Curious about Canadian student visa requirements for international students, including how to ace your entry interview? You’re not alone! Understanding the application process and knowing what to say during your study permit interview can be challenging. Below, we’ve shared some strategies that can help you make an excellent first impression during your interview.
Preparing for your new chapter in Canada? Our pre-arrival checklist for international students is a great guide.
Notes on Student Visas and Study Permits
All international students must apply and be accepted into an eligible study program before they can apply for a Canadian study permit. First, you’ll receive an offer of admission from a Designated Learning Institution, or DLI. Then, once you pay your tuition deposit and receive your provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter (unless exempt), you can apply for your study permit.
Students may apply for their Canadian study permit and student visa (also known as an electronic travel authorization, or eTA) at the same time.
Student visas and study permits sound similar, but they do different things. A student visa, which allows you to enter Canada, will automatically be issued once you’re approved for a study permit (which allows you to stay in Canada).
Most future students will submit their study permit application online, but paper applications are also available. Paper applications may be submitted at the Canadian Consulate’s Office or Visa Application Centres in your home country.
It’s important to start your application early enough before your classes begin. To build your timeline, you can check the latest processing time estimates on the Government of Canada’s website. While average processing time varies by country, as of early December 2024, the average processing time for study permits was nine weeks.
Learn more about Canadian student visas and study permits.
Interview Tips
Once you arrive in Canada, you must take part in a short interview with a Canadian immigration officer at the airport (or other port of entry). If traveling by air, you’ll need to answer questions about your study plans before you can pick up your luggage. The officer will also review supporting documents which you submitted as part of your initial study permit application, so keep those easily accessible, like in your carry-on luggage.
Having your documents ready can help make a great first impression. Here are a few more strategies to help you ace your Canadian student visa interview.
Be Specific
Before you arrive in Canada, do your research so you can answer questions about your academic institution and program. Knowing details about where you’re going to study, what classes are like, and how you plan to support yourself will help you answer thoughtfully. If you don’t know an answer, be honest; don’t try to make something up.
Conquer Your Nerves With Practice Interviews
Do practice interviews with a family member or friend. Can’t find someone to help? Practice with your pets or plants (they won’t judge)! If you think about your answers beforehand, and say them out loud a couple of times, it might help you feel less nervous during the actual interview.
Consider Your Self
When you rehearse for your Canadian student visa interview, ask your practice interviewer to judge both the content of your answers and your non-verbal cues. Researchers have found non-verbal cues like tone and body language can impact over half (55%) of a conversation.
Speaking slowly and clearly can help you sound more confident. Also, meeting the interviewer’s eye and not fidgeting can project further confidence.
Considering other countries? Learn how to ace the United Kingdom’s credibility interview. Or, learn more about the F-1 visa interview in the United States.
Make the Most of Each Question
Every interview for a Canadian student visa will be different, but each one will touch on similar topics. Below, we’ll look at common interview questions and suggest ideas to help you stand out.
Why did you choose this program?
- Talk about the classes you’ve registered for and ones you’re looking forward to, the potential for research in your program, or available work-integrated learning opportunities.
- Explain how the program can help you meet your study goals. Is there a professor you’re looking forward to studying with? Are the program’s co-op opportunities renowned? Do classes integrate theoretical and practical learning, preparing you for success in your field?
- If you’re studying at a university, look up its Times Higher Education or Maclean’s ranking. If you’re entering a business program at a top business school, sharing that you’re aware of your program’s standing can help prove your study intent.
Why did you choose to study in Canada, instead of studying or working in your home country?
- Talk about why you chose your college or university, and speak to its strengths. Strengths can range from small class sizes or exclusive program offerings to working on research with specific professors.
- Share examples of job opportunities and salaries in your field that you could get after studying abroad and gaining a higher level of education. Compare those to roles you’re currently eligible for.
What are your test scores (i.e.: TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT), your GPA, and what are you like as a student?
- If possible, bring copies of your test results and transcripts to the interview so you can share them.
- While test results are important, they aren’t the whole picture. You can talk about your community service or athletic achievements as well.
How are you funding your tuition and living expenses?
- You’ll likely have to share your exact tuition cost, so look it up on the ApplyBoard platform.
- If family members are supporting you, know their yearly salary, as well as their employer and full job title.
- Have an idea of what your major monthly rent, food, and insurance will cost. Many universities list cost-of-living averages on their website. Use those numbers to shape your budget!
Check out our blog on the current cost of living in Canada.
Are you planning to return to your home country after graduating?
- This question assesses your intentions for coming to Canada. While having dual intent (the desire to stay short-term as a student, and then potentially long-term as a resident) is legitimate, you still have to prove that your short-term intent (studying) is genuine, or else your study permit may be denied. So, it’s important to speak to your plans and goals as a new student.
- If you plan to leave Canada after your studies, strengthen your response by sharing information about jobs or companies elsewhere that you plan to work with after graduation, and how you’d like to make an impact in your field.
With a bit of preparation, you’ll be ready for your visa interview. The night before you travel to Canada, try your best to get a good night’s sleep so you’ll be alert. Remember to stay hydrated and eat a little (even if you’re nervous). You’ve got this!
Ready to search for study abroad opportunities? Find programs from over 300 colleges and universities across Canada on the ApplyBoard platform.
