The process of obtaining a visa is demanding and requires careful planning. This article, thus, acts as a comprehensive guide for those who want to know
how to apply Canada student visa from Sri Lanka.
VISA and the basicsThe Canadian student visa is known as a study permit in Canada. This is a document issued to the foreign nationals to study at a dedicated learning institute in Canada. The study permit is offered only by the Government of Canada.One must know that having a study permit does not mean you are free to enter Canada. There are some rules and documents to be followed. You will have to prove your admission, make border service officers believe in you, and a lot more.But as this article focuses on applying for a student visa, we will talk about that only as of now. Understand the VISA application process in various steps mentioned below-
Choose Your Program and Institution
To apply for the VISA, you will first have to choose a course or program along with an institution you want to study at. You can do research on the course you want to pursue or the course that aligns with your career goals. Decide on the one that suits your needs the best.After that, search for the Canadian institutions that offer the course of your choice. Make sure to check the eligibility criteria, fee structure, admission process, entrance tests, etc. Now that you are done with this, your next step is to apply for admission.Please note that only after your admission is confirmed can you apply for the visa. After admission confirmation, you will have to ask for an acceptance letter from the institution. Your next steps will begin once you have the acceptance letter.
Gather the required documents
By the time you receive your letter of acceptance, you should have gathered the other documents required for a visa. As a student applying from Sri Lanka, these are the documents you will need-
- Passport- Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your intended stay in Canada. Check the passport expiration date and make sure your passport is up-to-date.
- Proof of sufficient funds- VISA is approved only when you show that your bank account has sufficient funds for tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, living expenses, etc. These funds do not include anything about your work in Canada.
- Immigration Medical Examination- A medical examination is a must when it comes to international travel. You will need a proper medical certificate from the registered hospital in Sri Lanka.
- Police Clearance Certificate- In most countries, it is also called a character certificate. This is to certify that there are no criminal or other charges against you in your country.
- Biometrics- Sri Lankan students need to provide their biometric information like photograph, fingerprints, etc.
- Acceptance Letter- As said already, acceptance letter needs to be added along with the documents in order to obtain student visa for Canada.
NOTE- If your documents are in your regional language, you will have to get them translated by a certified translator. The translated language has to be either English or French.Start Applying
You can apply for a Canada VISA in two ways. You can either apply online or through VFS Global. Any Sri Lankan student can apply for a Canadian visa online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. You can also apply online on the VFS Global website.If you want to apply for the VISA offline, you can visit the VFS Global Center in Colombo, Sri Lanka. If you choose to apply online for a Canadian visa, create your account on the IRCC website. Then start filling out the application form, and then upload documents. Lastly, you need to pay the application fees.If you want to visit the centre, please book an appointment first. You will receive the date and time. Reach the centre with your documents, and after the application process is done, pay the fees.Remember that you need to pay the fees in Canadian dollars (CAD). You can make the payment either by credit or debit card. Always keep a proof of payment, i.e., a payment receipt, with you.
Attend a visa interview if required
In some cases, applicants may be required to attend the offline VISA interview at a Canadian High Commission in Colombo. The interviewer will ask you the basics, like why do you want to study in Canada, your intentions about your career, your relationship with your nation, etc.They will also ask you about your family members and their income. There are high chances of someone asking how you are going to fund your education. So, be prepared for such questions. Make sure you are aware of your study course and the institution you have chosen.
Wait… But be ready
The visa approval process depends on various factors. Thus, it may take some time for your visa to reach you. You can check the status of your VISA application through the IRCC or VFS Global websites. Use the unique tracking number provided to you during the application.Meanwhile, you can start preparing for your course, packing, spending quality time with family, etc. Sometimes, a visa can be approved quickly as well. So, you have to be ready.
ConclusionThis was it about
how to apply Canada student visa from Sri Lanka. The process is simple, but you have to ensure your documents have no errors and that they are all in English or French. It is better to start as early as possible. Don’t forget to follow the instructions provided by Canadian immigration authorities.To get
Canada student visa contact TEVS.
