Lori Meadows
Canada is a popular destination for international students, offering a range of opportunities for those seeking to study abroad. The country's federal government actively encourages international graduates to become permanent residents, valuing their qualifications, language skills, and work experience. To study in Canada, international students must obtain a study permit and meet the admission requirements of their chosen educational institution, which often include demonstrating English or French language proficiency and proof of financial stability. Additionally, students may need to apply for a visa or work permit, depending on their specific circumstances. Ontario, a popular destination for international students, offers a range of programs tailored to their needs, although priority is typically given to permanent residents of the province and country. Canada's immigration system provides a pathway for international students to pursue their academic goals and establish a foundation for their future careers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Requirements to study in Canada | Updated passport, proficiency in English or French, proof of passing prescribed language tests with minimum grades, proof of finances for study and cost of living |
| Study permit | Required before arrival in Canada, obtained after acceptance letter and interview |
| Work during studies | Depends on length of program and whether work is on or off-campus; many post-secondary students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus |
| Work after graduation | Post-Graduation Work Permit allows students to begin careers in Canada |
| Health insurance | Not provided by the Canadian government; most colleges have a health plan available for international students |
| Fees | Approximately $14,000 in Canadian funds per year (two semesters), colleges may charge additional fees |
| Social Insurance Number (SIN) | Required to work in Canada or to access government programs and benefits |
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What You'll Learn
Requirements for international students
International students are required to obtain a study permit from a Canadian embassy, consulate, or high commission outside Canada. This is a mandatory document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) Canada, permitting international students to study in Canada for a limited time. Students from certain countries will also need to obtain an entry visa, for which they would apply at the same time.
To obtain a study permit, you must be registered at a designated learning institute (DLI). This means that you must have applied and been accepted to study at a Canadian educational institution. The requirements for acceptance vary depending on the institution and program, but common requirements include an updated passport, proficiency in English or French, proof of passing prescribed language tests with minimum grades, and proof that you can finance your study and living costs.
If you are applying to a graduate program, you will likely need to hold an appropriate bachelor's degree or its equivalent as assessed by the university. Some institutions may also require written samples, copies of published work, or a portfolio. It is important to carefully review the specific requirements of your chosen institution and program.
Additionally, international students may need to undergo a medical exam and provide a letter of explanation to the visa officer, outlining their goals and understanding of their responsibilities as a student. For institutions in Quebec, students will receive a "Certificat d'acceptation du Québec" (CAQ) along with their acceptance letter, which must be included in the study permit application.
It is recommended to start planning for your Canadian study permit at least a year in advance and to apply for the permit as soon as you receive your offer of admission, acceptance letter, and have collected all the required documents.
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Application process for a Canadian study permit
International students are required to obtain a study permit to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. The study permit is a mandatory document that authorises international students to study in Canada and grants them their immigration status. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Canadian study permit:
Step 1: Choose a Recognised Educational Institution and Program
Start by selecting a recognised educational institution and program that offers seats available for international applicants. Ensure that you meet the admission and English proficiency requirements. Some programs may be highly competitive and closed to international applicants, so it is important to review the information carefully.
Step 2: Understand the Requirements and Gather Documents
Common requirements for universities and institutions include an updated passport, proficiency in English or French with proof of passing prescribed language tests, and proof of financial resources to cover study and living costs. Additionally, some institutions may require a medical exam, especially if you intend to work in certain professions.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Most applications are submitted online through an online account. However, in some cases, such as if you have visitor status in Canada, you may need to submit a paper application. The application process may vary, so refer to the specific instructions provided by the institution. Make sure to include all the required documents, such as the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL), and pay the necessary fees.
Step 4: Wait for Processing and Interview
After submitting your application, wait for it to be processed. An interview may be required as part of the process. Ensure that you have submitted all the necessary documents to avoid delays.
Step 5: Receive the Decision and Plan Your Travel
Once your application has been processed and the interview conducted, the immigration officer will decide on your study permit application. If accepted, your permit will have a start date, and you can start planning your travel to Canada. Remember to carry all the necessary travel documents, including your passport, visa, study permit, and others as advised by the immigration authorities.
