Study Visa
Studying in Canada is a win-win situation, providing high-quality education at a comparatively lower cost
Navigating Study Visa with Expert Guidance
Studying in Canada is a win-win situation, providing high-quality education at a comparatively lower cost. Compared to other international study destinations Canada offers more economical study packages with lower academic expenses and affordable residents with lower living costs. Canada has also been ranked as the safest study destination for international students many times globally. It provides a safe and more peaceful environment for the students. This sense of security is conducive and more attractive for students from other countries that ensures a more peaceful life and studies.
Why Study In Canada?
Canada is home to many top-notch institutions for international students. Many of the universities there have been among the consistently top ranked universities in the world. The universities in Canada are known for their academic excellence, best research opportunities, highly equipped research labs, latest study programs and courses, and the most efficient student support system. Universities in Canada offer a diverse range of programs in a variety of fields, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. The colleges there are well-known for their active student life and cultural offerings. Universities in Canada provide a welcoming environment for international students, colleges offer co-op programs that give overseas students with excellent industry connections and work chances. These benefits make Canada an enticing study location for international students looking for a high-quality education, a friendly environment, and chances for personal and professional development.
Studying in Canada is a win-win situation, providing high-quality education at a comparatively lower cost. Compared to other international study destinations Canada offers more economical study packages with lower academic expenses and affordable residents with lower living costs. Canada has also been ranked as the safest study destination for international students many times globally. It provides a safe and more peaceful environment for the students. This sense of security is conducive and more attractive for students from other countries that ensures a more peaceful life and studies.
Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE)’s Statistical data about International Students coming to Canada
According to some surveys in 2021 almost 96 universities in Canada accept students from all over the world every six months or every year depending upon their sessions. According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), there were approximately 807,750 international students studying in Canada at all levels of education by the end of 2022. There was a 31% increase in international students coming to Canada from 2021 to 2022. Canada observed a 170% rise in international students in Canada from around the world in tha last decade.
A large number of students from countries like the Philippines, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Columbia, India, Ukraine, Nepal, Peru, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, France, China, Morocco, and Algeria are bound to Canada every year. And through the years 2021 and 2022 a prominent growth in the number of students coming from these countries was observed.
According to the CBIE, around 72.5% of international students intend to apply for post-graduate work permits, while 60% intend to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
International Students applying to Canada by Country (CBIE)
Which Countries can’t send students to Canada for Studies?
Canada accepts and welcomes students from all over the world and there isn’t any country which is not allowed to send people to study over there. The Canadian Government embraces international students from various countries to promote diversity and cultural inclusivity. However, your study permit decides if you get to study in Canada or not. Otherwise, students are accepted based on their individual merits and abilities.
Levels of Study for Overseas Students in Canada
Different levels of studies are available for international students in Canada which each has different requirements and procedures to get enrolled into. Also, each institute has its own specific program and level of study for overseas students.
Programs Offered by Canadian institutes for Overseas Students
A number of study programs are offered by Canadian colleges and universities for international students.
At college-level the programs offered are; Business Administration, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, Information Technology and Computer Science, Graphic Design and Multimedia, Early Childhood Education, Health Sciences and Nursing, Engineering Technology, Environmental Studies and Sustainability, Accounting and Finance, Legal Studies and Paralegal Studies, Animation and Game Design, Tourism and Travel Management, Interior Design, Fashion Design and Merchandising, Automotive Technology and Mechanics, Media and Communications, Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting, Social Service Worker, Aircraft Maintenance, Fitness and Health Promotion.
While at university level, the programs offered are; Arts and Humanities, Sciences like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Engineering etc., Business Administration and Management, Computer Science and Information Technology, Health Sciences like Nursing, Pharmacy, Medicine, etc., Social Sciences like Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, etc., Education, Fine Arts and Music, Environmental Studies and Sustainability, Economics, Communication and Media Studies, International Relations, Linguistics and Languages, Law, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics and Statistics, Anthropology and Archaeology.
These are some of the programs offered by Canadian colleges and universities, but there are many more to the list and the availability may vary from institute to institute.
General Procedure for getting Admission in Canada
You must meet certain requirements to study in Canada as an international student. Specific requirements will vary depending on the curriculum, level of study, and institution to which you are applying. The following are the general requirements
01 / Understanding the Requirements
To apply successfully to a Canadian institution, understand their specific requirements. Each has unique admission criteria, including academic qualifications. Meet intake deadlines. Programs may have additional criteria. Meeting language standards is crucial. Submit transcripts, recommendations, and a statement of purpose as per guidelines.
02 / Choosing the Fitting Course and Institution
Choosing the right Canadian course and institution is vital. Research programs, curriculum, and institution reputation. Evaluate resources, location, alumni network, and diversity for long-term educational success.
03 / Taking the Language Proficiency Tests
International students planning to study in Canada must pass a language proficiency test in French or English. These tests assess reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Widely accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, CELPIP, and TEF. Achieving the required scores is essential for admission to Canadian institutions.
04 / Applying to your preferred University
To apply to your preferred Canadian university, carefully review their requirements. Fill out the online form on their website with accurate information. Arrange for transcripts to be sent directly. Request recommendation letters. Write a compelling statement of purpose. Pay the application fee and meet the deadline. Track your status online.
05 / Applying for a Study Permit
After submitting your application, apply for a study permit to study in Canada. You'll need an acceptance letter from your designated learning institution (DLI). Gather required documents including your acceptance letter, passport, financial proof, and others. Complete the application form truthfully, pay the fee, and send it to the appropriate IRCC office.
