for this Canada Student Direct Stream program:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- the Philippines
- Senegal
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
Canada Study Permit Required Documents
The following list of documents will be needed when applying for a Canada study permit:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of financial status
- Acceptance letter from the designated learning institution (DLI)
You may also be required to provide the following:
- Letter of elucidation
- Certificatd’acceptation du Québec (CAQ)
- A custodian declaration for minors only
Canada Study Permit Application
As a foreign student looking to study in the lovely country of Canada, application for a study permit is best done online, irrespective of whether or not you are in or outside of Canada.
The application can also be done offline (or on paper), specifically for applicants with a form of disability, or if there’s an issue when applying online.
It’s also important to note that the entire Canada study permit application process can take up to 90 days to complete, so it’s always best to submit your application as soon as you get a letter of acceptance that validates your admission to your college or university.
What Do I Do if My Canada Study Permit Application Gets Declined?
The quest for a Canadian study permit is steadily on an increase, thus, it’s very likely that you may have your application request rejected. This is why it’s very important to pay close information to all required details in the entire application process, from start to finish – this will definitely save you a lot of money and time.
Below are some of the most common reasons why your Canada study permit application request might get rejected and here’s also how you can rectify such issues:
- Lack of sufficient funds: Meeting all minimum requirements for a Canada study permit is really not enough if you aren’t able to convince immigration officials that you will be able to comfortably sustain yourself financially and all your related expenses for more than just a year.
- Uncertified letter of acceptance: Your letter of acceptance must come from a Canadian registered designated learning institution (DLI)
- Missing documents: Failure to attach a document, such as proof of your language test scores and other related travel documents will definitely lead to you having your application request denied.
- Uncertainty for return back home: A study permit is in no way synonymous with a Canadian permanent residence, it is temporary; so with that, if you’re not able to prove to Canadian immigration officials that you have intentions of going back to your home country on completion of your study program, you might have your application request denied.
For any further reason(s) as to why your Canada study permit application request was denied, such information will be effectively communicated to you by the IRCC. You also have the liberty to reapply for your study permit at any time; the only lapse here is the study permit application fee that you will accrue.