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Study in Canada: An Overview for Indian Students

Why should I study in Canada?

Canada has always been the best destination to pursue studies through the years. Last year, over 60,000 students were admitted to the top colleges in Canada. In fact, during the first few months of 2021 and as per the data from the Canadian High Commission, Delhi, around 100,000 international students got a study permit. So, here are some of the reasons you should opt for Canada as your future.

Quality Education

Education is something you can always count on when securing admission to a Canadian college. A Canadian degree is at par with a person’s degree from either the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK) or even Australia. Every college in Canada has always been on top of the list of colleges worldwide.
Even amid the COVID-19 uncertainty, Canada continues to be the most popular destination among students to study in Canada. Indeed, there are numerous institutions to which you may apply. Still, without a doubt, you are sure to gain a world-class educational experience regardless of what you dream of pursuing.

An Affordable Country

International students have to pay high fees for the course compared to domestic students. Hence the overall cost of the course may be a barrier for those who plan to study abroad. However, on average, the annual tuition fee for a program in Canada is relatively less than the one in the US or UK.
Apart from the tuition fees, the students also have to meet several expenses when studying abroad. But, in Canada, you will easily afford the cost of living. In fact, in 2021, the average expenditure per student is around CAD 1500 and even less should you choose to study in an Atlantic Province.
To sum it up, considering the average tuition fee in addition to the cost of living won’t even create a dent in your pocket while studying in Canada.

A Safe Country

When you’re staying far away from your family, you may feel lonely and, at times, you may even feel unsafe. However, Canada is one of the safest places for studying Canada.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the fundamental rights of those residing in Canada. In addition, universities in Canada consider safety for their students within the campus as the top priority. So it’s more than unlikely you would come across and serious conflicts. To date, the country is known for low cases of racial discrimination regardless of the condition of the residents.

How do I study in Canada from India?

While dreaming of studying in Canada, you mustn’t take anything lightly. Therefore, before taking any step further, you should follow the checklist that we have compiled for your below.

  • Initially, you need to research more on the colleges and then shortlist them. It would be best if you were firm on what you wish to study and carefully went through the various programs. Besides, you would also need to check your eligibility criteria for the programs.
  • Next, you may prepare well for tests like IELTS/GMAT/TOEFL/GRE. However, the test for which you need to appear would be based on the requirements of a Canadian college. You should plan and prepare accordingly for the test.
  • Do make sure that you take the test well in advance. Make sure that you clear the test with a decent score so that you don’t have to appear again. It’s also necessary to get a minimum score to apply for a study visa.
  • In addition to ensuring you are financially capable of bearing the cost of your course, you also need to check if you can cope with the accommodation cost, living expenses and several other expenses. If you don’t have sufficient money, you should consider your options to finance your tuition fees by either taking an education loan or aiming for a student scholarship.
  • Furthermore, you need to contact every college of your preference and check their admission requirements. It would help if you didn’t forget to apply to the college before the deadline.
  • As soon as you receive a letter of acceptance from the college, you also need to confirm your seat for the college by paying the tuition fees. Post confirmation, you would have to apply for your student visa.

Studying in Canada with a low IELTS score

A great IELTS score will indeed represent your proficiency level in English. Your final score would help you get admission to one of the top colleges in Canada.
If you are applying to study in Canada from Indian under Student Direct Stream (SDS), then to qualify for a Canadian student visa, you need to score at least a 6 in each band with an overall band score of 6.5. There’s nothing to worry about if your IELTS score is low. If you don’t meet the requirement, you can appear for the test again. You can study again and improve on the weaker sections.
If you’re struggling to improve your IELTS score, then you may click here for free tips to ace the IELTS exams.

Working in Canada while on a Study Permit

While pursuing your studies in Canada, you can work in the country. This will help you bear the cost-of-living expenses and the tuition fees to a certain extent. Moreover, while you’re studying, you can take up a part-time job. On the other hand, you can work full-time during vacations or breaks.
Mostly, a student doesn’t need to have a study permit to work while they are studying. This is applicable for both on-campus and off-campus opportunities. However, you could work off-campus only if stated in the study permit.
If you need to have some work experience for the course, you will be allowed to work for more than 20 hours. This condition will be stated in the letter of acceptance which you will receive from the IRCC. If the government understands your situation, it will issue a work permit and a study permit. You will be allowed to work within the campus only when you get a work permit.

