Canada Student Visa Processing Time After Biometrics Submission

Manmeet Kaur
[Published 06 Jan, 2024 | 11:36 AM]
About Author - 6 min read
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Have you submitted your biometrics and are patiently waiting to receive a Canada Student Visa?

Starting your educational journey in Canada can be quite exciting, but the anticipation of obtaining a student visa can become a source of anxiety for many international students. Don’t worry, in this blog, we will shed light on the Canada student visa processing time and if you haven’t already started your study visa process, we will dive into the step-by-step process for obtaining a Canadian student visa.

Timeframe for Canada Student Visa After Biometrics

The average time to get a Canada Student Visa after taking biometrics is about 7 to 10 weeks. Note that this time does not include the duration a student takes to give their biometric information.

On average, a Study Permit applied from India takes about 8 weeks. If applied through Student Direct Stream (SDS), it takes 20 days (assuming all criteria are met). 

All that said, the exact timeframe cannot be decided as a variety of factors affect the processing - such as application volume, completeness of documentation, and individual circumstances.

Did you know?

The study visa application requires your biometrics if you are applying for the first time, and if you have given your biometrics, you don’t need to give them again for 10 years.

Essential Tips to Reduce Delay in Canada Student Visa Application

Follow these tips to avoid application delays -

• Follow the instructions given to submit a biometric properly.
• Either apply your application online or in person at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Don’t mail!
• Submit the biometric fee when applying.
• Provide your biometric information at the time of applying at a VAC or after getting your Biometric Instruction Letter.
• Consider the transit time if your closest VAC requires travel.
• In case of a medical condition or permanent injury on your hands or face, bring a document that states your condition to your VAC appointment.

Canada Student Visa Application Process

Understanding the student visa application process can clarify a lot of things for you and make applying for the visa easier. If you wish to study in Canada, here is the step-by-step guide laid out for you:

Step 1 - Application Preparation

Your application preparation begins months before submission. Before starting the formal application process, you must first secure admission to a recognized educational institution in Canada. Once you are accepted, the next step is to prepare the required documents - a valid passport, proof of acceptance from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI), financial documents, study plan, and letter of acceptance.

Step 2 - Online Application Submission

After gathering the documents, submit their online visa application through the IRCC portal. Also, pay the necessary fees along with the biometrics fee.

Step 3 - Biometrics Appointment

Once you pay fees, including the biometrics fee, and submit the application, the IRCC will send you a letter stating you need to provide biometrics. Bring this letter to the Visa Applicant Center (VAC) along with a passport. Also, the applicant will be given 30 days to give biometrics in person. This involves providing fingerprints and a photo - the process is quite straightforward.

If you did not pay the biometrics fee, the authorities will send you a letter to do that first. Complete this step promptly, as this can affect the Canada student visa processing time.

Step 4 - Application Processing

The processing time may vary on various factors - your country of residence, the type of program, and the time of year. Generally, the Canada Student Visa processing time can take 8 weeks.

Step 5 - Medical Examination (If Required)

You may be required to undergo a medical examination. This may depend on the program’s length and country of origin. Completing the medical examination is important to avoid delays in the visa processing time.

Read More Also:- What's the next step after biometrics for Canada Study Visa?

Step 6 - Visa Approval and Passport Stamping

Once authorities are satisfied, your Student Visa for Canada will be approved and you will receive a letter of introduction. Submit this letter along with your passport and other documents to the Canadian visa office to receive a visa stamp.

It's important to note that students must arrive in Canada before the program start date, as indicated on the letter of acceptance.

The processing speed for Canada study visas this year is predicted to set a new record, targeting 600,000 permits in 2023. This could result in delays in obtaining a study visa for Canada.

Getting a student visa for Canada is a bit of a complex process, especially for first-timers. You need to prepare well, submit everything on time, and make sure you meet all the requirements. It might take a bit, but seeking professional help from the best immigration consultants in Bangalore, being proactive in each step, and having all your docs in order can make things smoother and quicker.

Good luck!

Read also on Quora:- How many days does it take to get a biometric email after submitting a Canadian study visa file?