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A Guide for International Students

Do you want to study in Canada? We answer all of your burning questions, such as how much it costs to study in Canada, what courses are offered, and how you can use your Canadian study permit as a bridge to permanent residency in Canada.

Every year, the number of overseas students in Canada increases. After finishing their courses, many of them are able to stay in Canada.

The decision to grant a Canadian study permit is always at the discretion of the visa officer.

Over 400,000 overseas students were admitted to Canada last year. The students were mostly from France, Nigeria, China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Brazil, Iran, India, and Vietnam.

The Canadian government prioritizes international student diversity. Building on Success, a new International Education Strategy (IES) was unveiled in 2019.

Over the next five years, the government has budgeted $147.9 million dollars towards this goal.

Working with us through our International Student Programme can increase your chances of success.

Kingston Immigration’s International Student Programme can assist you with this process. We will be with you every step of the way, from obtaining your study permit to obtaining permanent residency. With our assistance, you can convert your Canadian education into permanent residence in Canada.

Every International Student Programme customer is assigned an Educational Counselor who has received training in the landscape of Canadian higher education and immigration in Canada. You will submit the best application possible with their assistance.

Here are the basic steps of the application process:

A Canadian study permit is the document that authorizes you to attend a Canadian school. You can apply for a Canadian study visa if you have been approved to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

A Canadian study permit is obtained in four stages:

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    Study permit processing times vary substantially. The time required is determined on your country of residence.

     

    The average processing period is 1-2 weeks, although some applications may have to wait up to 16 weeks. The volume of applications received determines processing timelines. If you apply towards the start of the Canadian academic year, you may face delays.

     

    Do you need faster processing times? Determine your eligibility for the Study Direct Stream (SDS).

    A Canadian study permit is subject to certain rules and conditions. You must abide by these terms in order to get the full benefits of your educational experience.

     

    You must be enrolled in a DLI (designated learning institution).

     

    If you are studying in Quebec, you must be enrolled as a part-time student or a full-time student.

     

    You may not take more than 150 days of authorized leave from your programme of study.

     

    It is critical that you understand and follow the terms of your study permit. You will get the most out of your study abroad experience in Canada if you do this. Students who follow the terms of their study permits are more likely to be given a post-graduate employment permit.

    The good news is that studying in Canada is reasonably priced. Tuition fees in Canada are often lower than those in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

     

    The average annual tuition for an undergraduate international student in Canada in the 2018/2019 academic year was $27,159 CAD. In comparison, the average tuition for the same year at an American university is $45,950 USD.

     

    This tool can help you find tuition expenses for Canadian college and university programmes, as well as projected expenditures for books and supplies.

     

    The cost of living is a significant consideration when considering where to study abroad. In comparison to most other top destinations for international students, the cost of living in Canada can be extremely low.

    In Canada, there are numerous possibilities for living as a student. Students can choose between living in university residences and renting an apartment to find the best living situation for them. Large cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, typically have greater housing expenses than smaller cities and villages.

     

    The University of Toronto, which has approximately 20,000 international students, estimates that the monthly cost of rent in downtown Toronto ranges from $1,080 to $2,982 CAD.

     

    In comparison to other major North American cities, the cost of living in Montreal is inexpensive. The University of Montreal estimates that student housing costs $550 CAD per month. Montreal is still a popular study destination for international students, having recently been voted fifth in the world for best study destination.

     

    The cost of living in Saint John’s, Newfoundland, one of Canada’s smallest cities, is 10-30% lower than in other Canadian cities. A two-bedroom rental costs an average of $710 CDN per month, or $350 per room.

    Food and travel costs vary by province, just like housing. Let’s keep with the three examples from above investigating the cost of facilities in Canadian cities.

     

    Prices are all in Canadian dollars.

     

    Local transport in Toronto costs $122.45 per month.

    In the business district, a basic lunchtime meal is $17.00.

    Monthly grocery budget range: $200.00 to $400.00

     

    Local transport in Montreal costs $80 per month.

    In the commercial district, a basic lunchtime meal is $16.00.

    Budget for groceries per month: $350.00

    Monthly transit costs $78.00.

     

    In the commercial district, a basic lunchtime meal costs $18.00.

     

    Monthly grocery budget suggested: $240.00.

    All international students in Canada are required to obtain health insurance. Certain provinces provide international students with immediate access to Canada’s public healthcare system, while others do not. Students in provinces that do not provide international students with health insurance must acquire private health insurance. These provinces’ schools typically provide health insurance policies for overseas students, which may be added to your tuition and student fees.

    To study in a Canadian school, you must be fluent in either English or French.

     

    Canadian post-secondary schools set their own requirements for international students’ language ability. Language skill needs differ from school to school.

