Canada has always drawn international students looking to pursue higher studies because of its top-notch universities, vibrant culture, and excellent educational system. If you’re one of those hopefuls, you know how crucial it is to obtain a study visa for Canada. We will guide you through evaluating your eligibility for a Canada study visa, essential information on the requirements, and assistance from study visa consultants in Gurugram.

Designated Learning Institutions

They say, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  For international students, obtaining an admission offer letter from a recognised educational institution is the first step. Various schools and educational institutions that have been granted permission by the Canadian government to accept overseas students are known as Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), and they all provide their students with a selection of programmes and first-rate facilities. You must have a letter of acceptance from a DLI to apply for a study permit.

A thorough investigation is essential to locate the perfect fit. Make a short list of the top Canadian universities and colleges offering the programmes you are interested in, and then choose the one that best suits your needs regarding tuition costs, course structure, quality of education, and other features.

Understanding the Difference Between Colleges and Universities:

Colleges provide post-secondary diploma programmes emphasising a practical approach to preparing graduates for the workforce. Students who complete these courses will have the necessary skill sets to find work in their profession of choice. In contrast, universities provide undergraduate and graduate degree programmes, frequently utilising a research-based methodology to provide thorough knowledge across multiple aspects of a particular topic. A few universities also offer international students the chance to earn doctorates.

Student Direct Stream

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a scheme launched by the Government of Canada to speed up the study permit application process for international students from select countries. It is intended to give qualified candidates who want to enrol in certain Canadian designated learning institutions a more efficient and quick processing option.

For Indian students, SDS expedites the visa application procedure, enabling them to obtain their visas in as little as 4-6 weeks, as opposed to the typical 2-3 month processing period. Most applications submitted by eligible students through SDS are processed in less than 20 calendar days. As the saying goes, “Time is money,” and SDS is your ticket to saving both.

For an SDS visa application, you’ll need a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of first-year tuition fee payment, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) confirmation, a language test scorecard, a medical examination report from an authorised panel, and your academic records. 

Also, to be eligible for the SDS programme, you must sit for the specified language tests in person. The criteria include achieving a minimum overall score of 6 in IELTS Academic, a minimum score of 6 in each module of IELTS General, a PTE Academic minimum overall score of 60, and a TOEFL minimum overall score of 83.

These documents are essential for your application.

Due to fewer documents required for submission, the SDS success rate is comparatively more incredible than the Non-SDS.

Tuition Fees and LOA

Upon receiving an offer from your selected educational institution, it is essential to ensure timely payment of the tuition fees as specified in the offer letter, adhering to the specified due date. Typically, this payment is facilitated through an international wire transfer. Following the institution’s receipt and processing of your tuition fee payment, you will receive either an Official Fee Receipt or a Letter of Acceptance (LOA). This documentation is a prerequisite for your application for a Canadian student visa.

Guaranteed Investment Certificate

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), which may be obtained from participating banks, including Scotia Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI Canada Bank, or CIBC Bank, is mandatory for international students. Typically, the GIC value is CAD 10,200, from which $200 is subtracted for regulatory fees (which could differ according to the bank). $2,000 will be given to you when you get to Canada. The remaining $8,000 will be paid in 12 equal instalments to cover your monthly living expenses.

Medical Examination

A medical checkup by a doctor approved by the Canadian government is required. You must check the list of approved panel physicians. A Tracking Sheet for the medical examination will be sent to you; this is necessary in order to apply for a visa.  The doctor’s report will be instantly sent to the High Commission.

Lodgement of Visa File

To successfully lodge your file for a Canadian study permit, it’s essential to provide a comprehensive set of documents as outlined in the checklist. These documents include the Visa Application Form, your original valid passport along with a photocopy of the biodata page, the Family Information Form, an Acceptance Letter from the Designated Learning Institute in Canada, the Use of Representative Form (IMM 5476), proof of English Proficiency, your academic records, a receipt of your tuition fee payment, evidence of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) purchase, a Student Questionnaire, a Medical Examination Report, and passport-sized photographs.

Visa Status and Decision

Following the submission of your online visa application, the next step involves scheduling a biometrics appointment at VFS.

Upon the successful review of your application, you will receive an email notification when the Decision Letter is available for download on the CIC Portal Online. This is the point at which you will be informed about the outcome of your Canadian student visa application.

Refusal: Not the End of the World

To increase your chances of being approved, ensure you have more money than is required, obtain a solid acceptance letter from a recognised Canadian university, send in all the necessary paperwork, and indicate that you want to return home after completing your studies. 

However, if your application for a Canada Study Permit is denied or refused, go over the reasons mentioned in the rejection letter and reapply with those points addressed. You can file an appeal if you think the rejection was unjust. Getting a Canadian study permit requires perseverance and close attention to detail. Winston Churchill once said, “It is the courage to continue that counts. Success is not final; failure is not fatal.”

Final Thoughts

Remember the words of Benjamin Franklin, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Invest in your education, take the necessary steps, seek expert guidance, and Canada will welcome you with open arms.