Student’s willing to study in Canada typically requires a student visa. This visa allows foreign nationals/students to enter Canada as a student. This visa is required before his or her travel i.e. arrival to Canada. On arrival, a study permit is issued to the student to study full-time at a recognized institution in Canada. To be eligible, the student must be enrolled in a program listed under IRCC’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list.
As guidelines keep changing from time to time it is important for students to keep themselves updated with Canada’s regulations. Depending on the student’s country of origin rules might differ as well. For this reason the Oversiis team encourages students to contact our IRCC regulated visa consultants and before their application.
It might seem cumbersome, and in cases they are, but not to fear as Oversiis is here to help our students at every step of the way.
We always encourage our students to have the following documents ready before they start applying for their visa.
Note that these are the documentation requirements to get students to enter Canada. Students will still need to apply for a study permit to get started.
So let’s create a checklist of what students need:
1. Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
Oversiis recruitment team can help students to find and select their school and program of choice. Once selected and applied to the students will receive an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA), either in electronic format or in mail.
The LOA is an important document as it is required to apply for a study permit as well. The LOA will also be needed for extension applications as well.
While we do not currently extend our services for students willing to study in Quebec we encourage our students to look into other applicable regions.
2. Identity Documents
Students have a valid (non-expired) passport or applicable travel document(s). The passport must have one (1) blank page so visa authorities can use for signage and other stamping purposes. For additional accompanying members such as spouse or children, must have their most similar identity documents with requirements mentioned above.
In additional to proof of identity students must also submit two passport sized photos as per IRCC requirements, including the name and date of birth of each applicant.
3. Proof of Financial Support
Students must have sufficient proof that they have the capability to financially support themselves and are able to afford their stay in Canada.
Generally the following documents are required to gather proof of funds:
- A letter from parents / family members or school, whoever is the primary financer
- Last 4 to 6 months of bank statements
- Any notarized certificates with proof of assets and balances
- Student loan documentations (including bank loan or school scholarship as applicable)
- Tuition and housing payments
- Sponsor’s source(s) of income
- Proof of set Canadian bank account in the applicant’s name
4. Letter of Visit
In this letter students must state why they wish to visit Canada. For students this is generally stating their interest to study. Students may also express their past experiences such as job qualification and education background. It’s ideal to include language proficiency and other admission exam scores to seal the deal.
5. Letter of Intension
This is yet another way to explain to Canadian authority of the goals and purpose of students to visit. Most students have a goal in mind to accomplish something once they have completed their studies and what they wish to achieve from their studies. This letter would be the perfect medium of exchange between the student and Canadian authorities on this explanation. Some students have gap in their studies or some may have a preference to move to a new area of interest. This would be the preferred document to explain those situations.
6. Intension to Return
This is a section in the application form where students must mention their intention to return to their home country. While this is not a formal document, IRCC officials often become skeptical without this piece of information.
7. Travel Plans and History
Typically, a set of the itinerary and documents of travel history is required by IRCC. Any visit out of the country and place of residence must be included.
8. Identity Documents
- Police Clearance
- Birth Certificate (s) and / or National ID card (s)
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
- Biometrics exam receipts
Students must submit all documents in English. In case of translation to English, students may need to notarize some documents.
The above information was sourced from the Canadian Government website.
