Student Visa Application Process - Self v/s VFS (Indian Applicants)

[sanjeet_rock]

There are two ways to apply for student visa
1) Self
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how.asp

The documentation needed is very simple and straight forward here
Documents needed - http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how-documents.asp
For finances - Loans and bank statements will do.
No mention of GIC.
You just fill out the forms,gather your documentation and submit the application yourself.

2)Through VFS

http://www.vfs-canada.co.in/visaapplication.html

This a 3rd party organization which helps in your Visa processing.
VFS centers will charge a nominal amount to process the application and their application checklist varies from self application(they have included medical,IELTS score which I think everyone will be sending anyway)

There is a lot of confusion between SPP and non SPP programs.
What I have understood is if your Univ/College is participating in SPP,its advised to buy GIC of 10,000$.
But if you see the checklist for "University" applications i.e non SPP ( http://www.vfs-canada.co.in/visaapplication.html )- they have mentioned either GIC or educational loan of 10,000$ + evidence of payment of tuition fee.

Now most Universities(non SPP) won't accept tuition fee before July 2013 without registering for courses.

This is kind of confusing.So which one to choose?Self or through VFS

Can anyone help clear the air for once and all....

 

[tiger007]

There are two ways to apply for student visa
1) Self
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how.asp

The documentation needed is very simple and straight forward here
Documents needed - http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how-documents.asp
For finances - Loans and bank statements will do.
No mention of GIC.
You just fill out the forms,gather your documentation and submit the application yourself.

2)Through VFS

http://www.vfs-canada.co.in/visaapplication.html

This a 3rd party organization which helps in your Visa processing.
VFS centers will charge a nominal amount to process the application and their application checklist varies from self application(they have included medical,IELTS score which I think everyone will be sending anyway)

There is a lot of confusion between SPP and non SPP programs.
What I have understood is if your Univ/College is participating in SPP,its advised to buy GIC of 10,000$.
But if you see the checklist for "University" applications i.e non SPP ( http://www.vfs-canada.co.in/visaapplication.html )- they have mentioned either GIC or educational loan of 10,000$ + evidence of payment of tuition fee.

Now most Universities(non SPP) won't accept tuition fee before July 2013 without registering for courses.

This is kind of confusing.So which one to choose?Self or through VFS

Can anyone help clear the air for once and all....

Hi,

High Commission of Canada in India official website: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/india-inde/index.aspx

Here, they've mentioned: The High Commission of Canada in New Delhi has made arrangements with VFS Global Services to provide convenient visa application services for temporary resident visas, study permits and work permits by way of a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Applicants are strongly encouraged to read about the Visa Application Centre before submitting their applications.
(http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/india-inde/visas/index.aspx?lang=eng&menu_id=4)

Further if you click on VAC: (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/vac.asp)

What VACs do ...
Answer questions in local languages
ensure that applications are complete
securely transmit application documents and passports to the visa office
securely return passport and decision documents to the applicant
offer a tracking service for applications
schedule interviews as well as provide additional services, such as application photographs and photocopies for additional fees

The use of VAC services is completely optional. Applicants can continue to apply directly to the appropriate visa office, if they prefer.


Hence, for a small fee paid to VFS (www.vfs-canada.co.in), one can minimize far too greater risks (by getting services such as secured transit of passport and application package, tracking facility) , when as compared to sending the application package and passport directly to the CHC.



***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.

 

[sanjeet_rock]

Yeah agreed that its safe,but there are some differences in check-list.

Also now one can apply online....I think that's the best option.

 

[moneywater]

i wanna ask ...online application is better than vfs???

 

[sanjeet_rock]

I think so...all the documents should be in order