Canadian Immigration Requirements
The information supplied on this page was taken from the Canadian and Immigration Canada website It answers the following questions:
Canada
- Who requires a student visa?
- What documents are required?
- How long does it take to obtain a visa?
- How much does it cost?
- How long is the visa valid for?
1. Who requires a student visa?
You do not need a study permit if you are planning to study in a short-term program in Canada of six months or less, if you have an EU passport. For longer programs of study, you will require a visa and/or student authorization. To complete an application for a student visa you will need to know the cost of your education including field course fees, medical insurance, return transportation costs and living costs for yourself
2. What documents are required?
When you come to study in Canada you will need in any case need the following:
- an official letter of acceptance from the host institution/university
- proof that you have enough money for accommodation and living expenses
- to establish that you will return home at the end of your studies
- Your passport (applicants from countries whose citizens require visitor visas for Canada must provide their valid passport. Applicants from countries not on this list need only provide a photocopy. Applicants who are United States Citizens or Green Card holders do not require a passport -- please submit proof of citizenship or a copy of your green card).
A medical examination may be required in some cases, depending on your program of study, the length of time you will spend in Canada, and the countries where you have resided in the 12 months before going to Canada.
3. How long does it take to obtain a visa?
An application takes about 5 weeks to process (allow longer for postal-delivery time).
4. How much does it cost?
The application fee of $125 CAD / $80 USD
5. How long is the visa valid for?
Student visas and authorization are valid for the duration of the program of study.
Other information:
- Planning
- Before you apply for your Student Authorization or visitor visa, you must have: a valid passport, a Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian school, proof that you have enough money to support yourself for your entire stay in Canada, a letter from your sponsoring organization if you are being sponsored, and a medical clearance.
- Financial Support
- You must be able to prove you can support yourself before a Student Authorization may be issued. A letter from your bank in your country and a written pledge of financial support from a parent will show immigration officials that you can afford your expenses while you are in Canada. These expenses include tuition, accommodation, transportation, medical insurance, personal needs and return trips home
- Character Reference
- To be accepted by Canadian officials, you must prove you are a responsible person with no criminal record. You may be asked to provide evidence of this through your local authorities.
- Health Standards
- You must be in good health. You may be asked for a medical certificate if you have been living in a country with a high health risk.
- Application
- When you have all the letters and documents, you may apply for your Student Authorization at the nearest Canadian consulate, embassy or high commission. The Student Authorization allows you to study in Canada. Keep it in your passport.
- Interviews
- You might be asked to see an immigration officer for an interview. One purpose of the interview is to help the immigration officer evaluate you personally. The immigration officer will want to confirm that you have enough money to study in Canada, and that you will return to your home country when your course is completed. Therefore, you should be well dressed, well groomed, and on time when you go for your interview. You should behave in a positive and polite manner. You should never lie to an immigration officer.
- Passports and Visas
- You will need a passport and perhaps a visa as well. Canadian officials in your country can explain this to you before you leave. The Canada Visitors Visa is affixed to a page of your passport. It tells you the date you must arrive in Canada, the length of time you can stay and whether it is valid for one or more entries into Canada. When you arrive in Canada, you must show immigration officials your passport and visa. The passport will be stamped with the date you must depart from Canada. Check that this date is valid for your whole stay.
Embassy contact information:
You should contact the nearest Canadian embassy for information on what documentation you may require to enter Canada.
Application, Guides and Forms:
You can get the applications, guides and forms from from the Canadian and Immigration Canada website www.cic.gc.ca and print them from your computer.
