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Study Visa for Canada

The Canadian study visa is one of the most popular student visas in the world, allowing international students to study at prestigious universities and colleges in Canada. Given the high-quality education, job opportunities after graduation, and a safe, multicultural environment, Canada is considered an ideal destination for students from around the globe. If you are looking for a unique experience in studying and living in one of the world’s most advanced countries, applying for a Canadian study visa can be the first crucial step toward your success.

The good news is that Canada plans to attract more than half a million international students in 2024 and 2025, providing an excellent opportunity for obtaining Canadian residency.

Get to Know the Types of Study Visas in Canada

The types of study visas in Canada are divided into two main categories: the Canadian Student Visa and the Canadian School Visa. Each of these visas has its own specific conditions and characteristics.

Canadian Student Visa

The Canadian Student Visa is for individuals who intend to study at universities, colleges, and higher education institutions in Canada. To obtain this visa, you must receive an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in Canada and then apply for a study visa. The required documents include an acceptance letter, proof of financial ability, and identification documents.

Canadian School Visa

The Canadian School Visa is for individuals who are under the legal age and wish to study in elementary or high schools in Canada. This visa also requires acceptance from a recognized school in Canada, and parents or legal guardians must take steps to support the student’s education. Similar to the student visa, required documents include an acceptance letter and proof of financial ability.

Benefits of a Canadian Study Visa for Iranians

Obtaining a Canadian study visa offers numerous benefits, making Canada a popular educational destination. Here are some key advantages of a Canadian study visa:

High-Quality Education: Canadian universities and educational institutions are globally recognized for their high academic and research standards.
Work While Studying: Students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during holidays.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Graduates can apply for immigration programs such as the PGWP, which allows them to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies. More details about work opportunities after graduation will be discussed later.
Multicultural Environment: Canada is a multicultural country that provides a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for international students.
Scholarship Programs: Overall, the cost of studying in Canada is lower than in Australia, the UK, and the USA. Additionally, students can access scholarships and job opportunities to help cover their tuition fees.
High Level of Safety: Canada is one of the safest countries in the world, ensuring students can study with peace of mind.
Support Services for International Students: Canadian universities and educational institutions offer extensive support services to help international students succeed.
Experience Life in One of the Best Countries: Living in Canada allows students to experience a rich cultural and social environment.

The numerous benefits of a Canadian study visa attract thousands of students from around the world each year.

What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a Canadian Study Visa for Iranians?

To obtain a Canadian study visa, applicants must meet specific requirements. Here is a summary of the main conditions for obtaining a Canadian study visa:

Acceptance from a Recognized Educational Institution: Obtaining an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Proof of Financial Ability: Providing documents that demonstrate financial capability to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel costs.
Valid Identification Documents: Submitting a valid passport and other required identification documents.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-written SOP explaining the purpose of studying in Canada and future plans after graduation is crucial. You must convince the immigration officer that you do not intend to stay in Canada permanently and will leave after completing your studies.
Medical Certificate: A medical examination may be required to prove good health.
Police Clearance Certificate: Providing a criminal record certificate to prove a clean legal background.
Language Proficiency: Demonstrating proficiency in English or French through recognized language tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Payment of Application Fees: Paying the necessary fees for the study visa application process.

These are the main requirements for obtaining a Canadian study visa. Applicants must carefully follow these conditions to successfully secure their visa.

An Overview of Canadian Study Visa Costs

If you plan to study in Canada, you should be aware of the costs associated with obtaining a study visa. Here, we provide a detailed breakdown of the Canadian study visa costs:

Study Visa Processing Fees

محل هزینه	مبلغ (دلار کانادا)
اپلیکیشن فی ویزای تحصیلی	150 دلار
تمدید ویزای تحصیلی	150 دلار
بازیابی وضعیت دانشجویی	300 دلار
بایومتریک دانشجو	85 دلار
آزمون زبان انگلیسی یا فرانسوی	300 دلار (بطور متوسط)
ترجمه مدارک	300 دلار (بطور متوسط)

Dependent Visa Fees

محل هزینه	مبلغ (دلار کانادا)
ویزای توریستی همراه دانشجو	100 دلار
ویزای کاری همراه دانشجو	255 دلار
ویزای همراه دانش آموز	100 دلار
بایومتریک برای خانواده	170 دلار

Financial Requirements for a Canadian Study Visa

The most crucial part of the study visa cost is proving financial sufficiency, which includes tuition fees and one year of living expenses in your bank account. Depending on the type of university and the province of residence, the required financial proof for 2024 ranges from approximately 35,000 to 55,000 CAD.

