Canada Student Visa Assistance

Canada is a major interest hub destination for students from India. One needs to avail of proficient score levels to get an entry into top class universities in Canada, thus the criterion being quite high. A student study permit is mandatory. For any type of program, a study permit before you enter Canada is a must. This particular study permit will be handed over to students, only once they reach Canada. But the primary criteria would be a Temporary Resident Visa which would be issued by the Canadian High Commission and supported by the Visa Application Centres. Explanatory reasons for students’ visa rejection would also be provided. However, VFS Global Services are the designated VACs for getting a Canadian Visa. 

 The expense towards procuring a Visa for Canada?

On an average, the expense for a Study permit for Canada would be in the range of CAD$ 150, which is almost equal to INR 7,845 (as shared on the CIC Website) as per the current exchange rate, but students are requested to cross check this , since the exchange rates keep fluctuating.

Students have the options to check the processes both through online as well as offline options.  Processing fees for a visa can be made through online (credit card) or offline (demand draft if paying at the High Commission of Canada) or by cash at the VAC, whichever is convenient. Fee payment is mandatory on submission of the application or either, the fee receipt of online payment needs to be showed. The Demand Draft needs to be in favor of “High Commission of Canada”, only  in the Indian rupees. However, VACs only entertain Cash Payments. 

VAC service charges are separate. Separate service charges as applicable for your particular belt / region. Wherein a receipt will be provided for payments procured and the receipt needs to be kept safely as proof towards amount paid.

 What are the Documents needed for a Canadian Visa?

Once students get the college acceptance letter, the application can be processed, that starts in the month of June in wan case you want to make it to the September intake. Following are the documents that are mandatory towards application.

  1. Valid Passport

Your passport needs to be valid in order to apply for a valid Study Permit. As per the Canadian High Commission regulation, it is absolutely essential that you have a passport that is valid till you intended stay in Canada, eg., in case you are planning to travel to Canada in September 2020 for a two-year course, your passport should be valid until a minimum of September 2022.

  1. Valid proof of Acceptance by a Renowned Educational Institution

The acceptance letter from the university/Institute you are planning to join, that is known to the Immigration Department is a must. Also, In case you are applying for Quebec, you would also need a CAQ which you would be duly informed to you.

  1. Proof of required Funding

Proof of funds at the time of application is of primary importance. As per the current structures, it is absolutely essential to show proof that you possess enough funds to pay the fees as well as take care of living expenses. You are required to possess at least Canadian $10,000 per academic year of your stay. That apart student also need  to prove that he/she has enough funds towards a return ticket.  

Please Note:

During the process of filling the application form, you would have to show both, proof of fees paid an the cost of living @ CAD 10,000. In case you are applying for Quebec, CAD 11,000 per year of your stay is essential.

  1. Passport Size Photographs

In case of online application, digital copy of the photograph, not more than 4 MB is required. In case of offline application, two passport sized photographs are needed, that conform to the given photographic standards.  Other requirements are about basic neutral facial expressions, plain background as well as and head cover is permitted only for religious purposes). Please Note –

  • Image should be recent (not more than 6 months)
  • image size should be a minimum 35 mm x 45 mm 
  1. Immigration Medical Examination (IME)

Canadian Immigration requires any international students from India to go through an Immigration Medical Examination from affiliated doctors. Prior appointment to the empanelled doctors for a medical check up at least a week prior to their Visa Application, so that doctors have enough time to validate and upload the necessary documents. The inhouse / empanelled physician, will perform a holistic medical check up, wherein they may recommend chest x-rays and laboratory tests. On completion, the  physician will forward the results to CIC.

  1. Proficiency in English Language Examination Score-

Students are vehemently recommend to get apply and get their English Language Proficiency Score update, before initializing the Visa Application Process, since any which way, you would have to send  the English language proficiency score to confirm your admission to a Canadian University. IELTS, TOEFL, etc. are all acceptable. 

  1. Statement of your motive –

Students are supposed to submit an essay, stating the reason / motive of your trip to Canada and the purpose of selecting the particular institution. This may be an optional section in the checklist, but  you are advised to definitely submit the same.

  1. Credit Card

With regard to an online application, you need to pay through credit card towards the application fee. That is, CAD $160. Only credit cards and not debit cards are accepted for payment. Also, it is not mandatory that it is your credit card; it could be your parent’s cards as well, only you have the permission for doing this. 

 In case of online application, you would need access to a digital scanner for high quality images. Also, you would be required to download documents, fill them, print, sign and finally upload them. In case of offline application, you should possess true copies of all the above-mentioned documents.  

 Also, additional documents may be required during the personal interview, in order to prove evidence of academic or financial status, that may include –

  • Marks from tests, for e.g., GMAT, SAT, GRE, or TOEFL.
  • Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you passed out from.
  • Your means of taking care of all educational, living and travel costs
  • True intention to depart from Canada after completing the program / course.

