How to apply for Student Visa?

When you are admitted to school or college, you will be mailed two letters of admission. One of these letters is addressed to Citizenship and Immigration Canada so that you may apply for a student authorization (usually called a student visa) to study in Canada. When you take your letters of admission to a Canadian embassy, consulate or high commission, you will also be asked for proof of financial support and completion of a medical examination.

The cost of a student authorization is approximately $125 Cdn.

All international students must have a valid Student Authorization (SA) to study in Canada. Most students receive a SA when they first enter Canada, for example at the Vancouver International Airport. An Immigration official gives the student the SA after signing, dating, and stamping the document. Sometimes this SA specifies certain terms and conditions about the student's stay in Canada, such as how long one can study or at what type of educational institution one may study. Most frequently the SA expires while the student is in Canada.

How to Renew the Student Authorization

We advise the following:

1. Apply for renewal of the SA at least one month before the current one expires.
   
   
2. Request a letter of admission from the Registrar's Office early.
   
   
3. Have a minimum of $3,000 (after tuition fees have been paid) in a bank account for evidence of financial support. If you do not have $3,000 in a bank account, a bank statement and a letter in English can be sent from your parents, a guardian or sponsor, promising continual financial support.
   
   
4. Mail the completed application form (which is available at the International Student Centre) and all required documents to the Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Vegreville, Alberta.

An immigration official will process the application and the SA will be issued and mailed to the applicant. Normally, from the time the applicant mails the application, it will take four weeks to receive the SA. The process will take longer during busy times (July-September) if the application is incomplete, if some required documents are missing, or if the official wants an interview with the applicant. In these cases the official will telephone or write the applicant.

If a student applies for extension of the SA during the summer months and wishes to receive the renewed document before going home or on holidays, it is necessary to apply early.

Students must have a valid Student Authorization and current medical insurance to attend classes at school or college. Copies of the valid documents must be submitted to the International Student Centre or registration at your school or college.