Looking to Study in Canada? Here’s What You Need to Know

Looking to Study in Canada? Here’s What You Need to Know

Canada is not only a great place to live and work, with one of the highest economic growth rates in the world, it offers a diverse and vibrant culture.   Canada also boasts some of the best universities in the world as per the  QS world university ranking. According to statistics, Canada has already admitted roughly 90,000 international students for study visas in the first quarter of 2022, bringing the total number of international students to more than 400,000 annually.

During the past decade, the student population in the country has increased three times over, making it the third most popular country attracting foreign students. The number of students applying for student visas is even higher than the student population growth.

If you are someone looking to get a study permit in Canada, then this article is for YOU! We’ve included the checklist you should consider before making a final decision on what moving to Canada for your studies.

1. Decide your college and courses: There are an array of courses and programs available in Canada, and you need to choose what’s right for you. Some of the factors you can consider are: what your profile looks like now, your budget, scholarships, program duration, social ties, etc. Don’t worry if you’re unsure about choosing a course. We can help you figure it out as well. You are welcome to contact us for immigration consulting for assistance in finding the right institution per your requirements.
2. Identify if you are eligible for a work permit while studying: We understand it can be a  dilemma to study in a foreign country and work to pay your tuition without burdening your family. Hence, it’s necessary to check whether your college programs allow you to work on and off campus.
3. Identify your financial aid: IN addition to working to pay tuition, you may be eligible for financial aid.  You will need a dedicated sum of money while you come to Canada and during your studies here and this can be a great way to have it available.
4. Learn the difference between a Canadian study permit and a visa: Many people mistakenly use these terms interchangeably. Visas allow you to enter Canada, but study permits will enable you to stay and study. A visa is issued by a consulate in the country where the student lives. In contrast, study permits are issued on arrival or by mail if the student lives in Canada. When coming to study in Canada, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper permits.
5. Refrain from relying solely on google: Studying abroad requires thorough research, but you shouldn’t rely on everything you find on the Internet. If you’re serious about studying in Canada, there’s nothing better than speaking to a Canadian immigration Consultant with years of experience.

What are the Canada Study Permit Requirements 2023?

There are five major requirements to obtain a Canadian study permit:

• Applicants should be enrolled in a designated learning institution. A designated learning institution is an educational institution authorized by the government to host international students.
• Applicants must prove that they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and departure expenses during their stay in Canada.
• Applicants are required to prove that they will depart Canada after the expiry of their student permit.
• Applicants should obey the laws, demonstrate no criminal record, and submit a police certificate to testify.
• Applicants must be healthy, disease-free, and undergo a medical examination (depending on the situation).

What are the Documents you Need to Apply for a Canada Study Permit?

A student visa application requires several documents. Please note there can be more documents required depending on your situation.

1. Proof of identity: A valid passport and other travel documents (such as a green card) and two passport-sized photos, taken within the last six months, with the name and birth date of the individual written on the back are required.
2. Proof of funds: Funding is the most crucial factor when obtaining a Canadian student visa. Please submit the following documents to prove that you have adequate financial ability:
   • Proof of education/student loan
   • Bank statements showing funds available
   • Proof of funding from the scholarship
   • Bank draft converted to CAD
   • Investment
   • Proof that you’ve paid the housing and tuition fee
   • Guaranteed investment certificate
   • Proof of sponsor and their ability to provide funding
3. Proof of acceptance: You will need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution or a Québec Acceptance Certificate if you are enrolling in studies in Quebec.
4. Medical report: Some international students are required to undergo a medical examination by a designated panel physician. Results are then sent to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.
5. Letter of explanation: This is a personal statement attached with your application to IRCC that talks about the study plan, ties to your home country, travel history, immigration status, education history, and a summary of all the other documents attached.
6. Copies of degree certificates or other post-secondary studies completed.
7. English proficiency exam results: To prove your language skills, it is vital to present your English proficiency exam score of at least 6 in your IELTS, which is equivalent to the Canadian language benchmark band.

What are the Minimum Financial Requirements for a Canada Study Permit?

Even with the highest-quality studies and professional qualifications, you need to fulfill the financial criteria unless you are immigrating to Canada on a scholarship. Let’s take a look at the minimum financial requirements. It is important to note that here are different financial requirements if you are studying in Quebec or outside Quebec.

Outside Quebec

1. As a student, you will need at least $10,000 CAD per year of study in addition to tuition fees for the first year.
2. Additional funds are required for your dependents and family members who are accompanying you to Canada, which will be $4,000 CAD per year for the first family member and $3,000 CAD per year for each additional family member.
3. Inside Quebec
   1. As a student (below 18 years of age), you’ll need at least $6,559 per year.
   2. You’ll be required to have funds of $13,134 per year as a student over the age 18 yrs. These amounts will increase with the number of persons coming with you to Canada.

