Internationally Recognized Education: Canadians place great importance on learning, and have developed a first-rate education system with high standards. The country spends more on education (as a percentage of Gross National Product) compared to the Organization for Economic and Co-operation and Development (OECD) average, and is highest among G-7 countries.
Canadian students consistently rank among the best in world on international tests of reading, science and mathematics such as the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment - a testament to the outstanding quality of Canadian schools. A Canadian degree, diploma or certificate is recognized globally as being equivalent to those from the United States and Commonwealth countries.
Many well-regarded leaders in business, government and academic circles around the world have received part of their education - language studies and/or academic - in Canada.

Competitively Priced: International students can save considerably by studying in Canada. For instance, in a 2003 survey complied by the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Canada offered the lowest tuition rates for foreign students compared to the U.K., Australia and New Zealand. And, fees in the U.S. public universities were almost 1/3 higher than fees for Bachelor's degrees in Canada, while U.S. private university fees were more than double. Factor in Canada's low cost of living, and the overall financial advantage becomes even greater.
Visit the Cost Calculator on our website to get an estimate of what your costs to study in Canada could be.
One of the Best Places in the World to Live

1. Beautiful Environment
2. Sports and Leisure Activities
3. Cosmopolitan and Innovative

It's no secret: Canadians and visitors to Canada enjoy a quality of life that is recognized worldwide. From safe neighbourhoods in some of North America's most cosmopolitan cities to top-notch health care and public transportation, excellence permeates every aspect of Canadian life - including a world class higher education system.

The United Nations has consistently ranked Canada as one of the top three places in the world to live. Canada earned high marks for its access to education, high life expectancy, and low crime rates.

#Beautiful Environment:As the world's second-largest country, Canada offers tremendous geographic variety in a climate not nearly as cold as you might think! Visitors discover Pacific coastal mountains, sweeping prairies, sparkling skylines in sophisticated cities, the rugged beauty of the Atlantic region and much more. National parks are located in every province and territory, and some has been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

#Sports and Leisure Activities: In a country with an estimated one-seventh of the world's fresh water supply, beaches, boating and waterfronts are always close at hand. Parks and historic sites offer outdoor activities, which tennis, golf, swimming, skiing - and, of course, ice hockey - are among the vast array of sports and recreational pursuits enjoyed across Canada.

#Cosmopolitan and Innovative: Canada is an international leader in computer and information technologies and has a reputation for excellence in such sectors as telecommunications, transportation and engineering and specifically, aerospace, urban transport, microelectronics, medical devices, advanced software, hydroelectric and nuclear power, lasers and optoelectronics, biotechnology, and ocean and environmental industries. Canada was also among the first in the world to connect schools and libraries to the Internet.

Media, entertainment and artistic endeavours are well developed in Canada. Canada's highly sophisticated broadcasting system includes more than 1,000 AM and FM radio stations and some 719 television stations to serve, entertain and educate the listening and viewing audience.
A wide range of cultural activities are available in Canadian cities and towns, including museums, galleries, live theatre, dance and music performances and concerts.

A Bilingual Nation: Canada is a bilingual country with two official languages, English and French. The majority of Canada's French speaking inhabitants live in the province of Québec. This province is located in the eastern part of the country, but there are French speaking communities throughout the country. As a bilingual nation, Canada offers superior English as a Second Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FSL) programs for students wishing to learn either or both languages.

Multicultural and Welcoming: Canada has traditionally been a country of immigrants and has a policy of encouraging multicultural diversity. In fact, one out of three Canadians has an ethnic background other than English, French or Aboriginal.

Students coming to Canada will experience a secure, peaceful, multi-cultural environment in cities and towns with people who are friendly and interested in learning about other cultures. With almost all of the world's ethnic groups are represented in Canada, most ethnic foods and recreation activities associated with specific cultures are available in Canada. Clubs and associations representing a multitude of ethnic backgrounds are also easily accessible. International student advisors can help students get in touch with such groups

A Safe Place to Study: Canada is considered to be a relatively peaceful, safe and orderly country. (Crime rates in Canada have dropped consistently since the beginning of the 1990's). Firearms are strictly controlled and generally not permitted.
International students who come to Canada should follow the same common sense precautions as they would anywhere in the world

Work Opportunities: International students who have graduated from a Canadian university or college have the opportunity to work in Canada for up to three years after they receive their degree or diploma. International students can work off-campus with a work permit in any field. For more information, visit the www.cic.gc.ca site.

