Student Visa Canada

You have applied for a study program at Vancouver Island University in beautiful British Columbia and are now officially enrolled at VIU? Congratulations! Now you are all set for your big study abroad adventure in Canada … aren’t you?

Student Visa Canada – Frequently Asked Questions

What are the next steps? Do I need a visa in order to study abroad at VIU? – This question is frequently asked by students preparing for their semester abroad in Canada. Don’t panic! The visa process for your study program in Canada is not that difficult, you might not even need a visa at all. Sit back, relax, and read up on everything you need to know about your visa for a study abroad period in Canada:

European students who are planning to study at Vancouver Island University for one semester only do not need to apply for a visa, as long as their stay in Canada will not exceed 6 months. They can simply enter the country on a tourist visa. You will need a valid passport. Attention: Please make sure your passport is valid through your entire stay in Canada.

Student Visa Canada – Study Permit

Semester abroad students who plan on taking on a job on the VIU campus do require a valid visa, the so-called Study Permit. You can apply for your Study Permit either in person or via postal mail at a Canadian embassy in your country of residence, or – in most cases – online. You will need to give biometrics in Duesseldorf or Berlin afterwards. You can find detailed information on the application process as well as the required application documents ready to download on the website of the Canadian embassy.

Please make sure to hand in your visa application at least 4 weeks prior to your desired travel date to Canada.

If you wish to study at VIU for more than one semester (more than 6 months) you will need a Study Permit as well. Please apply for your Study Permit prior to your departure for Canada, since the visa application process might be more complicated when completed in Canada.
Applying for a visa for your study abroad experience in Canada is no hassle at all – you’re ready for your study abroad period at VIU, have a great time!

*The International Student Office does not take on any responsibility for information on Canadian visa or entry requirements. Please request information from the Canadian embassy prior to your departure to Canada.

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