All those who wish to pursue studies in Canada, at any level, require a student visa. A Student Visa for Canada is a student authorization.
To get a student visa, one must fulfill the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations.
Application for the student visa has to be made to the Immigration Department of the Canadian High Commission. The first step is to fill up the student visa application form, and submit it to the concerned authorities at the Canada High Commission, along with the required documents.
The documents that need to be submitted along with the completed student visa application form, are necessary requisites and should be authentic. A supplementary questionnaire for students will also need to be filled by students and those going to Canada for post doctoral research programs. The official letter of acceptance from the college, university, or technical institute, where one has taken admission, should be attached. If the said institute is in the province of Quebec, then an applicant also needs to get a certificate of acceptance from the Province of Quebec, in regard to the rules and regulations there. One needs to submit the TOEFL or IELTS score is it is applicable. Apart from these, the valid passport, that does not expire within one year of entry to Canada, is essential. And passport size photographs and a bank draft for the visa fees.
One has to ascertain the authorities that he/she is capable to bear the cost of study in Canada, without having to work in Canada. This will include the tuition fees, accommodation charges, living expenses, other monthly expenses, travel and conveyance charges and return ticket. The authorities thus want to know whether a candidate is financially secure enough to afford all expenditure without having to get employed in Canada.
After submission, one is typically called for an interview with the Canadian Visa Officer. It is not grueling, but face to face to know the details, motives and extract information that may be significant in granting a visa.
An applicant may also have to undergo a medical examination, to be declared fit to go to Canada.
If the authorities are satisfied by the information provided and the documents submitted, the ideal time for visa processing is two months at the minimum.
Canadian authorities have set certain conditions on grant of student visa. An applicant should be of reputable character and not have a criminal background. Also he/she will be asked to make a declaration to leave Canada on the completion of the course. Only a full time student, enrolled with an educational institution of Canada is allowed to work. To work on campus, there is no specific requirement, but to work off campus, one may need work permit.
There are certain categories of students who have been exempted from student visa. If the duration of the course or program is up to six months and not more, one does not require a student visa. But should ensure that the aforesaid course does get over in 6 months only. Also a member of the Foreign Armed Forces, or dependents, is excluded from this visa requisite. So is a foreign representative, or dependent of the same.
If a student is to be accompanied by dependents, then the latter also needs to have a valid passport and visa. Also the former needs to ascertain that the expenses of the same can and will be met without need for employment in Canada.
Finally, a student visa to Canada is only granted on the precondition that the applicant is eligible for a temporary resident status in Canada. And if need be, the temporary resident visa can be granted to him/her without any complication.
