To broaden your professional horizons it is profound to study abroad, preferably in a country renowned for its quality of education like Canada.
Canada is the perfect destination for you if you are an aspiring student from Pakistan looking for excellent research opportunities in a multicultural society.
The country is renowned for its top-notch education system, with universities ranking among the best globally. To study in Canada students need to apply for a Canada study visa which can be an overwhelming and time-consuming process.
In this guide, we have compiled all the information you need to know before applying for a Canada study visa covering all the steps and tips to make your journey hassle-free.
Complete guide to Canada Study Visa
A Canadian student visa is a study permit needed for international students wanting to enrol in a Canadian university. A Canada study permit allows foreign students to study at a designated Learning Institute (DLI) in Canada.
The study permit will permit you to be present in Canada for a limited period, namely the study duration.
Certain conditions must be fulfilled to keep your student visa in Canada.
- Be enrolled in a DLI
- Meet all the requirements of the student visa
- Do not overstay in Canada after your study permit expires
- Work towards the completion of your study program.
Canada Study Permit Eligibility:
All foreign students who want to study in Canada need to get a study permit, which along with the visitor visa or an eTA permits you to embark on your educational journey in Canada.
The study permit creates an easy path for you to apply for Canadian citizenship, but it does not grant you government benefits such as health benefits.
However, there are certain conditions where a student might not need a study permit:
- If your study program is to be completed in less than 6 months, then you only need a visitor visa.
- If you are a member of the armed forces of Canada, or if you are related to a Canadian foreign representative.
Key Requirements of Canada Study Visa:
The following documents need to be submitted along with fees to initiate your application process.
- A valid passport or travel document is needed.
- A letter of acceptance from a DLI in Canada.
- Clean criminal records
- Your complete past travel history
- A resume highlighting your educational and employment status
- Medical examination if required.
- Passport size photographs
- Proof of financial resources and stability.
- English Proficiency test results
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- All the documents must be translated into English or French.
Complete Student Visa Process:
A step-by-step guide to a Canada study visa is as follows:
- Choosing a designated DLI: Make sure that the institution you chose for studying is a designated learning institution, also approved by the government of Canada. Obtain an acceptance letter offered by a DLI.
- Create an online account on the official Canadian government website through the IRCC website: Visit the official website of the government and create an online account through the IRCC portal.
- Fill out the online form and complete the application: Fill out the form online. Collect and submit the necessary required documents to start your application process.
- Pay the required application fees and submit your application: The fees vary according to the country you are applying from, pay the fees through the IRCC portal. Submit your application, and attend a biometric appointment if required.
- Wait through the processing stage and for the final decision on the application. Once your application is accepted successfully, start packing your bags and travel to Canada.
Benefits of a Canada Study Visa
There are numerous reasons and benefits why every student dreams of a Canada Study Visa, ranging from academic excellence, wide research opportunities, cultural diversity, opportunity to work, and a safe and stable environment that is going to help you pave the way for a better and brighter future.
- Numerous Scholarships and Grants: Canadian Universities, government, and public and private entities offer a wide range of scholarships and grants to international students. Apart from that, the tuition fees in Canada are daily cheaper as compared to universities in the UK and USA.
- Means to balance work and study: Students choose Canada as their education destination because it facilitates means to balance work and study side by side. Canada provides its international students the opportunity to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week to bear their expenses.
- High Quality of Education: Canada has become an ideal Country for students because of its academic excellence and high quality of education. Moreover, the QS World University Rankings of 2023 included 26 Canadian Universities among its list of ranked institutions.
- Plentiful Research Opportunities: A Canada study Visa is the desire of every student because it provides plentiful research opportunities to students and research scholars. The Canadian government supports research in the disciplines of telecommunication, medicine, agriculture, and IT. Furthermore, different programs in Canada cover finances related to research in technology and Science.
Canada Study Visa 2024 Updates
Although international students are an integral part of the Canadian community, the recent influx of students has affected the services. To tackle this problem the IRCC has put in a set of new rules for international students coming to Canada on a student visa.
According to this change, the number of international students would decrease by 35 per cent. Furthermore, there are significant changes to the post-graduation work permit eligibility criteria. Most importantly, there has been a change in the living expenses of international students.
Conclusion
In conclusion, across the world, students from various locations dream of a Canadian student visa because it is one of the most educated countries with more than half of its population possessing higher degrees.
To access the high-quality education system in Canada international students particularly students from Pakistan need to apply for a Canadian student visa.
By following the steps and strategies mentioned in this guide you can overcome any challenge and maximize the chances of visa approval.