ONLINE APPLICATION vs PAPER BASED & STEPS TO APPLY ONLINE?

[Krishna13]

Hello Friends,

I would like to file my student visa application through online but I don't know the precise steps to be followed in order to apply and, more importantly, I am not taking any agent/consultant services. I'll apply on my own. Therefore, I request all to kindly help me and make me familiarize with the steps.

Also suggest, which one is more better Online application Or Paper based application?

Positively looking forward to hear from you guys.

Thanks.

 

[Sowmya2404]

Online application processing time is fast rather than the offline one. First create a account in the cic website. You would be asked few gckey questions and answers which you have to make up for yourself and remember them. Then you enter into start a new application, and start uploading the documents and finish your visa

 

[Krishna13]

Online application processing time is fast rather than the offline one. First create a account in the cic website. You would be asked few gckey questions and answers which you have to make up for yourself and remember them. Then you enter into start a new application, and start uploading the documents and finish your visa

Thanks Sowmya for your suggestion,

Even I'm also considering to lodge my visa application through Online, although I don't know the precise steps, that's why am seeking your advise because I don't wanna make any mistake. Dear, would you please confirm the exact steps? Is it possible to apply online on your own Or we should seek agents services in order to apply because I am not taking any education consultant services.

Regards.

 

[bongoman]

Offline is better in a lot of cases, first the instructions are much clearer, you can easily include any additional documents you want.
Also VFS will check your documents for completeness before they take them, I had to go complete another form which was required but not listed on IRCC website and I would not have known this without VFS. VFS also offers extra assistance at a cost if you need it.

And according to some members here offline applications have been processing faster than online, although this probably depends on the visa office.

 

[Krishna13]

Offline is better in a lot of cases, first the instructions are much clearer, you can easily include any additional documents you want.
Also VFS will check your documents for completeness before they take them, I had to go complete another form which was required but not listed on IRCC website and I would not have known this without VFS. VFS also offers extra assistance at a cost if you need it.

And according to some members here offline applications have been processing faster than online, although this probably depends on the visa office.

Thanks man,

Thanks for the suggestion, but I believe, you may have taken an assistance from any agent who may have prepared your visa application and then you lodged your file at VFS, however, in my case I wanna apply on my own.

So would you please suggest.

 

[Krishna13]

Anyone applied online? Can anyone please let me know the precise steps to be followed in order to apply?

I am applying on my own so don't know how to apply. What are the documents which are imperative to attach while submitting and what are the mistakes which one must avoid while applying online? Any additional documents required?

I would be eternally grateful.

 

[msmuffet]

Anyone applied online? Can anyone please let me know the precise steps to be followed in order to apply?

I am applying on my own so don't know how to apply. What are the documents which are imperative to attach while submitting and what are the mistakes which one must avoid while applying online? Any additional documents required?

I would be eternally grateful.

Hi..I submitted my application online..hope this will help u..

1. Check your Eligibility https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/come-canada-tool.html
2. If you are applying for student visa, you should already have a LOA (Letter of Acceptance) from the school
3. After answering all questions, it will generate a Reference Number. Take note of that.
4. Make GCKey account https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html
5. After making an account ( please take note of all the info you provided coz u will need that during log-in ) . Log -in to your account
6. Click "Apply for....." and quote your reference number
7. It will then open into your application portal where you can find all the documents that you need to fill-up and provide
8. You have 60 days to complete the application ( uploading the docs.. )
9. After all docs are uploaded, then go and pay using credit card
10. After payment, they will provide you with confirmation. Then after that, you'll have to wait for the result...

You can also interchange number 4 and 1..You can make GCKey first and check your eligibility from there...

 

[bongoman]

Thanks man,

Thanks for the suggestion, but I believe, you may have taken an assistance from any agent who may have prepared your visa application and then you lodged your file at VFS, however, in my case I wanna apply on my own.

So would you please suggest.

No I applied myself offline no agent necessary.

 

[msmuffet]

Anyone applied online? Can anyone please let me know the precise steps to be followed in order to apply?

I am applying on my own so don't know how to apply. What are the documents which are imperative to attach while submitting and what are the mistakes which one must avoid while applying online? Any additional documents required?

I would be eternally grateful.

