Study Visa in Canada: Age Limit, Process, and Eligibility

Surya Rathee
[Published 21 May, 2022 | 12:01 PM]
About Author - 5 min read
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Canada - the land of Ice Hockey, Maple Syrup, and Tim Hortons.

Canada also showcases some of the world’s best universities and colleges – and is one of the most preferred destinations for international students from across the globe.

On average, over 500,000 new students apply for a Study Visa in Canada each year. Studying in a Canadian institute is often a dream for many students living outside of Canada.

Want to take your career to the next level? Here’s everything you need to know about applying for a Study Visa in Canada.

Check Your Eligibility for Canada Study Visa

What is a Study Visa in Canada?

A Study Visa in Canada allows an international student to study in a Canadian DLI. A Designated Learning Institute (DLI) is a university or college which is approved by the provincial or territorial government to host international students. With a Study Visa in Canada, an international student, such as yourself, can stay in the country for the entire duration of the educational course plus 90 days after the studies are completed.

Who needs a Study Visa in Canada?

All international students who want to study in Canada must get a Study Visa and permit. There are however certain conditions where you would not require a study visa in Canada.

• You are a family or a staff member of a foreign representative in Canada accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development Canada.
• You apply for a study program that lasts 6 months or less.
• You are a member of foreign armed forces from the Visiting Forces Act.
• You are a citizen of another country, but you have your Indian status registered in Canada.
• You are a refugee or refugee claimant.
• Your parents are refugees or refugee claimants.

What is the process to apply for a Study Visa in Canada?

Applying for a Study Visa in Canada is an easy 5-step process.

STEP 1: Apply for a Canadian university and get your acceptance letter

Choose a Canadian university or college where you plan on studying – and get accepted. You will be issued an acceptance letter for the same – which you will need when applying for a Study Visa. Some of the top Canadian universities include the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia.

STEP 2: Check if you need to apply for a Study Visa

If you fall into any of the conditions we have mentioned above, you need not apply for a Study Visa.

STEP 3: Start your application process

Once you have acquired your acceptance letter from a Canadian DLI, it’s time to apply for a Study Visa. Visit the CIC website, and start your application process.

You can send your application by post or submit it online. Whilst in the application process, you will be required to submit certain documents. Such documents include your acceptance letter from a Canadian DLI, sufficient proof of funds to support yourself and pay the tuition fees, police verification reports, and medical clearance reports.

STEP 4: Meet the language requirements for a Study Visa in Canada

Although there are ways to apply for a Study Visa without IELTS or any such English language proficiency exams, most Canadian institutions will require confirmation of language proficiency unless you are from an English-speaking country.

STEP 5: Biometrics

Depending on the country you are applying from – you may or may not need to show up at a Visa Application Center (VAC) near you – and have your biometrics taken. This will cost you around CAD $85.

Is there an age limit to applying for Student Visa in Canada?

There is no age limit to applying for a Student Visa in Canada.

As far as you don't pose a threat to their country, there is no age limit - but your documents must be convincing that you are actually going to do the course you are entering for and on completion of your program you will go back to your country.

You will also need to meet the mandated academic and immigration requirements for a Canadian Student Visa such as proof of funds, GIC, SOP, and qualifying IELTS score.

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What is the processing time to apply for a Study Visa?

Canada Study Visa processing times vary greatly depending on your country of residence.

The shortest processing time is 1-2 weeks, but some Study Visa applicants can expect to wait as long as 16 weeks. Processing times also vary on the number of applications received.

Applying under the Student Partners Program (SPP) will help you get a Study Permit faster.

Read More:Is it possible to work in Canada on a Study Visa?