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Additional documents for international students
To study in Canada as an international student, you must have the following documents:
- A valid study permit or a letter of introduction showing that you were approved for a study permit.
- A valid letter of acceptance from your school.
- Letters of reference or any other documents requested by the visa office.
- A valid electronic travel authorization (eTA), a valid visitor visa (temporary resident visa), a valid green card, or another valid travel document.
- An updated passport.
- Proof of proficiency in English or French, along with passing grades from prescribed language tests.
- Proof that you can finance your studies and the cost of living in Canada.
Some additional documents that may be required include:
- A letter of explanation outlining your goals and understanding of your responsibilities as a student.
- A medical exam, which may be needed depending on the institution and its requirements.
- A "Certificat d’acceptation du Québec" (CAQ) if you have applied to an institution in the province of Quebec.
- Fingerprints and a photo (biometric) for identification purposes.
Furthermore, as an international student in Canada, you will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work on or off-campus. You can do this online via the eSIN portal or by attending a SIN clinic at your educational institution.
It is important to carefully review the requirements and regulations for international students in Canada, as well as the specific admission criteria for your chosen college or university. Planning ahead and ensuring you have all the necessary documents is crucial for a smooth transition to studying in Canada.
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Working while studying in Canada
International students in Canada are allowed to work part-time, up to 24 hours per week, without a work permit, as long as they meet other eligibility requirements. Students must be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI) and in their last semester of their study program, not requiring a full course load to complete their program. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions, and students may lose their student status and be asked to leave the country.
Students can work both on and off-campus, but there are different requirements for each. "On-campus" refers to all the buildings on the university or college campus, and information about working on-campus can be found via Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). "Off-campus" means parts of the town or city that are not part of the campus. Students can work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, as long as they are full-time students before and after the break.
Students can also apply for a co-op work permit if they are part of a co-op program at a college or university, have a valid study permit, and have a letter from their DLI confirming that all students in their program need to complete work placements to get their degree. Their co-op or internship must be 50% or less of their total program of study.
Working in Canada as an international student can help develop business contacts and gain practical experience, which may help in staying and working in Canada after graduation. Students can gain Canadian work experience by obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which may enable them to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on their academic program.
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Staying in Canada after graduation
International students who want to stay in Canada after graduation have several options. The most popular option is to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which is an open work permit allowing holders to work for almost any employer in Canada. The PGWP is valid for between eight months and three years, depending on the length of the program. To be eligible, the program must be longer than eight months, and applicants must apply within 180 days of receiving their final transcript. Graduate-level international students are eligible for a three-year PGWP even if their academic program is shorter than two years.
Alternatively, international graduates can apply for a new study permit to pursue a second degree or diploma in a different subject or a graduate degree in their field of study. Applicants should note that there have been some changes to how international students are approved for a study permit, including an increase in the Cost of Living Requirement from $10,000 to $20,635 for a single student.
International students can also apply for a visitor record to stay in Canada temporarily as a visitor after completing their studies. However, they will not be permitted to work until their PGWP application is approved. The application for a visitor record should be submitted no more than 90 days after program completion.
Some international students may also choose to apply for permanent residency to remain in Canada permanently. Canada's federal government covets international graduates as ideal new permanent residents, as they are young, have knowledge of the culture, are proficient in languages, have Canadian qualifications, and often have work experience.
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Frequently asked questions
To study in Canada, you must have a valid study permit. To obtain a study permit, you must be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI), demonstrate progress toward finishing your study program, and meet various requirements, including proficiency in English or French and proof of financial stability.
Canada's federal government values international graduates as ideal new permanent residents. The country offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit, and recent changes to the Express Entry selection system have made it easier for international students to transition to permanent residence. Additionally, international students may be eligible to work part-time during their studies.
You should start planning for your Canadian study permit at least a year in advance. Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including an updated passport, proof of language proficiency, and financial documentation. You may also need to include a "Certificat d'acceptation du Québec" (CAQ) if you plan to study in Quebec. After submitting your application, you may be required to attend an interview with an immigration officer, who will decide on your study permit application.