List of Top 10 Colleges in Canada To Choose from

S No

College

Location

Word Rank

1

Seneca College

Ontario

4728

2

Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Ontario

5008

3

Humber College

Ontario

5254

4

Centennial College Toronto

Ontario

5476

5

Conestoga College

Ontario

5621

6

Algoma University

Ontario

5717

7

George Brown College

Ontario

5819

8

Algonquin College

Ontario

6400

9

Mohawk College

Ontario

6890

10

Fanshawe College

Ontario

7083

What will be the cost to study in Canada?

All students interested in learning about the cost of studying in Canada should be aware that private universities in the country set their own fees. And the cost is entirely dependent on a number of important factors, including the programme they choose, whether they are studying at an undergraduate or postgraduate level, and whether they require on-campus housing. According to recent statistics, tuition fees in Canada have decreased by an average of 5.3 per cent for domestic undergraduates while increasing by 7.6 per cent for international undergraduates. University tuition fees account for a significant portion of the cost of education in Canada. The total cost is determined by a variety of factors such as the course type, its international reach and reputation, the city of study, and so on. As a result, the average cost of studying in terms of tuition fees at some of Canada’s best colleges can reach CAD 35,000. (INR 18,84,000). International students can also use the Council of Ministers of Education of Canada (CMEC online)’s tool to estimate the cost of studying in Canada.

Course

Average Tuition Fees per annum

Application fees

$50 (INR 3,707) to  $200 (INR 14,831)

Undergraduate Courses

CAD 12,000 – CAD 30,000
(6,46,000 INR -16,15,000)

Engineering & Medicine Courses (UG Level)

CAD 22,000 (INR 11,69,000)

Humanities, Business & Management (UG Level)

CAD 5,500 (INR 2,96,000) to CAD 6,500 (INR 3,50,000)

Law

CAD14,000 (INR 8,45,597.39)

Visual and Performing arts

CAD 5,000 (INR 3,01,828) to CAD 5,000 (INR 3,01,828.55)

Postgraduate Courses

CAD 18,000 (INR 9,54,000)

MBA

CAD 28,000 (INR 14,75,000)

Executive MBA

CAD 29,000 (INR 17,51,351)

Law

10,000 CAD to 55,000 CAD (5,50,000 INR-30,00,000 INR)

Engineering

19,301 CAD (INR 11,57,152)

Dentistry

22,472 CAD (INR 13,47,276)

Nursing

47,800 CAD (INR 28,65,568)

How do I study in Canada on a low budget?

Canada, like some Scandinavian countries and Germany, does not provide free university education. There are, however, a number of ways to cut the cost of studying in Canada. The first step is to reduce your expenses while increasing your income. The good news is that finding a well-paying part-time job in Canada is simple.
No matter how many cost-cutting measures you implement, the overall cost of studying in Canada will only decrease if you are able to enrol in a low-cost university. We’ve compiled a list of five universities that offer low-cost bachelor’s degrees to international students.

Canadian Mennonite University is the first on our list (CMU). In every way, it is a true international student-friendly package. Many international students will find CMU to be a very affordable place to study, whether it’s because of the courses or the fee structure.
In its three and four-year bachelor’s programmes, the university offers 21 majors. For full-time enrollment, international students must pay 12583 USD per year. This covers the cost of tuition, a full meal plan, dorm accommodations, and health insurance.

Brandon University, which is located in Manitoba, is one of the most popular destinations for international students. The university is known for providing special attention to international students. They have the opportunity to conduct research under the direct supervision of professors. Bachelor’s degrees are available in a variety of fields, including arts, science, business administration, and finance.
In the first year, you’ll need to put down around $27,000 USD. Full-time tuition, residency fees, meals, books and courses, and health insurance are all included in this amount.

If you can communicate in French and write in French, you should consider enrolling in this French university. Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) is a university in Winnipeg, Manitoba, that is affiliated with the University of Manitoba. Students who have finished their bachelor’s degree at USB can apply for a master’s degree at the University of Manitoba.
Courses in social sciences, arts, science, business and education, translation, and nursing are currently available at USB. The yearly tuition fee for international students is approximately $7,500 USD.

