Canada is fast emerging as one of the most popular destinations amongst international students. With the quality of education and its opportunities upon completing studies, holding a Canadian educational credential is desired globally.
International students choose Canada for various reasons, but these top two reasons remain the primary factor for every aspiring student who wants to study in Canada:
Canada is recognized worldwide for its outstanding quality of education. The country is ranked third in the world when it comes to getting the highest number of international students every year. A policy like ‘equal access to education no matter one’s background’ has helped students get a quality education in Canada. In Canada, highly trained teachers are yet another factor responsible for international students flocking into the country.
The transportation, housing, and tuition costs in Canada are cheaper compared to other countries like U.K and France. Students find the cost of living in the country affordable and convenient. Canada also is the top choice for students as the country has the most extensive diversity of student populations.
Canada has always welcomed international students from around the globe for decades. Many Canadian Universities are present in reputed global rankings. Canadian degrees, certificates, and diplomas are considered equal to equivalent degrees in the U.S. and other Commonwealth countries.
Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada at designated learning institutions (DLIs).
A study permit and a student visa are two different things. If you are a citizen from a visa-exempt country, you don’t need a visa to travel to Canada (eTA may still be required), but if you want to study in Canada, you need to apply for a Study Permit in advance. For a citizen from a visa-requiring nation, you need to apply for a Study Permit, and the underlying visa will automatically be given to you if your application for a study permit is approved.
If you’re applying for a study permit, you should apply online, whether you’re outside of Canada or already in Canada. In most cases, for an initial Study Permit application, you have to apply from outside Canada.
Applications for Study Permit are processed faster under the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
To be eligible for faster processing through the SDS program, you must meet all of the following conditions:
1. Be a legal resident living in 1 of the following countries:
2. Have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution.
3. Live outside of Canada when you apply.
4. Have proof you have paid your tuition for your first year of study.
5. Have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000.
6. Have a Certificatd’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration. This is only required if you’re planning to study in Quebec.
7. Get a medical exam before you apply (if you need one).
8. Get a police certificate before you apply (if you need one).
9. Have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s).
10. Have a valid language test result that shows either: an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic or general training score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), or a Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) score that is equal to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking, and listening)
If you are not meeting all the above requirements, you need to apply for a Study permit through regular processing time. Even if you are a citizen of a country in the above list for SDS, but you are not residing in it, you cannot apply under SDS. Contact us, if you want to discuss your situation with us and see what are options available to you in applying for a study permit.
Your intended study program depends on your education and employment history. Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) should explain your reasons and aim to convince the visa officer that such a particular program you plan to study in Canada will be of benefit. Include specific reasons for choosing that program in a respective college or university and illustrate how such program will help your employment prospects back in your home country. Selecting the right education program is critical in making a compelling application, as you need to prove that you are a bona fide student who will return to your home country by the end of your authorized period of stay.
International students are permitted to work off-campus up to 20 hours per week during their program of study and may work full-time during a designated school break.
You need to secure a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) if you intend to apply for a study permit in Canada.
You can find the list of DLIs on this link
If you receive a Letter of Acceptance from an institution not on the above list, you may not be eligible to apply for a study permit.
Most international students prefer to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after they finish their studies in Canada. Your DLI must be PGWP-eligible; otherwise, you may not be able to obtain a PGWP. Learn more
Visa is a document that allows you to enter Canada from outside the country. If you want to travel outside Canada during your studies or any other time, please make sure your visa is still valid if you require a visa. A valid study permit or work permit does not grant access to Canada with an expired visa.
Processing times for various applications are dependent on which country you are applying from. Check the processing time here
Yes, you may reapply any temporary residence application (study, work, visitor, super visa) only if the refusal letter from IRCC does not prohibit you from reapplying. You must address all the refusal grounds during the reapplication.
The spouse of an international student may apply for an open work permit along with the principal applicant's study permit application. If the application is approved, your spouse may accompany you to Canada.
Minor children are not required to apply for a study permit if the program duration is six months or less, but they may apply for one before entering Canada. If minor children want to study for six months or more, they must apply for a study permit before entering Canada. Learn more
We maintain competence and utmost confidentiality to ensure our clients make the right choice by choosing us for their representation to the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).