How to Apply for a Study Permit?
Post by : Admin on Mar 04,2024
Alberta is one of the best places to pursue higher studies. With the recent cap on study permit applications, it is now more important than ever to ensure that you get the entire application process perfectly right. The permit, after all, is the second-most crucial document you need to arrive and study in Canada besides the passport. You can apply for a study permit once you meet its eligibility requirements. You can do it online though the process is time-consuming and complex, especially because of the new changes announced on 22nd Jan, 2024.
Alternatively, you can ask a visa consultant in Alberta to help you out. From the paperwork to submitting the application along with the attested letter, they handle everything.
Are you Eligible to Apply for a Study Permit?
Here are the eligibility criteria for you to apply for the permit.
- You should have a valid passport. It is even better if the passport is valid throughout your academic session.
- The visa office asks for an original passport especially if you need a TRV or temporary resident visa. So, make sure you carry yours.
- You should submit the Letter of Acceptance attested by your desired university along with the application.
- Proof of sufficient funds is also important. The Government wants to know if you are financially stable enough to take care of your studies, expenses and dependents (if any).
How can you show proof of funds?
- A bank statement
- An official letter from your funding agency
- A letter from your college or university conveying that you are qualified for a scholarship award or research assistantship.
These are the basic essential requirements you must fulfill to apply for the study permit. However, you may need other documents as well such as medical clearance certificates.
How long does the permit take to process?
The processing time of study permits varies depending on where you are applying from and your purpose. For instance, let’s say you want to apply for a study permit from outside of Canada. Past reports confirm study permit applications under this category take around 10 weeks to process.
On the contrary, let’s say you want to apply for a permit from inside Canada. In that case, it may take around 6 weeks to process. The processing time for permit extensions is around 75 days.
The processing time starts when the Government receives your application and ends once they have made a decision regarding your application. The time may get delayed or the application rejected if it is incomplete.
What are the Key Changes to Study Permit Applications in 2024?
The Government set a two-year cap on study permit applications to curb the exploitation of international students. They expect to approve about 360,000 applications in 2024.
International students need to submit an attestation letter from the province along with their application. Alberta will set up a system for issuing the letters by 31st March 2024.
The changes are not applicable if you are enrolled in K-12 education, a master’s or doctoral program or if you are a current student.
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