On this list, the University of Guelph is not among the most affordable Canadian universities. Their Ivy League standards, on the other hand, justify their fee. Despite being one of Canada’s highest-quality institutions, this university is still an affordable option. The University of Guelph is divided into five colleges, each of which offers international students bachelor’s degrees.
Biological sciences, engineering & physical sciences, business & economics, art, and social & applied human sciences are all represented at these colleges. International students’ full-time annual tuition fees at the University of Guelph start at $18,000 USD.

The dozens of bachelor’s degrees and diploma programmes offered by Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) are popular among international students. International students are well-received at the university, which has set up a separate division for them. Student advising, problem resolution, and group activities are all handled by this division.
MUN is one of the most affordable universities in Canada. Every program’s full-time tuition fee hovers around 7,000 USD.

Master’s Programs at Five Low-Cost Canadian Universities

Consider these options if you have a part-time job in Canada and want to pursue a Master’s degree there. You’ll find them to be quite affordable.

The university offers master’s degrees in business administration, science, education, nursing, and social work, among other fields. You can also pursue a doctorate after completing your master’s degree. Newfoundland’s Memorial University

International students can also enrol in MUN’s master’s programmes for a reasonable fee. You can pursue a master’s degree in a variety of fields, including social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. The cost of completing a one-year master’s programme is less than $5,000 USD.

Simon Fraser University is another option for international students seeking to complete their master’s degree. Burnaby, British Columbia, is home to the university. Master’s degrees are available in the arts and social sciences, applied sciences, art and technology, business communication, and health sciences. For a one-year programme, you will have to pay around 4,000 USD as an international student.

The University of Saskatchewan is a good option to consider if you want to work in medical research. It offers around 80 master’s and doctoral programmes in total, all at a reasonable cost. This university offers master’s degrees to international students for less than $5,000 USD.

For students who have chosen to pursue a doctorate, the University of Calgary is a viable option. The university offers a master’s degree that is based on courses and leads to various doctorate programmes. The University of Calgary’s thesis-based master’s degree costs around 20,000 USD.

Given below are some more ideas to help you keep your study in Canada on a tight budget.

  • Enrol in a low-cost or tuition-free university (we will discuss this in detail in the next section).
  • Instead of eating out every day, prepare your own meals.
  • Secondhand stores are a great place to start. At these establishments, you can find a lot of good stuff at a much lower price point.
  • Don’t succumb to peer pressure to purchase items and memberships (such as gym, salsa, etc.) that can wreak havoc on your budget.
  • Whenever possible, commute on foot.

Top 10 courses in Canada that will land me a job

There are majors where demand continues to outweigh supply when looking through all of College’s entry-level job advertisements.
It’s worth noting that job growth at the entry level may not reflect overall industry growth. The best majors for entry-level are those with a greater supply of jobs than available graduates.
As a result, many graduates with these majors receive numerous job offers. If you major in these fields, you will find it easier to find work as an intern and after graduation.

A positive supply/demand imbalance exists because there are a limited number of actuaries and even fewer graduates with actuarial science degrees. The majority of people work in the insurance industry, but positions in healthcare and government are also available.

HR has two entry points: HR Representative (also known as HR Generalist) and Recruiter. The former is a standard corporate overhead position, whereas the latter is a sales-human-resources hybrid. The former will suit you best if you’re introverted, while the latter will suit you better if you’re extroverted.

The biomedical field is expanding due to the healthcare and medical device industries, as well as the biomedical business. Smartphone use, as well as technological advancements like 3D printing, are driving up demand. As a result, there is a high demand for new biomedical engineers.

There is a lot of interest, but it is concentrated at the top of the field. You’ll need good grades or a degree from a reputable university to compete for the best jobs. You could also do both.

Emerging technologies such as sustainable energy, medical devices, plastic resins (think carbon fibre), and biotechnology offer numerous opportunities for engagement. There are many options available, but unless you live in a major city or manufacturing centre, you will almost certainly need to relocate to find a job in ChemEng.

Four of the top ten businesses in the United States are accounting firms. Both public and private accounting firms are looking for newly graduated accountants in audit, tax, and corporate accounting. Furthermore, the position is frequently used as a stepping stone to positions in management and upper management.

You’ll be able to design, build, and test electrical equipment. And you’ll be rewarded for your efforts. It had been amply compensated. As a college graduate, this is one of the most employable majors, with the majority of graduates receiving multiple job offers.

As our population ages, the demand for qualified nurses and other medical personnel in related fields will increase. The field’s disadvantage is that advancement is still difficult. Nursing, on the other hand, is an excellent career choice if you want to make a difference in people’s lives.

