1. Check the Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a study permit in Canada. This includes having a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI), proving that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses, and showing that you intend to return to your home country after completing your studies.
2. Gather the Required Documents: Collect all the documents for your study permit application. This typically includes a valid passport, proof of acceptance from a DLI, proof of funds, a completed application form, photographs, and any additional documents specific to your situation, such as language proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL).
3. Create an Online Account: Visit the Government of Canada’s official website (Canada.ca) and create an online account. This will allow you to submit your study permit application electronically.
4. Complete the Application: Fill out the study permit application form accurately and provide all the required information. Double-check that you have included all the documents before submitting your application.
5. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the study permit application fee, which is usually non-refundable. We can pay the fee online through various payment methods specified on the official website.
6. Biometrics: In some cases, you may be required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Check the official website to see if this applies to you.
7. Wait for a Decision: After submitting your application, wait for a decision from the Canadian immigration authorities. Processing times vary, so it’s important to submit your application well before your intended start date.
8. Travel and Arrival: If your study permit application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction. You may also need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa, depending on your country of citizenship. Make travel arrangements and prepare for your arrival in Canada.
Tip: Give Yourself 6-8 Months to Meet Canada Study Permit Requirements
This may sound like a lot of time but think about all the documents you’ll need to get and the steps you need to complete. You may have to request paperwork from your bank, doctor, local police, and more. It may take time to get your letter of acceptance too.
You also need to account for the fact that you’ll need your study permit before your school’s intake date. Since it may take up to 90 days to issue your study permit, you’ll need the wiggle room.
Taking your time to prepare also means you’re more likely not to miss anything. An incomplete or rushed application only slows you down. You may end up having to repeat the whole process if something was missing or you got a detail wrong. As a result, you may risk missing several weeks if not months of classes.
Concluding Thoughts: Canadian Study Permit Requirements
Hopefully, we’ve answered all your questions on Canadian study permit requirements. The process, while long, isn’t as complicated or tough to understand as it might seem at first. You just need to plan ahead, so you can arrange for all the things you need. Starting early gives you more time to put together a solid application. It also cuts down on the stress of waiting on documents and rushing things last minute. Now that you’ve got your Canada student visa checklist, we hope you’re ready to begin this long but exciting process!
Which intake is best for Canada?
This depends on you and which program and/or school you’re aiming to apply to. The Fall Intake is the most popular. This intake sees the most courses offered by most universities. The Winter Intake is better for those who miss the Fall Intake and don’t wish to wait another year to enroll. Despite not featuring as many courses from as many universities, you still have a significant range of options. Last, the Spring/Summer intake offers the least number of courses from the least number of universities.
While the two terms are often used interchangeably, the study permit is not a student visa. Once your study permit goes through, you automatically receive a visitor’s visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA). To apply for the Fall 2023 Intake, you can begin applying between August and October 2022. And to apply for the Spring 2023 Intake, application deadlines may be between October and December 2022.
Remember that the application windows and deadlines will be different depending on the university. Check the dates of your preferred intake deadlines. And make sure you give yourself plenty of time to prepare and apply! Sometimes, it’s better to wait and submit a stronger application earlier in the next intake, than submit a rushed application close to the deadline.