July 10, 2023
Canada documentation comprehensive checklist for international students
by Arunachalam

Are you considering studying abroad? If so, Canada may be the perfect destination for you. In recent years, Canada has seen a surge in the number of international students choosing to further their education there. And it's no wonder why - with its friendly locals, beautiful landscapes, and top-notch education system, Canada has a lot to offer.
But, as with any international move, there are obstacles to overcome. For students heading to Canada, one of the most significant hurdles is obtaining a student visa. Don't worry, though - with the right information and preparation, the process can be manageable.
In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of applying for a student visa in Canada. We'll cover the essential documents you'll need, so you can be well-prepared and confident as you embark on this exciting journey.
Current passport
Students must have a current passport in order to submit an application for a student visa. The passport must be valid for the entire anticipated length of their stay in Canada, according to the Canadian High Commission.
A letter of acceptance from an authorised educational institution (DLI)
The student must secure an acceptance letter from the specified institution or university before they can enrol. The chosen educational facility is then recognised by the authorities as a university. Additionally, the Quebec government must issue a certificate of acceptance to students who are learning there. They need to get this before they can file for a study permit.
Proof of sufficient funds
When requesting a student visa, applicants must provide current evidence of their financial situation. This includes:
- Costs of travel to Canada
- Cost of tuition fees
- Expenses that would be incurred in Canada.
Typically, students will need at least 10,000 CAD for each year of their stay. The student must also show that they have the money necessary to earn a fair return. For each year they plan to remain, students who are interested in applying to Quebec must have at least 11,000 CAD. Financial institution documentation, bank statements, evidence of tuition fee payments, and proof of room and board payments are additional mandatory documents needed for a Canadian student visa.
Immigration Medical Check-up
Prior to starting their visa application, international students must successfully complete a mandatory immigration medical evaluation. This gives the doctor enough time to check and submit all necessary paperwork.
Proficiency exam in English
Students must take the English language proficiency test and get their results before starting the visa application procedure. They must present their English language test results to confirm their acceptance to the Canadian university. The TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and other corresponding exams are all accepted. To be eligible for a visa, students must have a TOEFL score of 90 out of 120. An overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no bands lower than 6 is required.
Statement of Purpose
Students are required to submit an essay as part of their application for a Canadian study permit outlining their reasons for travelling to Canada, their selection of the particular institution, their plans after graduation, and their long-term objectives.
Passport Size Photographs
You must include a passport-style photo with your application that was made within the last six months. You will subsequently upload and submit this with your online visa application as your visa photo.
The length of the application procedure for a Canadian student visa
If the student is applying for a study permit from outside of Canada, the process could take eight weeks. As the processing time frequently depends on the nation you reside in and the type of visa, it is strongly advised to file an application at least 3–4 months in advance.
Canada Student Visa Fee
There are several types and grades of visas, which might be confusing. Depending on your situation, you can choose between offline processing and online processing for Canada visa applications. A student visa is 150 Canadian dollars. Online credit or debit card payments can be made for the processing fee for student visas. Payments made offline can be made via a demand draft. When you submit your visa application, you must pay an extra biometric fee of 85 CAD.
Conclusion
We hope this blog has been helpful in answering your questions about applying for a student visa in Canada. However, we understand that everyone's situation is unique, and you may have additional queries or concerns.
If you're looking for more guidance or have any questions about studying in Canada, our expert counsellors at MWT Education Consultancy are here to help. With years of experience assisting international students with their educational journeys, we have the knowledge and resources to help you achieve your goals!
So, whether you need help with your application, advice on choosing the right program, or simply want to learn more about studying in Canada, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're passionate about international education and are committed to helping you make the most of this exciting adventure!

Written by
Arunachalam
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