Canada Student Visa for Sri Lankan Students

Need assistance with your Canadian student visa application?

Canada is one of the most popular places to study abroad. Considering its popularity, most of you want to know how you can get a student visa. So, Canada issues a Study Permit and a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). You don’t know what a study permit is? Don’t worry we are here to explain everything in detail. Read on.

What is a study permit?

This is not a visa, it’s a permit or a document issued by the Citizen and Immigration (CIC) which allows you to Study in Canada. If you hold a study permit, you must remain enrolled and make reasonable and timely progress towards completing your course.

Your study permit is always accompanied along with a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Please note that a study permit is a document that allows you to study in Canada while a visitor visa or ETA allows you to enter Canada. Your counsellor will help you access the latest information and connect you with authorised migration experts.

Documents required for your study permit

To apply for your study permit, you will need:

• An acceptance letter from your educational institution, and

• A valid passport or travel document

• Proof that you can support yourself or any family members who might accompany you, while you’re in Canada

Check the minimum funds that need to be reflected in your bank account as an international student

You must also:

• Prove that you have enough money to pay for your:

  • tuition fees

  • living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada, and

  • return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada

• Be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada (you may have to provide a police certificate)

• Be in good health (you may need to complete a medical exam)

• Have a letter of explanation: This letter explains your goals and interest to study in Canada

You will also be required to appear for a personal interview at the Canadian embassy or consulate.

To prove you can financially support yourself and any accompanying family members, you may be asked to provide:

• Documentation of a Canadian bank account in your name if money has been transferred to Canada

• Documentation of a student/education loan from a financial institution

• Bank statements

• A bank draft in convertible currency

• Proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees

• A letter for the person or institution providing your funding

• Proof of funding paid from within Canada if you have a scholarship or are enrolled in a Canadian-funded educational program

*Please note that these are the basic requirements, speak with your IDP counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing

Applying for your visa online

You’ll have to apply for your student visa application online using the CIC official website. You can apply up to three months before your intended date of travel to Canada. Remember, your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.

Benefits of online visa application

Cost of Study permit

As an applicant from outside Canada, you will have to pay CAD 150 as your visa fee (do check the latest fee when applying here).

English language requirements

To gain your Canadian visa, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work, and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognised by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.

If you want to pursue your undergraduate degree in Canada, then you require a minimum of 6.0 band in your IELTS with no band less than 5.5 and similarly, for a post-graduate degree, you are required to score 6.5 band with no band less than 6.0.

(Know more about IELTS)

If you want to know more about student visas to study in Canada, get in touch with our international education experts at IDP. They will help you with the end-to-end admission process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ques 1: What are the basic requirements for a Canadian student visa?
Ans: You would mostly need proof of acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses, no criminal record (evidenced by a police certificate), and a medical exam certifying you're in good health.

Ques 2: How long does it take to process a Canadian student visa application?
Ans: The Processing time of the visa can vary depending on the applicant's case. Generally, it takes about 3 to 4 weeks, but it's advisable to check the official Canadian immigration website for the most current processing times. You can connect with IDP experts to know more.

Ques 3: Can I work in Canada with a student visa?
Ans: Yes, a Canada student visa permits you to work in Canada but under certain conditions. Full-time students enrolled at an accredited higher education institution can work on or off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks without a work permit.

Ques 4: Do I need to show proof of English or French proficiency for a Canadian student visa?
Ans: Yes, in most cases you need to show proficiency in English or French, depending on your institution's language of instruction. This is often demonstrated through standardized tests like the IELTS for English or the TEF for French.