Canada S-1 and SW-1 Visa for Oversea Students

As an Oversea student looking to study in Canada, the S-1 and SW-1 visa are two of the most important documents you’ll need.

These visas are the cornerstone of your ability to live and study in Canada, and the application process can be daunting.

Fortunately, there’s plenty of information to help you understand the requirements and the process of applying for and obtaining these visas.

This article will discuss the basics of Canada S-1 and SW-1 visas for Oversea Students, including the application process and the documents you’ll need.

We’ll also provide resources to help you better understand these visas and their application process.

With the right information, you can ensure you get the visas you need to study in Canada.

Read Also: Quebec Immigration Plan 2023 (Plan d’immigration du Québec 2023)

S-1 Visa Basics

S-1 visas are temporary work permits that allow students to stay in Canada while they look for employment. An S-1 visa can be applied during your study or after graduating from a Canadian university or college.

This means you could travel to Canada on an F-1 student visa, get an offer from a Canadian employer, apply for an S-1 visa and begin working in your field. 

You must have completed at least one year of full-time studies at a recognized Canadian institution of higher education (university or college).

What Is An S-1 Visa?

The S-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued to students studying in a post-secondary institution in Canada.

The S-1 visa holder can work on campus and also intern off campus during their studies.

However, they are not allowed to work off campus once they finish their studies or even after graduating with an S-1 visa.

Who Can Apply For An S-1 Visa?

The S-1 visa is available to individuals studying at a post-secondary institution in the United States. To qualify, you must be:

• An Oversea student enrolled at a U.S. university or college as an undergraduate (bachelor’s degree), graduate (master’s degree), or doctorate student; and
• In an accredited program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate from an accredited school in the United States; 
• Good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher) with your school; 
• Ability to demonstrate financial need.

SW-1 Visa Basics

The SW-1 visa is one of the many nonimmigrant visas available to foreign nationals seeking to work in the United States.

It allows certain workers, such as those coming temporarily to engage in “specialty occupations,” to obtain employment authorization for three years.

Who Can Apply For An SW-1 Visa? 

Anyone who wishes to work temporarily in the United States on a nonimmigrant basis may be eligible for an S-1 or SW-1 visa, including both Canadian citizens and

International students studying at an accredited college or university within Canada who wish to continue their studies here after graduation as part of their degree program.

What is the SW-1 Visa?

The SW-1 visa is a temporary work permit given to students already in Canada on a study permit.

It allows them to work off campus, full-time, during regular academic sessions. The SW-1 requires that you have graduated from a post-secondary institution or completed at least one academic year of full-time studies on your student permit and have received confirmation that you will be enrolled in your next program of study.

Service Canada will issue your SIN card (Social Insurance Number) once you receive confirmation that you are accepted into another Canadian educational institution. The same department issues other required documents, such as an employment contract and pay stubs.

Who Can Apply For An SW-1 Visa?

To apply for an SW-1 visa, you must have a job opportunity from a Canadian employer. You can apply for an SW-1 visa if you are currently in Canada, have a valid work permit, or are eligible for one.

Suppose you need to make an application for a new work permit while waiting for your S-1 Visa to be finalized.

In that case, we recommend submitting your application at least two months before your current permit’s expiry date, so there is enough time to process the application before it expires.

If necessary, we can assist you with this process by providing advice, completing forms, and gathering documents such as proof of English language proficiency.

The Basics Part-2

The S-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant category for foreign students who wish to come to the U.S. to pursue academic studies at the university or other accredited institution of higher learning, including a college or university; conservatory or seminary; professional, vocational, or technical school; language training program; elementary school; secondary school; high school; other secondary educational institution (including foreign schools located in the U.S.), and an elementary school, middle school, junior high school, senior high school, and trade/vocational/technical institute that operates as part of an established educational system in another country.

The SW-1 visa is for spouses and children of S-1 nonimmigrant aliens under 21 years old whose principal applicant has been approved for classification as an S-1 nonimmigrant alien.

How can Oversea Students get an S-1 or SW-1 visa?

Apply Online

You can apply for an S-1 or SW-1 visa using the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS). EVUS allows you to submit your application electronically, check the status of your application, and pay the visa fee with a credit card. The website offers English and Spanish. To apply through EVUS, you must have a valid passport from one of these countries:

• United States
• Canada
• Ireland (Republic)
• Fill out the Application Form

The US Department of State has provided an electronic version of Form DS-160 that you can complete online to complete your application for an S-1 or SW-1 Visa.

You will need Adobe Reader installed on your computer; if not already installed, it can be downloaded free from Adobe. 

Once completed online, Form DS-160 should be printed off before being filled out by hand as this will help avoid possible mistakes later on during processing at a US embassy/consulate abroad, which may result in delays being experienced during processing times too long due to errors made in completing forms incorrectly before submitting them electronically.

Try not to make mistakes if possible because it could lead to delays which could result in denied entry into the country even though everything else looks fine when checking through the site.

Read Also: 10 Best Universities In Finland For International Students

What Are The Requirements For A Study Permit (S/SW 1) For Oversea Students?

To successfully apply for a study permit, one must be: 

• A legal citizen of a country other than Canada.
• Have a valid passport.
• Have a valid Study Permit application.
• Have an offer of full-time studies at a designated learning institution that CIC recognizes as offering degree programs (known as Designated Learning Institutions or DLIs).

