What is the VISA process of Canada?

The following are the steps that you will need to follow to get a study visa for Canada:

Step 1: Apply to your preferred university or college first

To study in Canada, first and foremost, you will need the approval of admissions in the form of an offer letter from the university or college. There are numerous SDS, non-SDS colleges and universities in Canada that offer an extensive range of programs and courses along with great facilities. The easiest way to find the best education provider is to conduct online research or contact a study abroad consultant like AEC to understand the courses and programs to shortlist accordingly. Compare the universities and colleges based on the ranking, fee structure, course modules, quality of education, campus life, part-time and internship opportunities, ranking, etc. Once you are done with the shortlisting process, start applying to your preferred universities and colleges and wait until your offer letters are received.

Step 2: Pay the tuition fee

Once you receive the offer letter from the university or college, you will need to pay the tuition fee as mentioned. You can make this payment through wire transfer or Flywire or other modes as listed. After paying the amount, the university/college will issue the receipt. You will need this receipt at the time of lodging student visa application for Canada.

Step 3: Purchase Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs)

It is mandatory for international students to buy GICs from any of the participating bank i.e. ICICI Bank, Nova Scotia Bank, CIBC Bank, and SBI Canada for the amount of 10,000 CAD. This investment is for adjusting your living expenses for the first year. This is a non-redeemable investment.

Step 4: Go for medicals

Once you are done with the purchase of GICs, you will need to undertake medical examinations from a doctor approved by the government of Canada. You can find a list of panels or doctors approved by the government on the official of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Upon medical examinations, you will be provided with a receipt which is needed at the time of the study visa application. The medical reports will automatically be transferred to the concerned visa office.

Step 5: Lodgment of visa

While lodging your visa application, you will need to submit the documents as per the checklist. For instance, if you are applying to an SDS college, you will need to provide the documents according to the SDS checklist. While applying, you will need the following documents:

• Visa application form
• Original passport along with a photocopy of the bio-data
• Acceptance letter sent by the SDS college
• Family information form
• Representative form (IMM 5476)
• Academic documents
• English proficiency test proof i.e. IELTS score
• Evidence of GIC purchase
• Tuition fees payment receipt
• Medical certificates
• Student questionnaire

Step 6: Visa outcomes  

After getting the passport, you will get to know about the outcomes of your student visa application status for Canada.