Documents Required for Canada Student Visa Application in 2024

If you plan to pursue education in Canada, you must navigate the documents required for a Canada student visa. These documents will ensure that obtaining a study permit is smoother and support you during your stay.

In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive list of documents required for Canada immigration for students, helping you prepare thoroughly for a successful application process.

List of Documents Needed for Canada Student Visa

There is a list of documents required for a Canada study visa as per various categories like financial documents, documents for SDS and Non-SDS, and more. Let’s dive in-detail

1. Letter of Acceptance:

LOA is a crucial student visa document for Canada, the Letter of Acceptance is provided by a recognized Canadian educational institution upon a successful admission application. This letter verifies enrollment and includes program details such as duration and start date. It is essential to secure this document before applying for a study permit.

2. Valid Passport:

Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada. This is a fundamental requirement specified by the Canadian High Commission to avoid any complications in the application process.

3. Proof of Funds:

Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses, estimated at a minimum of CAD 10,000 per year, plus funds for return travel. Acceptable proofs include:

• Canadian bank account
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution
• Student or education loan
• Bank statements from the past four months
• Convertible bank draft in Canadian dollars
• Proof of paid tuition and housing fees
• Letter of financial support from an individual or educational institution
• Confirmation of funding from within Canada (scholarships or Canadian-funded programs)

4. Passport Size Photographs:

• Offline Applications: Two passport-sized photos meeting specified guidelines.
• Online Applications: A digital photo under 4MB with a neutral facial expression, plain background, and no headgear unless for religious reasons.

5. Immigration Medical Examination (IME):

This document is required for a Canada study visa for medical, conducted by authorized panel physicians. Schedule this examination at least a week before initiating the Visa Application process.

6. English Language Proficiency Exam Score:

Obtain and submit your English Language Proficiency Score, typically required to confirm admission to a Canadian University.

7. Statement of Purpose (Letter of Explanation):

Outline the reason for your visit to Canada and demonstrate your understanding of your obligations as a student.

8. Credit Card:

Required for online applications to pay the CAD 150 application fee. Note that the system accepts credit cards only, not debit cards.

9. Additional Documents:

Be prepared to provide more documents during the interview, such as:

• Academic records
• Test scores
• Plans for leaving Canada after studies
• Strategies for covering educational, living, and travel expenses

Documents Required for SDS and Non-SDS Visa Canada

The documents required for SDS and Non-SDS Canada are almost the same, however, Non-SDS will require you to submit additional documents such as offer letters from colleges participating in the Non-SDS program

Documents Required for SDS Visa Canada

1. Proof of Acceptance: A letter from a recognized Canadian educational institution confirming your admission and enrollment

2. Language Test Results: IELTS or CELPIP test scores with at least Band 6 in each task, accepted by IRCC Canada

3. Proof of Financial Support: Original bank statements showing funds deposited within the last 5 months to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation costs

4. Valid Passport Copy: A copy of your valid passport, ensuring it is not expiring soon

5. Study Permit from Home Country: If applicable, include a copy of your study permit from your home country

6. Online Application Package: Complete and submit the required online application forms and documents as specified by the Canada SDS guidelines

Documents Required for Non-SDS Visa Canada

1. Educational Academic Transcripts: Provide copies of all relevant academic records

2. Language Proficiency Test Scores: Submit IELTS scores or other accepted English language test results

3. Proof of Financial Support: Show proof of funds for Canada immigration to cover tuition fees and living expenses

4. Valid Identification and Travel History: Include documentation of your identity and previous travel records

5. Medical Information: Provide necessary medical examination results and proof of associated fee payment

6. Additional Materials: Any other documents specified by the Canadian Government based on individual circumstances

Financial Documents for Canada Student Visa

One of the important documents for a Canada student visa is the financial proof of fund documentation. You need to provide proof of a student or education loan from a bank, along with your bank statements for the past 4 months. Let’s take a look at them in-detail

1. Bank Statement: Provide a recent bank statement as proof of financial stability

2. School Confirmation Letter: A letter from the school confirming tuition payments or other evidence of financial stability

3. Proof of Scholarship: If applicable, submit an acceptance letter or other document from the awarding institution confirming your scholarship

4. Financial Aid Documents: Include documentation of any financial aid or student loans, such as OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program)

5. Proof of Funds: Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs with copies of bank statements or a letter from your parents or guardians

6. Evidence of Accommodation: Provide evidence of your accommodation arrangements in Canada, such as a lease agreement or document from the landlord

7. Travel Evidence: Documentation of your travel plans to and from Canada

Documents for Canada Study Visa at Airport

There are a few documents to carry while traveling to Canada on a student visa that have to be shown to the immigration officer at the airport, let’s take a look at what they entail

1. Flight Ticket: Required for entry into the international airport in your home country. It's advisable to carry a paper copy along with a digital e-ticket.

2. Passport: The most crucial travel document. Carry multiple copies of the front and back pages for safety.

3. Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for insuring your journey against uncertainties.

4. Currency Conversion Bill: Proof of converting your home currency to Canadian dollars. It is useful if immigration officers inquire about the source of your funds.

5. ArriveCan Advance CBSA Declaration: An optional feature to fill out customs and immigration details in the ArriveCan app 72 hours before landing in Canada. It can expedite the declaration process at certain Canadian airports.

6. Address/Contact Labels on Luggage: Attach slips with your address and contact information on your bags to assist in case of misplacement.

7. The Letter of Introduction or Final Correspondence Letter is the final document you get from IRCC after the approval of your student VISA Application

Documents for Canada Student Visa Extension

The initial student visa for studying in Canada is valid for the duration of the academic program. However, some students may need to extend their stay beyond the original visa period. To do so, you must submit a request with the necessary supporting documents for a study visa in Canada

Here is a checklist of required documents:

• A valid passport
• A copy of your current study permit
• Proof of enrollment in an eligible academic program
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and any other relevant documents requested by the Canadian Government

Simplify Your Canada Student Visa Process with GetGIS

Applying for a Canada student visa can seem daunting, but having the right documents prepared can significantly streamline the process. By ensuring you have all the necessary paperwork, from proof of enrollment to financial documents, you can increase your chances of a successful application.

At GetGIS, we provide comprehensive support and guidance, helping you organize your documents and navigate the visa process smoothly. Our end-to-end assistance ensures that you are well-prepared for each step, making your journey to studying in Canada as seamless as possible. Book Your Free Consultation