If you’re an international student with plans to study in Canada next year, you may find yourself puzzled by the array of student visa options available. According to recent data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the number of international students holding active study permits in Canada soared to 1,040,985 in 2023, marking a staggering 29% increase from the previous year.

Among the most prevalent visas are the S1 and SW1 visas. The S1 visa caters to students whose academic program incorporates optional internships, while the SW1 visa is tailored for those undertaking mandatory co-op placements as part of their studies.

In this article, we’ll break it all down and help you figure out which visa is the right fit based on your specific situation.

What is a Canada S1 Visa?

The Canada S1 visa is a student visa for individuals whose study program involves optional internships. This visa permits you to study at any Canadian educational institution but does not immediately grant you permission to work.

To obtain employment with an S1 visa, you must apply for a separate co-op work permit. Acquiring this additional permit does not include any extra costs. However, you must ensure you meet all the requirements, such as being enrolled in an approved institution, having sufficient funds to support yourself, and adhering to the regulations.

Who is Eligible for the S1 Visa?

1. Make sure you are enrolled in a school designated as a learning institution approved by the Canadian government, commonly referred to as DLIs.
2. Show that you possess adequate financial resources to cover your tuition, living expenses, and any family members accompanying you.
3. Follow all Canadian laws and rules. They take this very seriously.
4. Possess a clear criminal record. No exceptions are made in this regard.

What is a Canada SW1 Visa?

The SW1 visa is designed for students whose program requires completing mandatory co-op placements. If your course of study includes a compulsory co-op component, you’ll automatically be granted an SW1 visa. With this visa, you can work in Canada during your co-op periods without applying for a work permit separately.

Eligibility Criteria for the SW1 Visa:

To be eligible for the SW1 visa, you need to meet similar requirements as the S1 visa. You must be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan. You’ll also need to show that you have enough funds to support yourself, follow all Canadian laws and regulations, have a clean criminal record, and plan to leave Canada once your visa expires.

Difference Between S1 and SW1 Student Visas for Canada

Key differences between S1 and SW1 visa are:

1. The S1 visa allows you to do optional internships as part of your studies, while the SW1 visa is for programs where co-op work terms are mandatory.

• With an S1 visa, you need to apply for a separate work permit to be able to work during your internship period. But with an SW1 visa, you can start your co-op work term right away without needing any extra paperwork.

• The S1 visa does not give you automatic permission to work when you first arrive in Canada. You can only begin working after you get an approved work permit. The SW1 visa, on the other hand, lets you work at your scheduled co-op placements from the moment you arrive.

• For both visas, you have to be enrolled at an approved school in Canada, have enough money to support yourself, follow all laws, have no criminal record, and plan to leave Canada after finishing your studies.

• The SW1 visa includes the right to work during your required co-op placements. But with the S1 visa, you need to get an additional work permit if you want to do an optional internship.

Benefits of the SW1 Visa in Canada

The SW1 visa offers several advantages for students whose program of study includes mandatory co-op placements:

1. It eliminates the need to obtain a separate work permit, streamlining the process of participating in required co-op terms.
2. Students can commence their co-op employment immediately upon the start date without delays.
3. There are no additional fees associated with a work permit, as the SW1 visa incorporates the necessary authorization.
4. Gaining Canadian work experience through a co-op can enhance a student’s prospects for future employment opportunities.
5. Income earned during the co-op term can help offset educational and living expenses.

Benefits of the S1 Visa in Canada

The S1 visa presents several benefits for students whose program includes optional internship opportunities:

1. It permits enrollment at any approved educational institution across Canada.
2. Students can apply for a separate work permit if they wish to pursue an internship, granting the freedom to gain professional experience.
3. There are no supplementary costs associated with obtaining a work permit for an internship.
4. Internship experience can enhance a student’s skillset and resume, increasing employability upon graduation.
5. Income earned during an internship can contribute to covering educational and living costs.

Required Documents for S1 and SW1 Visa Applications:

When applying for either the Canada S1 visa or SW1 visa, you must provide the following documentation:

1. An official letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
2. A valid passport.
3. Evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition fees and support any accompanying family members.
4. Additional documents may be required, such as a custodian report, medical test results, police clearance certificate, and proof of identity.

Application Process and Fees:

When applying for a Canadian study visa, you have two options, submitting an online application or a paper-based application at a visa center in your home country. As of 2024, a single applicant must demonstrate access to $20,635, excluding the first year’s tuition and travel expenses.

This amount is necessary to ensure international students can afford the cost of living while studying in Canada. It will be revised annually based on the low-income cut-off (LICO) determined by Statistics Canada. The application fee for the Canada S1 visa is $200, whereas the Canada SW1 visa, which includes a work permit for spouses and dependents, costs $150.

Visa Validity and Renewal

Regarding the duration of validity, both the S1 and SW1 visas share similar terms. They can be issued for up to 3-4 years, which provides sufficient time to complete most academic programs.

However, it is important to note that these visas can only be renewed once before the requirement to apply for permanent residency arises. If you intend to remain in Canada for a period exceeding the initial 3-4 years, you must consider the process of obtaining permanent resident status.

When planning your studies and future in Canada, it is crucial to factor in these visa limitations. Make sure that you allocate enough time to complete your program and consider your post-graduation goals.

Conclusion:

When deciding between the Canada S1 Visa and the SW1 Visa, the choice ultimately comes down to the specific requirements of your study program and personal preferences. The SW1 visa may be the more convenient route if your program mandates co-op placements, as it allows you to work without needing to apply separately for a work permit. However, if your program simply offers optional internships, the S1 visa could be sufficient.

Regardless of which visa you pursue, it’s crucial to carefully review the eligibility criteria, gather all necessary documents, and submit a complete application to ensure a smooth visa process.

If you are looking for complete guidance of which visa choice is best for you contact us now and get hand-on information from our experts.

FAQ’s

Question No 1

Q: Can I work during my internship if I have an S1 visa for Canada?

A: With the S1 visa, you must get a separate work permit before starting employment during your internship period. The S1 visa alone does not automatically allow you to work.

Question No: 2

Q: If I have an SW1 visa and a scheduled co-op term, do I need any additional documents?

A: No, if you hold an SW1 visa, you can directly begin your co-op work term without needing any extra paperwork or permits.

Question No: 3

Q: What are some common requirements to be eligible for the S1 and SW1 visas?

A: For both visas, you must be enrolled at an approved Canadian institution, have sufficient funds to support yourself, follow all laws, have a clean criminal record, and plan to leave Canada after completing your studies.

Question No: 4

Q: How long are the S1 and SW1 student visas valid for?

A: These visas can be issued for up to 3-4 years, allowing enough time to finish most programs. However, they can only be renewed once before you need to apply for permanent residency if you want to stay in Canada longer.