How Can I Apply for a Canadian Student Visa?

The three essential circumstances in which an international student can apply for Canadian Study Permit:

Outside of Canada

International Students from outside of Canada must apply for a Canada study permit before traveling to Canada. Alternatively, you can apply for a student permit and an Electronic Travel Authorization if you belong to a country that does not require a Canadian Visa to enter. Make sure to act per the guidelines, and there is only one application process for both subcategories.

Inside of Canada

Only certain categories of applicants can apply for a study permit from inside Canada. Ensure you fit one of these categories if you intend to apply for a study permit from inside Canada. Uncertain about whether you may be in one of the categories of people who can apply from inside of Canada, get expert international study advice on your situation before applying.

Canadian Port of Entry

A specific set of conditions must be complied with to complete the application for a study permit-

1. Inhabitant of Saint- Pierre, Miquelon, and Greenland.
2. Citizenship of the United States of America.
3. Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States.

What are the Steps Involved in Applying for a Canadian Student Visa?

If you decide to apply online, then you must follow these instructions:

1. Create an account that would facilitate your application process. Afterward, submit your application and monitor the status of your visa application.
2. Login and upload all the supporting documents. Then pay the relevant visa fee of CAD 150.
3. Applicants must submit fingerprints and photos in person at the Visa Application Centre authorized by the Government of Canada. For this, you need to wait for the Biometric Instruction letter. The screening and processing fee for providing biometrics is CAD $85 for individual applicants.
4. Ensure you keep an eye on your application on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada website.
5. An applicant receives a letter of introduction following the approval of their study permit application. It will assist with issuing their study permit once they are in Canada.
6. After the approval of the study permit, one of the applicable documents, either an Electronic Travel Authorization or Temporary Resident Visa, would be issued to the applicants.
7. Upon arrival in Canada, the applicant should request a Canadian study permit. Also, ensure that the study permit includes the words “may work” or “may accept employment.” This inclusion is vital for an applicant to work in Canada on a student visa.

How can I increase my chances of getting my Canada study visa?

One of the ways in which international students can fast-track the processing of study permits is through Student Direct Stream. This option is a valuable opportunity for express processing, as it takes only 20 Calendar days to process applications. It depends on two conditions: Satisfying the eligibility criteria of the study permit and providing biometrics.

To be eligible through the Student Direct Stream, an applicant must be a legal resident from any one of the 12 countries below-

1. Brazil
2. India
3. China
4. Peru
5. Costa Rica
6. Colombia
7. Pakistan
8. Senegal
9. Vietnam
10. Antigua & Barbuda
11. Trinidad & Tobago
12. Saint Vincent & Grenadines

Other requirements for faster student immigration are:

1. Guaranteed Investment Certificate of 10,000 CAD.
2. Receipt of payment of tuition fees for the first year of study.
3. Evidence that the applicant is a graduate of Canadian Curriculum High School or a language test that shows a score of at least 6 in IELTS.

These are the steps that must be followed for the Study permit application:

1. Instruction guide that will make you fill out the forms.
2. Make electronic copies ready of the necessary documents.
3. Pay the relevant and biometric fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Processing Time for a Canadian Study Permit?

Due to the high volume of applications, it is difficult to determine the exact processing time for Canadian study permits. IRCC regularly posts current processing times based on the country of application. Allow yourself three to six months for your application processing.

How Much Does it Cost to Study in Canada?

It costs between C$35,000- C$60,000 for an international student to study in Canada. It includes tuition fees, housing, living expenses, health insurance, and transportation. The final costs may vary from person to person depending on the course of study and other factors mentioned above.

Is it Necessary to Take the IELTS to Study in Canada?

You are not required to take the IELTS exam to study in Canada to prove English proficiency as long as you qualify for one of two exemptions.

1. If you belong to English Dominant Countries.
2. If you have completed your previous higher education in English.

Can I Work in Canada if I’m on a Student Visa?

A student is allowed to work despite being on a Canadian student visa:

1. On-campus work while you are enrolled in a full-time study program.
2. Mandatory requirement of internships and co-ops as per the structure of the program curriculum.
3. If your student permit allows, you can do off-campus work for up to 20 hrs. per week.

Conclusion

Canada offers everything anyone could desire, from culture to employment opportunities. With so many students applying to study here, getting a study permit to enter Canada is becoming harder but it is possible with the right assistance.  With our years of experience, we are confident that we can assist you with the application process so that you can enjoy your studies here.

The Team at Northern Connections Canada