How Long Does It Take For Overseas Students To Process A Study Permit (S/SW 1) Application?

Some visa offices will process your application more quickly than others. The Canadian immigration department has issued a statement suggesting that processing times vary greatly depending on which office the application is sent to.

For example, most applications sent to Vancouver resulted in an approval decision within three days, while applications sent to Toronto took an average of 25 days to be processed. In this case, applicants are encouraged to apply at an office near them or with faster processing times if possible.

The visa office will contact you if they have any questions about your application or concerns.

Suppose there are any mistakes in your documents or information given by you. In that case, they might delay getting your visa approved by them, so it is better for you to check everything before submitting it for processing purposes.

In general terms, however, applying for a study permit through the University of Canada does not take long:

• Students who applied from overseas (excluding the U.S.) had their applications processed within six months.
• Students who applied from inside Canada had theirs processed within nine months.
• Students who applied from outside Canada but outside North America (including Mexico) had theirs processed within ten months.

What Are The Documents For The S-1 And SW-1 Visa?

To apply for an S-1 or SW-1 visa, you must provide the following documents:

• Passport
• Visa Application Form (DS-160)
• Visa Fees ($160)
• Study Permit Application Form (I-20 or DS2019)
• Official Transcripts
• Proof of Financial Support. 

S-1 and SW-1 Visa Eligibility For Oversea Students

The S-1 visa is reserved for students enrolled in a full-time study program and if you’re applying as exchange visitors.

• Students must be enrolled in a full-time study program (at least 12 hours per semester).
• Students must be studying in a program that is at least two years long (12 months or more) and leads to academic or professional certification.
• Students may apply to SBA if they are: enrolled in an education program at an accredited institution;
• Students will pursue the required course of study on a full-time basis; have sufficient funds to support themselves through their period of stay in the United States; 
• Students must have comprehensive health insurance coverage during their time here; 
• Students must not have committed any serious criminal offenses while residing outside the United States unless necessary for reasons beyond their control, such as war or civil unrest.

Validity of Canada S-1 and SW-1 Visas For Oversea Students

S-1 Visa

The S-1 visa is valid for a maximum of 3 years and permits the holder to study at any school in Canada as long as he or she has been accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI).

The DLI will determine whether you are eligible for an S-1 visa and if you can attend their program. This visa is renewable but can only be renewed once before applying for permanent residency.

SW-1 Visa

The SW-1 visa is valid for a maximum of 4 years, but like the S-1 visa, it can only be renewed once before applying for permanent residency.

How Much Does It Cost Overseas Students To Get A Study Permit (S/SW 1) Application Processed?

The Student Visa (S1) fee for students is $200, and the Work Permit (SW1) application fee for spouses and dependents is $150.

Students sponsored by their spouse or common-law partner may also be eligible for a study permit ($150 per applicant).

Information About Canada S-1 and SW-1 Visa.

S-1 and SW-1 visas are issued to students pursuing their studies in Canada. The S-1 visa is issued for people who want to study at a university or other institution which offers post-secondary academic, vocational or professional education.

On the other hand, an SW-1 visa is issued for people who want to study at a Canadian university, college, or other institution that offers post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training.

The foreign students must have already applied for a SIN card from Service Canada before applying for the Student Work Permit Program (SWP).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is The Difference Between An S1 And Sw1 Visa In Canada?

The S1 category is issued to a student who doesn’t have a co-op program, and sw1 is for a student with a co-op program which means a study and works visa that allows him or her to do an internship. However, if you have s1 and you get co-op there, you can change it through the application after arrival, and it’s free.

2. What Does SW 1 Mean In Canada Visa?

A student with Study Permit. SW-1. An international student with Study & Work Permit.

3. What Is An S1 Student Visa?

Canada S-1 Visa for overseas students is a Temporary Resident Visa, also known as TRV. 

4. Can A Student Work On An S1 Visa In Canada?

One might be eligible to work in Canada while studying if your study permit contains a condition that lets one work on or off campus.

5. Can I Work Part-Time In Canada With An S1 Visa?

You can work up to 20 hours weekly.

6. Can I Work Part-Time On An S1 Visa?

Your US student visa lets you work on campus for up to 20 hours when school is on or full-time during school vacations (up to 40 hours per week).

7. What Does Sw 1 Mean?

SW1 denotes one switch in the center coil of a three-phase transformer.

8. What Is S1 And S2 Visa?

S1 and S2 visas are granted to those intending to visit foreigners working in China who are parents, spouses, sons or daughters under 18, or brothers-in-law.

9. How Does SB 1 Visa Work?

Permanent resident aliens who cannot return to the United States for reasons beyond their control within the travel period of their permanent resident permit (green card) or reentry permit may apply for a Special Immigrant Reentry Visa (SB1).

10. What Is S1 Education?

In Scotland, where the school years are named differently, pupils enter secondary education at 12 (S1).

Conclusion

It is important to know that Canada has two types of study permits. The S-1 and SW-1 visas are for international students who want to study in Canada.

The S-1 visa is for those studying at a college, university, or other educational institution.

The SW-1 visa is specifically designed for those that wish to attend a non-academic program such as an English language program.

Both study permits are valid for up to five years and allow the applicant to apply for an open work permit after arriving in Canada. Don’t forget to leave your comments.