Documents that you will need ( but it varies depending on what country your at )
1. Letter of Acceptance from School
2. IELTS Academic ( optional, CIC does not require this but it will greatly help your application )
3. Police Report
4. TOR ( Transcript of Records ) - I suggest have your TOR assessed by WES or IQAS
5. All Academic Degree records
6. All Certification records that you have ( optional )
7. Proof of funds ( Tuition Fee for 1 year + CAD 10,000 for upkeep ) make allowances ( around 40% - 50% so that your application will be checked favorably. You need to submit a recent Bank Certificate and Statement ( for the last 4 months of your banking records ). Recent means, it has to be at most 1 month to be safe ( based on my experience ).
8. Birth Records ( and Marriage Records if married )
9. Employment Certificates ( for all experiences in the last 10 years )
10. Study Leave Approval ( if working, this will greatly help your application as proof of Ties to your home country )
11. Study Plan ( extremely important. You need to explain why you are taking up the course, how it will help you, what is your future plans after receiving the education...check the web, you'll find a lot of help for your SOP )
12. Property Records and valuation ( if you have )
13. Passport Copy and All Travel stamps ( make sure to include all the stamps in your passport during uploading )
13. Any other documents that you think will greatly help your application

But please note that in online application, you have a limit of 4MB in each document that you will submit. You will find it hard to upload in the "Optional Docs" where all your other supporting docs will be uploaded. What I did is to scan all my documents at the lowest PDF reso and had it compressed. Just make sure that you can still read the content after compressing.

 

[Krishna13]

Documents that you will need ( but it varies depending on what country your at )
1. Letter of Acceptance from School
2. IELTS Academic ( optional, CIC does not require this but it will greatly help your application )
3. Police Report
4. TOR ( Transcript of Records ) - I suggest have your TOR assessed by WES or IQAS
5. All Academic Degree records
6. All Certification records that you have ( optional )
7. Proof of funds ( Tuition Fee for 1 year + CAD 10,000 for upkeep ) make allowances ( around 40% - 50% so that your application will be checked favorably. You need to submit a recent Bank Certificate and Statement ( for the last 4 months of your banking records ). Recent means, it has to be at most 1 month to be safe ( based on my experience ).
8. Birth Records ( and Marriage Records if married )
9. Employment Certificates ( for all experiences in the last 10 years )
10. Study Leave Approval ( if working, this will greatly help your application as proof of Ties to your home country )
11. Study Plan ( extremely important. You need to explain why you are taking up the course, how it will help you, what is your future plans after receiving the education...check the web, you'll find a lot of help for your SOP )
12. Property Records and valuation ( if you have )
13. Passport Copy and All Travel stamps ( make sure to include all the stamps in your passport during uploading )
13. Any other documents that you think will greatly help your application

But please note that in online application, you have a limit of 4MB in each document that you will submit. You will find it hard to upload in the "Optional Docs" where all your other supporting docs will be uploaded. What I did is to scan all my documents at the lowest PDF reso and had it compressed. Just make sure that you can still read the content after compressing.

Firstly, Thanks a ton for your revert. Your guidelines are really noticeable. Above said points are very useful and must not be missed while attaching documents.

I believe you have left nothing and this would certainly help me a lot while applying online. Nonetheless, I would like to bring in the picture that I'm from India and will be applying from India.

I'verecently got Visa refusal on the grounds of Funds and I also obtained the CAIPS notes and the same reason is there which is stated on my refusal letter that the visa officer is not convinced regarding my Funds/assets. However, I am confused that why they have raised the question regarding funds despite of showing adequate amount in the bank account i.e 25 Lakhs in my elder brothers account and that too was an year older excluding GIC and tuition fees. My brother was the sponsor.

This time I would apply on my own and preferring to lodge my visa application through Online, although I didn't know the precise steps until you made me aware. That's why am seeking your advise because I don't wanna make any mistake.

As you shared 14 points in your previous response regarding required documents, could you please confirm that which specific column is meant for documents?

I must upload all the academic, work, financial documents, CA report, property, SOP but under which section? And is there any format such as pdf, jpeg etc. prescribed to upload the documents? I believe it would be around 150-170 pages if I make a set of all the documents, I wonder how would I upload all these pages? Also, do we need to scan an original copy of our documents or first we need to notarize the copies of all our documents and then scan & upload one by one?

