The country’s immigration policies, student-friendly policies, world-class universities, and modest tuition fees attract students from all over the world. In preparation for the country’s gradual reopening for on-campus classes, students are ramping up their application process to land in the country for the upcoming intake. To learn more about the documents and exams required to study in Canada, read on.
Do you live in Ahmedabad or a nearby location and are looking for guidance on Canadian Immigration? Our Expert Visa Consultants for Canada in Ahmedabad can be your best option at Overseas Desire.
Eligibility criteria
DLI Acceptance letter:You must have acceptance from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI). If you wish to study at a university or institute in Canada, the university or institute must have a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by its province or territory
Proof of funds: Your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation expenses for you and your family member accompanying you to Canada must be covered by sufficient funds.
No Criminal record: To prove that you are a law-abiding citizen of your native country, you must have a clean criminal record. To prove they are not a security threat, aspirants must provide a police certification
Immigration Medical Examination (IME): It is also necessary that you are in good health and not a health risk to the Maple Country natives. Before you begin your Visa application, you will need a valid medical certificate from a recognized doctor
Intention to leave: Once you complete your education, you must prove to the immigration officer that you intend to leave the country
English Language Proficiency Test (not mandatory, but recommended): An IELTS score sheet with an overall band of 6.5 for undergraduate courses and 6 for graduate programs
Statement of Purpose: An effective SOP can greatly influence your acceptance chances.
STEP 7: You will now receive an I-20 form and an acceptance letter which will allow you to apply for a student visa.
Process for applying for a student Permit
Step 1: Apply for admission to a college/university
An offer letter or acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution is the first step to obtaining a Canadian study visa. In Canada, there are hundreds of colleges and universities offering a wide range of degrees and study programs.
Step 2: Pay the fees
Your next step after receiving an offer letter is to pay the college or university’s fees. International Wire Transfers are available for payment of your fees. The institution will issue you a receipt when the fee is received and processed. When applying for a visa, you will need the receipt.
Step 3: Purchase GIC
A student will then need to invest in a Guaranteed Investment Scheme, or GIC. To cover the living expenses once they arrive in Canada, foreign students must have a GIC. GICs can be purchased from participating banks for $10,200.
Typically, the bank deducts $200 as administrative charges, but it may vary from bank to bank. A total of $8,000 will be paid to you in 12 equal installments for your living expenses after you land in Canada.
Step 4: Go through the medical examination
The next step is to undergo a medical examination by a doctor recognized by the government of Canada. In addition to receiving a receipt for your medical examination, the report will be sent directly to immigration authorities. At the time of application, the receipt will be submitted.
Step 5: Apply for a visa
To obtain a student visa for Canada, the next step is to apply for it.
Step 6: Get your visa
If your application is approved, you will receive a notification from the Government of Canada requesting your passport. In-person or via VFS, you can submit it. A letter of introduction and a temporary resident visa will follow.
Do you need assistance with your student visa application? We can assist you in obtaining a Canada study visa in a smooth and error-free manner.
Annual University Intakes in Canada
Intake 1: Fall Semester – September
Intake 2: Winter Semester – January
Intake 3: Summer Semester – April/May (available for limited programs and universities)
Documents Required to Immigrate to Canada on a Student Visa
Documents Required to Immigrate to Canada on a Student Visa
Aspirants who wish to apply for a student visa to Canada must submit a few documents. For the Canada student visa application process, here are all the documents you need:
- Valid Passport
- Proof of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI)
- Proof of Funds
- Immigration Medical Examination
- Education transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates
- Language Proficiency Score
- Statement of Purpose
- Travel Documents
- Passport size photographs
- Documents for various test scores like GMAT, GRE, IELTS, etc
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
- Proof of payment for the visa application fee
- Proof of work experience with payslips
Processing Fee for Canada Student Visa
A study permit (including extensions) for Canada will cost you CAD 150 (approx. INR 8595)
Proof of Funds required for a Canada Study Permit
The minimum funds required for the applicant and family members are:
Cost of studying in Canada (approximate figures)
Undergraduate program: CAD 13,000 to CAD 20,000
Postgraduate master’s degree: CAD 17,000 to CAD 25,000
Doctoral degree: CAD 7,000 to CAD 15,000
MBA: CAD 30,000 to CAD 40,000
Accommodation costs
On-campus stay: approx. CAD 8,000 to CAD 10,000 annually
Shared apartment: approx. CAD 400 to CAD 700 per month
Living expenses: approx. CAD 15,000 (indicative)
Taxes: You will be charged taxes on the amount you earn when you study in Canada with your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Why Canada?