Study Visa Requirements

Canada hosts more than 175,000 international students. Every year, more and more Indian, Nepalese, and Bhutanese students choose Canadian colleges, universities, and institutes as the place to pursue higher education.

Applying

Application forms can be found at the following link:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM1294B.PDF

VFS
The Canadian High Commission uses the services of VFS Visa Application Centres in nine cities across India and in one city in Nepal to ease the application process for temporary visas - visitors, students, and workers as well as travel documents for permanents residents.
If an interview is required, these will be scheduled in advance at a time convenient to applicants so they will no longer stand in line outside the High Commission or Consulate General.
Note: VFS is responsible only for accepting applications and providing advice and guidance where necessary. All visa applications will continue to be assessed by visa officers at the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi or at the Canadian Consulate General in Chandigarh.

In-person Applications

In-person applications are accepted at the High Commission, New Delhi, and Consulate General, Chandigarh, from 11 to 12 p.m. Monday to Thursday. Given this time frame, please note that only a limited number of persons can submit applications in person.
Processing times are identical as for those applications submitted through VFS.

Mailed Applications

Applications are also accepted by mail. Please see the Contact Us page of our website for our mailing address.
Applications submitted by mail take a minimum of two weeks from the time an application is received in our office to process. Please click here to view the processing times.

Processing Times: Please note that processing times vary from case to case, often due to reasons beyond our control. Some cases will take longer than the times indicated above.

STUDENT PERMIT CHECKLIST

Use of Representative
As a federal government department, the Immigration and Visa section is bound by the Privacy Act not to discuss the details of any case with anyone except the applicant and certain authorized persons. Before the High Commission or Consulate General authorities can release information, the applicant must provide us with specific written permission to do so. Only a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or temporary resident in Canada can obtain this information.

Required Documents For All Visa Categories
Please note that all applicants submitting their applications for visa must meet the following essentials.

Passport with at least six months validity
Please note that the Canadian High Commission does not accept additional pages inserted into passports. If you do not have a blank page to which a visa can be affixed, a new passport must be obtained before submitting your application

If possible, a passport should be valid for the duration of study in Canada, as the validity of a study permit cannot exceed the validity of the passport
Relevant Fee

Fully completed application form appropriate to the type of visa requested with two original passport-size photographs [NB:digital photographs not acceptable]

Other Information
Children under 18 traveling without one or both parents or without a legal guardian must provide a notarized authorization for travel signed by both parents or by the parent or legal guardian not travelling. This authorization should be available for presentation at the Canadian Port of Entry Please provide only photocopies of all documents, as we do not guarantee the return of any original documents.
However, note that we reserve the right to request the original of any document provided English or French translations must accompany any documents not originally in English or French Please ensure you complete the portion of the application form for spouse or common-law partner and children - regardless of whether they are accompanying or not Children 18 years of age and older must submit their own application form Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. Note: A temporary resident visa may not be issued beyond the
validity of your current passport.
Note: English or French translations must accompany any documents not originally in English or French

STUDENT PERMIT CHECKLIST

• Study Permit Visa Application form with two recent, original passport sized photos ( 2 inches x 1.5 to 2 inches in size)
• Personal Information Form
• Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) [if applicable]
• Current Passport
• Personal documentation of applicant (marriage certificate, birth certificates of children - accompanying or not);
• Letter of acceptance from Canadian school that you will be attending, accompanied by
• Information from the school indicating the exact amount of tuition fees you will be required to pay
• Anticipated starting and finishing dates
• If you have prepaid any fees to the school in Canada, please submit a copy of the Official Receipt or letter from the school. Please note that pre-payment of fees to the school is not required in order to submit a Study Permit application
• Fully completed Student Questionnaire
• Educational Certificates/diplomas/degrees (including mark sheets)
• If you are younger than 18 years, submit:
• A notarized declaration signed by your parents or legal guardian, stating that arrangements have been made for a guardian in Canada to act in place of a parent in time of emergency
• A notarized declaration signed by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of at least 19 years of age that they will serve as guardian in lieu of your parents
• If you are studying in Québec, your Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ)

