Steps to apply for Canadian Student Visa

According to Canadian Bureau of International Education, in 2017, there were 4,94,525 international students in Canada with an 11% rise every year. Out of these, top sending countries were China (28%) and India (25%).

The Canadian government has a website for Immigrations and Visa which is easy to use and one must go through each and every detail mentioned on it. One needs to apply for a study permit, which expires 90 days after your course is completed. The Canada Student Visa application costs CAD 150.

1. Apply to University
2. Appear for IELTS
3. Get University Admits
4. Receipt of Payment
5. Purchase of GIC
6. Proof of funds
7. Apply for Visa

Lets discuss each one in detail, 

STEP 1: Apply to University:
The first step in the Canadian Student Visa process is to apply to a university. Most students apply to at least 2 or 3 universities hoping to get various offers out of which they can choose. 

STEP 2: Appear for IELTS:
It is imperative that you appear for IELTS (score 6 to 6.5) for your Canadian student visa. No other test is valid for the visa application.

STEP 3: Get University Admits: 
When you get an admit from your desired university, pay the initial tuition fee as mentioned in the offer letter. Paying that amount may confirm your admission to the university. However, some universities give unconditional offers too. 

STEP 4: Receipt of Payment:
The university will provide you with a receipt that you need for your Visa application in Canada. While filling the visa form, you will have to show the proof of fees paid.

STEP 5: Purchase of GIC:
Students must buy a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating bank like ICICI Bank, SBI Canada Bank, CIBC Bank of the amount of CAD 10200. This certificate is a guarantee that you can survive in Canada for the first year. Out of this, the bank charges are CAD 200. At the time of arrival in Canada, the student receives CAD 2000. Rest of the amount is paid in 12 monthly installments to the student to help pay for living expenses in Canada. 

STEP 6: Proof of funds:
At present, it is deemed to show CAD $10,000 for every year of your stay in Canada. If you are planning to study in Quebec, it may be CAD $11000. This is on the top of your tuition fees mentioned by the respective university. You can show bank statements, bank draft, or a letter from a person or institution providing you with the money.

STEP 7: Apply for Visa: 
Answer a few questions about yourself on the Canadian visa application. You can either submit application through CIC website or submit a paper application through the Canadian Embassy in your country. However, it is important to check the time the paper application can take well in advance.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Check provincial guidelines:
If you are applying to Quebec, then the guidelines maybe different from the other parts of Canada. Check the province in which your university falls.

General documents required for Study Permit (Canadian Student Visa):

• Passport 
• Passport-size photographs 
• Unconditional letter of acceptance 
• Fees receipt (recommended) 
• Scholarship letter (if applicable) 
• Any relevant correspondence with the institution 
• Financial documents 
• Academic documents 
• Test scores 
• Work experience certificates (if applicable) 
• Medical report (if already undertaken)