Canada Student Visa Processing Time in 2024: Requirements, Fees, Application Process

Canada has emerged as an exceptional educational hub in the world, attracting students from around the world for its welcoming environment, favorable immigration policies, and quality education. In the first half, approximately 435000 student visa applications or study permits were processed. It was a 49 percent increase from the previous year. The increasing number of applications shows the growing preference of Canadian universities and colleges for international students. Although, with the changing immigration landscape and an increasing number of visa applications, it is important to understand the processing time for a Canada Visa, as it has become a phenomenon despite the growing enthusiasm.

Eligibility for Canadian student visa for international students

Before getting into the processing time for a Canadian student visa, it is important to get an understanding of the eligibility criteria. To qualify for the Canada student visa the student is required to fulfill the following prerequisites.

• Vaccination status: The fully vaccinated travelers are preferred with accepted vaccines such as AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD Bharat Biotech Covaxin, and others. 
• Approval from the Designated Learning Institute (DLI): The students applying must be accepted by a designated learning institute.
• Financial Proof: The students are required to demonstrate their financial ability to cover the learning expenses, living expenses and return transportation to their home country. 
• Clean Background: The students must provide a police verification certificate to prove their clean criminal record. 
• Health Checkup: The students are also required to undergo health checkups and provide health certificates. 
• English Proficiency: Meeting the English language proficiency test that is assessed with the help of exams such as IELTS. 

Canada Student Visa Processing time in 2024

Moving through the processing time of the Canadian Student visa is very challenging due to the increasing number of applications.  The standard processing time for Canadian student visas ranges from 7-9 weeks. The applicant receives the PPR (passport Request) in 20-30 days. Although there may be variations based on the number of applications and other individual circumstances. Therefore the applicants must keep monitoring their application process with the help of the official website. However recent developments showcase a two-year cap that has been applied on the international students' permit to improve the housing and social service demands in Canada. This will affect around 364000 students in the year 2024. This temporary measure taken by Canada will help streamline the processes and manage the influxes effectively. 

Documents required for Canada student Visa

To start the visa application process, the candidate should compile and submit the following demands and the following requirements.

• Letter of Acceptance: The students are required to submit the confirmation of acceptance from a designated learning institute (DLI). 
• Passport: Valid identification and residency proof
• Financial Documents: The students are required to submit evidence of sufficient funds. The recent mandates require a minimum bank balance of CAD 20,635.
• Immigration Medical Examination (IME): Certification of good health from a designated medical professional is also required to be submitted.
• Statement of Purpose: Personal statement showcasing the academic journey of the candidate, their career aspirations, and course selection rationale. 
• English Proficiency Exam Scores: The students are required to submit the English proficiency test result. 

Factors affecting the Canada student Visa processing time

Many different factors influence the processing time of a Canadian student visa. These include:

• Type of application: The processing time differs for different types of Visa applications.
• Completion Accuracy: Timely submission and accuracy of the documents and information submitted also affect the visa processing time. 
• Application Volume: The number of applications received for Canada student visas also impacts the processing time of the visa. 
• Background checks: Delay also occurs due to the extensive background verifications conducted during the application process.
• External factors: Any type of changes in regulatory, or political factors also affect the processing timeline.

Fees of Canadian Student Visa: The applicants are required to pay a fee of CAD 150 and biometric fees of 85 CAD, which can be submitted online. Also, there may be additional processing fees for associated services that should also be paid. All these fees are non-refundable under any circumstances. 

Steps for applying for the Canada Student Visa

The application process for applying for a Canada student visa involves many different steps. 

• Processing time: The approximate processing time of a Canadian student visa is around 6 weeks excluding the time required for biometric processing. 
• Application channel: The students can apply in both online and offline modes with both having their specific requirements and procedures. 
• Submission: The students are provided with detailed information regarding document submission and payment processing. 
• Document verification: Compulsory document verification and biometric data collection are done at allotted centers. 
• Tracking: The student can make use of the tracking details to monitor the application process online.
• Passport submission: Passport should be submitted on request for Visa stamping.

Perfect time to apply for the Canadian Student Visa

Selecting the perfect time for the submission of the visa application form is very crucial as the recommended lead time differs in different intake periods.

Intakes: Fall (September), Winter (January), Spring (May).

Reasons for Canada student visa rejection

The students must be aware of different factors that can lead to the rejection of the application process. This helps the candidate avoid pitfalls during the Canada student visa application.

• Financial Insufficiency: The inability of the candidate to showcase required funds for study and living expenses.
• Academic ineligibility: Failure to meet the academic score requirements or lack of acceptance level.
• Language proficiency: Lack of required scores in English Proficiency tests such as TOEFL, or IELTS. 
• Inadequate SOP: Poorly written SOP lacking relevance and coherence. 

Conclusion

The allure of Canada as an education hub is unavoidable. The student-friendly policies, multicultural ambience, and top institutes attract students from around the world. Passing through the difficulties of the Canadian student application process requires a complete understanding of the processing timelines., requirements,  and potential challenges.  With dedicated preparation and following of the guidelines, aspiring students can unlock the doors to academic life in Canada. For more help, you can contact our experts who help you in the process of applying for and getting a Canada student visa with much ease.