For recent college graduates, sales is one of the most in-demand jobs. There are plenty of options if you’re a Marketing major who desires to work in Sales (not theoretical marketing, but actually selling things that people want and need). Sales are typically one of the highest-paying careers.

Computer science degrees, especially those from prestigious universities, remain the most sought-after of all majors. Many graduates have a number of job offers from which to choose.

Which courses offer the best job prospects?

Though it is common for students to change majors during their undergraduate careers, the global economy determines which majors are the best to pursue.
Meanwhile, it’s critical that you choose a degree in which you’re genuinely interested and can see yourself working in a related field. It’s also helpful to know what courses are in high demand so that your chances of landing a job improve organically after you graduate.
As a result, the following courses are a guide to some of these In-Demand Courses 2021 that lead to careers that are always in demand.

  • Management/ Business Administration/Sales
  • Courses in Healthcare Administration
  • Engineering Courses
  • Clinical Psychology 
  • Statistics and Maths
  • Entrepreneurship and Startups
  • Medical and Biological Sciences
  • Information Technology

This is one of the top ten most in-demand courses in the world, as well as one of the most employable college degrees. People with good sales skills and pitches are always needed to help companies and firms promote their brands. Combining your sales skills with a strong Business Administration/Management degree will put you in a strong career position.
The modern business manager combines sales skills with a thorough understanding of new technology, resulting in the more efficient management of a company or corporation.

People are one thing that technology cannot replace. The world’s population continues to rise. A growing population would necessitate the construction of hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Professionals would be required to keep these facilities running smoothly. This is something that neither robots nor technology can accomplish. In the coming years, qualified humans will be desperately needed to run these increasingly complex facilities.

Money, or money management, will never go out of style. It’s how people value themselves in terms of what they can do to improve their lives.
As the population rises, so does the pool of money available to meet the needs of more people. As a result, money would always be available. As a result, in an increasingly complex world, a financial expert would always be in demand to manage or advise people and businesses on how to organize their finances.

Engineering is a wide-ranging field that includes many aspects of life. For example, software engineers are needed in today’s world to create sophisticated gadgets and machines. Computer engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, building engineering, and other related courses would always be in demand.

Only a few people could pursue a career in psychology a few decades ago. Psychologists were seen as people who provided services that were not valued highly. That was a simpler time. The field of psychology has grown so large that it now includes the treatment of mentally ill animals. However, because mental health issues are on the rise, there will be a growing demand for psychology among humans. As science and technology advances, new diagnoses related to psychological issues emerge. As a result, more psychologists are required.

Computers are used to manipulate large amounts of data in complex technology. People who can understand and use the large streams of data moving around in the digital age will continue to be in demand.
To convert those numbers and figures into something that people can use, people with strong backgrounds in statistics and mathematics would be required.

Entrepreneurship is one of the top ten most in-demand courses in the world, as well as one of the most employable college degrees. People with the ability to start businesses and create jobs must step up their game if the world is to improve. Entrepreneurs with experience starting businesses will be in high demand.
Money is worthless unless and until it can be put to good use. Investors understand that entrusting money to charlatans would be disastrous. It is the best use of money to give to experienced entrepreneurs who know where and how to start a business.
People who have a lot of money are aware of this. As a result, entrepreneurs will always be in high demand.

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers will always be needed. Experts in the field of biological research are also in high demand.
The world’s health would always be in the hands of experts in the fields of medicine and biology. And as the world’s population grows, more people with those qualifications will be required.

This is one of the top ten most in-demand courses in the world, as well as one of the most employable college degrees. Information technology is a vast field. And it’s getting bigger every day at a breakneck pace. Experts in this field are in demand in this information age. In fact, skilled workers are in short supply in many areas of information technology. To address the shortage, large tech companies and other organizations are investing in IT training. This is because universities are not producing enough experts in a timely manner. As a result, this is a career that will always be in high demand, both now and in the future.

What is a Designated Learning Institute?

If you desire to study in Canada for more than six months, you’ll need to apply for a study permit. A study permit is valid for schools that have been designated by the Government of Canada as Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
A Designated Learning Institution has been approved by the province or territory to host international students. All Canadian primary and secondary schools, as well as most colleges and universities, are recognized as DLIs.

What is a Canadian Study Permit?