Method of application for a Canadian Visa for Study purpose –

There are various methods -.

  1. Check the processing times – The visa application process may take approximately, 1 month. You are advised to consult the Canadian consulate website to find out the approximate time. kindly note that the time span may vary due to procedures..
  2. How will you apply?   

 (a) Apply online
In order to make an online application, you must have access to a scanner (recommended),  or camera to make electronic copies of your documents for uploading .Aso, a valid credit card for payment is a must. A finger scan procedure at the regional Visa Application Centre (VAC) is a must. A visit to the VFS offices, to submit you  passport and would have to provide proof of form and fee payment as well. The only variation is the documents you need to carry to the VAC.
(b) Apply in person
Download the application kit and follow the instruction guidelines, that explains study permits and instructions to help you complete your application. Go through the  guide minutely and use the document checklist.

  1. You need to fill the VFS Consent Form and attach it with your own application form. This form is essential in order to attain the VFS services assistance for your visa filing procedure.
  2. Processing fee payment  – During application submission, via the VFS, in person or by mail, visa fees as well as VFS Global service charges need to be paid. The processing fee is non-refundable as always.
  3. In case of  spouse/common-law partner and/or children is coming along, and you are applying for temporary resident visas, work permits or study permits for them, additional payments towards the appropriate processing fees for them as well is mandatory. 
  4. Submit your application and supporting documents – As advised earlier, visit the nearest VFS office. and hand them your complete  documents and pay the service charges and procure a receipt. This receipt will consist of your unique tracking number that you would require in order to keep a track of the status of your application online.
  5. Once  your application is approved, the Government of Canada will notify you, requesting your passport. The passport and passport request letter may be submitted personally or through VFS, that would provide you a temporary Resident Visa and an Introductory letter.

Procedure of the Study Permit

Now, you need to carry the Letter of Introduction, with all the requested documents to Canada, where you will meet an Immigration Officer. Submit the Passport and the Letter of Introduction to the border control agency officer who would then validate the same and if all meets the requirements , your Study Permit will be issued. 

Dependents 

Full-time students may take their respective spouses, on a Dependent visa. Proof that you possess adequate funds support them needs to be shown. Spouses can also work full time if his/her stay is for a minimum of one year or more.

Option to apply for an open work permit in case your spouse or law partner is accompanying you to Canada. The advantage of an open work permit, is that can partake of any job when you get to Canada. You do not require a positive labor assessment document or an offer letter, in order to apply for your work permit.

 Does my Study Permit allow me to work in Canada?

The advantage in Canada is that if you possess a valid study permit, you are permitted to work both on- and off- campus. Off campus, it is permissible to work up to a maximum of 20 hours a week during course term. 

Post Study Work Permits for Canada 

The eligibility criteria to get a Post Study Work Permit are as follows:

  • Students have undertaken a full-time course in Canada.
  • The duration of your program should not have been less than 8 months.
  • Its mandatory that you graduated from a public post-secondary institution or a private post-secondary institution or else students must apply for the work permit within  a time period of 90 days after receiving an official letter stating your successful education completion from the institute.
  • only if you have a student visa, will you be given the work permit. 
  • Your work permit will be less than your course duration, e.g., in case your course duration was 10 months, then your work permit would be for eight months, whereas on the other hand, if your course duration was more than 2 years, then you may be entitled for  a work permit for three years.

Which is the right place for a Study Permit application for Canada?

VFS Global is your destination and also takes care of the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC) in India.  CVAC is designated to provide services, such as; collecting visa applications, returning of passports in sealed decisive envelopes to aspiring applicants. CVAC can also be an mediator in organizing interviews on behalf of the Canada visa office.

The “Canadian Embassy” and Consulate Addresses are the following – 

  1. High Commission of Canada, New Delhi

7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110 021, India

  1. Consulate General of Canada
    World Trade Center, 22nd Floor
    26/1, Dr. Rajkumar Road 
    Malleshwaram West
    Yeshwantpur
    Bengaluru – 560055
  2. Consulate General of Canada

SCO# 54-56, Sector 17 A
Chandigarh 160 017, India

  1. Consulate General of Canada

Indiabulls Finance Centre
21st Floor, Tower 2
Senapati Bapat Marg
Elphinstone Road (West)

Mumbai 400013

VFS center addresses 

  1. New Delhi

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level, 
Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place 
New Delhi-110001

  1. Chennai

Canada Visa Application Centre
VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
Fagun Towers, Second floor, No 74, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore, Chennai- 600008, India 

  1. Mumbai

Canada Visa Application Centre
VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
Trade Centre 5th Floor, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai – 400051, India

  1. Kolkata

Canada Visa Application Centre
VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
Rene Tower, Building No. 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Rajdanga, Landmark: Near Geetanjali Stadium Kolkata, 700107, India