And, I am applying under the General Category not in SDS so where do I need to mention this? And in online application, do we also need to fill all those documents in the same manner which we fill while submitting offline or paper based application?

It would be much appreciated if you assist.

 

[Krishna13]

No I applied myself offline no agent necessary.

Ohhh really You did not seek anyone's services. That's great. Actually, I believe, its not necessary to hire agent.

I am applying on my own because last time I applied through an agent and it was paper based application but unfortunately got visa refusal. However, this time I am planning to lodge my application through online. I admit, before accepting application VFS cross check that everything is at place or not. I will surely keep this option in my list if I found online option would not work for me.

But dear, you know offline application requires many forms such as family information etc. to be attached with it. Do you remember which forms they are and when did you apply?I mean before Implement of SDS or?

Thanks

 

[msmuffet]

Firstly, Thanks a ton for your revert. Your guidelines are really noticeable. Above said points are very useful and must not be missed while attaching documents.

I believe you have left nothing and this would certainly help me a lot while applying online. Nonetheless, I would like to bring in the picture that I'm from India and will be applying from India.

I'verecently got Visa refusal on the grounds of Funds and I also obtained the CAIPS notes and the same reason is there which is stated on my refusal letter that the visa officer is not convinced regarding my Funds/assets. However, I am confused that why they have raised the question regarding funds despite of showing adequate amount in the bank account i.e 25 Lakhs in my elder brothers account and that too was an year older excluding GIC and tuition fees. My brother was the sponsor.

This time I would apply on my own and preferring to lodge my visa application through Online, although I didn't know the precise steps until you made me aware. That's why am seeking your advise because I don't wanna make any mistake.

As you shared 14 points in your previous response regarding required documents, could you please confirm that which specific column is meant for documents?

I must upload all the academic, work, financial documents, CA report, property, SOP but under which section? And is there any format such as pdf, jpeg etc. prescribed to upload the documents? I believe it would be around 150-170 pages if I make a set of all the documents, I wonder how would I upload all these pages? Also, do we need to scan an original copy of our documents or first we need to notarize the copies of all our documents and then scan & upload one by one?

And, I am applying under the General Category not in SDS so where do I need to mention this? And in online application, do we also need to fill all those documents in the same manner which we fill while submitting offline or paper based application?

It would be much appreciated if you assist.

academic, work, financial documents, CA report, property, SOP - in the Optional Docs section at the bottom of the list of documents. You have to scan them altogether for the system only requires you to upload 1 document regardless of the number of pages.

150-170 pages - this is too much..just select the docs that are extremely important

do we need to scan an original copy of our documents or first we need to notarize the copies - not all documents are to be notarized. Based on what I understand, only those Legal documents has to be notarized like an Affidavit of Support (in the case of your brother ).

am applying under the General Category not in SDS so where do I need to mention this - all online application are under regular stream. no need to mention SDS/SPP

do we also need to fill all those documents in the same manner which we fill while submitting offline or paper based application? - the IMM1294e ( Student Visa Application ) yes, but remember you don't need it to be printed and signed. Just Validate after filling up all the required info and save. You cannot upload it in the system if you will have it printed and signed. Please remember also to indicate the Visa Rejection in the Background check ( number 2b ). Write down the date you applied and when it was rejected.

My brother was the sponsor - your brother should make a Letter of Sponsorship of the amount he provided for you. This amount should reflect on your "Own" bank records. Aside from SOP, make a separate Letter of Explanation regarding the first refusal and address the concerns of rejection. Submit new documentation like your brother's sponsorship letter, his payslip, and any other documents that validates his income.

Word of Advise - have your documents group according to its purpose and requirement..Like for Passport - you need to include the Visa stamped in the attachment and not just the first page of the passport. in POF, make a summary of your Liquid Funds for easy understanding. Upload all this in the POF link and not in the "Optional" so that you can meet the 4MB requirement.

 

[bongoman]

Ohhh really You did not seek anyone's services. That's great. Actually, I believe, its not necessary to hire agent.

