HOW TO GET CANADIAN STUDENT VISA

HOW TO GET CANADIAN STUDENT VISA

AND GETTING IT RIGHT

With the unpredictable educational system in Nigeria (at present), Canada has probably become the most popular destination for students who seek quality education at various levels. Canada has some of the best educational institutions in the world, and they are very open to international students, coupled with the fact that after graduation, students have ample opportunities to stay, work and even apply for citizenship.

However, getting the Canadian Student Visa can be a herculean task for many aspiring students, this need not be so. At AfriCanadaVisa, we occupy ourselves with the task of providing accurate and timely information on how to get, not only the Student Visa but also how to choose the best schools for themselves.

Applying for Canadian Student Visa is generally seen as a pathway to greener pastures, as successful applicants are allowed a period of about 18 months after graduation to find jobs and work anywhere in Canada. Also, spouses of holders of Canada Student Visa are giving full-time work permit to support their family, and they are equally encouraged to seek Permanent Residency and ultimately Citizenship.

Preparing for the Canadian student visa interview can be a bit tricky, but with the right information, you will find that it is not as difficult as it appears. Many have seen their application for Canadian student visa rejected and the worst news is they don’t know why they were rejected. AfriCanadaVisa will help you to navigate your path to success.

To get the Canadian Student Visa, you will need to take some very basic steps before and during your application process. The requirements are not really that stringent if you have the basic qualifications, but if you can follow the rules, success beckons.

1.      Search for a Canadian School of your choice, Apply and get a letter of acceptance from them.

2.      Provide proof of financial support.

3.      Write a compelling statement of purpose

4.      Apply for Study Permit

CANADA STUDENT VISA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

In other to study in Canada, you will need to obtain a CANADIAN STUDY PERMIT, which will serve as your Canadian student visa for the duration of your stay, your course of study must last up to six months or more to qualify for this. And you can only obtain a study permit in your country of residence through a visa office.

LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE FROM A DESIGNATED LEARNING INSTITUTION

To be able to apply for this permit, you should have been accepted by a designated learning institute (DLI). You can check your institute’s name in the designated learning institutions list offered by the Canadian Government. The list only includes schools at the post-secondary level. All educational institutions between the primary and the secondary level are designated learning institutions.

On your application form, you will have to write the DLI number of the institution of your choice. There are some institutes that may not have a DLI number, but if you can find their name on the list, then it means they are eligible to take international students.

PROOF OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT

You must be able to prove that you can pay the tuition and support yourself and any other family member who might be going along with you. AfriCanadaVisa has a comprehensive write up on this thorny issue of proof of fund and how to skirt the issue.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

This is a very tricky one; a well-written statement of purpose will help the consulate officer understand what your goals and motivations are.  It should contain why you chose Canada and
Details that explain that you understand your responsibilities and the implications of being a student in Canada

HOW TO WRITE A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

There are four key elements of a a good statement of purpose and they include:
·         A clear articulation of your goals and interests
·         Evidence of past experiences and success
·         Your Interest and why you need the program
·         Show Strong writing skill

The Statement of Purpose is an opportunity to express yourself and why you are interested in Canadian education.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR CANADA STUDENT VISA APPLICATION

In summary, for Canada student visa, the requirements are:
·         Course of study of more than six months,
·         The school must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI),
·         The person must be accepted to the program they apply for. The schools will have their own requirements such as English or French ability and prior educational achievement,
·         Proof of financial support
·         Statement of Purpose

CANADA STUDENT VISA - HOW TO APPLY

There are two main ways of applying. You can decide to apply Online or Offline. If you decide to apply offline, you will need to visit the VSF visa application center in Nigeria to submit your documents.  You will also need to present yourself for bio-metrics capture at the visa application center whether your method of application is online or offline. Depending on what your situation is, you might be invited for a physical visa interview.

CANADA STUDENT VISA APPLICATION COST

When applying for the Canada student visa, you will need to pay $150(CAD). You can pay online, or at the visa application center or through a bank transfer. Nigerian students don’t need to get health insurance for the visa. You will also need to pay $85CAD to have your bio-metrics collected.

WHEN YOU CAN START APPLYING

Make sure you allow for enough time between your visa application and when your program actually starts. You should start your visa application immediately you get admitted into the school of your choice. You should try and apply between 4-6 months before your program starts in Canada. Once your application is done, you can expect to wait for about one hundred and twelve days for your visa application decision.

This long list might be very difficult to keep up with for some of us. For some others, it is choosing the right school. Some other people have challenges choosing what course or degree will best fit them. Whichever category you fall, you will always do better with an extra hand. Someone to walk you through the process, making it hassle-free and successful. I’d recommend you speak with an education counselor or someone who has gone through the process and was successful.

 Babatunde Mohammed

Your Visa/Immigration plug.

For more info: AfriCanadaVisa