Canada is a geographically vast and ethnically diverse country that is the second largest in the world. The natural environment of Canada offers many recreational opportunities as well as a high standard of living in cosmopolitan and multicultural cities. Peaceful and friendly Canadians are well known. Students from all religions and nationalities are also welcome in a multicultural and bilingual nation. Every year, thousands of students study in Canada and even more learn English or French here.
Major urban centers such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are known for their multicultural lifestyles. There are many languages spoken on the street, many cuisines served in open restaurant windows, and many cultural celebrations throughout the year to illustrate this rich cultural diversity.
Education system
Maple Leaf Country’s education system is quite straightforward.
Each of the 13 provinces in Canada has its education system. Colleges, universities, and technical schools are all types of post-secondary institutions.
Each post-secondary institution has its requirements regarding how to apply and what level of English you must have for admission, as well as other entry requirements.
Additionally, there are private career and vocational schools that are not necessarily governed by provinces. Both career colleges and community colleges offer courses ranging from 1-3 years but do not grant degrees. University and college fees are generally lower than those at universities.
Furthermore, university colleges offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Last but not least, some universities specialize primarily in master’s and research programs.
If you are unsure which institution to apply to and if you are eligible, you should contact the college or university directly, or better yet, seek advice from an overseas desire counselor.
In addition to your academic record, extracurricular activities, performance on tests such as IELTS, and financial background, the Overseas counselor will be able to guide you. You will need to apply to a school, college, or university once you have chosen a place to study.
Students will need to apply for a student permit once they receive their acceptance letter from the educational institution. A student visa application may take a different amount of time at different visa offices. If one plans to take a course or program in Canada that lasts less than six months, one does not need a study permit. Courses or programs must be completed within the authorized period of your stay in Canada.
Quality Education
The Canadian education system has excellent standards and places a high value on learning. Education in Canada is the most expensive per capita in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Whether you study for a degree or a diploma in Canada, the reputation and recognition of the same will be worldwide. The careers of international students who graduate from colleges in Canada are prosperous. Education in Canada is known for its high quality and competitive entry requirements.
In conclusion, Canadian qualifications are highly valued around the world. Your time, money, and efforts are thus invested safely and wisely
Know what courses are available in Canada
Canada offers a variety of programs for Indian students. There are a variety of courses available in India, such as multimedia and animation, journalism and mass media, marketing, finance, agriculture, engineering, pharmacy technician, advertising, writing, graphic design, film studies, digital media, and more.
The MBA program in Canada is one of the most popular and renowned in the world. There are many Canadian MBAs ranked at the top of the World Ranking. Do you know about the University of Toronto?
Indian students are extremely interested in studying in Canada because its top colleges offer both quality and affordability.
It doesn’t matter whether you take an English course in Canada, a science course, an engineering course, an education course, an accounting course, or a business course, you will find the highest quality. In addition, you can apply to all levels, including Diploma, Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma (generally referred to as Postgraduate Diploma in India), Ph.D., and even Distance Education.
Admission applications must be made in a timely manner and the right set of colleges and universities in Canada must be chosen.
