If you have been accepted to study in Canada, you need to apply for your student visa as well as your study permit as soon as possible.
While they sound alike, they’re not the same.
Your student visa allows you to enter Canada for academic purposes, but when you enter, you won’t be allowed to engage in academic activities unless you get your study permit.
When you apply for a study permit (from outside Canada) and it gets approved, you’ll be issued a “Letter of Introduction” with which you can enter the country.
To apply for your study permit from outside Canada, you need documents like:
Document checklist for a study permit outside Canada
You need your:
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Valid passport
You need to submit a clear, colour copy of your current and valid passport. Ensure that the passport remains valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada.
You can come with copies of previous passports, if applicable.
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Passport-sized photographs
You also need to provide recent passport-sized photographs with specific requirements, like a neutral facial expression, clear focus, and adherence to size and background specifications.
Refer to the photo specifications provided by IRCC here.
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Letter of Acceptance from Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
You also need to include an official letter of acceptance from the Canadian educational institution where you have been admitted.
The letter should contain details about your program, the expected start date, and the duration of your studies.
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Proof of payment of tuition fees
Most institutions in Canada require you to pay your first-year tuition fees once you accept your admission offer.
If this is the case for your institution, you need to submit proof of payment for your tuition fees for the first year of study.
This could include official receipts or confirmation from the educational institution.
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Do not forget proof of financial support
Even with evidence of your tuition fees, you still need to demonstrate your ability to cover your living expenses, tuition, and return transportation.
You can provide bank statements, scholarship letters, or a letter from a sponsor. Make sure that these documents are recent and clearly show the required funds.
Provide proof of scholarship, if you are on scholarship. In the same way, if you are being sponsored by a friend, family member or an organization, you need an affidavit of financial support from your sponsor.
You can include copies of income tax returns for the past few years, highlighting your financial capacity and stability.
This is especially important if you are using your funds.
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Application form
You need to complete the IMM 1294 Application for a Study Permit form, the form is available on the IRCC website.
Ensure all sections are accurately filled out, and provide any additional information or explanations as required.
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Remember your educational documents
You have to submit your transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from all educational institutions attended.
Include official English or French translations if the documents are in another language.
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Proof of Identity
Include your birth certificate or an equivalent document. Marriage certificate, if you are married.
Add any additional identification documents required in the form.
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Language proficiency test results
If required, include the results of a recognized language proficiency test, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Not all institutions in Canada require you to write any English language test especially if your previous studies were in English or French.
If your institution requires it, ensure you take the test and score high enough to meet the language test score requirement.
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Study plan
Provide a detailed study plan explaining your educational and career goals, reasons for choosing Canada, and how your chosen program aligns with your aspirations.
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Use of a representative form (if applicable)
If you are using an immigration consultant or representative, complete the “Use of a Representative” form (IMM 5476) and submit it along with your application.
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Family information form
You also need to complete the Family Information Form (IMM 5707) for yourself and, if applicable, for each accompanying family member.
Provide accurate and complete information about your family members.
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Police certificates
Obtain police certificates from every country or territory where you have lived for six months or more since the age of 18.
Follow the specific requirements of each country.
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Medical exam
If required, undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. Submit the medical exam results with your application.
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Travel history
You also need to provide details of your travel history, including previous passports, visas, and entry/exit stamps.
This helps establish your immigration history.
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Proof of accommodation
Submit evidence of where you will be staying in Canada. This could be a rental agreement, a letter from your host, or confirmation of residence in a university dormitory.
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Photocopies
Make clear photocopies of all original documents, including your passport, academic credentials, and any other supporting materials.
Keep the originals for verification if requested.
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Biometrics
If biometrics are required, schedule an appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo at a designated location.
Include the biometrics receipt with your application.
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Additional documents
Depending on your circumstances, additional documents may be necessary.
Consult the specific requirements for your situation and include any additional documents requested by IRCC.
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Proof of ties to your home country
You also need documents demonstrating your intention to return to your home country after completing your studies, such as employment letters, property ownership, or family ties.
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Consent Letter from Parents (for minors)
If you are a minor, you need a notarized letter of consent from your parents or legal guardian, along with their contact details.
In conclusion, all the required documents (for study permit application) must be included in your application before it’s approved by the Canadian authorities.
Note that these documents are constantly updated and you can check the latest list, plus guidelines and other requirements on the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
