Students find Canada appealing, and it is a popular tourist destination. Additionally, it is a highly developed country with top-notch academic standards. As a result, many people want to send their children to elementary or secondary schools in Canada, and many adults want to start their undergraduate or graduate studies there.
Recently, the appeal of studying in Canada has surpassed that of all other nations for interested students. As a result, Canada is home to over 500,000 international students.
To do this, the students must have a study visa and study permit and start the process of getting the visa as soon as possible.
This article will look at Canada student visa processing time in 2023 and discuss everything concerning that. So stay tuned!
What is a Student Visa?
People with a Canadian student visa can start studying in Canada. A student visa is essentially the same as a Canadian visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), but students also need a study permit. A Canadian student visa is a combination of a visitor visa and a study permit or an eTA and a study permit.
A study visa for Canada allows you to start your studies in Canada only at a so-called Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A study permit allows you to stay in Canada until the end of your program and sometimes work while you are in school or after you graduate. To hold a Canadian study visa, you must meet the following conditions:
- Always be registered with the DLI.
- Work to complete your studies.
- Meet student visa requirements.
- Terminate your studies if you do not meet the student visa requirements.
- Leave Canada as soon as your study permit expires. A study permit does not accept Canadian documents or Canadian government benefits, such as medical benefits. However, if that is your goal, it opens an easier path for you to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Who Needs a Canadian Study Permit?
All international students wishing to study in Canada who require a visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada must apply for a student visa and permit. A permit by itself does not entitle you to enter Canada, but when used in conjunction with a visitor visa or eTA, it qualifies you to begin your studies.
However, some groups do not require a study permit to study in Canada if they are in certain circumstances, such as:
- If the study program in Canada is less than 6 months, they only need a visitor visa or their eTA, but if they complete the program in 6 months or less, they do not need a study permit. However, you will need a study permit if you cannot complete the short-term program within 6 months.
- If you are a family member or employee of a Canadian mission accredited by Global Affairs Canada, you do not need a study permit.
- If you are a member of Canada’s Foreign Armed Forces and are a civil servant, you do not need a study permit, but your family may require a study permit.
Canada visa processing time
Canadian student visa processing time is a concern for most people. As the number of applications grows, it is difficult to predict how long an application will take to process.
For this reason, many applicants want to know the exact processing time for their Canadian student visa before applying.
Before applying, make sure you’re aware of all the factors affecting your Canadian student visa processing time. Following our guides will make your trip smooth and hassle-free.
The IRCC projects that the backlog of student permit applications will grow from about 31% to about 42% by late summer/early fall. This is the time when many international students enter the university, and the number of applicants is expected to increase seasonally.
However, the IRCC expects a significant decline in 2023, narrowing the gap to 23% by March. Canada aims to process 80% of permit applications filed outside Canada within 60 days and within 120 days of applications filed within Canada.
Visa Processing Time for Canada Study Visa
Before you apply for a Canadian Study Permit, you should have a rough idea of how long it will take to get your final approval. This actually makes the visa application journey much smoother and less stressful.
It usually takes 3-4 weeks to process a Canadian student visa application. But that’s an approximate time. Several factors can significantly affect the processing time for a Canada Student visa. Processing time varies. This depends on the type of application you submit and where it is processed. The IRCC lists processing times for applications submitted inside and outside Canada. This section will be updated regularly, so check back often for the latest details.
Canadian student visa processing times vary depending on the type of application and whether the application is in Canada or outside of Canada. However, processing a Canadian student visa usually takes between 1 and 16 weeks.
How many are Canadian immigration applications waiting for processing?
There are a total of 2.4 million applications across all IRCC registers. These figures are as of July 31, 2022.
In Canada, it’s normal to have a large number of applications in stock at any given time. In fact, 1.1 million applications in our current inventory are still compliant with IRCC service standards. In addition, the department aims to process 80% of requests within service standards. As a result, over 1 million applications are expected to be awaiting processing.
However, more than 1.3 million (54% of applications) are now registered that exceed IRCC’s service standards. Applications that exceed service standards are considered “backward”. This means that IRCC is well below its processing goals.
Essential factors of Canadian study visa processing time
Processing time begins when the embassy or visa issuing agency receives the application. We have created a list of factors that affect student visa processing time.
- Type of application submitted
- Fill in the details on the application form
- Presence or absence of receipt presentation
- immigration backlog
- How quickly do we respond to requests and inquiries from authorities
- Applicants with a criminal record should expect delayed processing times
- Bans or travel restrictions (due to COVID) in force at the time of visa application
- Changes in political power can also affect visa processing times
Can I check the Canadian Student Permit processing time?