Foreign national students who wish to study in Canada must obtain a study permit for the duration of their programme if it exceeds six months. Short-term courses or residency programmes that end sooner than half a year, such as training seminars, one-week crash courses, or English as a Second Language (ESL courses), are exempt from this requirement and do not necessitate the submission of a study permit application. You may still be required to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) and a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
Applicants who require a student permit are typically those applying for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programme at a Canadian university. This, however, also applies to applicants who are in elementary or secondary school.

What Is the Distinction Between a Student Visa and a Study Permit?

A study permit permits a foreign national to study in Canada at designated learning institutions. The issue is that many people confuse the terms “student visa” and “study permit.” They are, in fact, two distinct things!
A Student Visa is a conditional authorization that allows you to enter a country. This means that even if you have a student visa, the officer at the border has the authority to deny you entry.
A Study Permit permits you to stay in the country for an extended period of time. It contains information about your purpose: what you’re here for, why you’re here, what course level you’re on, how long you’ll be there, and if there are any work restrictions.
Consider the following differences between a Student Visa and a Study Permit:

  • Student Visa – Permits you to enter Canada as a student.
  • Study Permit – Permits you to stay in Canada for the duration of your studies.

Technically, the Canadian government does not issue a “Student Visa.” You’ll get a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) when your study permit is approved, and you’ll be able to enter Canada with either.
A border services officer will issue your final approved study permit, according to the Government of Canada website. To issue your approved study permit, the officer will use the permit reference number given in the letter of introduction given by the visa office when your study permit was approved. Make sure your study permit has your correct personal information and expiration date on it.

Do I really need a Canadian Study Permit?

To study in Canada, most foreign nationals require a study permit. Some people may not be able to in certain circumstances.

Five Reasons Why Canadian Study Permit Applications Are Rejected

According to IRCC data, approximately 30% of all study permit applications are denied. Given the popularity of studying in Canada, that translates to thousands of prospective students who have been accepted to a Canadian school but whose study permit applications have been denied. Below given are some of the reasons a study permit could be rejected.

While you apply for a study permit, you must show that you have enough money to pay for your trip to Canada, your tuition fees, and support yourself and any accompanying family members while studying. This is known as “show money.” Typically, the government requests six months of bank statements to demonstrate that you have enough money. If the government does not believe you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada, your application may be denied.

A study permit is a type of temporary visa that has a validity period and an expiration date. You must convince the visa officer in your study permit application that you will leave the country when your study permit expires.
That doesn’t mean you can’t apply to extend your study permit or stay indefinitely. In fact, the government has created a number of programmes to assist students in staying and working in Canada after completing their studies or transitioning to permanent residence.
That is, the visa officer must have faith that you will not remain in the country illegally while out of status. Normally, this is a problem if you do not demonstrate that you have compelling reasons to return home.

If the officer does not understand the logic of your programme selection, your study permit application may be denied. For example, a person with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the Philippines and four years of nursing experience who wants to study hotel management could be questioned. The chosen programme in Canada does not appear to be a good fit for the applicant’s educational background or employment.

You are needed to get a letter of acceptance from a Canadian educational institution before applying for a study permit. The institution that issues your acceptance letter must be a registered Canadian educational institution. You must also fulfil all programme requirements. If the visa officer has any misgivings about the authenticity of your letter of acceptance or that you have actually met the programme requirements, he or she may refuse your letter of acceptance.

If you have an incomplete record of your travel history, or if your identity documents are unclear, the IRCC may deny your study permit application. If you are criminally or medically inadmissible to Canada, IRCC must be able to determine this.

Requirements to get Canadian Student Visa

Criteria for obtaining a Canada Student Visa

If you meet the below-given requirements, you may apply for a study visa in Canada:

  1. A designated learning institute (DLI) has accepted you.
  2. You should demonstrate that you have adequate funds to cover your tuition and living expenses.
  3. You must prove that you have a spotless record and have never been convicted of a crime. To prove this, the aspirants must show a police certificate.
  4. You should have a physical examination and produce a medical certificate stating that you are in good health.
  5. You must also convince the visa officer during the visa interview that you will leave Canada once your studies are completed.

Duration to receive a Canadian Student Visa

The processing time for Indian students seeking a student visa in Canada is a source of concern for many. Predicting how long it will take to process your application is becoming increasingly difficult with the increasing number of applications.