I am applying on my own because last time I applied through an agent and it was paper based application but unfortunately got visa refusal. However, this time I am planning to lodge my application through online. I admit, before accepting application VFS cross check that everything is at place or not. I will surely keep this option in my list if I found online option would not work for me.

But dear, you know offline application requires many forms such as family information etc. to be attached with it. Do you remember which forms they are and when did you apply?I mean before Implement of SDS or?

Thanks

We don't have SDS in my country, read the application instructions/package for your country on IRCC website and follow that. The documents are the same online/offline its just that the online application system is poorly designed so you end up not submitting required docs if you are not careful.
Also don't submit documents which are not required this is just a waste of your time & money police clearance is not necessary, WES evaluation is not necessary, just follow the official instructions and submit extra documents only if they support your application somehow.

 

[vamsee08]

Question regarding online application.

Where do we select normal or SDS while submitting online application.

 

[Krishna13]

academic, work, financial documents, CA report, property, SOP - in the Optional Docs section at the bottom of the list of documents. You have to scan them altogether for the system only requires you to upload 1 document regardless of the number of pages.

150-170 pages - this is too much..just select the docs that are extremely important

do we need to scan an original copy of our documents or first we need to notarize the copies - not all documents are to be notarized. Based on what I understand, only those Legal documents has to be notarized like an Affidavit of Support (in the case of your brother ).

am applying under the General Category not in SDS so where do I need to mention this - all online application are under regular stream. no need to mention SDS/SPP

do we also need to fill all those documents in the same manner which we fill while submitting offline or paper based application? - the IMM1294e ( Student Visa Application ) yes, but remember you don't need it to be printed and signed. Just Validate after filling up all the required info and save. You cannot upload it in the system if you will have it printed and signed. Please remember also to indicate the Visa Rejection in the Background check ( number 2b ). Write down the date you applied and when it was rejected.

My brother was the sponsor - your brother should make a Letter of Sponsorship of the amount he provided for you. This amount should reflect on your "Own" bank records. Aside from SOP, make a separate Letter of Explanation regarding the first refusal and address the concerns of rejection. Submit new documentation like your brother's sponsorship letter, his payslip, and any other documents that validates his income.

Word of Advise - have your documents group according to its purpose and requirement..Like for Passport - you need to include the Visa stamped in the attachment and not just the first page of the passport. in POF, make a summary of your Liquid Funds for easy understanding. Upload all this in the POF link and not in the "Optional" so that you can meet the 4MB requirement.

Thanks man for elaborating all this information in detail and especially precisely. I was actually looking for these steps. I can't express in words, big thanks to you.

Please make me correct if am wrong, I'll have to create a single pdf in which I must attach all my academic documents, previous work experience documents (eg. Experience certificates, Salary Slips, Offer letter, Appreciation letters, Salary Certificate), Financial documents (eg. Bank statements, bank certificate), ITRs of my parents & brother and my own ITR, Property evaluation report, CA report and SOP in the "Optional Docs" section, and importantly,the size of the pdf should not exceed more than 4MB.Is it?

And what to fill in the "Client Information" column?

And pertaining to the IMM1294e ( Student Visa Application ) So is this the only form which needs to be attached with our online application? As when we submit our file through paper based we have to fill multiple forms (Sorry I don't remember the names of that forms)

I've read somewhere that one has to download SDS forms from the website, fill them and then complete by uploading the forms, documents, digital photo. That's why I am thinking if there is a form for SDS then there should be a form for General Category as well, what do you suggest?

I will surely indicate my previous Visa rejection under 'Background Check" column, so here do we need to attach my refusal letter as well?

About letter of sponsorship, do you mean to say Affidavit of support ? Am sorry I dint get you which you said "This amount should reflect on your "Own" bank records" My brother has his own business so what exactly documents are required? This time in order to make my case stronger my father would become a primary sponsor, he is having a fixed deposit in his bank account but he is a retired official, so what documents should I attach?

Moreover, in POF, make a summary of your Liquid Funds for easy understanding. Upload all this in the POF link and not in the "Optional" so that you can meet the 4MB requirement ---- it would be much appreciated if you elaborate this point in detail because my main Visa Rejection reason was due to Funds, did you try to say I must make a written summary regarding my funds besides SOP?

Please help.