Canada S1 Visa Application and Details: Make Your Education Dreams Come True!
- Murat Koçak
- Mar 20
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 21
Canada is one of the most preferred education destinations worldwide, thanks to its high-quality institutions, safe living conditions, and numerous advantages offered to students. So, if you have a long-term education plan in Canada, which visa should you apply for? Here is the answer:
The Canada S1 Visa!
In this article, we will share detailed information about what the S1 visa is, who is eligible for it, and the key points to consider during the application process. Additionally, we will provide tips to help you complete the process smoothly.
What is the Canada S1 Visa and Who Needs It?
The S1 visa is a type of visa issued to international students enrolling in educational programs in Canada that last longer than six months. If you have enrolled in a university, college, or a specific language school, you must obtain an S1 visa along with a Study Permit instead of a standard Visitor Visa.
This visa grants students the legal right to reside in Canada during their academic education and may also provide an opportunity to obtain a work permit under certain conditions. As one of the most suitable visa types for students wishing to study in Canada, the S1 visa offers a significant advantage for those looking to pursue their academic plans.
If you aim for a long-term educational experience in Canada, properly managing all processes related to the S1 visa is a critical step in ensuring a successful application.
The Canada S1 visa is a special visa type granted to international students enrolling in long-term education programs. This visa, which is mandatory for students whose education lasts longer than six months, is issued to the following groups:
● Students enrolling in a college or university in Canada: Students registered in undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs can continue their education with this visa.
● Students transitioning to an academic program after language education: If you plan to first take a language course in Canada and then enroll in a college or university, you need to apply for an S1 visa.
● Students enrolled in certificate or diploma programs lasting longer than six months: Vocational training, certificate, and diploma programs offered by public or private colleges in Canada also fall under this visa category.
If your study period is less than six months, you can enter Canada with a Visitor Visa or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) instead of an S1 visa. To determine the most suitable visa type for your education plan and to manage your process smoothly, seeking expert assistance will be beneficial.
Required Documents for the Canada S1 Visa
To apply for an S1 visa for a long-term education program in Canada, you must submit specific documents completely and accurately. Preparing the following documents is essential to ensure a smooth application process and increase the chances of approval:
● A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your visa. Insufficient passport validity at the time of application may risk visa approval.
● Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian educational institution: This official document from your enrolled school is a key part of your visa application.
● Biometric data: You must provide fingerprint records and biometric photographs for the Canadian visa. This process must be completed at an authorized visa application center.
● Financial proof: You must submit financial documents proving that you can cover your education and living expenses in Canada. These may include:
○ Bank statements
○ Sponsorship letter (if a family member or sponsor is covering your education expenses)
○ Scholarship documents (if you are receiving financial aid from a scholarship program)
● Canada visa application form (IMM 1294E): This is the official form required for a Study Permit application and must be completed online.
● Letter of Explanation: A personal letter detailing why you wish to study in Canada and how it aligns with your academic and career goals.
● Criminal record check and medical report: These documents may be requested for security and health assessments in certain applications.
Submitting complete and error-free documents speeds up the visa evaluation process and increases the chances of a positive outcome. Incomplete or incorrect documents may cause delays and unnecessary complications. As C&C Education, Visa, and Immigration in Canada experts, we guide you through the application process to ensure all requirements are met thoroughly.
Steps to Apply for the Canada S1 Visa
The S1 visa application process for students planning long-term education in Canada consists of several steps. To complete the application correctly and increase the chances of approval, follow these steps carefully:
Apply to a Canadian educational institution and obtain a Letter of Acceptance.
○ Ensure you receive the Letter of Acceptance from the college, university, or language school you applied to.
Complete the online visa application form.
○ Fill out the IMM 1294E form completely on the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Upload all required documents to the system.
○ Submit a valid passport, acceptance letter, financial proof, and other supporting documents through the online application system.
Complete the biometric data registration.
○ As part of the visa process, provide fingerprint and biometric photo data at an authorized VFS Global application center.
Pay the visa application fee.
○ The required fees for the visa and biometric procedures must be paid through the online system.
Wait for the application review process.
○ The processing time typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks.
○ During peak periods, processing times may be longer, so applying as early as possible is recommended.
Receive the visa approval and prepare for entry into Canada.
○ Once the visa is approved, the visa sticker is placed in the passport, and travel preparations can be finalized.
Applying for the Canada S1 visa in a timely manner is crucial to avoiding delays and ensuring a smooth process. Preparing the application accurately and completely is essential for progressing with your education plans without interruption. C&C Education, Visa, and Immigration in Canada experts assist you at every stage of the process to help you complete your application successfully.
Canada S1 Visa Fees and Processing Times
As of 2025, the fees for the S1 visa application are as follows:
● Study Permit (S1 Visa): 150 CAD
● Biometric Processing Fee: 85 CAD
The processing time for visa applications varies depending on the completeness of the submitted documents and the time of year the application is made. The evaluation process typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks. To ensure a faster and smoother process, all required documents should be prepared accurately.
Can You Work in Canada with an S1 Visa?
S1 visa holders can obtain a work permit while enrolled in a full-time academic program. This work permit allows students to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during holidays.
However, students enrolled solely in language programs are not eligible for a work permit. If you plan to work while studying, you must enroll in academic programs that grant work authorization. Choosing the right program and ensuring a smooth visa process is crucial. C&C Education, Visa, and Immigration in Canada helps you select the most suitable programs for your education and evaluate your visa options effectively.
Can You Study in Canada with an S1 Visa?
Yes, the S1 visa is a type of visa issued for international students who wish to pursue long-term academic education. With this visa:
● You can enroll in undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs at universities in Canada.
● You can receive vocational training in colleges and certificate programs.
● You can continue your education by transitioning to an academic program after language training.
If you plan to establish a long-term career in Canada after completing your education, C&C Education, Visa, and Immigration in Canada experts can guide you through every stage, from your education process to your immigration plans.
Can Family Members of S1 Visa Holders Enter Canada?
The spouses and children of S1 visa holders can apply for different visa options to accompany the student in Canada:
● Open Work Permit for Spouses: The student’s spouse can obtain a work permit and legally work in Canada.
● Visitor Visa or Study Permit for Children: If the student visa holder has school-aged children, they may need to apply for a study permit to enroll in Canadian public schools.
If you plan to move to Canada with your family, ensuring that each family member applies for the appropriate visa type is essential for a smooth process. C&C Education, Visa, and Immigration in Canada consultants provide professional support to help you navigate the family reunification process correctly. Contact us for more information!
Apply Now to Make Your Education Dreams in Canada a Reality!
If you want to study in Canada and invest in your future, applying for the correct visa is one of the most critical steps. Ensuring a smooth visa process and avoiding disruptions to your education plans requires a complete and accurate application.
C&C Education, Visa, and Immigration in Canada guides you through every step of the visa application process.
● Not sure which visa you need?
● Want your application to be complete and error-free?
● Need more information about education options in Canada?
Then contact us now to take the first step toward your educational journey in Canada! Our expert consultants are ready to guide you through every stage and help you achieve your education goals.
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