Canada Visa Requirements for Singaporean Students

• In Canada, a student visa is often referred to as a 'study permit'. 

• It is important that you make sure you have the correct study permit for your international studies before you leave for Canada. 

• The Canadian immigration authority is called Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

• As study permit conditions can change quickly, you will need to make sure you follow up-to-date advice. The best place to find this advice is the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. 

• Your IDP counsellor can direct you to the relevant IRCC information and can help you find authorised immigration representatives if need be. 

• Often you will need to have documents translated and couriered. Our team can guide you through this so you have less paperwork to keep track of!

Opting for the guidance of an educational consultant offers a stress-free alternative to self-application. With a professional managing the intricate procedures on your behalf, you can focus on settling into your new life in Canada and preparing for your academic success at a top university of your choice. This personalised support ensures a smoother and more efficient student visa application process, ensuring a seamless transition. 

When you're ready to embark on the journey of applying for a Canada study permit, turn to IDP for unparalleled support and guidance. Our experienced team is here to assist you every step of the way. Whether it's understanding the requirements, organising documentation, or navigating the application process, we're dedicated to making your experience seamless and successful.  

Let IDP be your reliable partner in realising your dream of studying in Canada. 

Arranging for study permits or visas can feel daunting, but when you have the right support and direction, you can take the stress out of the application process. 

As you will be aware: 

We offer comprehensive visa support to students interested in studying in Canada, and our services are provided completely free of charge. 

In the realm of visa assistance, it's crucial for us to emphasise that while we guide students throughout the application process, we strongly recommend they also keep abreast of the most up-to-date Canada student visa requirements on the IRCC website. 

Our commitment extends beyond visa support — we're here to make your journey smoother. 

Beyond the application process, IDP can: 

• Review your visa application: Our experienced consultants can meticulously go through your application to ensure all details are accurate and complete. 

• Advise on provincial guidelines: Different provinces in Canada may have specific guidelines. We can help you understand and adhere to these guidelines. 

• Assist in collating necessary documents: Gathering the required documents is crucial. Our team can guide you in collecting and organising all the necessary paperwork. 

• Guide through submission: Submitting your study permit application can be complex. We're here to walk you through the process step by step. 

• Coordinate additional information: If any additional information or documents are requested, we'll help you gather and submit them promptly. 

• Track your application progress: Track the status of your university application through the IDP app. You can receive updates and notifications, keeping you in the loop throughout the process. 

At IDP, our support encompasses a holistic approach, ensuring that your journey from application to study permit issuance is as smooth and successful as possible. While we may not provide advice on immigration and permanent residency, we can guide you to your educational aspirations.

• Are you planning to study in Canada? 

• Is your intended course of study longer than six months? 

• Do you have a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada? 

• Are you financially equipped to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation? 

• Do you have a clean criminal record? 

If you find yourself aligning with the aforementioned criteria, it's likely that you will be able to apply for a Canadian study visa.   

Before you set your sights on studying in Canada, it's essential to understand the requirements that apply to prospective international students. You are eligible to apply for a Canadian study permit if you meet the following conditions:  

• Enrollment at a designated learning institution (DLI): To be eligible, you must be accepted and enrolled in a programme at a recognised DLI in Canada. These are schools approved by government bodies to host international students. 

• Sufficient financial resources: You need to demonstrate that you possess enough funds to cover various expenses, including tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members, as well as return transportation. Find out more about the estimated costs of studying in Canada. 

• Legal compliance and character: Applicants must have a clean criminal record and adhere to the law. If necessary, you should obtain a police certificate. 

• Good Health: Ensuring your health is vital, and you might be required to undergo a medical examination. 

• Intent to depart Canada: During the application process, you must prove to the immigration officer that you plan to leave Canada once your study permit expires.

If you're a Singaporean aspiring to study in Canada, you might be wondering whether you need a Canadian visa or if there's an alternative pathway. The good news is that Singaporeans do not require a traditional Canadian visa to pursue their studies in Canada. However, study permits will be required for some individuals. Here's a breakdown of the study permit requirements and the benefits they entail:  

• Study without a permit for up to six months: If your study programme lasts for less than six months, you can pursue your studies in Canada without a study permit, provided you hold valid visitor status. This requires either a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an electronic travel authorisation (eTA). If your academic pursuit takes you to Quebec and your duration of study is under six months, you needn't apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). 

• Study longer than six months: If your study programme surpasses six months, securing a study permit becomes mandatory. It's important to note that a study permit isn't a visa; upon approval, you'll also receive a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an eTA based on your passport or travel document. Also, studying in Quebec mandates obtaining a CAQ. 

• Extending your study permit or changing status: When your study permit nears expiration, you have the option to: 

  1. Extend your Canada study permit: If you wish to continue your studies, you can extend your study permit. Apply at least 30 days before the permit expires or even sooner if your plans are set. 

  2. Post-graduation work permit (PGWP): After completing your study programme, you may be eligible to apply for a PGWP, allowing you to gain valuable work experience in Canada. 

  3. Change to visitor status: If you're not pursuing further studies or applying for a PGWP, you can apply to change your status to "visitor". 

And if you're studying in Quebec, obtaining a new CAQ is essential for your continued stay.

You need these documents to apply for a study permit:  

Embarking on your educational journey in Canada requires proper documentation to ensure a seamless study permit application process. To equip yourself with the necessary tools for success, make sure you have the following documents ready: 

Letter of acceptance 

Demonstrate your acceptance to a DLI in Canada. Enclose your official acceptance letter or its electronic counterpart when submitting your study permit application.  

Proof of identity 

Present valid identification, such as your passport or other government-issued documents, to establish your and your family member's identity and nationality accurately. These modes of identification must include the passport number, date of issuance and expiration, name, and place of birth. Be sure to also include two copies of recently taken ID photos. 

Proof of financial support 

Highlight your ability to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation costs for yourself and any accompanying family members. You have several options to demonstrate your financial capacity, such as documentation of a Canadian bank account under your name, your bank statements for the past four months, and others. 

Provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter 

Most study permit applicants need to provide a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL). Unless you meet one of the exceptions you must submit a PAL/TAL with your application, not after 

You may also need: 

Letter of explanation 

This letter should articulate your motivations for choosing Canada as your study destination and showcase your comprehension of student responsibilities. Even if a study permit isn't mandatory for your programme, including this letter adds depth and clarity to your application. 

Quebec Acceptance Certificate attestation 

For those aspiring to study in Quebec for a duration exceeding six months, acquiring an attestation of issuance for the CAQ from the Government of Quebec is imperative. 

Medical examination results 

In some cases, a medical exam may be required to ensure your overall health and readiness for your academic pursuits. 

Custodian declaration (minors only) 

For minor applicants below the age of 17, a custodian declaration may be necessary to ensure proper care and supervision while studying in Canada. 

Additional documents 

Depending on your unique circumstances, other documents may be required to complete your application. This can include documents like a copy of your marriage licence. 

Navigating the process of applying for a Canadian study permit and visa as a Singaporean student may seem intricate, but with the right support and understanding, it becomes manageable. While Singaporeans often require a Canada eTA rather than a visa, a study permit offers advantages like extended study periods and work opportunities. Due to the recent changes in Canada’s student and immigration policies, staying well-informed through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website is essential, and IDP is here to assist you at every stage, ensuring your educational journey in Canada is seamless and successful.