Students who study at a Canadian university are required to apply for a student visa before they arrive. This is to ensure that they are ready for the academic demands of the course and can sustain themselves financially in Canada.
The visa process for Canadian universities involves submitting documents and application forms to the CIC website or the local immigration office. This application process can take up to 90 days and is therefore best submitted as early as possible.
Your finances must be able to support you during your studies, either through savings or by an approved sponsor such as a parent or guardian. This is because the Canadian government will want to see that you have sufficient funds to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses and return transportation back home.
You should also show that you are in good health and that you can undergo a medical examination if required. The visa office may also require that you provide a police certificate and proof of a clean criminal record.
In addition, you must demonstrate that your English language skills are adequate for the program you are applying for. This can be done by taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. Most Canadian universities have a predetermined IELTS requirement and it is important that you achieve this score.