     

    You should research the exact requirements for your programme while drafting your application. Some colleges even allow you to finish your English classes after you start your studies.

     

    Some international students are exempt from providing proof of language proficiency. If you are from an English-speaking nation or have previously studied in English, you may not be required to take the IELTS.

     

    Every school has its own language standards. It is critical to research the unique requirements of the school to which you wish to apply.

    Your letter of intent is an important aspect of your application for a study permit. It should clarify your plans to study in the country as well as your objectives. You must accept the terms and conditions of your Canadian study permit.

     

    The letter of intent’s objective is to reassure the Canadian government that you will follow the terms of your permission. When your permit expires, you must agree to leave the country.

     

    Our international student programme can help you write the greatest letter of intent possible!

    Every school has its own deadline. You should submit your application well before the deadline.

     

    Every year, Canadian schools get a deluge of applications. Schools grow more discriminating as the deadline approaches. The more prestigious colleges are more competitive, so the earlier you apply, the better.

    Canada features a variety of postsecondary institutions of various sizes and specialties. To get you started, here’s a list of five of the country’s most prestigious colleges, along with brief descriptions of each.

    The University of Toronto is most certainly one of the Canadian universities you’ve heard about! International students pick the University of Toronto because of its academic brilliance and active campus life. There are 20,000 of them in total. It is also situated in the heart of the world’s most diverse city.

    UBC is the most international university in North America. Thirty percent of UBC’s student body is foreign, with 16,188 students representing 156 countries. The university is part of lively Vancouver, which is located on Canada’s gorgeous west coast. UBC is a good choice for those who want to live in a city yet still have access to nature. Living in Vancouver means having easy access to the great outdoors, which includes the forest, coast, and mountains.

    Universitys

    Yes! Another advantage of studying in Canada is that international students are permitted to work. This helps to cover tuition and living expenses.

    During the school year, international students in Canada can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week). International students may work full-time during specified breaks such as summer vacation.

    Most students do not require a work permit to work while studying, whether on or off campus. Your study permit will specify whether or not you are permitted to work off campus.

    You may be able to work more than 20 hours per week if your programme of study incorporates work experience. This will be stated in your acceptance letter. If the government agrees to this requirement, you will be awarded a job permit as well as a study permission. This work permit allows you to work solely on campus.

    International students who are married or have children may prefer to travel with their families.

    Study permit applications with accompanying family members will be considered by Canadian visa officers. It is important to note that listing family members on a study permit application may sway the visa officer’s judgement.

    If your family is approved, your spouse will be able to work full-time in Canada. Any youngsters that accompany you will be able to learn for free.

    If you bring your family, your spouse will be eligible for an open work permit, which will allow them to work full-time in Canada while you are studying.

    All international students in Canada are required to obtain health insurance.

    International students are permitted to use Canada’s public healthcare system in certain provinces. Students in provinces where health insurance is not provided must purchase private health insurance. All Canadian universities provide health insurance to international students.

    If international students wish to stay in Canada, Canada makes it simple for them to become permanent citizens.

    The Post-Graduate Work Permit allows overseas students to stay and work in Canada for up to three years after they graduate. International graduates may be eligible to seek for permanent residency after working in Canada for one year.

    To apply for a PGWP, you must demonstrate that you have followed all of the terms of your study permit. During your time in Canada, you must have spent the majority of your time studying.

    A PGWP is usually provided for the same length of time as your studies in Canada.

    Levels of Study

    Canada is one of the best countries in the world for providing accessible, high-quality education to overseas students. To determine which programme is best for you, you must first comprehend Canada’s levels of study.

    All Canadian children are required by law to attend school. Schooling for youngsters begins at the age of five or six and lasts until the child is sixteen. For Canadian youth, the school system begins with elementary school and proceeds through high school (or secondary school). This system is divided into twelve grades. When a student completes Grade 12, they are awarded a high school diploma, making them eligible for post-secondary study (college and university).

    In Canada’s educational system, there are both private and public schools. While private schools may have specialised curriculums, programmes, and resources, they frequently charge students annual tuition rates. The Canadian government fully funds public schools, which teach government-mandated curricula to their students.

    A Canadian student is only eligible to attend college or university after completing high school. If a foreign national desire to attend college or university in Canada, they must also show that they have a high school diploma.

    Post-secondary education refers to any educational programme that takes place above the twelve-grade primary and secondary school system. There are several sorts of postsecondary education, each with its own set of goals.

    All Canadian children are required by law to attend school. Schooling for youngsters begins at the age of five or six and lasts until the child is sixteen. For Canadian youth, the school system begins with elementary school and proceeds through high school (or secondary school). This system is divided into twelve grades. When a student completes Grade 12, they are awarded a high school diploma, making them eligible for post-secondary study (college and university).

