If you are an Indian student and need to get a study permit for Canada, you should know about Canada’s student visa requirements for Indians and their conditions. This post has all you need to know, plus updated information about the travel ban for international students in 2022. Let’s get to them.
In this guide:
- How do Indian Students Go to Canada During the Pandemic?
- Canada Visa Requirements for Indians
- 5 Important Things About Visa Requirements for Indians
- Travel Restrictions and Covid-19 Pandemic
- Conclusion
How do Indian Students Go to Canada During the Pandemic?
It’s a complicated journey for Indian students heading to colleges in Canada, which costs much more than they usually think.
Flying to Canada has become more protracted and more expensive due to the extension of the ban on direct flights from India.
Ottawa recognizes Covishield, the Covid-19 vaccine taken by most Indians, but they must do the compulsory Corona Virus test before arriving in Canada in a third country.
Issuing a visa takes more time due to rising travel demand, say, education consultants, helping more than a thousand students get admission in Canadian universities.
The HCC (High Commission of Canada) in New Delhi acknowledged the negative effect of the pandemic on the processing time for study permits. The high commission says in this regard:
“For study permit still in process, we cannot guarantee that students will receive a decision on their application or be able to go to Canada before the semester begins.
This process cannot be expedited given the high volumes of passports we are currently receiving each week.”
However, experts say it is not dampening the Indian students’ interest in Canada for higher education. One of the main attractions is perpetual residency offered to Indian students after getting some work experience.
Canada is a dreamy educational destination for thousands of international students; however, there are several hurdles they need to clear before they travel.
An essential one is the Canadian Student visa. Currently, Indian students traveling to Canada have to take third-country routes, which causes more expenses.
Before applying for a Canadian visa, students should do some research. Here are a few essential points students should have before they apply for their visa:
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Canada Visa Requirements for Indians
Lockdown due to Covid-19 and travel restrictions have contributed to a considerable delay in visa processing for specific countries, which has disrupted students’ travel plans.
Universities and consultants recommend that students who have received their Canadian student permits either usually or via SDS shouldn’t delay applying for their permits and visas.
Here are common reasons for student visa rejection in the link below:
Common Reasons for Student’s Visa Rejection
University Acceptance Letter
The acceptance letter is a must-have requirement for the visa process. So the first step of the visa application process is to shortlist the top universities that suit a person’s profile and scores.
It’s important to shortlist at least three different universities with several backup options.
Tip: You can categorize universities into three categories, including Dream, Reach, and Safe. This method helps students sort through options and makes it easy to decide.
However, before you apply to a Canadian university, make sure it is a DLI (Designated Learning Institution).
Student Permit; Visa Requirements for Indians
This document is issued to international students who want to study at Designated Learning Institutions in Canada. Without this, students are allowed to enter Canada.
Direct Study Stream
Department of Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada launched the Direct Study Stream (SDS) program.
While the usual process of a student visa may take up to 2 to 3 months, the SDS program allows students from some countries, including India, to get their visa in 4 to 6 weeks or even less time.
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Required Documents for Indian Students
The followings are the requirements for the Canadian Student Visa online application:
- Proof of acceptance from a DLI (Designated Learning Institute),
- Financial proof for Funding Studies. Students need to prove to have the finances for the complete program duration, including tuition fees and living expenses.
- IME (Immigration Medical Examination) Report from CIC-approved doctors. Blood tests and Chest X-Ray are must-haves from designated medical practitioners.
- Academic certificates and work experience proofs, if applicable,
- IELTS (English language proficiency test) scores,
- Two passport-size photos. The digital file should not be more than about 4 MB,
- SOP (Statement of Purpose),
- International students in Quebec also need a Certificate d’acceptation du Québec, its English and French translation, and a statement from the translator.
- A valid passport,
- Proof for fees payment, if applicable on arrival in Canada, the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) needs to see the proofs and documents, so make sure they are completed.
if you want to know about Canada Acceptable Gap for International Students read this:
5 Important Things About Visa Requirements for Indians
International students, including students from India who are planning to continue their studies in Canada, should have some essential things in their minds. These are five important ones:
Application Mode
The CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) website allows students to apply online for their Canadian student visa, especially during the pandemic. Things are quicker this way, and students get updates on their applications directly.
Visa Requirements for Indians
If students have a family member working in Canada or is applying for a Canadian work permit, the student visa application will be processed in about two weeks.
If this is not the case, we have to wait for about three months for the standard Canadian Student Visa processing time.
Language Requirements for Visa
Canadian colleges and universities need all international students to prove proficient in English. They accept IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge English: Advanced.
The minimum IELTS score should be 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.0 in each category.
Biometrics Appointment and Visa Interview
Indian applicants should have their biometrics taken, and the fee is about 85 CAD, which is an additional cost. Depending on the requirement, the applicant should have an interview at a local Visa Application Center, for which there is a small charge.
Visa Requirements for Indians Restrictions and Quarantine
If you plan to study abroad for the first time, it’s suggested to check the relevant university website for Covid-19 related updates. Conditions are changing with little notice.
do you want to know about Most Popular Majors in Canada + Tuition Costs and Potential Jobs? you can read this:
Travel Restrictions and Covid-19 Pandemic
In 2020, when students worldwide could not travel to Canada due to travel restrictions, the Canadian government created policies that reassured Indian students.
They said Indian students would be allowed to pursue online courses from their own countries but still eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit after moving to Canada.
In light of the outbreaks, maybe Canada will extend the travel restrictions and ban flights from India; however, given the government measures in the past, international students need not worry about their fate when studying in Canada.
To enter Canada as an international student from India, you must meet the following requirements:
Have a study permit or a letter of introduction proving you were approved for a study permit;
Be attending a designated learning institution with a Covid-19 readiness plan approved by its region.
Even if you are qualified as a fully vaccinated international student, you must have about two weeks of quarantine plan before arriving in Canada.
The border services officers will decide on whether you are qualified as a fully vaccinated person.
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan supports those facing hardship to Corona Virus. International students may be qualified for some programs, such as the CRB (Canada Recovery Benefit).
Note that some programs may not be available to international students, including students from India.
Requirements for Exempt People
There are some stringent requirements you have to meet even if you are exempt from quarantine. In this manner, you have to:
- wear a proper mask always when in public places;
- get a list of all contacts for your first two weeks in Canada;
- control yourself for signs and symptoms of Covid-19;
- Although your reason for entering Canada may fall under an exemption, you may still have to follow certain provincial and territorial restrictions, depending on your destination, which may include quarantine.
PGWP Eligibility; Visa Requirements for Indians
If you’re an international student residing inside Canada, you’re still qualified for the PGWP (post-graduation work permit) if:
- your in-person classes in Canada have been moved to an online-only format; you take classes online because of Covid-19, or
- you had to put your studies on hold, or study part-time during the winter, spring, or summer semesters because of Covid-19.
Conclusion
Canada has taken some unique action to restrict the spread of the Corona Virus, based on the public health measures introduced by the PHAC (Public Health Agency of Canada). The CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) and PHAC have put in place enhanced health and safety measures to help prevent the pandemic while continuing to support the movement of essential workers and goods across the border.
If you seek visa requirements for Indians on the web, we gathered almost everything you need to know as an international student, especially students from India, about Canadian student visas during Covid-19.
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