How to get a Canadian student visa: UK student’s guide

Thinking of moving to Canada to study from the UK? If you’ve had an offer from a Canadian university, the next step is to apply for your student visa.

But what’s involved in the application process for the Canadian student visa, and how long does it take? Crucially, how much does it cost? We’ll be answering all of these questions and more here in this helpful guide.

We’ll look at the student visa fees for Canada, the required documents, visa processing times and a step-by-step guide to the application process.

And if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to manage your money as an international student, check out the Wise account. This powerful online account lets you manage multiple currencies at once, including Canadian dollars (CAD).

You can even get a Wise international debit card, to start spending like a local from the moment you arrive in Canada.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

What is a study permit in Canada?

In Canada, a student visa is called a study permit. It’s issued to foreign nationals who’ve been accepted to study at a designated learning institute (DLI) in Canada.

Importantly though, a Canadian study permit is not a visa. On its own, it doesn’t let you legally enter the country. For that, you may need to get a visitor visa or electronic travel authorisation (eTA).¹

If you’re successful in your application for a study permit though, you’ll be issued with the required visa at the same time.¹

Types of student visas in the Canada

There’s only one type of Study Permit for Canada. However, as we’ve discussed above, you also need either a visa or electronic travel authorisation (eTA) in order to enter Canada as an international student.

The good news is that British citizens don’t need to apply for the visitor visa. If successful in applying for a study permit, you’ll automatically be issued with an electronic travel authorisation (eTA).²

What are the requirements for a student visa in Canada?

In order to get a permit to start your course, here are the Canada student visa requirements you’ll need to meet:³

• Be enrolled at a designated learning institute (DLI) in Canada
• Are in good health, and can prove it with a medical exam (if required)
• Have no criminal record, and can prove it with a police certificate (if required).
• Have enough money to financially support yourself and any dependents while in Canada. This includes being able to afford your return travel home once your course has finished.

You’ll also need to provide a number of documents to support your application:⁴

• Proof of identity - such as a valid passport and two recent passport-sized photos
• Proof of acceptance on your course
• Evidence of financial support - such as proof of a student loan, or proof of a Canadian bank account in your name.

You’ll need to show you have funds of at least $10,000 CAD (nearly £6,000 GBP) a year. This is just for you, and doesn’t include tuition fees. If you’re bringing a spouse or child over with you, this minimum requirement increases.⁴

If you’re planning to study in Quebec, you’ll need at least $17,000 CAD a year (around £10,000 GBP).⁴ This is likely due to the higher cost of living in this part of the country.

As part of your application, you may also need:⁴

• A medical exam
• Police certificate
• A letter of explanation (covering why you want to study in Canada)
• Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) - if studying in Quebec.

The average processing time for Canada student visas

The average Canada student visa processing time is around 7 weeks, if applying from outside the country.⁵ This doesn’t include any time required to give your biometrics at a visa application centre.

Are there any restrictions on working hours with a Canada student visa?

You may be able to work in Canada with a study permit, as long as the conditions of your permit say you can.

Normally, you’d need a work permit to work and earn money in Canada. But this requirement is waived if you are a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI). However, you will need to get a Social Security Number (SIN).

However, there are restrictions on Canada student visa working hours. During term time, you can work off campus up to 20 hours a week, although some exceptions to this apply.⁶

Outside of term time, you can work full time hours if you wish.⁶

Student visa application fees for Canada

The student visa fees for Canada are pretty straightforward, and not too expensive either. You’ll just need to pay $150 CAD (around £90 GBP) to apply for your study permit.¹

You don’t need to pay a separate fee if automatically issued with an electronic travel authorisation (eTA).¹

If you’re required to give your biometrics, there’s a separate fee of $85 CAD (around £50 GBP).⁷

Need an easy, affordable way to pay visa fees in CAD? Open a Wise account, and you can get a Wise card. It’s ideal for spending in multiple currencies, including online. So you can use it to pay your visa fee in CAD for low fees and fair exchange rates.

Sign up with Wise

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

How to apply for a Canada student visa

If you’re ready to apply to study in Canada, here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:

1. Check that you meet all eligibility requirements for the visa, and gather your supporting documents. There’s also an instruction guide to read before you start.
2. Go to the Government of Canada website to start your application online. You’ll need to create an account.⁸
3. Complete the online application form and upload supporting documents where required.
4. Pay your visa application fee online.
5. Submit your application and wait for a decision.

You may also be asked to provide biometrics at a visa application centre here in the UK. If so, you’ll be given full instructions on what to do and where to go.

Is the Canada study visa easy to get?

As the process can be completed online, it’s pretty straightforward. However, you do need to provide a number of supporting documents, and meet that all-important financial threshold to show that you can support yourself while in Canada.

But as long as you can do this and have an offer from an approved university, you should be able to get a Canada study permit without too much trouble.

How long can you stay in Canada after your student visa expires?

You’re expected to leave Canada by your visa expiry date, which is usually when your course ends. However, there is a grace period of 90 days.⁹ This is designed to give you time to prepare to leave the country, or to apply to extend your stay.

How to extend your Canada student visa?

To extend your stay in Canada, you’ll need what is known as a visitor record. This will change your study permit to a visitor record.

You’ll need to apply for this at least 30 days before your study permit expires,¹⁰ and you can do it online at the Government of Canada website.

Can you change a student visa to a work visa in Canada?

You may be able to change a student permit to a work permit or a working holiday visa once you finish your studies.

However, you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements and make a new application. You can read all about it here.

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After reading this guide, you should have all the essential info you need to start a Canada study visa application. The best of luck, and enjoy your time in Canada.

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Sources used:

1. Government of Canada - Study permit: About the process
2. Government of Canada - Entry requirements by country or territory
3. Government of Canada - Study Permit - Who can apply
4. Government of Canada - Study Permit - Documents
5. Government of Canada - Check visa processing times
6. Government of Canada - Study in Canada - Work off campus
7. Government of Canada - How to give biometrics?
8. Government of Canada - Study permit - Apply
9. Government of Canada - Study permit - While you study
10. Government of Canada - Extend Stay Eligibility

Sources last checked on date: 19-May-2023