Canada Immigration Rules for International Students

In any given year, more than 180,000 international students come to Canada for study purposes. Canada is one of the most famous places for higher studies. Canada has internationally recognized universities.

Canadian Ministry of Education recently set an educational strategy that focuses on increasing the number of international students. It means students from foreign countries are now most welcome in Canada.

In Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Quebec majority of international students are living. They provide a lively ambiance.

When you think of studying abroad what factors are in your mind? Quality of education, degrees, which are internationally recognized cost-efficient education, safe place, multicultural environment, etc. All of these you will get in Canada.

Let’s talk about the benefits of studying in Canada before discussing immigration rules for international students.

Quality of Education

Canada puts great importance on the standard of education. And they are maintaining a very high standard of education. Canadian degrees are globally recognized and get value in the international job market.

For research-intensive universities, Canada is well known in the world were for scientific research. It ranked 4th position in the world.

Diversified Options

Canada has a wide range of various schools. It has major research-based universities along with universities that offer undergraduate, graduate, professional degrees in a very flexible method.

English Language

English and French both are the official language of Canada. But everywhere in Canada, you will be able to use the English language.

However, in Canada, you can grab the opportunity to learn French as well. All universities in Canada offer English taught Bachelor, Masters, Ph.D. level degrees.

Diverse & Cosmopolitan Environment

Canada is one of the most diverse nations in the world both ethnically and linguistically. More than 50% of the Canadian population’s first language is not English.

Just think about 180,000 international students every year. In Canada, you will get a multicultural classroom as well as a society. This one is an excellent benefit for international students as they will be able to adapt and make friends easily.

Safe Country

With a low crime rate, Canada is one of the safest countries in the world. According to Global News, Canada ranked the 2nd country in the world with the highest quality of life.

Job Opportunities

Among those few nations who offered the job to international students, Canada is one. Canada employs those students who have obtained degrees from Canadian universities.

After finishing their studies, international students can work in Canada for up to 3 years.

Scholarship

Canada offers many scholarships for international students. With those scholarships, studies become affordable for them. Also, students have the opportunity to get funding from universities that help them financially.

Immigration Rules

For immigrating to Canada as an international student, one has to follow some procedures. Often students find these procedures tough to follow because of a lack of information.

Here I will try to mention those by one.

Apply to your desired University

At first, you decide on which Canadian university you want to pursue your studies at. After determining you have to apply to the university and have to get the acceptance letter from the university.

Apply for Study Permit

The study permit is a document that the Canadian government’s department of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada issues to students. It allows international students to study at designated learning institutions in Canada.

If they approve your study permit, they will issue one visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization with you.

Following rules should be maintained for obtaining student visa-

• Online application on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website
• Paper-based Visa application for limited internet access countries
• Provide an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution
• Provide proof of adequate financial resources ( tuition fees, living expenses)
• Police clearance certificate
• Submit medical reports

After 90 days of your study completion, your study permits will be expired. You can still stay in Canada to explore and apply for a work permit which allows you to take a full time or part-time job, or even be self-employed.

Needed Documents for the Student Visa in Canada

• Filled in student permit application form
• Letter of acceptance from the university ( original copy)
• A valid passport for returning to your country ( If you are from the U.S.A, this is not necessary)
• Two recent passport-sized photographs ( name and date of birth on the back)
• Proof of financial support, +833 CAD/month for all provinces except Quebec and +917 CAD/month for Quebec
• A letter of explanation
• Proof of payment of the study permit fee, 150 CAD

Language Requirement

If you are not from an English speaking country, then Canadian universities will require your English language proficiency.

• IELTS
• Cambridge English: Advanced
• TOEFL

These are the accepted language tests.

Biometrics Appointment and Interview

The biometric fee is 85 CAD. Depending on your home country requirement, you may have to show up at a Visa Application Centre in your country for biometrics taken. Some states are exempt from biometrics visits.

After applying, it may take 90 days or less for processing. Depending on your situation, you might be called for an interview.

What’s next?

After getting the approval, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to present to the border office at your arrival in Canada.

However, if your study program is less than six months study permit is not required. But it may be recommended.

When you enter Canada, will you be under age 18? Then special rules apply to you. In that case, you will need a completed Custodianship Declaration Form.

Conclusion

Canada is one of the best places for the post-study period. Just for international students, the post-graduate work permit (a special work permit) has been created. Also, full-time international students have permission to work on/off-campus up to 20 hours a week.

Canada’s economy is one of the strongest ones in the world. And different kinds of other facilities have made it attractive to international students.

Canadian degrees are world-famous, and also after completing study in Canada, international students have the opportunity to work in Canada. For these opportunities, more and more students are trying to obtain a Canadian degree.