All you need to know about Canada's AIP Study Visa Process

Continuing its efforts to provide relief to international students, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada has announced major policy change while introducing a new two-stage visa process, which will allow international students to start their Canadian education before completing the Study permit process. Moreover, the time they would spend while studying outside Canada will count towards their Post Graduation Work Permit eligibility. Here is the necessary information in a Q&A form that you need to know.

What is the AIP study visa?

Approval-In-Principle Study Visa is Canada's new and temporary study visa process, which is divided into two stages. On completing the first stage, you will receive Approval-In-Principle, which will allow you to pursue your Canadian education online from your home. However, to get the full study permit and to travel to Canada, you will also need to fulfill the requirements of stage 2. How to get AIP approval to study online?

To start your studies online, you will have to meet the following requirements.

• An acceptance letter from Canadian University or College

• a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (if you want to study in Quebec)

• proof that you have enough money for

  • Tuition fees

  • Living expenses that will occur during your stay in Canada

  • Returning home after completing your Study

• Disclosure of family ties that you may have to Canada

• evidence that you'll leave Canada when you no longer have legal status Once you have obtained the Approval-in-Principle, you can start your study programs online. Please note that to receive an AIP study visa you will also have to complete the second stage.

What are the requirements of stage 2 of the AIP Study Visa? Stage 2 is an admissibility stage in which you will have to submit the following documents to get the full Study Permit, after which students can travel to Canada when the travel restrictions are lifted. These are

• Immigration medical examination

• Security-Police certificates

• Biometrics

• Any other document if required
  

Will it affect my Post Graduation Work Permit eligibility?

No! Your duration of post-study work permit will not be affected, provided you have submitted a study permit application, and if at least 50 percent of the program is completed in Canada.

After completing your courses in Canada, depending on the course you have taken, you may apply for a work permit for up to 3 years. During this period, you may also apply for permanent residency. 

Will I undoubtedly get my Canada study visa after clearing the first stage?

Although students who would succeed in the first stage will have a high probability that they would also pass the second stage, completing both the stages successfully is essential to get a Canada study visa.

I have all the documents that are required in Stage 1 and Stage 2. Can I submit them together?

Of course, you can submit all the documents together. In fact, as per the IRCC, students whose files are complete will be given priority.

When can I apply for an AIP study visa?

To be eligible for this 2-stage study-visa process, you must have submitted their applications by September 15, 2020, and your study program must begin by the end of this year.