Canadian Student Visa Application

Students need a student visa to study in Canada. A Canadian student visa is known as a ‘study permit’ .

You need a study permit or ‘study permit’ if you plan to study in Canada as an international student. Apart from that, you will most likely also have to have a temporary residence visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) . Immigration or related authorities will inform you if you need an ETA when you register for a study permit.

You can apply for a study permit from Indonesia online on the official Citizen and Immigration Canada (CIC) website .

Canadian Student Visa Requirements

To be declared eligible to apply for a Canadian study permit, you must:

1. Registered at an institution or learning institution

2. Do not have a criminal report

3. Physically healthy (equipped with a health test)

4. Proof that you will stay in Canada to study

Once everything is done, you will be given a personal reference code, a list of documents you must provide (must be in English or French – Canada’s 2 main languages), useful links for visa application and further instructions. This personal reference code is very important, so you should print the page.

What Documents are Required to Apply  for a Canadian Student Visa?

The student visa application process for Canada involves several important documents that prospective students must prepare:

1. Completed Application Form: This is the first and most important step in the student visa application process for Canada. Make sure all information is filled in accurately.
2. Letter of Acceptance from an Educational Institution in Canada ( Letter of Acceptance) : You must have a letter of acceptance from the Canadian university or educational institution where you will study.
3. Latest Passport Size Photos : Prepare two recent photos that meet passport size standards.
4. Proof of Availability of Monetary Funds : You must be able to show proof of financial funds of at least CAD 10,000, or CAD 11,000 if you plan to study in Quebec. This is an important requirement to show that you can cover expenses while in Canada.
5. Photocopy of Passport Page : Include a photocopy of your passport information page.
6. Statement of Purpose : This document explains your reasons for choosing to study in Canada and is important in the application process.
7. English Test Scores : English test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS are needed to show your English skills.
8. IME – Immigration Health Check : This health check is an important part of the student visa application process to ensure you meet Canadian immigration health standards.​

Canadian Student Visa Application Process

You must register for an ‘electronic credential’ (or also known as a ‘key’ ) to be able to access CIC’s online service, namely MyCIC where you can apply for a visa.

After that, you need to upload the required documents, complete the registration, pay the online registration fee via credit card and then submit the registration. Once the registration application has been successful, you will receive confirmation which can be seen in your MyCIC account .

You must also include debit/credit card data and a scanning tool such as a camera or scanner to upload photos of all documents required in the registration process. Later, this information will be entered into  the visa office database  which will process your student visa application.

For the  Canadian student visa appointment  process, you can arrange it at the Canada VAC (Visa Application Center) office closest to you. In Indonesia, this visa service is managed by VFS Global which is located in Bali (Benoa Square) and also in Jakarta (Kuningan City Mall). See more information on the VFS Global Indonesia site for Canada .

What are the next steps after your application is accepted?

You will receive a ‘letter of introduction’ (and sometimes a temporary residence visa). At Canadian immigration, you must present this document along with your passport. You must also bring the original documents or photocopies submitted when applying for the visa. After the immigration officers have finished checking the documents, they will give you a ‘student permit’ and you can enter Canada.

How Much Cost Is Required?

The cost of a Canadian student visa is approximately $150. However, this price is the base price and there will be an additional $85 for biometrics. All costs will be confirmed again before you pay and submit the final student permit application.

How Long Can You Stay in Canada on a Student Visa?

You will be allowed to stay in Canada for the duration of your studies plus 90 days. This additional time allows you to plan your return to Indonesia or travel around Canada, or register for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP)  to remain in Canada and get the opportunity to work in Canada, which is a popular choice for international students. 

Should You Attend a Visa Interview?

Depending on circumstances, you may be asked to attend an interview at the Canadian visa office in your country of origin. You will be contacted if you need to contact an interview.