Proof of Funds

Complete information indicating how your studies will be financed for a minimum of the first 12 months (who the funds
belong to and where they come from). This plan should be supported by documents showing accumulated funds,
including:

1. Family banking records for the past 24 months (bank books and statements, accompanied by bank certificates dated within last three months)
   If you have received a loan for your studies, the loan sanction letter should be provided
2. Fixed deposits
3. Income Tax documents for yourself and your parents (for past 2 years)
4. If your family income is from agriculture please include land documents and agricultural income receipts (for the past two years)
5. Proof of employment from each of your parent's employer (salary fund statement, provident funds statement, employment contracts). Please also provide letters of employment from each of your parent's employer, including the company's full name, the address and the telephone number of the employer/supervisor, the length of service and the salary details. Same information for prospective student, if applicable. If you or your parent’s income is from business ownership please include proof of business ownership, partnership, business licence(s), bank statements and tax documents from the business (for the past two years)
6. If you are receiving funding from a school in Canada or a governmental organization, submit the letter from the funding body detailing the amount you will receive during each year of proposed study
7. If someone other than yourself or your parents is providing funding, please identify their relationship to you, an explanation as to why they are assisting you, information regarding the number of persons in their household and evidence of their financial ability, including documentary evidence of their liquid assets as well as their financial obligations such as mortgages, loans, etc.

If they are living in Canada this should include:

• Proof of their Immigration Status in Canada (Permanent resident card, passport copy or citizenship card)
• Proof of their relationship to you (Birth/marriage/school certificate)
• Proof of the number of persons residing in their household
• Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment (NOA) for income tax (For the past two years). Please note that T4 and T1 forms are not acceptable for this purpose
• Proof of the sponsor’s financial liquidity, indicating your sponsor's income, debts, obligations and overall financial capacity to provide

1. Introduction to Study Permits for Canada

Study permit is an official document allowing someone who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada to study in Canada. Most international students need a study permit to study in Canada. Some international students also need a temporary resident visa. You do not need to make a separate application for a temporary resident visa - it will be issued at the same time as the documentation necessary for you to enter Canada as an international student.

Before you apply for a study permit for Canada you must be accepted to study at a recognized school, university or college in Canada, and receive a letter from that educational institution confirming your acceptance.

Education is a responsibility of the provincial and territory governments in Canada, and educational standards are set by the individual provinces and territories. For more information on education in Canada and to find provincial departments of education, elementary and high schools, school boards, and universities and colleges in Canada, check

2. Who Needs a Study Permit for Canada

When a Study Permit for Canada is Required

If you are not a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, a family or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada or a member of a foreign armed force under the Visiting Forces Act, and you wish to take a course of six months or more, then you will need a study permit for Canada.
When A Study Permit for Canada is Not Required
International students do not need a study permit to study in Canada in the following cases:

• Short course or program - You do not need a study permit for a short-term course or program of six months or less as long as you finish your course within the time authorized for your visit to Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada recommends that you apply for a study permit anyway before you come to Canada. If you don't, and then decide you want to continue studying, you would have to apply for a study permit from outside Canada.
• Courses that are not academic, professional or vocational
• Courses included in a tour package for tourists
• Nursery schools or kindergarten
• Foreign representatives - Those with diplomatic, consular or official status in Canada and their family members do not need a study permit. Contact your embassy in Canada to ensure you do not need a study permit.
• Foreign Armed Forces - While members of foreign armed forces under the Visiting Forces Act do not need a study permit, their family members, including children, do.

Procedure for Canadian Study Permit

1.Introduction to Study Permits for Canada

A study permit is an official document allowing someone who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada to study in Canada. Most international students need a study permit to study in Canada. Some international students also need a temporary resident visa. You do not need to make a separate application for a temporary resident visa - it will be issued at the same time as the documentation necessary for you to enter Canada as an international student.