Top Educational Institutions in Canada
- SPP Colleges
- Algonquin College
- Bow Valley College
- Cambrian College of Applied Arts & Technology
- Camosun College
- Centennial College of Applied Arts & Technology
- College of New Caledonia
- College of the Rockies
- Columbia College
- Conestoga College
- Confederation College of Applied Arts & Technology
- Douglas College
- Durham College
- Fanshawe College of Applied Arts & Technology
- Fleming College
- George Brown College
- Georgian College of Arts & Technology
- Grant MacEwan University
- Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Langara College
- Lambton College of Applied Arts & Technology
- Loyalist College of Applied Arts & Technology
- Marine Institute of Memorial University
- Medicine Hat College
- Mohawk College of Applied Arts & Technology
- Niagara College
- North Island College
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
- Northern College
- Northern Lights
- Parkland College
- Red River College of Applied Arts, Science & Technology
- Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST)
- Selkirk College
- Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology
- Sheridan College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
- St. Clair College of Applied Arts & Technology
- St. Lawrence College
- University of The Fraser Valley
- Vancouver Island University
- Vancouver Community College
- Winnipeg Technical College
Top Colleges and Universities in Canada
- Athabasca University (Athabasca)
- University of Alberta (Edmonton)
- University of Calgary (Calgary)
- University of Lethbridge (Lethbridge)
- University of Phoenix, Calgary Campus (Calgary)
- Grande Prairie Regional College
- Grant MacEwan College
- Keyano College
- Lakeland College
- Lethbridge Community College
- Medicine Hat College
- Mount Royal College
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Olds College
- Red Deer College
- Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
- Quest University (Squamish)
- Royal Roads University (Victoria)
- Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, Vancouver)
- Thompson Rivers University (Kamloops)
- Trinity Western University (Langley Township)
- University of British Columbia (University Endowment Lands, Vancouver, Kelowna – UBC Okanagan)
- University Canada West (Victoria)
- University of Northern British Columbia (Prince George)
- University of Victoria (Victoria)
- University College of the Fraser Valley
- Ashton College
- Camosun College
- Capilano College
- Douglas College
- Kwantlen University College
- Langara College
- Northern Lights College
- Northwest Community College
- Okanagan College
- Selkirk College
- Vancouver Community College
- Brandon University (Brandon)
- Canadian Mennonite University (Winnipeg)
- Collège Universitaire de Saint-Boniface (Winnipeg)
- University of Manitoba (Winnipeg)
- University of Winnipeg (Winnipeg)
- Red River College
- Memorial University of Newfoundland (St. John’s)
- Sir Wilfred Grenfell College (Corner Brook)
- Atlantic Baptist University (Moncton)
- Mount Allison University (Sackville)
- St. Thomas University (Fredericton)
- Université de Moncton (Moncton)
- University of New Brunswick (Fredericton & Saint John)
- Yorkville University (Fredericton)
- New Brunswick Community College (various campuses)
- Acadia University (Wolfville)
- Cape Breton University (Sydney)
- Dalhousie University (Halifax)
- Mount Saint Vincent University (Halifax)
- Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University (Halifax)
- Saint Francis Xavier University (Antigonish)
- Saint Mary’s University (Halifax)
- University of King’s College (Halifax)
- Université Sainte-Anne (Church Point)
- Nova Scotia Community College (various campuses)
- Brock University (St. Catharines)
- Carleton University (Ottawa)
- Lakehead University (Thunder Bay)
- Laurentian University (Greater Sudbury)
- McMaster University (Hamilton)
- Nipissing University (North Bay)
- Queen’s University (Kingston)
- Royal Military College of Canada (Kingston)
- Ryerson University (Toronto)
- Saint Paul University (Ottawa)
- Trent University (Peterborough)
- University of Guelph (Guelph)
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology (Oshawa)
- University of Ottawa (Ottawa)
- University of Toronto (Toronto)(Mississauga)
- University of Waterloo (Waterloo)
- University of Western Ontario (London)
- University of Windsor (Windsor)
- Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo)
- York University (Toronto)
- Algonquin College
- Cambrian College
- Canadore College
- Centennial College
- Collège Boréal
- Conestoga College
- Confederation College
- Durham College
- Fanshawe College
- Fleming College
- George Brown College
- Georgian College
