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Canada study visa process for international students

Before you make the journey abroad to begin your studies in Canada, you’ll need to understand the Canada study visa process and be sure to complete every step to receive your study permit. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the Canada study visa process?

To study in Canada as an international student, you’ll need to get a Canadian study permit, also known as a study visa.
The Canada study visa process involves several steps.

  1. Get accepted at a Canadian school. Before beginning the Canada study visa process, you’ll need to apply to and be accepted by an academic program at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
  2. Complete your Canada study permit application online. To apply, you need to create an account with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the part of the Canadian government that’s responsible for managing student permits. You’ll need to submit a number of documents and information about yourself.Specific documents depend on where you have citizenship, but generally include:
    1. Proof of acceptance: A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution.
    2. Proof of identity: A valid passport or travel document.
    3. Proof of financial support: A list of the grants, scholarships, personal savings or student loans you’ve secured to help pay for your education.
    4. A provincial attestation letter: A letter from the Canadian province where you’re planning to study, verifying you’ve been accepted into an educational program within the province.
  3. Attend a biometric appointment. This is an in-person appointment where you’ll have your photo and fingerprints taken.
  4. Complete an interview. In some cases, students are required to complete an in-person interview.

Once your Canada study visa process is completed, Canadian officials will review your study permit application and required supporting documents. If you’re approved, you’ll receive a port of entry letter of introduction.
You may also need a travel visa before you enter Canada. Be sure to check the immigration regulations for travelers from the country where you have citizenship.

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Troubleshooting the Canada study visa process

With a strong uptick in the number of international students studying in Canada, it’s easy for the IRCC to become overwhelmed with applications. The last thing you want is for a mistake or a missing document to slow down receiving your study permit.

Here are a few tips to prevent a delay in your application:

  • Complete the required security and medical screenings. Any delay in completing these tasks can delay your Canadian study permit application.
  • Respond promptly to any letters or email from the IRCC.
  • Schedule an interview as part of your Canada study visa process, if one is required, as soon as possible, as decisions about your permit won’t be made until the interview is complete.

If you’ve completed the Canada study visa process but haven’t received your study permit yet, it’s possible your application is delayed because of a backlog of applications. Here are steps you can take to check on the status of your application:

  • Check the status online. Use the IRCC application status tracker by creating a new account – different from your application account – to check your application status. Keep in mind that when you send in your application and when processing starts are not the same, so your status may not show up right away.
  • Contact the IRCC. This branch of the Canadian government has offices all over the world, so you can make an appointment at a location near you to talk to someone in person about your application.
  • Consult an attorney. If you’re unable to get information about your application via other methods, you may want to hire an immigration lawyer who can help you through the process of sorting out your delayed study visa.

Funding your education in Canada

The cost of getting a degree in Canada can run as high as CAD$40,000 per year. If your personal savings won’t cover the costs, there are several options to help pay for your education.

  • Grants and scholarships. Grants and scholarships may be available from your educational institution. There are also awards available from organizations and foundations dedicated to helping students from certain countries or students studying various subjects. Grants are typically awarded based on financial need, while merit-based scholarships are usually awarded for academic performance. The great thing about grants and scholarships is they do not need to be paid back as long as all requirements are met.
  • Fellowships. These are usually given to graduate students, and they also do not need to be paid back. Fellowships help graduate students afford the cost of education while also providing opportunities to increase skills through teaching, research, training or other activities.
  • Work-study. Some universities have work-study programs where international students receive financial assistance for performing work on campus.
  • Student loans. When money received from grants, scholarships, fellowships and work-study opportunities doesn’t cover the entire cost of tuition and other expenses, student loans may be the best option. Loans must be paid back to a lender, along with interest and fees.

Federal student loans from the Canadian government usually aren’t available to international students because they’re not Canadian citizens. Private international student loans are an option, but many lenders require a cosigner – someone who lives in Canada and has a strong credit history and verifiable income. Finding a cosigner can be hard for many international students, but there are lenders like MPOWER Financing that offer student loans without a cosigner.

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Let MPOWER help with the Canada study visa process

MPOWER Financing is a leader in education loan financing. As one of the few lenders offering no-collateral and no-cosigner student loans, MPOWER is dedicated to helping you achieve your dreams of getting a degree in Canada. MPOWER also offers loans for students studying in the U.S.

Because MPOWER knows how difficult it is to have student loans requiring cosigners, MPOWER offers flexible, fixed-rate funding options at competitive interest rates – no cosigner or collateral required. Rather than making loan decisions based on your credit history and financial situation, MPOWER offers loans based on your academic success and your future potential. With MPOWER, you can borrow up to US$100,000 to study at one of over 20 schools in Canada, with 10-year repayment plans and no prepayment penalty.

Along with financial aid for international students, MPOWER Financing supports you through the process of applying for a Canadian study visa. MPOWER’s Path2Success program guides international students through every step of their educational journey in the U.S. and Canada – from getting visas to living abroad and building your career.

The Path2Success program supports the Canada study visa process by providing:

  • A loan acceptance letter to prove you have the education loan financing to support your studies – a requirement by the Canadian government for your visa application.
  • A visa prep course to help you fully prepare for your visa interview, if one’s required.

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FAQs

As an international student, what do I need to study in Canada?

To study in Canada as an international student, you’ll need to get a Canadian study permit, also known as a study visa.

Does a Canada study visa allow me to work in Canada?

Some Canada study permits allow students to work while enrolled in school. Check the conditions of your study permit to see if you’re eligible for employment as a student.

How long does it take to get a Canadian study visa?

Processing times for a Canadian study permit can vary based on your country of application and the completeness of your application. However, usually it takes about three months to receive the approval.

How can I prove my financial support for the Canadian study visa application?

You can prove your financial support through a combination of grants, scholarships, personal savings or student loans. MPOWER Financing provides a loan acceptance letter that can be used as proof of financial support.

How long is a study permit in Canada usually valid?

A study permit in Canada is typically valid for the duration of your study program, plus an extra 90 days. These 90 days allow you to prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay.

What should I do if my Canada study visa application is delayed?

If your application is delayed, you can check the status online using the IRCC application status tracker, contact the IRCC directly or consult a legal representative for assistance.

*Rates as low as 9.99% (10.89% APR) available only for the fall 2025 semester and you must submit your application by December 31, 2024. This interest rate and APR includes a 0.25% discount for automatic recurring payments and a 0.75% discount from our limited-time early planner promotion.

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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