Before you begin applying, make sure you’re aware of all the factors that could affect the time it takes to process a Canada Student Visa in India.

Before applying for a Canada Study Permit, you should have a good idea of how long it will take to receive final approval. This makes your immigration process a lot easier and less stressful.

The processing time for a Student Visa is usually 3 to 4 weeks. However, this is only an estimate. Many factors can significantly impact the time it takes for an Indian student visa to be processed in Canada.

Factors Affecting the Time It Takes to Get a Study Visa in Canada

The processing time begins the day your application is received by the Embassy or the visa granting authority. We’ve compiled a list of factors that influence the length of time it takes to process a student visa:

  1. Type of application you have submitted
  2. Submission of an application with complete and accurate information
  3. Whether or not supporting documents have been presented.
  4. The immigration department is experiencing a backlog.
  5. How quickly do you respond to the authority’s requests or inquiries?
  6. Applicants with prior criminal records should expect a processing time delay.
  7. During the application process for your visa, you may be subjected to a ban or travel restriction.

A change in political power can also affect the time it takes to process a visa.

Applicants for study visas in Canada can check the estimated processing time with the Canadian Immigration Department. To check the status of your visa application with a unique tracking ID, go to their official website.

Student Document Checklist to study in Canada

After you receive your college acceptance letter, you should apply for a student visa. For example, if you want to apply for the September intake, you should start the visa process around June. The documents required to apply for a Canada Student Visa are listed below.

To apply for a Study Permit, you must have a valid passport. According to the Canadian High Commission, you must have a valid passport for the duration of your intended stay in Canada. For example, if you plan to travel to Canada in September 2019 for a two-year course, your passport should be valid until September 2021.

It is necessary to have an acceptance letter from the university/institute you intend to attend. A Designated Learning Institute is recognized as a university by the Immigration Department. If you’re applying for Quebec, you’ll also need a CAQ, which you’ll be informed about.

It is necessary to provide proof of funds when applying for your study permit. According to current standards, you must demonstrate that you will be able to pay our tuition fees and cover living expenses. Furthermore, a student will need at least CAD 10,000 for each year of their stay, according to Canadian Immigration. Aside from the two requirements listed above, the student must also show that he or she has sufficient funds to make a reasonable return.

If your application is submitted by mail, you will need two passport-sized photographs that meet the requirements. In addition, you must obtain a digital copy of the photograph for an online application, which should not exceed 4MB. Other standard requirements include a neutral facial expression, a plain background, and no headgear (unless for religious purposes). Note:
The image size should be at least 35 mm x 45 mm.
The image should be current (not older than six months)

International students from India are required by Canadian Immigration to undergo a mandatory Immigration Medical Examination by empanelled doctors. Students should schedule an appointment with one of the listed doctors for a medical examination at least one week before beginning their Visa application. This gives the doctor enough time to verify and upload all of the required documents. It is always advisable to make an appointment in advance with the nearest facility/ practitioner from the list of empanelled doctors.
The panel physician will perform a complete medical exam, who may also refer you for chest x-rays and laboratory tests. The results will be forwarded to CIC by the physician once your exam is completed.

We strongly advise you to take the English Language Proficiency Test and obtain your score before beginning the Visa Application Process, even if it is not required at the time of application. In order to confirm your acceptance to a Canadian university, you would have had to submit your English language proficiency score. TOEFL, IELTS, and other similar tests are all acceptable.

When applying for a Canadian Study Permit, you must submit an essay explaining why you are visiting Canada and choosing the specific institution. The checklist will prompt you to submit this as an optional document, but we strongly advise you to do so.

If you’re applying online, you’ll need a credit card to pay the application fee. The fee for applying for a visa in Canada is CAD 150. Please keep in mind that the system accepts only credit cards and not debit cards. It is also not required that it be your credit card. You can also use your parents’ credit cards if you have their explicit permission.

Aside from the above, you’ll need a digital scanner if you’re applying online. If you’re applying by mail, you’ll need true copies of all of the aforementioned documents. It’s important to note that you’ll need to download a few documents, fill them out, print them, sign them, and then upload them when applying online. As a result, the scanner’s availability must be arranged. You can also upload a high-resolution digital image to the system. A scanner, on the other hand, is preferable to a camera.

