Student Visas For Higher Studies

Student Visas, as the name suggests are visas issued to applicants whose primary purpose of visit to the country is the pursuit of education. Needless to say, while getting admission in the university is extremely important, these legal documents stand in the way of all your pursuits. Each and every country is governed by its own Immigration Laws. These could vary in terms of the requirements of documents to the different proof of funds acceptable to what all the visas would let you do apart from studying in the country. Also, there are some broad commonalities that are visible in all student visa applications.

When Should I Apply For A Student Visa?

Studying abroad requires meticulous planning to say the least. Students are always advised to plan their admission/ application process keeping in mind university deadlines and working backward. Students are required to appear for English eligibility tests as per the university policy and also have required documents in place for the smooth processing of their application. Hence, students are always advised to apply 3-4 months in advance to avoid any last minute rush. Candidates seeking financial aid, scholarships and education loans should add another couple of extra months to the process as these applications take more time.

Documents Required For Your Study Permit

To apply for your study permit, you will need:

• An acceptance letter from your education institution, and
• A valid passport or travel document

You must also prove that you have enough money to pay for your:

• tuition fees
• living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada, and
• return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
• Be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada (you may have to provide a police certificate)
• Be in good health (you may need to complete a medical exam)

To prove you can financially support yourself and any accompanying family members, you may be asked to provide:

• Documentation of a Canadian bank account in your name, if money has been transferred to Canada
• Documentation of a student/education loan from a financial institution
• Bank statements
• A bank draft in convertible currency
• Proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees
• A letter for the person or institution providing your funding
• Proof of funding paid from within Canada if you have a scholarship or are enrolled in a Canadian-funded educational program