Visa to Canada

Student Visa

Most international students do not require a Student Visa to study in Canada for a period of less than 6 months. A Student Visa is required for study periods longer than 6 months. Some international students require a Visitor's Visa to enter the country. Students should check with the closest Canadian Consulate or Embassy in their home country for specific requirements. Depending on the country, other documents may also be required. These include a medical examination report, a return airline ticket, proof of full payment and sufficient funds to support yourself while in Canada. It is advisable to check with your Embassy or Consulate.

Take your Letter of Acceptance from the school / college you have applied, a valid passport and proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Canada to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate in your country. A medical exam may be required. The embassy will issue your Student Authorization or give you a letter which you will need to present to the immigration officer when you arrive at a Canadian airport. The immigration officer will issue your Student Authorization.

Certain countries also require students to enroll in a program consisting of 25 or more hours of study per week.

*** A student authorization can be processed between one to six months, depending on how quickly you can provide the necessary supporting documents. Visas may be extended in Canada.

If you are planning to study for more than 6 months you have to get a Student VISA. To get a Student VISA, you must register at least 6 months early for Primary & Secondary Schools and 1year for University or College.

These are the steps to get a Student Visa:
You must register at a school for at least 6 months
You need to pay your tuition completely and then you will receive an Acceptance Letter which specifies in detail the courses you will be taking and the length of your program of studies.
You can go to the nearest canadian consulate, Embassy or high commission in your country with these documents:
*Passport
*Acceptance Letter
*Proof of Funds Available (Bank Statement)
*Medical Certificate of Good Health (in some countries)
*Police Checks

When you arrive in Canada, you must show Canadian immigration officials these documents:
*Your student authorization (form IMM1208)
*A valid passport
*A valid visitor visa if required
*Any letters or papers used to obtain your student authorization.

*IF any documents are missing or incorrect you could be refused admission to Canada

The authorization will state how long you can stay, where you can study and at what grade level you can study.
You must show that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies;

*You do not need a study permit if you are planning to study in a short-term program in Canada of six months or less

Click here for details about extending a student Visa

Visitor Visa

If you do not get a Student Visa, depending on the country you are coming from, you might require a Visitor's Visa.

**Generally visitors are not allowed to work or study while in Canada without authorization
** Visitors to Canada are not eligible for provincial health coverage and are advised to obtain medical insurance for the period of their stay.

Visitors to Canada must show an immigration officer that: *they intend to return to their home country and will not try to stay in Canada. *they are in good health(some visitors may be asked to undergo a medical examination at their own expenses) *they do not have criminal record or are a security risk *they have sufficient funds to cover travel costs and support themselves in Canada If you do not meet these criteria, you may be denied admission to Canada.

As soon as you have decided to visit Canada, call or visit the nearest Canadian embassy, High Commission or Consulate to find out exactly what documents you will need and how long it will take to receive them. Usually you need a passport, proof of identity or other documents.