- Humber College
- La Cité collégiale
- Lambton College
- Loyalist College
- Mohawk College
- Niagara College
- Northern College
- St. Clair College
- St. Lawrence College
- Sault College
- Seneca College
- Sheridan College
- University of Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown)
- Holland College (various campuses)
- Bishop’s University (Lennoxville)
- Concordia University (Montreal)
- Université Laval (Quebec City)
- McGill University (Montreal)
- Université de Montréal (Montreal)
- École Polytechnique de Montréal (Montreal)
- École des hautes études commerciales de Montréal (Montreal)
- Université du Québec (Quebec City)
- École de technologie supérieure (Montreal)
- École nationale d’administration publique (Quebec City)
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique (Quebec City)
- Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (Rouyn-Noranda)
- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (Saguenay)
- Université du Québec à Montréal (Montreal) Université du Québec en Outaouais (Gatineau)
- Université du Québec à Rimouski (Rimouski)
- Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (Trois-Rivières)
- University of Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke)
- First Nations University of Canada (Regina)
- University of Regina (Regina)
- University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon)
- Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology
- Aurora College
- Nunavut Arctic College
- Yukon College
Top Postgraduate courses in Canada
- Business
- International Business
- Project Management
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Analysis
- Mechatronics and Robotics
- Information Technology
- Wireless Networking
- Information Systems
- Computer Science
- Pharmacy
- Biotechnology
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Engineering
Scholarship in Canada
How to get a scholarship in Canada for Indian students
Scholarship applications from international students should include written essays, letters of acceptance, a thesis, CVs, LORs, etc. Students need to demonstrate their academic merit, leadership abilities, and high scores on IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT.
For Indian students in Canada, there are three major types of scholarships. These are:
Canadian Government scholarships: The government offers these scholarships to international students so that they can study in Canada.
Non- governmental scholarships: Non-profit organizations, charities, and trusts offer these scholarships in Canada to students interested in international education.
Institutional scholarships: Indian students can get these scholarships through particular universities and colleges in Canada.
Admission Documents
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Mark sheets and Passing Certificates from 10th onwards
- Two reference letters from colleges/employers
- Passport copy
- Birth Certificate
- IELTS score sheet
Documents for VISA
- Original Passport
- Birth certificate/translated and notarized
- Two Photograph (with White background )
- Original Proof of Payment of Canadian Fee Receipt
- Confirmation Page of Online Visa Application with bar code
- Original Receipt of Visa Fee
- Original Interview Appointment Letter
- Evidence of Financial Sources (Required Bank Statement of previous four months + Property documents)
- Affidavit of Support from Sponsor (Copy of CNIC + Passport ID Page of Sponsor must be attached with it)
- All Original Educational Documents (Transcripts and Certificates)
- Original IELTS Certificate and GRE Scores
- A Personal Statement for Study Permit in Canada (minimum 500 words)
- Copy of CNIC of the student
- Work Experience Letter/s (if applicable)
- Police Certificate
- Proof of Tuition fee payment
- Visa Application forms
- 2 complete photocopy sets of all above attested and notarized
Lastly, once you are admitted to a Canadian institution, the visa application process in India is simpler than in many other countries thanks to (Visa Facilitation Services) VFS Canada. It is easy to find complete information about Canadian student visas, visa forms, requirements for visas, Canadian visa fees, visa processing time, visa status check (visa tracker), and how to apply for a visa.
Canada student visa requirements
To apply for a Canada student visa, you need to meet the following requirements,
- Acceptance letter:
- Proof of Tuition fee
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate
- medical exam
- police certificate
- English language test
Acceptance letter:
If you wish to apply for a Canadian student visa, you must have a Letter of Acceptance from an educational institution recognized or designated by the Canadian government.