How Much Financial Proof Is Required for a Canadian Study Visa?

Proving financial sufficiency is crucial for obtaining a Canadian study visa. Financial proof means demonstrating the ability to cover tuition fees and living expenses in Canada. Below is a breakdown of the financial requirements for student and school visas in Canada:

Financial Proof Requirement for a Canadian Student Visa from 2024

The required financial proof for a Canadian student visa from January 2024 is outlined in the table below.

تعداد اعضای خانوده	تمکن مالی یک سال برای هزینه زندگی (دلار کانادا)
1 نفر (فقط دانشجو)	20,635
2 نفر	25,690
3 نفر	31,583
4 نفر	38,346
5 نفر	43,492
6 نفر	49,051
7 نفر	54,611

For each additional family member beyond seven, an extra amount of 5,559 CAD will be added to the required financial proof.

Financial Proof Requirement for a Canadian Student Visa in Quebec from 2024

تعداد اعضای خانوده	تمکن مالی یک سال برای هزینه زندگی (دلار کانادا)
1 نفر (زیر 18 سال)	6,569
1 نفر (18 سال به بالا)	13,134
2 نفر (18 سال به بالا)	19,264
2 نفر (18 سال به بالا) و 1 نفر (زیر 18 سال)	21,579
2 نفر (18 سال به بالا) و 2 نفر (زیر 18 سال)	23,290

Note: The above costs are separate from tuition fees. You will need additional financial resources to cover the first-year tuition fees and travel expenses.

Proof of financial sufficiency is demonstrated through documents such as bank statements, valid financial records, and documents related to income and assets. These documents must show that the applicant has the financial capability to cover the cost of education and living expenses in Canada.

Up to What Age Can You Apply for a Canadian Study Visa?

Interestingly, Canada does not have a strict age limit for obtaining a study visa. However, visa conditions may vary depending on the level of education and type of study program:

Applicants Under 18: International students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian who is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada. Students can apply for primary education in Canada as early as five years old.

For high school education, students typically between the ages of 12 and 18 can apply for a student visa.

Applicants Over 18: There are generally no strict age restrictions for undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs. However, some educational institutions may have preferred age requirements for applicants.

Key Considerations for Age Justification in a Canadian Study Visa Application

Relevant Academic Background: While there is no official age limit, having a consistent educational background and logical progression between past education and new studies is important.
Clear Study Purpose: Applicants must have a valid and convincing reason for pursuing education and should be able to explain why they are seeking to study at their current age.

What Are the Required Documents for Obtaining a Canadian Study Visa?

Preparing the necessary documents for a Canadian study visa application must be done meticulously. Before uploading them to the IRCC profile, it is essential to review and verify them multiple times. Even minor inconsistencies or missing documents can lead to delays or visa rejection.

If you have an immigration lawyer, they will handle this critical task. However, if you plan to apply for the visa yourself, it is highly recommended that you seek advice from individuals with successful experiences and consult experts to ensure your documents are correctly prepared.

The required documents fall into three main categories: Personal Information, Proof of Means of Financial Support, and Application Forms. Each category is explained in detail below.

