A study visa is the student permit needed for international students who want to enroll in a program outside their initial country of residence. However, residents of some countries like Brazil, China, India, and Morocco may apply through the Student Direct Stream to get their permit faster. Students who have a spouse or child under 18 that needs to come to Canada alongside you during your studies would also have to apply for a visa. However, a student’s spouse would have the ability to apply for an open work permit, which would be valid for the same amount of time as the duration of your study program.
Below is a proper route to processing a student visa to Canada:
1. Visa requirements and duration: as a Canadian student, you would be required to get certain documents ready for your visa application, which include your admission letter, results from a medical exam and police check, two passport-sized photos, and proof of finance sufficient enough to support you throughout your studies. The visa application processing may take up to 90 days, so it is very much advisable to submit every necessary document as soon as you have a valid letter of acceptance from your college or university.
2. Obtaining a standardized letter: You must first obtain a standardized letter of acceptance from a recognized higher education provider. However, students studying in Quebec must also apply for a certificate of acceptance, known as a CAQ, from the government of Quebec, which must be acquired before you are permitted to apply for a study permit. However, this can be gotten online, by printing out a form, or by requesting a paper form from your university, which will also provide more information as regards this.
3. Getting a Canadian student visa application package: This can be done either on the CIC website, by contacting your local visa office, or at the Canadian embassy. As a Canadian student, you may also need to obtain a temporary residence permit if you are from a designated country.
4. Receiving a personal checklist code: As a Canadian student, if you are found eligible, you will receive a personal checklist code, valid for 60 days, which you will need in order to submit your application online. However, it is important to ensure you print out the page containing your code for future reference, which would also include an application guide, an estimated tuition fee amount, a list of documents you will need to submit with your application, and guidelines for your next steps.
5. Creating a CIC account: This is where you will enter your personal checklist code, and you will then receive your personal document checklist, which allows you to upload and send your documents to CIC. Once you have your documents and application form ready and have paid your fees, you can submit your completed application to CIC. Then you can go ahead with an interview at your local visa office.
As soon as the Canadian student visa application is approved, you will receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction, while students from countries that require an Electronic Travel Authorization and/or a temporary residence visa will be issued these if required. However, the eTA will be linked to your passport, and it is important that you travel with the passport you used when you applied for your study permit. The eTA will be valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.