Yes, you can. Immigration Canada provides student visa applicants with approximate processing times. You need to check the status of your visa application with a unique tracking ID by visiting the official website. If you applied through the VFS service, you could also track your progress through the website.
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Average processing time for student visa 2023
Processing times can vary for many reasons, including:
- Have you submitted your application along with all the required supporting documents? Please use the checklist available on ImmiAccount to ensure all required documents are included
- Whether you submitted an online or paper application. The online application helps optimize processing
- How quickly do they respond to requests for more information
- How long it takes to run the required tests
- Time taken to obtain information from external agencies, especially about health, character, and national security requirements
- The number of places available in the immigration program for permanent residence visa applications.
Processing time is affected by complex cases, changes in application volume, and changes in ministerial regulations. Canadian student visa processing times vary depending on the type of application and whether the application is in Canada or outside of Canada. However, processing a Canadian student visa usually takes between 1 and 16 weeks.
Top reasons to study in Canada
Studying in Canada has many advantages over other countries that many choose to study. Canada is a good option if you’re looking for a place to study abroad for several reasons. In this section, we’ll list why Canada makes for a great study-abroad location.
- High-quality training
Excellent and renowned universities may be found in Canada, many of which are recognized internationally. A special education system exists in Canada. High scientific standards are a hallmark of Canadian educational institutions. 21 of the top 500 universities worldwide and 32 of the top 1,000 are in Canada.
The climate of Canadian universities is renowned for being one based on science, research, and development. Consequently, Canadian universities and colleges attract the best teachers to teach. The records have shown that Canadian university and college graduates are usually very talented.
- Cost-effective tuition
Tuition fees are always a concern for anyone seeking an education. Although the quality of Canada’s education system is among the best in the world, the cost of studying and living in Canada is relatively low compared to English-speaking countries such as the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
By the way, the cost of studying in Canada depends on many reasons, whether you are a citizen or not, your degree, the city, the college or the university.
- Opportunities to improve language skills
Canada has two official languages. French and English. Studying in this country is an excellent opportunity to improve your language skills.
Canadian universities offer all courses in one of these two languages, allowing students to improve in these two essential languages.
- Opportunity to work while learning
Working while studying in Canada is one of the great perks of studying in Canada. International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and up to 40 hours a week during vacations, according to Immigration and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Opportunity to get a work visa after graduation
International students can apply for a post-study work visa in Canada, known as a PGWP, upon completion of their university studies and completion of any university level.
A graduate work visa allows students to reside in Canada for up to three years and work for any employer. Canada also offers a direct route to permanent residence. This is an option that many international students seek. A PGWP visa allows students to earn money and gain work experience in Canada before applying for residency and citizenship.
- Opportunity to bring family while in school
One of the most significant advantages of studying in Canada is the opportunity to bring your family along while you study. This includes your parents, spouse, and children under the age of 18. These individuals can travel to Canada with students on student visas.
Parents and spouses of students can work in Canada by obtaining a free work permit.
If a student has one or more of her children under the age of 18, they can enroll in Canadian elementary, middle, and high schools for free without a student visa.
Concluding Remarks
Prestigious universities, a quality education system, study-and-work opportunities, and access to scholarships all make Canada a popular study destination for students.
Perhaps that is why many people prefer to study in Canada over other developed countries.
But the question is, how can you get into a Canadian university and study the subjects you want? Not having enough information about this and starting this process without planning and knowledge will certainly not yield good results.
Univly‘s experienced and dedicated team is ready to answer you and offer advice on studying in Canada.
Important FAQs
Why does the processing time information change?
The processing time information available on the website is only a guideline. Approximate duration is often calculated based on the current number of applications received by the agency. The processing time will be reduced as soon as the charge starts to loosen. Likewise, process delays can lead to longer wait times.
When is the right time to apply for a Canadian student visa?
Our experts say the best time to apply is 3 months before your acceptance event. However, Canadian universities admit students on a semester basis. Therefore, you can choose the semester you want to enroll in.
What is the minimum age to apply for a student permit in Canada?
When applying for a Canadian Student Permit, the applicant must be 18 years of age or older. In addition, a parent or legal guardian must accompany guests under the age of 18.
What is Canada’s student visa refusal rate?
According to data released by the IRCC, about 30% of student visa applications are denied by visa-issuing agencies.
How many times can I apply for a Canadian student visa?
There is no maximum number of applicants for a Canadian study visa. If rejected, you should understand why. However, we advise you not to repeat the same mistakes. You may need to amend your application and documents to avoid a repeat rejection.
When can I apply for a Canadian Student Permit after being denied?
There is no waiting period to reapply for a Canadian Student Permit. You can apply for a student visa immediately after your application has been rejected.