06 / Medical Examination and Health Insurance
Students may need a medical exam based on their country of origin, length of stay, or institutional requirements. Health insurance is mandatory in Canada, often provided by the institution or arranged privately. It's a must for the duration of the stay.
Scoring Scheme for Language Proficiency Tests for Study in Canada
Language Proficiency Test | Score Range | Skills Assessed | Scoring Scheme |
IELTS | 0-9 | Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking | Band Scale |
TOEFL | 0-120 | Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking | Summed Section Scores |
CELPIP | 1-12 | Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking | Scale of 1-12 |
TEF | A1-C2 | Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking | CEFR Level |
Note: The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a framework which categorizes language proficiency in 6 levels based on the 4 skills.
Each institution has its own minimum score requirements based on the curriculum or field or level of study. Securing the required score is necessary for getting admission in a college or university in Canada.
How to apply for a study permit in Canada?
Canada is the topmost study destination for the students from all over the world but for study there you need to secure a Canadian study permit first. Here are some general steps to be taken when applying for a study permit in Canada;
Note that when you arrive in Canada, you will need to show the immigration officer the letter of introduction as one of the necessary documents. It enables you to enter the country as a student and serves as proof that your application for a study permit has been approved. When enrolling at your designated learning institution (DLI) or applying for other documents, like a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or a provincial health card, you might need to present it at different points.
This letter of introduction is not a study permit, it merely serves as official confirmation of approval. You will meet an immigration officer when you arrive in Canada, who will check your documents and issue the official study permit.
Bringing family or spouse to Canada while studying
A person studying in Canada can bring along his spouse or dependent children. According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) a dependent child is someone under 22 years without a partner or spouse, or a mentally or physically disabled person who can’t live on his own.
To sponsor your family, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being a full-time student in good academic standing, having enough financial resources to support them, and being able to prove your relationship. As part of the sponsorship application, documentation such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of financial capacity will be required.
Bringing your spouse or family members to Canada typically entails submitting sponsorship applications, supporting documents, and paying the necessary fees. The application process may differ depending on the immigration programs and regulations in effect at the time of application.
Work while studying in Canada as an Overseas Student
Overseas students in Canada can enjoy the opportunity of working part-time while studying and can facilitate their expenses while they stay in Canada. Some information and knowledge are necessary when working while studying in Canada which includes the types of jobs for international students, requirement of work permit, and work eligibility for the students.
For thorough and precise information regarding work permits, employment opportunities, and travel regulations particular to one’s situation as an international student in Canada, one can consult the IRCC website or seek guidance from the institution’s international student services.
Traveling While studying in Canada
International students in Canada have access to domestic travel as well as possible breaktime opportunities to visit nearby areas. It’s crucial to check that your travel arrangements won’t conflict with your academic obligations or break any travel limitations imposed by your institution or the government of Canada. When leaving or entering Canada, never travel without a valid study permit, passport, and other required documents.
FAQs
Extension of a study permit generally requires some steps which include the following;
- Make sure you are eligible for an extension of your study permit. Generally, you must be a full-time student at a DLI with good academic standing and possess a current passport.
- Use the Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay, or Remain in Canada as a Student form to complete your request.
- Prepare the required paperwork for your request to extend your study permit. A valid passport, your acceptance letter from DLI, your outline of your academic plan, and documentation of your ties to your family, country of origin, and property to which you plan to return after completing your studies are among them.
- Submit your application for extension in study permit at IRCC after paying the fee and attaching all the required documents.
- Then await the decision from IRCC, but depending on the situation, IRCC might ask for more paperwork or arrange an interview.
- You might be qualified for a study permit extension confirmation if your permit is due to expire and you haven’t heard anything about your application for an extension. For information and instructions on travel and re-entry into Canada during the application process, contact IRCC.
When looking for student housing in Canada, it is critical to consider factors such as location, low prices, facilities, and safety. It is best to begin the housing search early, research different options, and take advantage of the assistance provided by the educational institution’s housing office or international student services.
Canadian schools provide excellent support services to assist students in navigating the housing market and making informed decisions. From promoting vibrant on-campus groups to providing flexibility and freedom in off-campus settings, Canada guarantees that international students have a satisfying living experience while studying.
For many international students studying in Canada, finding an ideal living arrangement is a significant challenge. The decision of whether to live on campus or in off-campus housing presents a quandary. But the students can take comfort in the fact that Canadian educational institutions go above and beyond to provide exceptional support services in locating top-tier accommodations tailored to their specific needs.
If you want to switch courses while staying in the same institution after your admission in Canada, you will need to undergo the process which typically involves updating your program of study, course requirements, and academic plan from the relevant department of your school.
Whereas, changing schools is a wholly different and detailed process.it involves the following steps;
- Choose a new school where you want to get transferred and check for the requirements, they have for the transfer students.
- Contact the admission office of the desired school and inquire about the procedure, application, deadline, and requirements for the transfer students.
- Get the acceptance letter from your new school and inform your current school’s international student office about the transfer, they’ll help you fulfill the requirements and provide you with a transfer letter.
- Apply for a new study permit from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s official website.
- Make sure to update your immigration documents, including your study permit and any other pertinent documents, to reflect the change of institution if you receive a new study permit.
- Make plans for a smooth transition to the new institution. For assistance with orientation, enrollment, course registration, and any other requirements, get in touch with the new school’s office for international students.
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