As one of the friendliest nations on Earth, Canada has a well-deserved reputation. Additionally, it’s considered one of the safest places to live. That’s why many people consider studying and moving there. Read the article till the end to understand the process behind getting a student visa for higher studies.
How Many Documents Do I Need to Get a Canadian Visa?
Valid Passport: According to the Canadian High Commission, you must have a passport whose validity covers the time you will be in Canada.
English Language Proficiency Exam Score: You would have had to submit your English language proficiency score for the Canadian University to confirm your admission. TOEFL exam, IELTS exam etc. are all acceptable.
Acceptance Certificate from a Designated Learning Institution: It will be necessary for you to present an acceptance letter from the university/institute. The Immigration Department recognises Designated Learning Institutes as universities.
Funds Proof: To meet the current standards, you would need to demonstrate that you have enough money to pay our tuition fees and cover living expenses. It is estimated that a student would need to pay CAD 10,000 per year for their stay in Canada.
Passport-size photos: To apply offline, you will need two passport-sized photographs that meet the standards. For online applications, you must provide a digital copy of the photograph no larger than 4MB.
Immigration Medical Examination (IME): To study in Canada, students must get a medical examination from a doctor who has been authorised by Immigration Canada.
Statement of Purpose: This is an optional document in the checklist, but we strongly encourage you to submit it.
Credit Card: Paying the application fee with a credit card is also required if you are making an online application. It costs CAD 160 to apply for a visa to Canada. Remember that you can only use credit cards in the system, not debit cards.
How to Apply for a Canadian Visa for Study?
#1. Visa processing can take up to four weeks, depending on the application cycle. Visit the website of the Canadian consulate to learn how long it takes to process a student visa. This is an estimate and not a guarantee.
#2. Decide how you will apply. You can apply in two ways:
Online: Online applications require you to have a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents and a valid credit card for payment. There will still be a requirement for you to swab your finger at the Visa Application Center (VAC).
Offline: You can download the application kit and read the instructions. Your study permit instruction guide contains important information and instructions about the application process.
#3. Process the payment.
#4. Documents supporting your application must be submitted. Visit the nearest VFS office. To obtain a receipt, pay the service charges and hand them your completed application. You will need this receipt to track the progress of your application online.
After applying, you will get an acceptance or refusal letter. If you don’t want your application to get refused, read the following reasons for refusal and what to do after it.
What are the Reasons for the Refusal of a Canadian Student Visa?
English Language Proficiency
Proof of language proficiency is required of international students who are not native English speakers. When applying through SDS or SPP, applicants must obtain a minimum standardised English language test score (TOEFL or IELTS exam). Even if an applicant meets the minimum requirements for the DLI ELP, failing to comply with this program will result in the rejection of their application.
An Insufficient Number of Ties to the Home Country
If an applicant does not have adequate ties to his or her home country, they may be questioned about returning after completing their studies. In most cases, it is sufficient to prove family ties if a family is established in the home country and has properties and other assets.
Job Prospects in the Home Country are Nonexistent
It is sufficient to have a letter from the current employer stating that the applicant is assured of employment after completing his or her education in the home country. In the absence of work, they can submit proof that participation in the course will lead to employment in their home country.
Otherwise, the officer might determine that the study permit is being granted to help the applicant become a permanent resident in Canada.
Travel History is insufficient
Those who have just finished high school and haven’t travelled abroad in the past are often affected by this reason. Even though this point is not considered on its own, and authorities must take into account other relevant factors, having never travelled outside the country or never travelled by air may result in you being refused a study permit.
Insufficiency of Finances
For the first year of the course, the applicant is required to provide proof of adequate finances, as stated in the Program Delivery Instructions. Yet, immigration officers often reject applications if they suspect financial insufficiency. Therefore, merely focusing on the first year may not suffice. By showing adequate finances for at least a year, you may minimise your chances of rejection, although this is not an express requirement for acceptance.
Choice of Program
Your Canadian student visa may be denied if the visa officer questions your choice of a program. An applicant whose chosen program does not match his or her academic or professional background is more likely to have their visa denied.
Chances of Getting Canada Student Visa after Refusal
After being turned down for a Canadian student visa, there are still chances of getting it. Although, the probability of that is very little. From the reasons of getting refusal we have already mentioned, take some time to figure out what about your application could be causing red flags for a consular officer.
But, What to Do after Refusal?
Make changes and improvements once you have identified the problem and request reconsideration. An immigration officer usually sends a letter outlining the reasons for refusal and going into depth about the matter. To identify the areas that the immigration officer questioned, you must carefully read the failure letter. Reapplying is often a good idea.
A refusal can also be appealed to the federal court. The approach is often very expensive and very serious. Unless an immigration officer makes an error in fact or law, you will not win the case, and it will be impossible to prevail in a lawsuit to revoke a study permit in federal court. Generally, this is not the most effective course of action. Thus, we recommend reapplying.
Need More Guidance Regarding Canada Immigration?
Don’t worry; IELTS ninja has got your back! We have our own Canada immigration program to assist you through all the processes required to apply for a student visa. We also help candidates in improving their weak areas, which can stop them from getting the visa. So, without wasting any time, get your hands on our guidance.
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