Before you apply for a study permit for Canada you must be accepted to study at a recognized school, university or college in Canada, and receive a letter from that educational institution confirming your acceptance.

2.Who Needs a Study Permit for Canada

If you are not a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, a family or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada or a member of a foreign armed force under the Visiting Forces Act, and you wish to take a course of six months or more, then you will need a study permit for Canada

3.Requirements for a Study Permit for Canada

When you apply for a study permit for Canada, you must satisfy the immigration officer who reviews your application that you

1. will leave Canada after your temporary stay
2. have been accepted by a recognized school, university or college in Canada
3. have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, to support yourself and family members while you are in Canada, and enough to return home
4. will be law abiding
5. have no record of criminal activity (a Police Certificate may be required) are not a risk to the security of Canada
6. are in good health (a medical exam may be required)

4.Documents Required to Apply for a Study Permit for Canada

In general, the following documents are required to apply for a study permit for Canada. Check the information provided in the application kit carefully for details and in case there are other documents required for your specific circumstances. There may also be additional local requirements, so contact your local visa office ( www.cic.gc.ca ) to verify that you have all the required documents before submitting your application for a study permit.

• proof of acceptance - original letter confirming that you have been accepted by a recognized school, university or college in Canada
• proof of identity - a valid passport or travel document for you and each family member accompanying you. If the country that issued your passport requires a re-entry permit, you must have one before you apply for a study permit for Canada. Citizens and permanent residents of the United States, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, and Greenland do not need passports, but do need proof of status and citizenship. You must also supply two recent passport-size photos.
• proof of financial support - to show that you can afford to support yourself and family members, and pay expenses such as tuition and books. Examples include proof of a Canadian bank account into which money has been transferred, a letter from your bank, a bank draft in convertible currency, and proof of a scholarship.

You must also produce any additional documents requested.

When you arrive in Canada you will be asked to show these documents again.

5. How to Apply for a Study Permit for Canada

u should apply for your study permit for Canada as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance from an educational institution.
To apply for a study permit for Canada:

• Download the study permit application kit and guide (in PDF)(www.cic.ga.ca) You can also contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate - www.international.gc.ca responsible for your area to have a study permit application kit mailed to you.
• Read the guide carefully. Fees for study permit applications are not refundable, so be sure you are eligible for a study permit and can meet the requirements before you apply.
• Complete the form and attach the required documents. If you don't follow all the instructions or don't provide the necessary documents, your application could be returned to you without processing. Sign and date your application. Double check that you have completed the application fully and that you have enclosed all the required documents. Make a copy of your application for your own records.
• Pay the fee and get an official receipt. Check with your local visa office(www.cic.ga.ca )–(visa offices abroad) on fees and how to pay them.
• Submit your application. For details on accepted methods of submitting your application, consult the visa office responsible for your area.

6. Processing Times for Study Permits for Canada

Citizenship and Immigration Canada advises that it takes at least six months to gather the information and documents required to apply for a study permit for Canada and to plan and prepare for a move to Canada as an international student.

You should apply for a study permit as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance from an educational institution.

Processing times vary depending on the visa office where you apply. The Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada maintains statistical information on processing times (www.cic.ga.ca) (Statistical information: Applications processed at Canadian visa offices- Study permits)
to give you an idea of how long applications for study permits at different visa offices have taken in the past to use as a general guideline.
Citizens of certain countries may need to complete additional formalities which could add several weeks or longer to the normal processing time. You will be advised if these requirements apply to you.

If you require a medical exam,(www.cic.ga.ca )( Medical examination requirements for visitors (tourists, students and temporary foreign workers) it could add several months to the application processing time. In most cases you will require a medical exam. If you require a medical exam, a Canadian visa officer will tell you and send you instructions.

7. Acceptance or Refusal of Application for Study Permit for Canada

When your application for a study permit for Canada is received, it is checked to make sure that it has been completed and that all the necessary documents are included. If your application is not complete, it will be returned to you without processing.
After reviewing your application for a study permit for Canada, a visa officer may decide that an interview with you is required. If so, you will be notified of the time and place.

If your application for a study permit for Canada is turned down, your passport and documents will be returned to you, unless the documents are fraudulent. You will also be given an explanation of why your application was refused. If you have questions about the refusal of your application, contact the visa office which issued the refusal letter.

