INTRODUCTION
That means you’ll soon be attending an interview for a student visa to Canada. The first thing I want to say is, “Congratulations!” This is a great sign that preparations for your study abroad visa are proceeding smoothly.
Plus, there’s some even better news: The sole purpose of the interview for a Canadian student visa is to verify the accuracy of the information you provided. Nothing in this will trip you up or take you off guard. While walking into an interview can be nerve-wracking, there’s no need to worry.
No more searching for tips on how to ace your Canada immigration interview. Here, we’ll share our tried-and-true strategies for nailing your interview and securing that all-important study abroad visa.
Everything you need to know about the Canadian visa interview, from organising your paperwork to frequently asked questions and new requirements for international students in Canada.
Is an interview required for a Canadian student visa?
Student visa applications to Canada typically culminate in an interview.
We can’t give interview invitations. Most students are almost students are true without having to go through a visa interview. If selected, have no fear! It’s only a precaution to make sure you’re a real student who respects the law and is aware of his civic obligations.
Officials from Canada’s immigration service will interview for a Canadian visa if you’re chosen for one. You can anticipate being asked about your intended major, financial plan, and why you’ve decided to attend a Canadian university.
Expect a short interview and not a thorough interrogation. However, a few things can be done ahead of time. When applying for a student visa to Canada, it’s vital to consider the following details.
Canada study visa preparation: Step-by-step
1. Submit your application
This may seem like stating the obvious, but bear with us since we’re just starting! Submit your study permit application early if you wish to attend university in Canada.
The good news is that this essential initial step toward obtaining a student visa can be completed in the comfort of your home.
You may see our comprehensive article on studying in Canada here. So, if you are just starting, read this and prepare for the interview!
2. Work on your English skills
Language fluency in English (and often French) is sometimes a prerequisite for obtaining study permits in Canada. If you are called for an interview with a Canadian visa officer, your proficiency in Canada’s language(s) will be considered.
Study as much as possible for exams, and immerse yourself as much as possible in the English or French language through reading, listening to the news, and conversing with friends and family. Your responses will make more sense, and you’ll have less trouble understanding the material if you can improve your language abilities. The situation benefits both parties.
3. Organise your documents
Numerous government-issued documents are required to apply for a Canadian study permit.
Prepare for an interview by keeping this information in a neat, easily accessible folder. Reviewing your current academic pursuits and mission statement might remind you of your primary motivations for continuing your education.
4. Listen carefully and stay positive
Keep your confidence up on interview day; you’ll do great! An individual’s character and motivation for studying in Canada will be discussed during the interview process. Maintain a cool, confident demeanour. Those initial impressions matter.
Take in all questions and respond with as much consideration and honesty as possible. Don’t waffle; answers should be concise and precise. If you’re the type of person, who gets nervous during interviews, practising your responses ahead of time can be a huge help.
How to pass your Canada study visa interview
How to ace the interview for your Canadian student visa? Study hard, study hard, and study some more. We have discussed what to do before the interview, and now we will consider the questions that will be asked.
We’re confident you’ll pass the interview with flying colours if you do your homework and practise responses to some sample questions.
Common Canada studies visa interview questions.
If you’re going to go to school, why in Canada?
To what extent did you consider other schools before deciding on this one?
What exactly is it about this class that you find intriguing?
In what courses do you plan to enrol?
Explain how you intend to pay for college.
To what extent will your savings be able to sustain your daily life?
I’m curious about what you intend to do after school.
Don’t give any answers implying that you want to stay in Canada after graduation and look for a job there. Pursue intellectual goals, not those linked to working and living in Canada.
Think about how your courses will help you reach your long-term job objectives. Your self-assurance (or that of your family) in paying for college should shine through in your tone and demeanour. Proving your strong ties to your native nation by showing that you have plans to visit during your vacation time will further calm immigration officials.
New rules for international students in Canada
Finally, new regulations have been implemented for international students in Canada in light of the recent coronavirus outbreak. Applications for Canadian study permits are still being processed, but recipients can expect delays.
Be sure to double-check any travel limitations and submit your application in plenty of time. The entry of non-essential visitors who received all necessary vaccinations was permitted in September 2021. Furthermore, for those who have been properly immunised, the need to undergo a quarantine period has been waived as of July 2021.
Despite this, exceptional precautions are still in place, and things can shift quickly. Ask your school for guidance if you have questions about complying with local laws.
Check out our detailed visa application guide if you’re interested in applying for a Canadian study permit. Just relax, be yourself, and exude confidence throughout the interview itself. Ultimately, going abroad to school is an appealing option. Obtaining your Canada student visa will be easier if you follow these suggestions.
Interview process
There will be two screening interviews when you first enter Canada. If everything is ready and in order, it should go quickly.
First interview: official documents
A member of the CBSA will do the following during your initial interview:
See you and request to see your passport and travel documents
Ensure that you and any accompanying family members have valid travel documentation
Inquire about your well-being.
questions like those seen on immigrant forms, such as
Whether you’re a solo traveller or bringing the kids along, I hope you have
A major crime conviction in your home country?
