Canadian Education Visa – Shaya Immigration

Student Visa

Canadian Education Visa

Canadian Student Visa: A Gateway to World-Class Education

Acquiring a Canadian student visa opens the door for your child to engage in studies within one of the world’s most advanced and premier educational systems.

Canada has garnered international acclaim, ranking as the second-best country globally for immigrants based on economic stability, social welfare, income equality, and labor market conditions. In the realm of educational facilities and quality, Canada holds the top spot worldwide. Known for its vast expanse with low population density, Canada actively seeks skilled and talented individuals, making it an immigrant-friendly nation characterized by diverse cultures and races, welcoming thousands of foreign students annually. Notably, the teaching staff in Canadian public schools includes non-Canadian teachers and employees.

A Canadian student visa offers numerous advantages to its holders, such as exposure to an international environment, proficiency in English, interaction with peers from diverse nationalities and cultures, access to cutting-edge scientific and educational facilities, and priority in university admissions for international students. Moreover, it opens avenues for potential permanent residence in Canada for both the student and their family.

For minor applicants in Canada, each province and territory has its designated age of majority. Consequently, those under the legal age are considered minor applicants, with legal age varying between 18 and 19 depending on the region.

Education in Canadian schools is divided into two categories: student visa for those under legal age attending elementary, middle, or high school, and a Canadian student visa for those aged 18 or 19 and studying at the college or university level. It is essential to understand that international applicants under the age of 18 (or 19 in certain regions) are required to obtain a Canadian student visa instead of a student visa.

While obtaining a student visa is a prerequisite, it is important to note that it alone is insufficient for a child’s education in Canada. A separate document known as a study permit is required. The study permit allows international applicants to pursue education in Canada, specifically in Designated Learning Institutions (DLI). In most cases, a study permit is obtained alongside a Canadian study visa and must be applied for before traveling to Canada.

It is crucial to distinguish between a study permit and a Canadian student visa. The study permit is a document enabling education in accredited educational institutions, and both the study permit and the Canadian student visa are required for entry into Canada.

Certain conditions exempt young applicants from obtaining a study permit for preschool, primary, or secondary levels, including being accompanied by parents claiming asylum, having a Canadian citizen or permanent resident parent, having a parent with the legal right to work or study in Canada, or coming to Canada for a training course of six months or less.

In general, minor applicants intending to continue their education in Canada through a student visa must obtain a study permit before entering the country. Admission to a Canadian school is essential, and the Canadian Immigration Department places great importance on academic acceptance from reputable institutions. After securing an academic acceptance letter, applicants can proceed to apply for a Canadian study visa, ensuring that all required documents are meticulously prepared.

Navigating Life with a Canadian Student Visa: Accommodation Options

Canadian Guardian Visa
The Canadian Guardian Visa, also known as the accompanying Canadian student visa, is designed for parents of students under 18 years old (legal age varies by province) attending Canadian schools. This visa, essentially a tourist visa, allows parents to accompany and act as guardians for their children with student visas. Parents can apply for this visa simultaneously with their child’s student visa application. The Canadian Guardian Visa, also referred to as the parent visa, allows family members (father, mother, grandfather, and grandmother) to apply for the guardian visa. The accompanying visa for parents typically has a validity period ranging from 6 months to 5 years.
Staying with Relatives, Friends, or Acquaintances in Canada
Another option is for the student to stay with relatives, friends, or acquaintances who are citizens or permanent residents of Canada. This arrangement requires a person in Canada to act as the legal guardian for the student.
Approved Boarding House
If obtaining an accompanying visa for parents is not possible, students can reside in approved boarding houses sanctioned by the Department of Education and the Government of Canada. Canadian schools facilitate the placement of students in Canadian families interested in hosting. This arrangement, costing approximately $1000 per month, includes three meals a day, a separate fully equipped room, and an immersive English-speaking environment. It also offers students insights into the local customs.

Important Points about Staying in a Boarding House:

Students receive at least three meals a day.

Each house hosts a maximum of two students, ensuring proximity to the school.

Families selected for this program are English-speaking, with no criminal record.

Students have a private and secure room with full living facilities, sanitary amenities, and continuous institutional supervision.

Emergency services are available 24/7 for students.

Both the Canadian student and the hosting family are provided with essential contact numbers.