1. Checklist of Personal Documents for a Canadian Study Visa (Personal Information)

Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the university.
Passport copy.
Police clearance certificate from your last country of residence, along with its English translation.
One passport-sized photo (3.5*4.5 cm).
Original degree certificate along with academic transcripts and their English translations.
Language proficiency test results (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).
Employment letter, work contracts, or business registration documents.
Last three months’ salary slips.
Insurance records.
Job offer letter from the home country.
Study plan (Statement of Purpose – SOP).
Resume (sometimes requested by immigration authorities).
Translated birth certificate.
Military service completion or exemption card (for male applicants).
Marriage certificate (for married applicants).
Custody documents for minor children applying for a study visa.
Parental consent letter for minors under 18 traveling for studies.
Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for students studying in Quebec.
Provincial attestation letter (PAL or TAL) from the province of study (not required for PhD and Master’s students).
Submission letter from an immigration lawyer (if applying through a representative).

2. Checklist of Financial Documents for a Canadian Study Visa (Proof of Financial Support)

Bank account statement for the last 4 to 6 months, including the applicant’s and sponsor’s account number
Bank solvency letter for the applicant and sponsor
Proof of tuition fee payment, deposit, or scholarship certificate for students with financial aid
Translation of property documents in the applicant’s or sponsor’s name, including house deed, land title, shop ownership, vehicle registration, or rental agreements
Proof of sponsor’s income, including employment letter, work contract, last 3 months’ salary slips, or business-related documents such as an official newspaper listing, articles of incorporation, company registration certificate, and company income records for self-employed individuals. Business license or retirement order can also be provided.
Notarized affidavit of full financial support from the sponsor

3. Forms Related to the Canada Study Visa Application

Form for individuals applying for a Canada study visa alone:

- Study Permit Form IMM 1249
- Family Information Form IMM 5645
- Temporary Residence Form IMM 5257 SCH1
- Representative Form IMM 5476
Applicants who wish to apply for a study visa with dependents must also complete the following forms in addition to the ones above:
- Student Family Information Form IMM 5713E
- Dependent Work Permit Form IMM 1259
- Travel History Form for Open Work Permit IMM 5257
- Family Information Form for Open Work Permit IMM 5707
- Tourist Visa Form for Dependent IMM 5257
- Travel History Form for Tourist Visa IMM 5257 SCH1
- Family Information Form for Tourist Visa IMM 5645

6 Important Tips for Preparing Canada Study Visa Documents

Accuracy and Precision of Documents: All documents are uploaded to the Immigration Department’s website and stored as part of your record. Therefore, all documents must be prepared carefully and accurately, as any discrepancies can cause issues in the future.
Avoid Providing Fake Documents: Forging documents and certificates has severe consequences from the Canadian government. Avoid submitting any fake documents, as this can lead to serious legal issues. Fake documents can result in a ban from entering Canada for up to 5 years.
All uploaded files must be in PDF format, except for the personal photo.
File sizes should be less than 4 MB.
Providing an English or French translation along with a certified copy of the original documents is mandatory.
Failure to properly prepare academic and work history documents can create challenges when applying for Permanent Residency (PR) after graduation. Seeking help from experienced immigration lawyers at this stage can make your future pathway smoother. Please take the document preparation process seriously!

Correct Format for Canada Student Visa Documents

University Admission Letter

Do not confuse the Canadian study admission letter with the Offer Letter. You initially receive an Offer Letter from the university, but to obtain the final admission letter (LOA), you must pay the deposit fee. Only after this payment will the university issue the final admission letter. When uploading documents, ensure both the admission letter and the deposit receipt are included in the relevant section.

Passport Copy

A scanned copy of the passport’s first page, along with all pages containing entry and exit stamps, must be uploaded as a PDF file in the passport section of your portal. Ensure that your passport remains valid for the duration of your studies to avoid renewal during this period.

Passport Photo

Your visa application photo must:

Be unretouched or minimally and imperceptibly edited.
Show a neutral facial expression (no smiling or frowning).
Not include colored contact lenses or excessive makeup that alters your natural appearance.
Allow prescription glasses, if necessary.
Be 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, with the face height (from chin to hairline) between 31 and 36 mm.

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

You must write a letter to inform the immigration officer about your study plans in Canada. This letter should align with your educational and work history in your home country and justify your decision to study in Canada. Key topics to cover:

Why Canada? Why this field and university?
What are your academic and career goals, and what are your plans after graduation?
What factors will ensure your return to your home country after graduation? Clearly explain your ties, such as employment, family, emotional, and financial commitments.
Why are you not pursuing further studies in your home country?
How will you finance your education and living expenses?