An acceptance letter is also known as an offer letter or an admission offer. A letter of acceptance should include information about unconditional acceptance, the course title, the duration of the course, etc.
Proof of Tuition fee:
Before applying for a Canadian student visa, first-year tuition fees must be paid. To prove tuition payment for the first year, please attach the following evidence
- Payment receipt from the DLI institute
- receipt from a bank
Guaranteed Investment Certificate:
You need to obtain a Guaranteed Investment Certificate of CAD 10,000 from designated financial institutions such as ICICI Bank, HSBC Bank of Canada, Simplii Financial Scotia bank, etc., if you are applying for a Canada student visa under the student direct stream.
How does a Guaranteed Investment Certificate work? This type of Canadian investment provides a guaranteed rate for a specific period of time.
Medical exam:
Medical examinations are also essential for Canadian student visa applications. In Canada, you are required to pass an immigration medical exam if you are enrolled in a course lasting six months or longer.
Your medical inadmissibility may be due to the following reasons:
- Danger to public health
- Danger to public safety
- Excessive demand for health or social services
As a student, you will not be permitted to enter Canada if you do not meet the above-mentioned criteria. It is not acceptable for your doctor examination certificate to be accepted in Canada. Please find a Canadian panel doctor to conduct your immigration medical exam.
Police certificate:
Students and their families (if accompanying) ages 18 or older need to provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin and the country where they spent at least six months in the previous 12 months.
English language test:
To apply for a Canada student visa, you must take the English language test, and IELTS – academic training, and score a minimum of six bands in each of the four skill areas (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
Canada student visa processing time
Depending on where you apply for a Canada student visa, the current processing time is 12 weeks from the date of submission.
Please note Canada student visa processing time is also based on the following factors
Canada student visa’s current processing time is 12 weeks.
- Have you submitted the complete application?
- How quickly do you respond to the queries received from the visa officer?
- Several applications in the queue?
- How easily can your credentials be verified?
- How long do you take to respond to supply requested documents?
Canada student visa process
Following the below steps very carefully is important if you are applying for a Canadian student visa.
Step 1 obtain a letter of acceptance from the Designated Learning Institute:
The essential points you need to consider before applying for a Canadian student visa are: first, the course you want to pursue in Canada, the Institute where you wish to study, and the further admission requirements for the Institute.
The requirements for admission vary from institute to institute; however, here is a list of the standard requirements
- English language Requirements:
- Academic Requirements:
- Non-academic Requirements:
Fill out the application form, pay the tuition fee, and get an acceptance letter if you meet the Institute’s admission requirements.
Step 2 Gather documents & Prepare application forms:
Documentation plays an important role in Canadian student visa applications; document requirements may differ depending on the applicant’s personal circumstances, and course. All records should be prepared in the appropriate format.
It is not acceptable to submit incomplete or incorrect application forms. The application for a Canada student visa will be delayed, and it will increase the likelihood of it being refused.
Visit the Canada student visa documents checklist for more information about document requirements.
Step 3 Apply for a Canada student visa:
Upon completing all required documents (IELTS, acceptance letter, cover letter, etc. ), you can apply online or offline for a Canada student visa, pay the visa fee, and wait for the decision.
Step 4 Canada student visa outcome:
Two aspects of your Canada student visa application will be assessed by CIC after submission
- Is your visa application complete?
- Are you a genuine student or not?
You may be required to attend an interview. Based on the discretion of the visa officer, CIC will inform the applicant before scheduling the interview whether it will be telephonic or face-to-face.
Your application will be assessed positively, and you will be granted your Canada student visa. You can now fly to Canada to pursue your dream.
If your application is found not to meet the law, or you are not a genuine student, you will be notified in writing by CIC. It is important to note that your Canada student visa application fee is non-refundable.