Canada has long been one of the most sought-after countries for students pursuing higher education. The universities here are known for their cutting-edge curriculum, sprawling campuses, and world-class education. Moreover, research is a key part of any graduate program. Students who have great research ideas are also provided with scholarships. 

Students with excellent academic scores can easily get admission to the top universities in Canada, but permission to study is given only through a valid study permit. If you wish to study in Canada, you should have a study permit or a visa before entering the country. This article gives readers an insight into whether they need to submit their academic documents to get a study visa to Canada and also provides a list of the other documents that would be needed. 

Need for Academic Documents 

The basic requirement for a Canada study visa is a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) in Canada. You will receive this letter of acceptance from a DLI only after you submit your academic documents showing your performance at various levels, including 10th grade, 12th grade, and undergraduate or graduate level (if applicable). The DLI must evaluate these documents to issue a letter of acceptance. 

Since you would have already submitted your academic documents to the DLI, producing them while applying for your study permit may be optional. However, if the immigration authorities request you to submit it, you may also have to include all your academic certificates. 

Documents to Submit for Study Permit to Canada

Here’s a list of the documents that students may need to submit to the Canadian embassy or consulate while applying for a study permit: 

• A valid passport or travel document
• A letter of acceptance issued by a DLI
• Proof of funds (bank statement, student loan etc.) to show that you can meet your expenses (tuition fee, accommodation fee, food expenses, and other miscellaneous expenditures) while studying in Canada
• Passport size photographs
• Medical certificate
• Police clearance certificate 
• Statement of your purpose of visit
• University or college fee payment receipt
• Education loan acceptance letter or GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) payment receipt 
• Academic certificates
• Scores obtained in English language proficiency exams (like TOEFL or IELTS)

Get all these documents ready. Fill up the student permit application form online and then download it. Attach all the required documents with this form and submit them to the Canadian consulate. Once your student visa is approved, you will be notified of it.  

Student immigration to Canada may seem to be a daunting process if you are new to these legalities. You can hire an immigration lawyer to assist you through the process. Have a copy of all your documents, including your academic documents, so that you can produce them when the authorities ask for them. After all, besides meeting the eligibility criteria, the right documentation is a crucial part of the study permit approval process.