International Student Support IRCC

Financial Plan for International Students

To gain approval for your application to the Vancouver Animation School (VANAS), you must present a comprehensive financial plan that covers both your studies and living expenses in Vancouver, Canada.

Living Expenses

Effective January 2, 2025, international students applying for a study permit through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) must demonstrate proof of support for living expenses. This amount excludes tuition and travel costs. For the latest information, visit the IRCC website.

Prospective students should ensure they have sufficient funds to meet both the living expenses and proof of funds requirement for their study permit application. For detailed information on living costs in Vancouver, including housing options, please consult your Admissions Advisor.
Note: Vancouver Animation School does not provide accommodations, dormitories, or housing.

Proof of Financial Support

You must provide evidence of financial resources sufficient to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay in Canada. Acceptable forms of proof include:

A Canadian bank account statement in your name, showing transferred funds.
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution.
Documentation of a student or education loan from a bank.
Bank statements covering the last four months.
A bank draft convertible to Canadian dollars.
Receipts or proof of payment for tuition and housing fees.
A letter from the individual or institution providing financial support.
Proof of funding from Canadian scholarships or educational programs.

If your country enforces foreign exchange controls, you must demonstrate the ability to transfer sufficient funds to cover all expenses.

Scholarships

VANAS offers various scholarships throughout the year. To explore current opportunities and apply for tuition grants, please visit our scholarship page at VANAS Scholarships.

English Proficiency

International students are required to meet one of the following criteria:

Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English at a level appropriate for your program of study.
Provide evidence of at least three years of full-time secondary (Grades 8-12) or post-secondary education in English (excluding language courses).
Achieve a recognized standardized language test score at or above the following benchmarks:
- Accepted Language Tests
- Conditional Acceptance

Conditional Acceptance:
If you do not meet the required English proficiency level, VANAS offers conditional acceptance. Our Admissions Advisors are available to assist you in meeting language requirements to ensure language barriers do not hinder your academic progress.
Note: VANAS does not conduct or charge for English tests. Prospective students should visit the official test websites to confirm durations and fees.

Study Permit

International students enrolled at VANAS must obtain a study permit. To apply, complete your admission process at VANAS and submit proof of deposit. Then, submit your study permit application at the nearest Canadian Consulate or Embassy.

Key Requirements:

A valid passport that remains active for the duration of your program.
Proof of financial support in addition to tuition and travel costs per IRCC requirements. For the latest information, visit the IRCC website.

Passport

A valid passport is required for the entire duration of your program.

Letter of Explanation

A letter of explanation may be requested as part of your study permit application. This document assists visa officers in understanding your intentions and must reflect your English proficiency.

Include the Following in Your Letter:

Your reasons for choosing to study in Canada.
Your understanding of your responsibilities as a student.
How your chosen program aligns with your career goals.
If applicable, explain any career change and your motivations.

For guidance or a sample letter, email ask@vanas.ca.

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

Effective January 2, 2025, most students will require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). You may request this document up to six months before your program start date.

Exemptions Include:

Holding a valid study permit or work permit in Canada.
Applying for a study permit extension.
Holding a temporary resident permit for at least six months.
Being a permanent resident.

All completed forms must be submitted digitally to ask@vanas.ca.

Medical Insurance

International students must arrange medical insurance before arriving in Canada. Coverage should extend for at least the first three months of your stay in British Columbia. Medical insurance is mandatory for all VANAS students. Find out who needs a medical exam.

Important Notes for International Students

As per Citizenship & Immigration Canada, international graduates are not permitted to engage in paid or unpaid work, including volunteer activities, without a valid work permit.

Required Documents

For a comprehensive list of required documents for your study permit, including:

Proof of acceptance
Provincial Attestation Letter
Proof of identity
Proof of financial support
Letter of Explanation (if required)
Medical exam (if applicable)
Custodian declaration (minors only)

For the latest information, visit the IRCC website.

Other Considerations

This section contains policy, procedures, and guidance used by IRCC staff. Visit Study Permits: Other Considerations.