If your application for a study permit is accepted, you will be sent a letter of introduction confirming the acceptance. Bring this letter of acceptance with you to show to immigration officials when you enter Canada.

If you are from a country which requires a temporary resident visa, a temporary resident visa will be issued to you. The temporary resident visa is an official document placed in your passport. The expiry date on the temporary resident visa is the day by which you must enter Canada. The temporary resident visa will also show whether you can enter Canada only once or whether you can enter Canada multiple times.

8. Entering Canada as an International Student

When you arrive in Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency officer will ask to see your passport and travel documents and ask you questions. Even if your application for a study permit for Canada was accepted, you must satisfy the officer that you are eligible to enter Canada and will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

Documents Required to Enter Canada

Have the following documents ready to show the Canada Border Services Agency officer:

• valid passport or travel document (citizens and permanent residents of the United States, Saint-Pierre et Miquelon and Greenland must provide proof of citizenship or permanent residence)
• the letter of introduction confirming acceptance of your application for a study permit for Canada
• temporary resident visa (if required)
• copy of the letter of acceptance from the school at which you are permitted to study
• proof of financial support
• other documents recommended by the visa office where you applied

Your Study Permit for Canada

If you are allowed to enter Canada, the officer will issue your study permit. Check the study permit to make sure the information is accurate. The following terms and conditions are listed on your study permit:

• the name of the educational institution at which you may study
• if you are allowed to work in Canada
• if you need to report for a medical examination, observation or treatment
• if your travel in Canada is restricted
• the expiry date - the date by which you must leave Canada

If at any time your circumstances change or you wish to change any of the terms and conditions on your study permit for Canada, you must complete and submit an Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada as a Student.

9. Contact Information for Study Permits for Canada

Please check with the visa office for your region for any specific local requirements, for additional information or if you have any questions about your application for a study permit for Canada

TOP 10 Reasons to Study in Canada

1. The United Nations ranked Canada as one of the best places in the world to live! This assessment was based upon Canada's achievements in terms of educational attainment, life expectancy, national income and general quality of life. It also included Canada's abundance of fresh water, Comfortable population density, low incidence of violent crime and a health care system that is a model for the world.

2. Canada's education system is excellent and ranks among the best in the world. Moreover Canadian tuition fees are among the lowest in English-speaking countries.

3. Internationally recognized degrees. Canada boasts a wide range of quality educational institutions for both degrees and diplomas in technical and professional disciplines.

4. Possibility to work in Canada after graduation. International students who have graduated from a Canadian university or college have the opportunity to work in Canada for up to one year after they receive their degree or diploma. International students can work on campus without a work permit. Plans are being made to allow international students to work off-campus, too.

5. A safe, stable country. Canada is a peaceful, politically stable, and safe country. We have laws that protect the rights of our citizens and our country is relatively unaffected by natural disasters.

6. Excellent health care. Compared to other countries, medical insurance is inexpensive in Canada yet the services that Canadian hospitals provide are among some of the most advanced and accessible in the world.

7. Learn or improve another language! For over a century, Canada's two official languages (English and French) have been taught as second languages which is why we are world leaders in language training. International students often choose to take language courses before beginning a regular academic program.

8. A multicultural country. Canada is home to a large number of aboriginal people, called First Nations. Over the past century and a half, Canada has welcomed 15 million immigrants. Canada has a national policy for multiculturalism and works to ensure that people's customs and traditions are preserved and respected.

9. Nature and four distinct seasons. While Canada has big cities, we also preserve a huge amount of unsettled land and a thriving national and provincial parks system. The temperature varies a great deal in Canada. Certain cities almost never have snow in the winter while other cities may get a lot. There's something for everyone, including indoor and outdoor recreational activities at no or low cost. Our four distinct seasons offer variety and their own special pleasures.

10. We're waiting for you! Canadians can be reserved with newcomers but are generally very welcoming and respectful of differences. Our educational institutions encourage new students from abroad and many have targets to increase their numbers of international students. One thing is for sure--your time in Canada will be something that you will never forget! What are you waiting for?