Visa Information for Host Countries
Disclaimer: This web page is a guide to student visa resources and information. We make no warranty or representation in relation to extent, content, and/or accuracy of information provided. For further information, inquiries, and updates, it is strongly recommended that students consult the relevant consular and immigration authorities and confirm visa requirements as they apply to their own unique situation.
Western International is not able to provide individual assistance to students regarding specific visa and immigration requirements for their host country. We have provided a general summary by region/country below to assist you with planning and research on requirements for your destination.
Expected Fees
We recommended budgeting $100-800 CAD for estimated consular, processing, and services fees for visa applications. The visa you need may cost more or less than this estimate at the time of application; check resources below for further information.
Application Processing and Timing
Depending on the destination country, you may need to travel to your nearest consular authority or visa processing centre to submit or supplement an application in-person. You may also need to pick up the issued visa in-person at that location – in that case, factor in additional time and financial costs for any travel or steps required.
We recommend starting your visa application process at least four months in advance of your departure date. It may take time for you to gather documents and/or information. Final steps may be getting documents of confirmation from your host university, the address you’ll be staying at in the destination country, bank statements confirming sufficient funds from you and/or sponsor, etc.
Do not leave this to the last minute!
Regional and Country-Specific Visa Information and Resources
Last updated: January 25, 2023
All information provided below is exclusively for Canadian citizens not holding dual citizenship with the destination country who are at least 18 years old, seeking a visa for study purposes only and is not applicable for work abroad purposes.
- Canadian permanent residents (PRs):
- Some countries may have the same requirements as Canadian citizens
- However, many may have different requirements based on the country that issues your passport (ie. the country of your citizenship)
- Canadian citizens holding dual citizenship with destination country:
- Inquire further with nearest consular authority of destination country for visas requirements required for dual citizens
- Canadian citizens 17 years old or younger at the time of application:
- Type of visa and/or application process may differ; inquire further with nearest consular authority of destination country
The information below does not include complete requirements, timelines, or costs for the visa you may need.
INFORMATION AND REFERENCES BY REGION
Africa
|
Country |
Short-Stay (Typically Up to 90 days) |
Long-Stay (Typically Over 90 Days)
|
Estimated Processing Time |
For more information: |
|
Rwanda |
Visa on arrival (≤ 30 days) |
Extend before entry visa expires at Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, Kacyiru, Kigali (> 30 days) |
10 days |
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Tanzania |
10 days |
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Uganda |
3 days |
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Americas
|
Country |
Short-Stay (Typically Up to 90 days) |
Long-Stay (Typically Over 90 Days) |
Estimated Processing Time |
For more information: |
|
Barbados |
No visa required (≤ 6 months) |
10 days |
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Brazil |
5 days |
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Colombia |
Inquire about student visa requirements at nearest consular authority |
Inquire at nearest consular authority |
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Costa Rica |
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30 days |
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Cuba |
Request student visa (D-2) information from nearest consular authority |
Inquire at nearest consular authority |
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Ecuador |
Inquire about student visa requirements at nearest consular authority |
Inquire at nearest consular authority |
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Jamaica |
10-14 days |
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Mexico |
Student Temporary Resident Visa (>180 days) |
1-4 weeks |
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Trinidad and Tobago |
No visa required (≤ 90 days) |
Inquire about Student Permit requirements at nearest consular authority |
10 days |
Immigration Division, Consulate General of Trinidad & Tobago in Toronto |
|
United States of America |
For exchange program participants, no visa required: ▫ I-20 (/DS-2019) Certificate of Eligibility, SEVIS registration + fee paid, additional documents needed at port of entry – more information |
U.S. Consulate General Toronto
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Asia & Oceania
|
Country |
Short-Stay (Typically Up to 90 days) |
Long-Stay (Typically Over 90 Days) |
Estimated Processing Time |
For more information: |
|
Australia |
14 days (varies) |
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China |
(X2) Study Visa (≤ 180 days) |
(> 180 days) |
4-14 days |
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Hong Kong |
6 weeks |
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Indonesia |
(≤ 30-60 days) |
(Temporary Stay Visa (VITAS)) |
4-5 days |
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Israel |
No visa required (≤ 90 days) |
7 days |
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Japan |
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South Korea |
(≤ 90 days) |
Study Visa for Attending Regular School (D-2) (> 90 days) |
12-15 days |
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New Zealand |
NZeTa (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) (≤ 90 days) |
16 days |
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Singapore |
No visa required (≤ 30 days), SG Arrival Card |
Student’s Pass (>30 days) + SG Arrival Card |
1-2 weeks |
|
Europe
|
Country |
Short-Stay (Typically Up to 90 days) |
Long-Stay (Typically Over 90 Days) |
Estimated Processing Time |
For more information: |
|
Austria |
Schengen Area* |
2-4 weeks |
Honorargeneralkonsulat (Toronto) |
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Belgium |
3 weeks |
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Denmark |
2 months |
Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) |
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Finland |
1-2 months |
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France |
30 days |
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Germany |
National Visa + Student Residence Permit |
6-8 weeks |
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Luxembourg |
1-3 months |
Consulate General of Belgium in Montreal (<90 days) Embassy of Luxembourg in Washington (>90 days) |
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Netherlands |
2 months |
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Norway |
Study Permit (can travel to Norway before application decided) |
15 days |
VFS Global (Toronto), Royal Norwegian Consulate General in New York |
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Romania |
14 days |
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Spain |
30 days |
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Sweden |
1-2 months |
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Switzerland |
8-15 weeks |
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United Kingdom |
No visa required (≤ 6 months) |
3 weeks |
*Schengen Area
Schengen Area refers to European Union (EU) passport-free zone covering most (26) European countries without border controls between them (“Schengen States”).
- Short Term Stays (up to 90 days in any 180 day period)Visa or residence permit NOT required
- Long Term Stays (over 90 days):
- Visa or residence permit Required
- Confirm appropriate visa or residence permit requirements of intended country and obtain BEFORE If visa not obtained and your stay exceeds 90 days, you may be fined or deported
More resources about Schengen:
