Gaining a Canadian study permit for prospective Indian students was always a challenge. But now the Student Partnership Programme launched by the Canadian High Commission, New Delhi, has come as a boon for Indian students. A student visa to Canada is usually a simple process

Our proactive ways of working make sure that none of our student visa applicants lag behind and are in their universities before the start of their sessions.. Students must also meet the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations.

Where to Apply

An applicant has to apply through VFS, which is available in 9 cities, which will then on behalf of you forward your application to the Canadian High commission in New Delhi.

Process

a. How many days prior a student can apply for Visa

90 days prior a student can apply for visa, but he can only fly 30 days prior from the course commencement date.

b. Document Checklist

The documents varies depending upon the category of visa student is applying You MUST submit the following:

1. University Checklist – Attach THIS checklist as a cover sheet to your application.
2. Application form fully completed (all questions answered), dated and signed,
3. indicating your personal mailing address, reliable phone contact, and your
4. personal email address (if you agree to e-mail communications).
5. Family Information Form and Student Questionnaire (leaving no gaps).
6. Original, valid passport for yourself and each family member requesting a visa, as well as a photocopy of the bio data page.
7. Two passport photographs with a white background for yourself and each family member requesting a visa. The photographs should have your name printed on the back, dated and taken in the past 6 months.
8. Letter of Acceptance from your prospective University in Canada stating
9. unconditional admission, course title, duration of study, level of study, start date (multiple start dates, if applicable) and latest possible date of admission.
10. Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) (if applicable)

The following documents are STRONGLY recommended:

• IELTS test results taken within last 24 months
• Photocopy of the most recent diploma/leaving certificate, and most recent mark sheets (for entire program; consolidated mark sheets are NOT acceptable)
• Copy of medical examination form IMM1017 if you opted to undergo a medical examination before submitting your application.
• Copy of an Educational Loan from an Indian Chartered Bank equivalent to at least 80% of tuition +living + travel expenses for one academic year (normally, first year’s tuition, unless already paid, plus $8000).
• Copy of receipts for payment provided by the University (pre-payment of first term is strongly recommended)
• Generic Checklist

YOU MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:

• Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) (if applicable)
• The following documents are STRONGLY recommended:
• IELTS test result taken within last 24 month
• Photocopy of the most recent diploma/leaving certificate, and most recent mark sheets (for entire program; consolidated mark sheets are NOT acceptable)
• Other educational certificates diplomas/degrees (including mark sheets)
• AS A PREFERRED OPTION for proof of funds: A copy of an Educational Loan from an Indian Chartered Bank equivalent to at least 80% of tuition +living + travel expenses for one academic year (normally, first year’s tuition, unless already paid, plus $8000).
• Copy of receipts for payment provided by the University (pre-payment of first term is strongly recommended) Form 16 for salaried employees or income tax return document.
• Scholarships or any financial assistance or award from a government or other funding agency must be presented on official letter stating the full amount of the award, its duration and any governing conditions.
• Reference letter from the individual(s) providing you financial assistance for your program. The letter must indicate their occupation and relationship to you, the number of dependents they have and their full contact details. You should also provide a letter from the employer of the individual(s) providing you financial assistance for your program, clearly indicating employer contact details and full street address of business location.
• Proof of employment - letter from your current or past employer and payslips (last 3 months). Employment letter dated within 2 months of the application indicating occupation, job description, position, salary, allowances, years of employment, and authorized leave dates.
• Previous passport(s) showing travel history.
• Marriage Certificate and Birth Certificates for each family member whether or not they are requesting a visa, if applicable.
• A student can carry Rs 7200/- appx Cash while applying for Visa.
• D. Processing Time
• Processing time varies from case to case
• Under SPP it takes 3-4 weeks
• Under Non SPP it takes 5-6 weeks
• It is recommended to apply for visa as soon as possible to avoid any kind of hassle
• English Language Requirement
• IELTS is mandatory for if the student if filing for Visa under Students partners program (SPP) with a minimum score of overall 6.0 band.
• And it is also recommended to give IELTS even if the student is filling for visa under Non SPP.

Employment

International students graduating from a program of 2 years or more in length would be eligible for a 3 year work permit after graduation with no restrictions on the types of employment and no requirement for a job offer. The experience gained would provide them an opportunity to work in an international setting and at the same time allow them to earn the money invested.

Midhun Francis