Even if you are confident in your writing skills, it is recommended to have your SOP reviewed by an immigration consultant.

Employment Documents

Employment Confirmation Letter: This document should confirm that you are employed at a reputable company in your home country. It should include your job title, job responsibilities, start date, and salary. The letter must be on company letterhead and include the manager’s signature and company stamp. If possible, request the letter in English to avoid translation costs.

Leave of Absence Letter: It is advisable to obtain a separate leave letter indicating that your study period in Canada is temporary and that you intend to return to your previous job.

Job Offer Letter: While not mandatory, this letter can positively impact your application. Issued by your employer, it states that you have a job offer upon returning from your studies, reinforcing your intent to return to your home country.

Immigration Lawyer’s Submission Letter

Having an immigration lawyer can be an advantage for your application, as they can provide a submission letter defending your case under Canadian immigration laws. While hiring a lawyer does not officially grant extra points, experience has shown that applying for a Canadian study visa through a lawyer increases the chances of approval.

Can You Obtain a Canadian Study Visa Without a Language Certificate?

Fortunately, providing a language certificate is not a mandatory requirement for Iranian applicants when applying for a Canadian study visa. However, most universities require it during the admission process. If you secure a conditional admission without a language certificate, we strongly recommend submitting a valid language test score to convert your admission to unconditional status. Ultimately, to obtain permanent residency and secure a suitable job in Canada, you must be able to communicate effectively in English or French at a proficient level.

Where to Start Your Canadian Study Visa Application?

Step 1: Preparing the Required Documents

We previously discussed the documents needed throughout the Canadian study visa process. Now, it’s time to categorize all documents and prepare them in the correct format and size for uploading.

Step 2: Creating an Account on the Canadian Immigration Website (CIC)

First, visit the Canadian Immigration website, and in the Apply Online section, select the appropriate options based on your conditions, as shown in the image:

Our application is categorized as an “Outside Canada” and “Online Request.”

If you are applying for a study visa along with family members, select “Yes” for the third question; otherwise, choose “No.” Finally, select “Iran” from the list of countries and click the “Continue to IRCC Portal” button at the bottom of the page.

Upon being redirected to a new page, you can create a new account for yourself. Ensure that the email address used for account creation is accessible at all times, as it is crucial. After setting up your account and answering the required questions, you will be directed to the document upload section.

Step 3: Uploading Documents

Now it’s time to upload all the carefully prepared documents to the website. Before uploading, double-check each file to ensure they are placed in the correct section.

Step 4: Paying the Study Visa Fee

Once all documents are uploaded, you will be directed to the visa fee payment page. By completing the application fee payment, you can submit your visa request. A MasterCard or Visa card is required for online payment.

Step 5: Biometric Enrollment

After submitting your Canada visa application, you will receive your biometric instruction letter within a few days or even hours. Using this letter, you must select a biometric collection center, book an appointment, and proceed with fingerprinting.

Since Canada does not have an official embassy in Iran, applicants usually choose VAC (Visa Application Center) offices in neighboring countries such as Turkey, Armenia, or Dubai for their biometrics.

Biometric data remains valid for 10 years, meaning you do not need to repeat the process each time you apply within that period.

Step 6: Receiving the Canada Study Visa

If your study visa application is approved, you will receive a Passport Request Letter (PPR). Based on this letter, you must submit your passport to the Canadian embassy for visa stamping. You can either deliver the passport in person or use a visa pickup service for processing.

FAQ

برای گرفتن ویزای دانشجویی کانادا به گردش مالی حداقل 4 الی 6 ماه از بانک نیاز دارید.

براساس اطلاعات منتشر شده توسط اداره مهاجرت کانادا از تاریخ 1 ژانویه 2024، دانشجویان باید حداقل مبلغی معادل 20,635 دلار کانادا برای خارج از استان کبک تمکن مالی ارائه دهند. برای دانشجویان استان کبک این مبلغ معادل 13,134 دلار کانادا است.