Congratulations! You’ve been accepted into your dream academic institution in Canada! Before diving into some common do’s and don’ts when applying for a Canadian student visa, it’s important to know these key terms:
- Student Visas are an essential part of the immigration process and are what allow students to legally enter into Canada.
- Study Permits allow students to stay and study at designated learning institutions in Canada.
Both terms are often used interchangeably, but it’s essential to know the difference when applying to study in Canada. Thankfully, you don’t need to apply for them separately; once you’re approved for a study permit, you’ll be issued a visa automatically.
For more info on student visas and study permits, check out this article.
As with any important application, it’s key you follow certain guidelines so your study abroad journey runs smoothly!
Do’s
1. 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
To find out more details about necessary funds, check out the IRCC guidelines. It’s important to calculate your expenses and disclose all your finances, as not doing so can lead to a visa rejection.
Our International Student GIC Program is one easy and convenient way to obtain Proof of Financial Support for your Canadian study permit application.
2. Apply for a work permit if you have a co-op term.
A co-op term allows you to combine your school studies with a paid work term. It helps you gain experience in your field of study, while also earning your degree. If your program offers a co-op term, remember to apply for a work permit, and be sure to follow the related visa rules and regulations.
For a look at co-ops and internship opportunities in Canada, check out this article!
3. 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. When writing your SOP, go into detail about:
- How your personal experiences led you to your field of study.
- Skills you’ve learned that you can apply to your studies.
- What you plan to do after your studies in Canada.
For more info on how to write an SOP, check out this article.
4. Keep copies of all your documentation.
Imagine putting a ton of effort into your application documents, only to have them go missing! To avoid this mishap, make copies of all your visa documentation. Keep a dedicated folder for your Letter of Acceptance, pieces of ID, and English Language Test results. Doing so ensures you’ll know where they are when travelling to your destination country.
Another great tip: keep copies of your documentation in your carry-on (not your checked luggage!) when travelling to your destination country.
Don’ts
1. Don’t submit incomplete documentation.
Having incomplete or missing documentation is grounds for rejection from an immigration official. Create a checklist and review all your documentation to make sure you don’t accidentally miss anything.
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
For a more detailed checklist of documentation needed, check out this article.
2. Don’t come unprepared for your Student Visa interview.
When you arrive in Canada, you must participate in an interview with a Canadian immigration officer. To prepare, practice responding to some of these commonly asked questions:
- Why you chose your program
- Why you decided to study in Canada
- What your test scores are
- How you’ll fund your tuition and living expenses
Plan to explain that your primary purpose for coming to Canada is to study. If you’re unprepared for the interview, you may fail to convince the visa officer and risk having your study permit rejected.
Click here for some great student visa interview preparation tips!
3. Don’t tell the government official you plan on moving to or staying in Canada after your studies.
Canada has a great Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) and other immigration pathways to consider after your studies. But no matter your future intentions, it’s important to show that you respect your current student visa’s rules and regulations. For this reason, it’s best to tell the immigration officer at the airport that you plan to return to your home country after your studies end.
4. Don’t apply at the last minute.
Like most other things in life, it’s important to pace yourself so you have enough time to get everything done. Apply at least six months before your program’s start date, or as soon as you receive your LOA from your institution of choice. It’s also a good idea to have a buffer period, in case your first application is rejected, extra documentation is requested or there are long processing times.
Why might a study permit application be rejected? Watch our video for the most common reasons.
These guidelines will help you stay on track and make the visa application process much easier! If you follow the above do’s and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to studying abroad at a Canadian academic institution. Best of luck!
Planning your journey, but haven’t applied yet? Find your perfect academic institution and program on the ApplyBoard Platform!
