How to Apply for a Canadian Visa on Your Own

Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide to Apply & Submit Your Canadian Study Visa Application

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

After receiving your acceptance letter from school, verify if you need a study permit here. If eligible, click on ‘How to Apply’.

Step 2: Start the Application Process

On the ‘How to Apply’ page, answer the following:

• Where are you applying from? Answer: Outside Canada.
• How do you want to apply? Answer: Online.
• Select your country, then scroll down and click on ‘Create An Account and Sign In’.

For account creation, visit this page and click ‘Sign in with GCKey’.

Step 3: Create Your Online Profile

After signing in, create your Username, Password, and Security Questions and Answers. You will then have access to a required list of documents to submit.

Step 4: Gather Your Documents

Required forms:

• Application for a Study Permit made outside Canada. Download here.
• Application for a Temporary Resident Visa made outside Canada (Optional).
• Family Information Form (IMM 5707).

Document checklist: View here.

Download forms: here.

Note: Download forms first and open them from your ‘Download Folder’. Ensure the latest version of Adobe is installed.

Other Required Documents:

• Acceptance Letter and Receipt from School
• International Passport
• Digital Passport Photograph (Canada Spec). Specifications here.
• Proof of Means of Financial Support (Statement of Account)

  • For Proof of Means of Financial Support, provide your sponsor’s statement of account (if you are being sponsored) as well as your own statement of account.
  • Also, provide any other document that can support your financial dependency

• Police Clearance Certificate, PCC (Optional)

  • The PCC is not a required document listed on the CIC study visa checklist.
  • However, in order to avoid delays in processing time in case they need it, I always advise including it.

• Motivation Letter
  This is where you tell:
  • A story unique to yourself.
  • Who you are.
  • What do you presently do?
  • Why study in Canada and not some other country?
  • Why return to your country after studying?
  • Why the school?
  • Why did you choose the course?

• A letter from Sponsor

  • The sponsor (preferably Dad/Mum) should write a letter of introduction.

For More Detailed Information: Follow each step carefully and refer to the linked resources for additional guidance. Good luck with your application!