    In Canada’s educational system, there are both private and public schools. While private schools may have specialised curriculums, programmes, and resources, they frequently charge students annual tuition rates. The Canadian government fully funds public schools, which teach government-mandated curricula to their students.

    A Canadian student is only eligible to attend college or university after completing high school. If a foreign national desire to attend college or university in Canada, they must also show that they have a high school diploma.

    Post-secondary education refers to any educational programme that takes place above the twelve-grade primary and secondary school system. There are several sorts of postsecondary education, each with its own set of goals.

    In certain countries, an associate degree is an undergraduate degree conferred by a college or university upon completion of a two-year course of study. The only jurisdiction in Canada that offers associate degrees is British Columbia, where students can complete a two-year associate degree and then pursue a Bachelor’s Degree programme in the third year.

    Associate degrees are not offered outside of the province of British Columbia, however other jurisdictions may offer one- and two-year certificates and diplomas that can sometimes be transferred into Bachelor’s programmes.

    There are various levels of degrees within a university. Undergraduate programmes include all Bachelor’s Degree programmes. An undergraduate programme is a more general course of study that is focused on a specific field but does not necessarily specialise in a specific topic. A Master’s or PhD level programme, on the other hand, is termed graduate education. Graduate programmes are often substantially smaller, highly specialised programmes that place a strong emphasis on research.

    The length of the programme distinguishes a diploma from a certificate. Both of these levels of education prepare students for immediate admission into a specialised career. A certificate usually necessitates one year of full-time study in a college or vocational institute, but a diploma necessitates two years of full-time study at the same type of institute. Some schools also provide advanced diplomas, which require at least three years of full-time study.

    Except for Quebec, every province in Canada has a twelve-grade system for elementary and secondary school. A student graduates from secondary school and receives a high school diploma after completing Grade Twelve. They will not be eligible for post-secondary courses until they have completed high school. The education system in Quebec is a little different.

    In Quebec, primary and high education are comprised of only eleven grades. When a student completes Grade Eleven, they obtain their secondary school diploma. Quebec, on the other hand, has a different level of education between secondary school and undergraduate university programmes. CEGEP (Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel) refers to this degree of education. CEGEPs are educational institutions where students can choose a specialisation programme that leads to a Diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC). There are two types of programmes in the CEGEP system:

    Pre-university: These two-year programmes are designed to prepare students to proceed on to university programmes.

    Technical: These three-year programmes are designed to prepare graduates to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.

    In Quebec, students can only begin an undergraduate university programme after finishing a CEGEP programme. However, it should be noted that for Quebec students, a Bachelor’s Degree normally needs only three years of full-time study, whereas the rest of Canada requires four years.

    How to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit

    Canada is a popular international student destination for students from all around the world. If you want to study in Canada, you will need to first obtain a Canadian study permission.

    Follow our simple steps to obtain your Canadian study permit today!

    The study permit authorises a person to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. A foreign national asking for a study permit should be informed that there are qualifying requirements that must be completed when submitting the study permit application. In addition, certain conditions must be met throughout the student’s stay in Canada.

    There are numerous processes involved in applying for a study permit, and processing periods vary widely between countries, so it is essential to plan ahead of time to guarantee your permit is approved before your study term begins. The bulk of Canadian post-secondary educational programmes begin in September, January, or May, with a few exceptions offering intakes outside of those dates.

    Because a foreign national cannot apply for a study permit unless they have received an acceptance letter, they should check the start date and application process for their schools and programmes of interest well in advance to ensure they have enough time to obtain the acceptance letter and complete the study permit application.

    When applying for a Canadian study visa, you must examine two sets of requirements: qualifying requirements and requirements while studying in Canada.

    To be eligible to apply for a study permit, you must meet the following requirements:

    If your study permit is accepted and you enter Canada as an international student, you must complete the requirements listed below to keep your study permit valid. A foreign national studying in Canada with a study permit must:

     

    • Always enrol at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI),
    • make progress towards completion of their programme,
    • follow any conditions listed on their study permit,
    • cease studying if they no longer meet the requirements, and
    • depart Canada when their permit expires.

    The majority of foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. Study permits are granted at the discretion of Canadian immigration officers. Unfortunately, it is typical for a foreign national’s study permission to be denied for a variety of reasons. If a study permit is denied, a visa officer will write a refusal letter stating the reasons for the denial.

    If Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) denies a foreign national a study permit, there are two options for dealing with the refusal:

     

    Appeal the decision: If the applicant believes that their application satisfied all of the IRCC requirements, but that the study permit was denied unfairly or wrongly, the foreign national may appeal the decision and request a reconsideration.