The interviewer may request additional documents during the personal interview. These could be documents proving academic or financial standing. These could include:

  • Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from the colleges or universities you attended
  • Scores on tests like the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, and GMAT
  • Your intention to leave Canada once you’ve completed your studies

How will you pay for all of your educational, living, and travel expenses?

Taking my family to Canada on a Study Visa

Your spouse or common-law partner, as well as any dependent children, can apply to join you in Canada while you study.

Given the amount of time you’ll have to devote to your studies and research, you should give serious consideration to family members’ activities while they’re in Canada.

When applying for your CAQ and Study Permit for yourself and your family, you must prove that you have adequate money to support yourself and your family during their stay in Canada.

Immigration Quebec and/or Immigration Canada must be satisfied that the following criteria have been met:

  1. You have enough money to pay for your studies and support yourself and your family members while in Canada. The McGill Fee Calculator can be found here, as well as the estimated living expenses for you and your family member (s).
  2. Your family member(s) has sufficient ties to their home country and will leave Canada when their visa expires. Things a Visa Officer might look at when evaluating an applicant’s ties to the country of citizenship or residence are listed here.

Can my spouse work while I Study in Canada?

If you are a full-time international student with a valid study permit, your spouse can apply for an open work permit on your behalf. Because you have an open work permit, your spouse can work full-time on or off-campus while you study.
An international student’s spouse may apply for an open work permit if the student is enrolled full-time:
A private post-secondary institution, or public post-secondary institution that follows the same rules and regulations as a public institution and receives government grants for half of its operating budget, or a private institution authorized by provincial statute to award degrees.
An open work grant allows the holder to work for any company in Canada without the need for a Labour Market Opinion or a job offer. The work permit’s validity will be similar to that of the study permit for the most part. Nonetheless, the open work permit may reject certain occupations requiring public health protection unless the applicant passes an immigration medical examination.
Along these lines, not only can the spouses of international students gain valuable Canadian work experience, but they can also help financially support their families.

When should you apply for your Canadian Study Permit?

Before or after they arrive in Canada, your spouse can apply for a work permit. The work permit is usually issued for the same amount of time as the study permit. A job offer is not required for your spouse to apply for a work permit.
In a few instances, Canadian visa offices in other countries will process spouse work permit applications simultaneously as study permit applications. In this case, you should factor in the additional cost of the work permit and complete the work permit application for your spouse, which can be found on the consulate’s website.
Most spouses arrive in Canada as visitors first and then apply for a work permit once they’ve arrived. If your spouse doesn’t need a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa), they’ll almost certainly apply for a work permit at the border or airport where they enter Canada.

Living in Canada on a Post Graduate Work Permit

PGWPs (Post-graduation work permits) are open work permits granted to international students who have completed a programme of study in Canada. PGWPs allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada for as many hours as they want.
International students who study full-time in Canada and graduate from a post-secondary institution can work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. However, within 180 days of receiving your degree, you must apply for a post-graduation work permit (not the convocation date).
You can work for 20 hours per week until your Credential Completion letter is available if you are eligible to work off-campus in your final term of studies. When you receive your Credential Completion Letter, however, you must stop working.
If your study permit is valid when you apply for a post-graduation work permit and you meet the IRCC’s eligibility requirements, you can start working full-time immediately after submitting your application. After that, however, you are not eligible to work. In contrast, your work permit application is being processed if you have worked more than the maximum allowable hours off-campus and/or worked after your completion letter was issued.

Your options to immigrate to Canada as a student

Usually, when you travel to study abroad, you can stay in the country only temporarily. Hence you need to return to your home country after your program ends. But, this is not the case for international students in Canada. Many programs in Canada offer pathways to students studying in Canada to be permanent residents after completing the course.
A Post-Graduation Work Permit enables graduates to work for a company soon after they complete their studies. In fact, in one of its annual reports published by IRCC in 2020, more than 70,000 students became permanent residents of Canada. The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also offer options to immigrate and work in a particular province. You could also be eligible via the Express Entry if you wish to settle in Canada soon after graduating. Another option would be via the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) also offers a pathway to students who want to immigrate to Canada.
Canada promises you a lot of opportunities post completion of your studies. As a student, you can even network with leaders in your area of interest during your studies and grab opportunities to gain experience working with the leading companies in the country. In addition, employers also tend to consider Canadian work experience while you are studying in Canada.
And should you decide to go back to your home country, with your improved proficiency in English, you can always start working for international companies.