Canada is a multicultural country and a welcoming nation to foreign nationals. If you plan to study and experience life in Canada, you will have the chance to learn and explore so many things about this country where the possibilities are endless.
You might be reading this article because you are interested in pursuing your studies in Canada. Maybe you already have the plans in mind, but still exploring your options so it will be aligned with your future plans. Also, there could be some questions that are bugging you so you can’t decide, or you just do not know how to start. See below some helpful information.
What’s the first step? How to start?
Firstly, decide what program to take, location, and which Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is your preference. Then you will need to communicate with the school of choice about their admission requirements. Once accepted, DLI will provide you Letter of Acceptance (LOA). This LOA is needed to start with your Study Permit application.
Do you have plans to enroll as an International Student in Canada? Veer Immigration is willing to help you through the whole process of application, contact us now so we could start discussing your plans.
What are the requirements for Study Permit?
Requirements depend on what type of Study Permit application you qualify and which country you are coming from. Student Direct Stream (SDS) is usually a faster way to get your Study Permit. You may opt to apply through this if you do not have enough time and you have all the requirements available. As opposed to the regular student permit application.
Below is a general overview of the application requirements. There are other factors and conditions that may affect the decision on your application, and this is just to give an applicant a graphical representation of what requirements to expect.
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If you are a student who wants to study in Canada, you can be one of the hundred-thousands of international students that are currently enrolled in study programs across the country. People who choose to study in Canada can benefit from a world-class education which can lead to incredible career opportunities and permanent residence in Canada.
Why become an international student in Canada?
Canada offers numerous opportunities while you study. Here are some of the benefits of being an international student in Canada:
- Tuition fees in Canada for international students usually costs lower than in other countries.
- International Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and can go full-time basis during school breaks.
- Montreal ranked the best student city in the world and Vancouver and Toronto not far behind, proving that Canada is a student-friendly country.
- The children of an international student can be brought to Canada and can attend one of Canada’s public elementary or secondary schools without needing their own study permit, if eligible.
- If you graduated in Canada as an international student, and qualified, you can then work in Canada for up to three years on an open post-graduation work permit.
As you have read above, you can have a lot of benefits as an international student in Canada, but first you will need to do a few steps to have those benefits.
You have to find a study program and a university that is compatible for you to be able to study in Canada
A lot of institutions in Canada offer suitable study programs for a student to choose from. You must decide on which area of study you want to pursue and your desired location for studying.
Canadian universities have tools which will help you for finding suitable study programs. You can easily search universities in Canada with the use of internet.
Designated Learning Institution
If you are planning to study in Canada for more than 6 months, you will need a Study Permit. A Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is one the important parts of applying for Study Permit. A DLI is an institution approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.
Letter of Acceptance
A letter of Acceptance from a DLI is important. You can only be issued a study permit once you have this document.
Study Permit
This is a document is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) which allows you to study in Canada in your chosen study program, DLI, and location.
Earn while you study in Canada
Canada is a generous country when it comes to opportunities like jobs. You can earn money while you study in Canada or even after your graduation. You can build up your relevant Canadian work experience and have connections which can benefit you in the future. After you graduated, you can extend your work with the post-graduation work permit.
A post-graduation work permit is an open work permit that allows graduates to work in Canada for up to three years. This is a great opportunity offered by Canada to graduated international students.
International Students in Canada can end up staying long-term
Canada offers many ways for international students to permanently stay in the country. Given that you can integrate in the Canadian way of life, you will have an advantage as an international student to live permanently in Canada. Of all Canadian immigration programs and systems, international students and graduates have an advantage on this.
Express Entry System
IRCC manages the selection of new permanent residents on a priority basis. Here are ways to enter the Express Entry pool of candidates for those who want to live outside the province of Quebec.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Graduates are the prime candidates for this one. As long as they have an open work permit for up to three years in a skilled occupation to have plenty of time to build up the required experience for the CEC.
- Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC)
For Candidates to eligible, they need 67 points required by FSWC. There are points available for previous study in Canada and for work experience in Canada. Younger people with language skills, like international students and graduates, have given more advantage in FSWC points-grid system.
- Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC)
The requirements for this program is that you must have a full-time offer of employment in a skilled trade from up to two Canadian employers or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian territorial authority. Towards this end, trade students and graduates have a great opportunity to build connections in Canada. Students who graduate in Canada get a little bonus in the CRS scoring system, as well, receiving up to 30 bonus CRS points in addition to the points received for the level of education in its own right.
Summary of Steps in Applying as an International Student in Canada
In summary, you can enter Canada as an international student by selecting a Designated Learning Institution and getting your Letter of Acceptance. You can only apply for a study permit once these requirements are fulfilled. While studying, you can earn money and build up your work experience in Canada. If you want to work after you have graduated from your studies, you will need to acquire a post-graduation work permit which is a great opportunity offered by Canada.
You can also apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry System which the IRCC manages. Immigration to Quebec is another way to get your permanent residence, it operates under a distinct immigration system.