How to Get a Student Visa for Canada?

The Application

You can apply for a student permit through paper application obtained from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website but it takes a long time. For online application, you need to have a credit or debit card and electronic copies of supporting documents, depending on the country you live in. For more help, contact the nearest Visa Application Center(VAC).

The Process

1. Obtain a standardized letter of acceptance from the Canadian university you have applied for. For students studying in Quebec, a Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) from the government of Quebec is also required.
2. A Canadian student visa application package must be obtained, either from the CIC website, your local visa office, the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country. You may also need a temporary residence permit if you are from a particular designated country. To get the application package, you will need to answer a few questions to prove your eligibility on the CIC website.
3. If you are considered eligible, you will receive a personal checklist code which is valid for 60 days along with an application guide, an estimated tuition fees amount, a list of documents needed, and future guidelines. Print that page for future reference.
4. Create a MyCIC account and enter the personal checklist code. Upload and send the scanned documents according to the list to CIC. After payment of fees along with documents and application form, you can submit the completed application to CIC. Some applicants may also be called for an interview.

Additional Requirements 

1. Some applicants may need to get a medical exam and police check with the application. You will thereby be required to provide a Police Clearance Certificate to clear all criminal records.
2. You will need a valid passport to return to your country of origin after completion of course. Two passport-sized pictures with your name and date of birth written on the back are required
3. Canadian student visa rules require you to submit a proof that you have an additional CA$10,000 for every year you stay in Canada along with tuition fees amount to support yourself. As proof, you can submit any of the following documents: 
4. Bank statements
5. Proof of a bank account in Canada in your name
6. A bank draft in convertible currency
7. Proof of payment of tuition fees
8. Proof of funding from within Canada for scholarships and Canada funded programs.

Final Steps

You will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and a temporary residence visa if your Canadian student visa application is approved. The eTA is thereby linked to your passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires. Then travel with the passport you used to apply for a study permit.

At the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), present your passport, proof of finances, letter of acceptance and the documents provided above to get your Canadian study permit and allow access to Canada.