     

    Submit a new application: If the applicant believes the reasons for refusal are justified, their only option is to submit a new application. They should take special care in the current application to address the previous grounds for refusal. In addition, if any documents (start date on acceptance letter, updated bank statements, etc.) need to be updated, the applicant should be sure to receive these revisions.

    When a study permit application is denied, the refusal is indicated in a letter sent to the failed applicant by the visa officer. The visa officer will state the reason(s) for refusal from a list of pre-determined choices in this letter. This list of denial reasons provides just basic information about the reasons for the refusal.

    When an application is denied, the applicant has the right to obtain the notes of the visa officer supporting the refusal. It is strongly advised that these notes be requested because they will inform the applicant on how to appropriately address the refusal. After receiving the case notes from the visa officer, an applicant can determine whether or not the grounds for the refusal were justified. If the study permit was refused for good reasons, such as the applicant failing to include any of the needed documents, the best alternative is to submit a fresh application after correcting the errors.

    If the study permit was denied for grounds the applicant believes are invalid, the applicant may file an appeal demanding reconsideration. Both the appeal and resubmission processes may take a significant amount of time. In the event that the applicant is unable to secure a study permit in time to begin the programme on the originally scheduled date, they should be prepared to contact their institution and request changes to their intended start date.

    A Canadian study permit application may be denied for a variety of reasons. These grounds will be stated in the IRCC refusal letter. In order to better understand the reasons for refusal, a foreign national may also request case notes from the visa officer who evaluated their file. The following are the most prevalent reasons for a study permit refusal:

    IRCC Inquiries Your Financial Support Documentation When you apply for a study visa, you must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself. All overseas students must demonstrate that they have the money to cover their tuition expenses for the first year of study, as well as the cost of living for themselves and any accompanying family members, according to IRCC.

    How do you deal with a problem that requires proof of financial support? If your application is denied because IRCC has doubts about your capacity to support yourself financially, you should carefully analyse the financial information you supplied with your application. Make sure you address the visa officer’s concerns and submit supplementary documentation to demonstrate that you meet the evidence of money criteria.

    IRCC Inquiries Your Plan to Leave the Country 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 depart 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 various programmes in place to help students stay and work in Canada after finishing their education or move to permanent residence. What it does mean is that the visa officer must have faith in you that you will not remain in the country illegally while out of status. This is usually a problem if you don’t show that you have compelling reasons to return home.

    How do you deal with an intent problem? Your own statement is the greatest method to address this concern. If the visa officer isn’t satisfied by your story, you should revise your statement to address their concerns directly. It should be noted that both permanent and temporary residence in Canada are attainable. This is accomplished through the use of a dual intent claim in an application.

    IRCC Inquiries Programme of Study of Your Choice Study permit applications are occasionally denied if the visa officer does not grasp the logic behind your programme or level of study selection. Someone with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the Philippines and four years of nursing experience who wishes to study hotel management, for example, may be questioned. The chosen programme in Canada does not appear to be a good fit for the applicant’s educational background or work history.

    How do you deal with a problem with programme selection? If your programme decision appears unusual given your previous education or job experience, you must explain why in your personal statement. This is another instance where seeing the visa officer’s notes can be quite beneficial.

    IRCC Inquiries Your Letter of Acceptance You must first get a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada before applying for a study permit. You must also fulfil all programme criteria. If the visa officer has any suspicions about the authenticity of your letter of acceptance or that you have genuinely satisfied the programme requirements, they may refuse your study permission.

    How do you handle a problem with an acceptance letter? Examine the school documentation you submitted. Check that all of the documents are clear and easy to read, and include any additional supporting documentation that you can. In some cases, you may want to contact the DLI that issued the document for assistance in dealing with the officer’s concerns.

    IRCC Inquiries Travel or identification documents If you do not have a complete record of your travel history, or if your identity documents are ambiguous, IRCC may deny your application for a study permit. To establish whether you are medically or criminally ineligible to Canada, IRCC must be able to authenticate your identity.

    How should problems with travel or identity documents be handled? If the visa officer believes there are gaps in your travel history, go over the documentation you filed as well as the visa officer’s notes to figure out which time periods are problematic. When reapplying, bring additional supporting information to cover these time periods. If the issue is with your identity documents, go over your application again to ensure that it was clear and easy to read.

    If you have any questions about why your study permission was denied or how to proceed, please contact us and one of our legal experts will be happy to explain your choices moving forward. If you are interested in studying in Canada or permanently relocating to Canada, please complete our free student evaluation and an Educational Counsellor from Kingston Immigration Consultant’s International Student Programme team will contact you.

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