Are you planning to study overseas, and Canada comes to your mind? There can be many reasons for it. Canada ranks among top destinations in the world among international students and hosts thousands of international students every year in its colleges and universities.
Canada provides world class education if you study in its top 20 universities plus it offers a multicultural environment as international students from several countries complete their higher education.
Top Reasons to Study in Canada
- World class universities are in Canada such as UBC, University of Toronto, McGill ,University of Waterloo and more.
- In budget tuition fees when we compare the USA and UK.
- Opportunity to work full time after completion of studies on Post Graduation Work Permit(PGWP).
- Multiple Permanent Residency Pathways.
- If your program is Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) eligible you can invite your spouse on open work permit.
Major Intakes in Canada
- September intake also known as Fall intake: Majority of programs offered and busiest intake,
- January intake also know as Winter intake: Limited option in programs,
- May intake known as Spring intake: Least options for programs.
Eligibility Requirements for a Canadian Study Visa
These are the main requirements for the application of Canadian study visa but additional requirements may be set by the specific visa office.
- A valid Letter of Admission (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Sufficient financial resources to cover the tuition fees of DLI and living expenses of at least one year plus travel expenses.
- A valid English Language Test results such as IELTS may be required depending upon the country.
- A valid Immigration Medical Exam (IME).
- A valid PAL/TAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) is required unless you are exempt from it.
- For Quebec a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) is required from the Quebec government to be eligible for studies in Quebec.
- Any additional document may be required depending upon the place of application.
The process of study visa application is smooth, you need to collect all the required documents as per the location of the embassy and submit it online to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You will be asked for biometrics or any other information required by IRCC for processing of application.
Work Options for International Students in Canada
- An eligible international student can work up to 24 hours per week during studies term and full time on scheduled breaks from college.
- During the co-op term student can work full time to meet the co-op requirements of the study program.
- International students who successfully complete their education may qualify for up to 3 years of Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if their college and course is eligible. For 2 years of education you get 3 years of PGWP.
International Students Can Settle in Canada Permanently
International students who graduate in Canada have strong chances of becoming permanent residents of Canada. IRCC has designed Canadian Experience Class specially for people who have Canadian skilled work experience.
Not only this, there are multiple Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) which leads to PR and international graduates hold strong chances of getting PNPs. There are some other federal PR programs that you can target such as Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and RCIP.
Canada grants up to 3 years of PGWP and it gives a student plenty of time to gain Canadian experience and transition himself from a temporary resident to a permanent resident of Canada and later on become a Citizen of Canada.
Another advantage of studying in Canada is that if you study in eligible courses e.g. Masters you can invite your spouse to Canada on SOWP and it’s an open work permit means your spouse will not have any employer restrictions.
