How to Apply for a Student Visa in the U.S. and Canada

If you’re an international student planning to study in the U.S. or Canada, getting a student visa is a key step in your journey. Whether you’re heading for graduate studies or another program, understanding the visa application process can make things much smoother. This article will walk you through the steps you need to take, focusing on what’s required for the U.S. F-1 visa and the Canadian study permit. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to start your studies abroad without any issues.

Understanding the types of student visas

U.S. F-1 Visa

The F-1 visa is the most common student visa for international students wishing to study at an accredited U.S. institution. A U.S. student visa allows you to live in the U.S. for the duration of your academic program and engage in optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.

Canadian Study Permit

The Canadian study permit allows international students to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. While it’s technically not a visa, it is required for most students who plan to study in Canada for more than six months.

Explore Immigration Tips

Have questions about the visa process? MPOWER’s immigration resources are for students like you.

Step-by-step guide: How to apply for a U.S. student visa

1. Get accepted to a SEVP-approved school

Before applying for an F-1 visa, you must be accepted into a program at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, your school will issue a Form I-20, which is part of the USA student visa requirements necessary for your application.

2. Pay the SEVIS fee

After receiving your Form I-20, you must pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. This fee helps maintain the SEVIS database, which tracks students and exchange visitors in the U.S. You’ll need the payment receipt for your visa interview.

3. Complete the DS-160 form

Next, complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) form, available on the U.S. Department of State’s website. This form is required for your visa interview and must be filled out accurately.

4. Schedule and attend a visa interview

Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Interview wait times vary, so schedule early.

5. Gather required documents

For your visa interview, you’ll need to prepare several documents, including:

A valid passport
Form I-20 issued by your SEVP-approved school
DS-160 confirmation page
Visa application fee payment receipt
SEVIS fee payment receipt
Passport-sized photos that meet U.S. visa photo requirements
Financial evidence showing you can cover tuition and living expenses
Academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates from schools attended
Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school
Proof of ties to your home country

Step-by-step guide to applying for a Canadian student visa (study permit)

1. Get accepted to a DLI

To apply for a Canadian study permit, you must first be accepted into a program at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Once accepted, you’ll receive a letter of acceptance, required for your study permit application.

2. Gather necessary documents

You’ll need several documents to apply for a Study Permit, including:

A valid passport
A letter of acceptance from a DLI
Proof of financial support showing you can cover tuition fees, living expenses and return transportation
Passport-sized photos meeting Canadian visa photo requirements
A letter of explanation (if applicable) about why you want to study in Canada and that you understand your responsibilities as a student
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo), which may be required depending on your country of origin

3. Apply for a study permit online or on paper

You can apply for a study permit online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or submit a paper application to a visa application center (VAC). Online applications are generally processed faster.

4. Pay the application fee and submit biometrics

Pay the required application fee, which typically includes the study permit fee and biometrics fee. If biometrics are required, you’ll need to provide them at a designated collection point.

5. Wait for processing and approval

After submitting your application, wait for the IRCC to complete processing. If approved, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) letter of introduction and a study permit. Depending on your nationality, you may also receive a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

Tips for a successful visa application

Start early: Visa processing times can vary, so it’s important to begin your application as soon as you receive your acceptance letter from a U.S. or Canadian institution.
Be thorough: Ensure all forms are completed accurately and that you provide all required documents. Incomplete applications can lead to delays or denials.
Show financial stability: Demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition, living expenses and other costs while studying abroad. Creating a study abroad budget is a great idea for your own use at this stage.
Prove ties to your home country: Be prepared to show strong ties to your home country, such as family, property or a job offer, to convince visa officers of your intention to return after completing your studies.

About MPOWER Financing

MPOWER Financing helps international students understand and navigate elements of the U.S. student visa process, including their visa interview.

Every MPOWER customer has access to visa support services such as:

A free visa support letter demonstrating students are financially supported for school
A free visa essentials course, so students are fully prepared for their visa interview

MPOWER offers personalized mock interviews and live Q&A webinars for students who want additional support (US$99 fee required). For an additional fee, MPOWER students also have access to speak with former U.S. visa officers.

Financial support

MPOWER is dedicated to easing the financial burden for international students planning to study abroad.

Easy access to loans: MPOWER evaluates students based on future prospects rather than just past financial history, eliminating the need for a cosigner or collateral. This approach not only simplifies the loan acquisition process but also aids in credit history development without any penalties for early repayment.
Diverse financing options: MPOWER Financing offers a range of fixed rate student loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000 at competitive rates. Students also enjoy a discount of 0.25% on interest rates with auto pay, and eligibility for MPOWER financing isn’t affected by loans from other financial institutions.

At MPOWER Financing, we believe funding a student’s education is only the first step to success – not the last. That’s why every MPOWER student gains access to exclusive career, visa and financial resources through our Path2Success program. We help students succeed.

MPOWER Financing Student Loan

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FAQs

What’s the SEVIS fee for a U.S. F-1 visa, and why do I need to pay it?

The SEVIS fee supports the maintenance of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which tracks international students and exchange visitors in the U.S. You must pay this fee before your visa interview.

How long does it take to process a Canadian study permit?

Processing times for a Canadian study permit vary depending on your country of origin. It’s advisable to apply as early as possible to avoid delays.

Can I work while studying on an F-1 visa or Canadian study permit?

Yes, students on an F-1 visa can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full time during breaks. In Canada, study permit holders can work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full time during scheduled breaks. Income like this can help you get ahead of costs like international student loan repayment.

What should I do if my visa application is denied?

If your visa application is denied, you can request a review of the decision or reapply with additional supporting documents that address the reasons for the denial.

DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.

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How to apply for a student visa