Details of 6 steps for a Canada study visa
Published on October 31, 2023 (updated April 30, 2024)
Canada is renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse culture and its world-class education system as well. This article will provide a complete guide on how to apply for a Canada study visa.
Why do you need a Canada study visa?
A Canada study visa is a type of entry permit granted to foreign nationals who wish to come to Canada to participate in educational programs. It allows them to legally enter Canada and enroll in courses at universities, colleges, high schools, or other training programs in the country.
Canada study visas are typically issued based on the duration of the study program and can be extended as per the length of the student's program. To be eligible for a Canada study visa, international students must meet certain requirements and conditions.
What are the requirements for applying for a Canada study visa?
Educational qualifications
- High School: An average score of 6.5 or higher
- College/University: High School Diploma with a minimum average of 6.5
- Post-graduate Programs: Bachelor's degree with an average of 6.5
- Master's Programs: Bachelor's degree with an average of 7.0 or higher. Some programs and fields may require additional qualifications like GRE, GMAT, or work experience.
If you don't meet the direct entry requirements for a master's program in Canada, you can take a post-graduate preparatory course in the country.
English language proficiency
- High School Level: No IELTS certification required; schools will have English proficiency tests.
- College Level: IELTS score of 5.5 - 6.0 or higher
- University and Post-graduate Programs: IELTS score of 6.0 or higher
- Postgraduate Level: IELTS score of 6.5 or higher
Note: For specific fields like information technology, medicine, teaching, law, higher IELTS scores may be required.
Financial requirements
To study in Canada, you need to demonstrate your financial capability. Canada requires international students to prove that they have sufficient financial means to cover their living and study expenses in the country.
6 essential steps to apply for a Canada study visa
Step 1: Apply for a Letter of Acceptance
Before applying for a Letter of Acceptance, research Canada institutions and programs that align with your interests and future goals.
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- Prepare the following documents for the LOA application:
- Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity.
- Translated and notarized high school diploma.
- Translated and notarized transcripts for the past 2-3 years.
- IELTS score as required by the institution.
- CV/Cover Letter (for master's programs).
- Two reference letters from superiors/colleagues/university professors (for master's programs).
Step 2: Prepare your study visa application
After receiving the Letter of Acceptance, start preparing your study visa application. Here's a checklist of necessary documents:
- Personal Information
- Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
- National ID card
- Household Registration
- Birth certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Two 4x6 photos as per requirements
- Health examination certificate valid within the past year
- Study Plan (recommended)
- Portfolio (recommended)
- Educational Documents
- IELTS score of 6.0 with no band below 6.0
- Translated and notarized university diploma
- IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with no band below 6.0
- High school diploma (translated and notarized)
- High school transcript (translated and notarized)
- Financial Documents
| Proof of finance | SDS - not financial proof |
- Confirmation of deposit in a bank within the last 2 months - Savings account statement - Employment contract, social security, income tax payment, monthly salary account statements, etc., to prove employment and income - Business license, tax receipts (within the last 6 months) if parents are in business - Ownership certificates for property, land, vehicles, etc | - Confirmation of the purchase of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canada bank for 20,635 CAD - Proof of payment of first-year tuition fees |
- Other documents (updated January 22, 2024)
- Confirmation letter from the provinces (attestation letter), without this letter from today onwards all submitted documents will be returned and not considered.
Provinces and territories are expected to establish a process for issuing student endorsements no later than March 31, 2024.
Learn more: What do you need to prepare for studying in Canada without financial proof?
Step 3: Create an online application account
Register an account on the website of the Canada Visa Application Centre and answer the questions in the provided order to complete the login process.
Step 4: Complete your study visa application
On the website, fill out various forms such as IMM1294E, IMM5645E, Permit Questionnaire, and Custodianship Declaration (for individuals under 18). Then, upload the necessary documents as per the requirements.
Step 5: Pay the study visa application fees
Make the required payments through the suggested methods, which include a processing fee of $150 CAD per person and a biometrics fee of $85 CAD per person.
Step 6: Attend the biometrics appointment
This step is mandatory for all study visa applications. You need to schedule an appointment with VFS Canada for fingerprinting and photo capture.
After completing these six steps, you will need to wait for the visa processing results, which will be communicated on the website and the email address you provided during registration.
Video of the detail introduction to apply for Canada study visa online
Common reasons for study visa rejections
1. Poor academic performance
Your academic achievements play a crucial role in demonstrating your ability to study in Vietnam and Canada. If you have low grades, it can raise doubts and lead to a rejection of your Canada study visa application.
2. Unclear Study Plan
To obtain a visa, you must provide a detailed and clear study plan to the consulate. This plan should show your understanding of the course you intend to take in Canada. Failure to submit a proper study plan can risk your visa application being denied.
Learn more: How to write an effective Study Plan
3. Insufficient financial capability
If you cannot prove your sources of income or your financial ability to support your study and living expenses in Canada, the consulate may immediately reject your study visa application.
4. Dishonesty in the application
Providing false or misleading information in your Canada study visa application is not acceptable. You are not allowed to hide or misrepresent any information in your application, including any previous visa rejections in Canada or any other country.
5. Poor Immigration Record
If you have a history of staying illegally in Canada or any other country, this can raise concerns about your immigration history and lead to a visa rejection.
These are some common reasons that may lead to the rejection of a Canada study visa. Depending on your specific situation, these reasons may vary.
If your application is rejected due to reasons that can be addressed, you can reapply with a clear explanation to the consulate. However, if the reasons are insurmountable, it's not advisable to reapply because the risk of rejection remains.
Conclusion
Studying in Canada can be an excellent experience, but to embark on this journey, you need to apply for a Canada study visa. This requires preparation and determination. This article has provided you with a detailed guide on the 6 important steps to apply for a Canadian study visa and has also highlighted common reasons for application rejection.