In Canada, how long do you intend to remain?
How much cash do you have on you at the moment?
Do you feel okay?
To what extent do you know Canada? Have you been asked to leave?
After the first one, you’ll have another interview with a different CBSA agent. This officer will inspect items in your possession. Working with the same customs agent again at certain entrance points is possible.
Second interview: personal goods
In the second interview, you’ll be asked to disclose any possessions you plan to bring into Canada.
The officer will request your declaration card. You must notify the border patrol agent that you’re in Canada for immigration purposes. Depending on where the customs procedure occurs, the officer may send you somewhere.
You must provide the officer with a detailed inventory of the items you are transporting and those that will follow. Officers will review both lists with you and may have follow-up questions regarding specific items. The police could also perform a luggage search.
Get ready to respond to the following inquiries:
In other words, what are you bringing with you to Canada?
What sort of living things do you have on you?
Do you happen to have any weapons, ammunition, or fireworks?
I was wondering if you brought any protein sources like meat or dairy.
Do you happen to have any edible, fresh produce on you?
Do you stock any merchandise featuring endangered animals?
Don’t give false answers.
The truthfulness of your responses is required. Making a false statement is a serious offence. If you lie on your immigration form in Canada, you risk being cut short.
The process should go well if you know what you’re doing and don’t bring anything with you that can’t be legally purchased in Canada.
In the absence of any objections, the officer will sign your Confirmation of Permanent Residence, making it possible for you to settle permanently in Canada.
Canada Student Visa Interview Questions
If you wish to study in Canada, you’ll need to apply for a Canada Student Visa. Applicants must submit a completed application form and any supporting materials requested. After applying for a visa, the applicant must pay the required processing cost. Applicants must schedule an interview with the Canadian Embassy or Consulate after paying the visa cost. The interview is the last step in the procedure and is ultimately responsible for the visa’s approval or denial.
In an in-person interview, visa applicants should expect to be questioned and their documents verified by consular officials. Visa categories and visa programmes will determine the majority of the questions that will be asked.
The following are a few of the common questions asked during the student visa interview at the Canadian Embassy/Consulate:
I was wondering how you were holding up today.
Just give a quick response describing how you feel. These are just some everyday questions, so there’s no need to get worked up. Express your satisfaction by saying “excellent, thank you” and “how about you?”
To what extent do you know Canada?
Provide a yes/no answer. If you answered yes, explain your past trips by providing information such as where you went, why you went, how long you stayed, etc.
What made you decide on Canada?
You can connect the reason for your trip and any studies you’ve done or want to do in Canada. You may also need to justify the lack of a local equivalent. You can always mention that Canada has access to world-class teaching facilities as a rationale for studying there.
Please explain your decision to attend that specific institution of higher learning.
Given what you’ve learned, you should be able to speak convincingly about why that specific school is the right choice. You can also emphasise where the college stands out from others by its particular strengths.
Have you submitted applications to any other schools?
Share genuine information and briefly touch on your application experience. The Consular Officer may ask follow-up questions to establish your commitment to continuing your education.
How did you decide on this specific programme?
Check the beginning and ending dates of the course or programme you’re interested in. Find out all you can about the significance of the course or programme and how you may best emphasise its benefits. You can write a statement about how this course/program will further your career based on your prior education, experience, and enthusiasm for it.
Who will pay for everything while you’re in Canada?
Explain who is paying for it, whether it’s your parents or a bank in the form of a student loan. In addition, this question confirms the information you gave on the visa application.
I was wondering where in India you went to school.
You should specify the name of the university and the city where you attended for your undergraduate degree.
If you could describe your parents, what would you say they do for a living?
If you like, you can talk about your parents’ jobs. The Officer may ask additional questions to verify your parents’ financial stability.
Do you have company on this trip, or are you going alone? Respond to this inquiry with self-assurance and, if applicable, explain.
If you like, you can talk about your parents’ jobs. The Officer may ask additional questions to verify your parents’ financial stability.
Do you have any Canadian family or friends?
Give a simple yes/no response. Please describe your family ties if you do. Even if you think the answer is “no,” answering confidently indicates how much you want to integrate into the Canadian society and establish new acquaintances and family.
Where in India do you plan to stay?
Give the location’s name and say how much you’re looking forward to returning after the programme or course is done.
Where in Canada do you plan to stay?
Include the address where you are staying and specify if it is a short-term arrangement or whether you intend to remain there until your course or programme is completed.
Do you hope to find employment in Canada?
If your visa allows you to work in Canada while you’re enrolled in school, tell the Officer that you plan to do so to further your profession or make ends meet. Otherwise, be up with them about your goal to return home after your studies.
The Consular Officer may have further inquiries depending on the applicant’s background. Course/program-specific inquiries include those about the expected length of stay and level of education. Answer the questions with self-assurance and honesty.