Crucial Dos and Don’ts of Applying for Your Canadian Student Visa

So you have gotten admission into your dream academic institution in Canada and you are now ready to apply for your Canadian student visa.

There are several key things to keep in mind when applying for a Canadian student visa.

Before we go over the details, what is a Canadian student visa?

A Canadian student visa is a document that allows you to study in Canada for a limited period of time.

To be eligible for a student visa, you must be accepted to a designated learning institution in Canada and meet other requirements, such as having a valid passport and sufficient funds to support yourself while you study.

Once you have been issued a student visa, you can enter Canada and begin your studies at your designated learning institution.

You can work in Canada with a student visa for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the summer or winter holidays.

Student visas are typically valid for the duration of your studies, up to a maximum of three years.

Here are some dos and don’ts to help you through the process of applying for your Canadian student visa.

DOS

1. Gather all the necessary documents before you start your application. This will save you time and reduce the risk of delays or errors.

Some of the most important documents include:

• Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
• Proof of Identity
• Proof of Funds
• Travel history (When using your passport, make sure it’s valid throughout your study term. Include a PDF document with all used passport pages scanned together and merged)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Other personal documents

2. Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements for a Canadian student visa. These include having a valid passport, being accepted to a designated learning institution, and having enough money to support yourself while you study in Canada.
3. Fill out your application form carefully and accurately. Double-check all the information you provide to avoid mistakes.
4. Submit your application well in advance of your planned departure date. This will give you time to address any issues that may arise and ensure you receive your visa before you need to leave.
5. Demonstrate you have enough funds to cover your tuition.

Do your research to find the amounts you’ll need for:

• Your tuition
• Your cost of living (for yourself and any dependents)
• The cost of transportation back to your home country

6. Include a Statement of Purpose with your study permit application.

Including your Statement of Purpose (SOP) with your study permit application is a visa requirement. Your SOP is a short essay explaining why you want to study at a specific educational institution. It also highlights your academic background, achievements, and goals.

7. Keep copies of all your documentation.

Imagine putting lots of effort into your application documents, only to have them go missing. To avoid this incident, make copies of all your visa documentation. Keep a dedicated folder for your Letter of Acceptance, pieces of ID, and English Language Test results.

PRO TIP: Keep copies of your documentation in your carry-on (not your checked luggage!) when travelling to your destination country.

DON’TS

1. Lie on your application
2. Submit incomplete documentation.
3. Provide false or fraudulent documents. This can result in your application being denied, or you may be banned from entering Canada for a period of time.
4. Wait until the last minute to apply for your visa. This can increase the risk of delays or errors, and may result in you not being able to start your studies on time.
5. Come unprepared for your student visa interview.
6. Tell the government official you plan on moving to or staying in Canada after your studies: No matter your future intentions, it is best to tell the immigration officer at the airport that you plan to return to your home country after your studies end.
7. Ignore the instructions provided with your application. It’s important to follow the steps outlined in the application process to ensure your application is processed smoothly and efficiently.

Above all, the key to successfully applying for a Canadian student visa is to be organized, thorough, and honest. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your application is successful and that you can begin your studies in Canada as planned. We wish you all the best!