Depending on one’s country of origin and the type and length of study, one may require the following documents for studying in Canada:
- Visa
- Student authorization
- Both a student authorization and visa
- None of the above
The type of documentation required depends on the country of origin, the program being taken, and the length of the academic study:
- Language studies of under three months: No student authorization is required
- All other programs require a student authorization
Rules for Attaining the Canadian Student Visa
- Student Authorization Form: One may obtain student authorization forms in their country of origin at the Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Canadian Education Centre. Applications and documentation must then be submitted to the nearest visa office.
- Gather the necessary documents: It is crucial that students submit all documentation requested with their applications. Missing documentation will delay the authorization process.
- Proof of Identity: This includes photocopies of a valid passport or travel document or identity document that guarantees re-entry to the country that issued it; and four recent passport-size photos (2″ x 2.5″) for each family individual, with the full name and date of birth recorded on the back of each photo. Visa officers may also wish to see the actual passport or travel document and will inform you if this is the case.
- Proof of financial support that shows that the student will have enough money during their stay in Canada to cover tuition fees, return transportation and $10,000 CDN per annum for living expenses. Documentation for this requirement could be proof of a Canadian bank account or a bank draft in convertible currency, bank statements for the past four to six months, or proof of payment of tuition and residence fees.
- A medical examination in one’s country of origin. Medical exams are required if one’s stay is longer than six months.
- Proof of acceptance by an approved educational institution. The following information must be included in letters of acceptance:
- Name, date of birth, mailing address of student
- The course for which the student has been accepted
- The estimated duration or date of completion of the course
- The date on which the course begins
- The last date on which the student must register for the course
- The academic year which the student will be entering
- Whether the course is full or part-time
- The total amount of tuition fee
- Any conditions related to acceptance
- Clear identification of the educational institution
- Licensing information for private institutions. This letter must be signed by an authorized representative of the institution.
Finally after procuring these necessary documents, the student needs to submit the forms and required information along with a student authorization fee. When reviewing the student authorization application, a visa officer must be satisfied that the student meets the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations and that he/she will only be in Canada temporarily. Once the visa officer is satisfied that he/she is a “bona fide” student and all statutory requirements are met, one is issued a document which, in turn, must be shown to an immigration officer at the port of entry in Canada in order to obtain a student authorization.