Navigating Canadian School Enrollment for International Students

Canadian Guardian Visa
The Canadian Guardian Visa, also known as the accompanying Canadian student visa, is designed for parents of students under 18 years old (legal age varies by province) attending Canadian schools. This visa, essentially a tourist visa, allows parents to accompany and act as guardians for their children with student visas. Parents can apply for this visa simultaneously with their child’s student visa application. The Canadian Guardian Visa, also referred to as the parent visa, allows family members (father, mother, grandfather, and grandmother) to apply for the guardian visa. The accompanying visa for parents typically has a validity period ranging from 6 months to 5 years.
Staying with Relatives, Friends, or Acquaintances in Canada
Another option is for the student to stay with relatives, friends, or acquaintances who are citizens or permanent residents of Canada. This arrangement requires a person in Canada to act as the legal guardian for the student.
Approved Boarding House
If obtaining an accompanying visa for parents is not possible, students can reside in approved boarding houses sanctioned by the Department of Education and the Government of Canada. Canadian schools facilitate the placement of students in Canadian families interested in hosting. This arrangement, costing approximately $1000 per month, includes three meals a day, a separate fully equipped room, and an immersive English-speaking environment. It also offers students insights into the local customs.

Important Points about Staying in a Boarding House:

Students receive at least three meals a day.

Each house hosts a maximum of two students, ensuring proximity to the school.

Families selected for this program are English-speaking, with no criminal record.

Students have a private and secure room with full living facilities, sanitary amenities, and continuous institutional supervision.

Emergency services are available 24/7 for students.

Both the Canadian student and the hosting family are provided with essential contact numbers.

Navigating Canadian School Enrollment for International Students

Canadian Student Visa and Language Certification

For international students pursuing education in Canadian schools, there exists a notable distinction from studying at colleges or universities – the absence of a mandatory requirement for a TOEFL or IELTS language certificate. Unlike higher education institutions, Canadian schools do not impose this language proficiency prerequisite for individuals under the age of 18. These schools prioritize English language instruction as part of their curriculum. Upon entry, the language proficiency of students is assessed by experienced staff, and intensive language and conversation classes are provided alongside other courses.

Duration of Canadian Student Visa Processing

The timeframe for obtaining a Canadian student visa is contingent on two pivotal factors:

Country of Application
The duration may vary based on the country in which the application is submitted and processed. Different visa application centers (VAC) may have varying processing times.
Application Timing
The time at which the application is submitted is crucial. During peak months of school enrollment, such as back-to-school periods, processing times may be substantially extended.

Issuance Timeline for Iranian Applicants

For Iranian applicants, the issuance of a student study visa typically requires a minimum of four weeks. However, it is imperative to note that during peak enrollment periods, this duration can significantly extend, reaching up to 12 weeks.

Important Exclusions from Visa Processing Duration

The total time for visa issuance does not encompass:

The duration for transmitting the application from the VAC office to the Immigration Department.
The time allocated for registering biometric information.

Prospective students should be mindful of these timelines to ensure a smooth application process for their Canadian student visa.

Understanding the Costs and Potential Rejections in the Canadian Student Visa Process

Costs Associated with Studying in Canadian Schools

The expense of pursuing education in Canadian schools is a crucial consideration for all applicants. While public schools in Canada have fixed and consistent tuition fees across provinces, private schools, known for their high quality, may have tuition fees ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 Canadian dollars. On average, including living expenses, the overall cost for international students in Canadian public schools is estimated to be between $12,500 and $30,000.

In addition to tuition, visa fees are essential. For the evaluation process of the student’s visa and the accompanying parent’s visa, the following fees apply:

$150 for the study permit (including renewal requests)
$85 fingerprinting fee

Potential Reasons for Canadian Student Visa Rejection

Securing a Canadian student visa hinges on providing compelling evidence to convince immigration officers of the applicant’s intent to return to their home country after completing studies and not overstaying in Canada. Adequate proof of financial capability to cover educational expenses is crucial. Despite these general criteria, several factors can contribute to visa rejection:

Financial Insufficiency
Inability to showcase adequate financial means or presenting insufficient financial documents.

Doubts About Return
The immigration officer may question the applicant’s commitment to returning to their home country post studies.

Weak Educational Program
Lack of a robust educational and teaching program associated with the chosen course.
Application Form Errors
Mistakes or inconsistencies in completing the study visa application forms.

Lack of Family Ties
Insufficient evidence of strong family ties in the home country.

Documentary Deficiencies
Flaws in educational documents submitted.

Mismatched Field or Level of Study
Selection of a study field or level that seems disproportionate or inconsistent.

Understanding these factors and meticulously addressing each in the application process increases the chances of a successful Canadian student visa approval.