Depending on the duration of the program the applicant applied for, countries usually segregate the student visa into long Term Student Visas or short-term Student Visas. Usually, the short-term visas are allocated to students who applied for a short course of a language or a diploma certificate course and the whole time is often not more than 90 days (3 months).
Unlike Long term visas, these are allocated to students who applied for degree courses exceeding 3 months. Internships, small certificate programs of 6 months, maybe inclusive. European Union Countries usually have this wide classification.
Hence, regardless of the duration of the course, some countries grade student visas based on the type of student. It could be the level of degree applied for (undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral), as these visas are also based on the type, of course, the student is applying for, all these factors are somewhat linked to the duration of time spent.
However, in these categories, the most important point is not the duration of the program. For example, an exchange student could be going for 3month or 3 years, the category would not be based on the tenure but the type of student.
For international students who want to study in Canada, getting a student visa is a necessary part of the application process because definitely, you won’t be permitted into Canada, or even allowed to school there, if you don’t have a visa. However, a visa isn’t the only vital document international students need in order to begin studying in Canada.
A study permit enables a foreigner to study at designated learning institutions in Canada. As easy as this might sound it is important for you to note the difference between the term “student visa” and “study permit” and using them correctly as they are two distinct terms!
A Student Visa is permission to enter into a country and but it’s also limited permission which means that you could be denied entry by an officer even with a student visa. A study permit enables you to stay in the country. The permit entails your purpose, reason, educational status, duration of your stay, and if there are any limitations in terms of work.
Therefore, the difference between Student Visa and Study Permit is:
Student Visa – gives you entry to Canada
Study Permit – permits your stay in Canada
To study in Canada, you definitely need to get a Canadian study permit, which will function as a Canadian student visa for the whole time of your stay. A Canadian study permit is not necessary if the duration of your course lasts six months or less. However, applying for a permit before coming to Canada is also a good idea–so as to avoid the trouble of leaving Canada before applying for a study permit through a visa office if you would want to continue your studies in another program.
Practically, the Canadian government does not grant a “Student Visa”. When your study permit is granted, you’ll either get a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), which will allow you into Canada.
According to the Government of Canada website, your final approved study permit will be issued by a border services officer. The officer will issue your approved study permit with the reference number, found in the letter of introduction sent by the visa office when they approved your study permit.
Canada Student Visa Application
In other to apply for the Canadian student study permit, a scanner or camera should be available to aid in the creation of electronic copies of your documents and to upload along with a valid credit card to pay with.
The necessary things to work towards when considering your Canadian student visa application are as follows:
- Before you arrive in Canada, apply online for your Canadian student visa, via the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
- It is always best to send your applications online, hence,the visa application documents should be posted if you have a limited internet connection or cannot submit the documents online.
- Make provision for an acceptance letter from a selected learning institution (a university acknowledged by the Canadian government).
- Submit evidences of sufficient financial resources to aid your studies in Canada (tuition fees and living expenses).
- Give evidence of no criminal record.
- Present clinical records that confirm you are in good health; present full medical examinations if necessary.
The study permit terminates 90 days after your studies are over (after you get a notification of completion of the program). You can still be in Canada to travel and explore or you can appeal for a work permit, which permits you to be self-employed or to take a full-time or part-time job.
When you get a Canadian study permit, you can appeal to renew it during your stay in Canada if you want to continue your studies. For full-time students registered at an accredited University, a study permit also enables you to work part-time on campus and perhaps maybe off-campus. You could also work as a co-op or intern as part of your program, live in Canada as a permanent resident, or search for work after you graduate.
Conclusion
Inclusive to a high-standard educational system, Canada also created great possibilities and vibrant culture. The three main aspects that the Canadian institutions emphasize are; Research, scientific publications, and international collaborations.
But how tedious is it to earn the student visa, also called a Canadian study permit, for Canada? Knowing this fact early enough will play a vital role when you make a decision on where to study.