STUDY IN THE CANADA
The number of international students in Canada continues to grow every year. Many of them are able to stay in Canada after finishing their studies.
Last year, Canada admitted more than 400,000 international students. The majority of those students came from France, Nigeria, China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Brazil, Iran, India, and Vietnam.
Diversity of international students is a priority for the Canadian government. In 2019, it launched Building on Success, a new International Education Strategy (IES).
Canada's International Student Program can help to guide you through the process. From getting your study permit to permanent residency, we’ll be there every step of the way. With our help, you can transform a Canadian education into Canadian permanent residence.
Canada's International Student Program can help to guide you through the process. From getting your study permit to permanent residency, we’ll be there every step of the way. With our help, you can transform a Canadian education into Canadian permanent residence.
Here are the basic steps of the application process:
International Student Document Checklist
Certain documents are necessary for the application process. Below is a list of documents that may be requested of you.
Acceptance Letter: A letter sent by the school confirming your acceptance into your program of study.
Proof of Financial Support: Proof that you have money to support yourself and any family members coming with you. You must show that you can cover your tuition fees as well as your cost of living (accommodation, food, etc.) for your first year in Canada.
Identity documents: Birth certificate, marriage certificate and passport.
What is a Canadian Study Permit?
A Canadian study permit is the document that allows you to study at a school in Canada.
Once you have been accepted to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can apply for a Canadian study permit.
What is the Application Process for a Canadian Study Permit?
There are four stages to obtaining a Canadian study permit:
What Are the Conditions of a Canadian Study Permit?
There are certain terms and conditions attached to a Canadian study permit. You must respect these conditions in order to retain all the benefits of your study experience.
You must be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
You must be enrolled as a part-time student, or a full-time student if studying in Quebec You must not take any authorized leaves longer than 150 days from your program of study It is important to understand and respect the terms of your study permit. In doing so, you will get the most out of your study abroad experience in Canada. Students who respect the terms of their study permits also have a better chance of being granted a post-graduate work permit.
How Much Does it Cost to Study in Canada?
The good news is that studying in Canada is affordable. Canadian tuition fees are generally lower than those in Australia, the U.S. and the U.K.
In the 2018/2019 school year, the average annual tuition for an undergraduate international student in Canada was $27,159 CAD. The average tuition for the same year spent at an American university can be compared at $45,950 USD.
You can use this tool to find tuition costs for college and university programs in Canada, as well as the estimated costs of books and supplies.
When deciding where to study abroad, cost of living is also an important factor to consider. The cost of living in Canada can be very affordable compared to most other top destinations for international students.
Yes! Another perk to studying in Canada is that international students have the right to work. This helps offset the cost of tuition and living expenses.
International students in Canada can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during school terms. During scheduled breaks like summer vacation, international students may work full-time.
Most students don’t need a work permit to work while they study, whether their job is on campus or off campus. Your study permit will state whether you’re allowed to work off campus.
If your program of study includes work experience, you may be able to work more than 20 hours during the semester. This will be indicated in your letter of acceptance. If the government approves this condition, you will be granted both a work permit and a study permit. This work permit will allow you to work on campus only.
Can I Bring My Family With Me While I Study?
International students who are married or have kids may wish to bring their family with them.
Canadian visa officers will consider study permit applications which include accompanying family members. You should note that including family members on a study permit application may influence the visa officer’s decision.s
If you are approved as a family, your spouse will be able to work full time while in Canada. Any accompanying children will be able to study for free.
You can learn more about applying for a study permit with your family here.
Can My Spouse Work While I am Studying in Canada?
If your family does accompany you, your spouse will be eligible for an open work permit, authorizing them to work full-time in Canada while you are studying.
Can I Study in Quebec?
Studying in Quebec gives you the option to study in English, French, or both. However, Quebec student visa requirements are a little different from the rest of Canada.
What Are the Requirements to Study in Quebec?
In order to study in Quebec, you will need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). This document is issued by the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) . It confirms that Quebec has accepted you as an international student. You need a CAQ before you can apply for a study permit if your program of study is in Québec.
To be eligible to apply for a CAQ, you need to meet the following requirements.
Once you have a CAQ, you have to apply for a study permit from the Government of Canada. When you receive your study permit, you’re ready to start studying in Canada!
Are International Students Covered by Canada’s Healthcare System?
All international students in Canada must have healthcare coverage.Certain provinces allow international students access to Canada’s public healthcare system. Students in provinces that do not offer health coverage must buy private health insurance. All Canadian schools offer health insurance plans for international students.
Can I Stay in Canada After I Graduate?
Canada makes it easy for international students to become permanent residents if they want to remain in the country.
The Post-Graduate Work Permit allows international students to stay in Canada and work for up to three years after graduating. After working in Canada for one year, international graduates may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
To apply for a PGWP, you need to prove that you have respected all the conditions of your study permit. Studying must have been your primary activity during your time in Canada.
A PGWP is typically granted for the same duration as your studies in Canada.