Study in Canada

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BC UNIVERSITY

Ranked in the top 20 universities of the world the University of British Columbia is known for its excellent research and renowned courses.

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BC INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Explore the world through the British Columbia Institute of Technology. This public polytechnic institution is dedicated to high tech development and research.

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MCGILL UNIVERSITY

One of the best medical doctoral universities in Canada, McGill University is best known for its excellent research and for being one of the oldest universities in Canada.

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SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

Simon Fraser University is a public research university, where innovation, research, and community outreach are a key part of their tertiary education system.

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VANCOUVER FILM SCHOOL

Vancouver Film School prepares students for the real world through global education, where multiculturalism is accepted and embraced.

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FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY

This is Canada’s largest polytechnic institute. The Institute unites 5 buildings that are located within Vancouver.

Students are studying in library | study in Canada Are you interested in studying in the world’s most educated country in the world? Canada has been ranked as having some of the leading educational institutions in the world, three of which have made the world’s top 100 universities list.

Choosing where to study in Canada is not only an important decision when it comes to improving your resume but also when it comes to your career development. Having a Canadian qualification can help you make your mark in the professional sector, whether it be in Canada, internationally, or in your own home country.

That being said, Canada values talented individuals so much that it has created both federal and provincial graduate programs to help talented students stay and get work experience in Canada and eventually lead to getting permanent residency.

Study Programs In Canada

Whether you want to simply live and study in Canada or work part-time as an international student, Canada is the place for you. With universally acclaimed educational institutions and a strong public schooling system, the country hosts a variety of programs to help with the Canadian learning experience. Canada could be your doorway to a student grant or even an international scholarship.

Take a look at our Top 100 Canadian University List to help you choose your preferred university.

Do I Need a Study Permit?

If you intend to study in Canada for longer than 6 months you will need a study permit. The study permit is usually valid for the length of your study program plus an extra 90 days. If your study program is less than six months long you won’t need a study permit but you may want to apply for one anyway as it will give you the opportunity to earn some extra money and work both on and off-campus. Without a study permit, you will have to apply for a work permit to be able to work as an international student. Important Note: Due to COVID-19 regulations, all international students in Canada are required to apply for a study permit or visa, no matter the length of the study program.

How to Apply for a Canadian Student Visa

Step 1: Find Out if You’re Eligible

To be able to study in Canada there are a number of requirements that need to be met.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution(DLI)
  • Have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation (for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada)
  • Not have a criminal record
  • Be in good health
  • Prove that you intend to leave Canada when your study permit expires.

Step2: Apply to Your Chosen College or University

Canada has so many great institutions to choose from, however, if you are an international post-grad student, you will need to choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Not to worry though, you will have your choice of over 300 DLIs across Canada. If, however, you plan to stay and work in Canada after you have completed your studies, it’s important to check if your DLI meets the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) as not all DLIs are not created equally. Important Note: Due to COVID-19 regulations, your DLI will need to be approved as having a COVID-19 readiness plan. This is to ensure that all students’ health and safety are protected and are provided with the necessary information and support regarding quarantine, health insurance, etc. during their stay in Canada.

Step 3: Apply For Your Study Permit

Once you have been accepted to your chosen educational institution, you will receive an acceptance letter, which you will need when you apply for your Canadian study permit. Below is a list of the required document for your application

Required Documents

  • Proof of acceptance – letter of acceptance from your DLI
  • Proof of identity – passport and two passport-sized photos
  • Proof of financial – Minimum of $10,000 plus additional fund for each family member that will be joining you eg. proof of student loan, a Canadian bank account in your name, paid tuition and housing fees, proof of funding (person or school), student or education loan, four months bank statements

You may also be asked for additional information, such as:

Additional Documents

  • a letter of explanation – why you want to study in Canada;
  • a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) – if you want to study in Quebec
  • a custodian declaration (minors only)
  • Police certificate;
  • Medical exams;
  • Language testing;
  • Biometrics;
  • other documents – any local requirements from your country or region

If you need to submit additional information it’s best to start collecting them before you are asked for them as you will only have 30 days to acquire and submit them from the date they are requested by the IRCC.

Once your student visa is approved you will receive a port of entry letter of introduction. You will need to show this to the official once you arrive in Canada who will then give you your study permit, which allows you to study in Canada. You will also automatically receive an eTA or temporary resident visa that will allow you to enter Canada. Be sure that you also have all your required and additional supporting documents with you in case you are requested at your port of entry.

As an additional requirement, you will need to use ArriveCan to show your COVID-19 symptoms self-assessment, quarantine plan, and contact information.

FAQS: What You Want to Know About Studying in Canada

Asian student girl holding book on campus

1. Can I study in Canada without IELTS?

The short answer is yes. You don’t necessarily need to take the IELTS test to study in Canada. Most schools in Canada give international students options between a few approved language tests for academic purposes such as the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) assessment and the Duolingo English Test.

You could avoid writing an English test if you meet specific exemption requirements. For example, if you completed four or more consecutive years of full-time education in English in a country other than Canada where English is the principal language.

2. How much will it cost to study in Canada?

According to Statistics Canada, you can expect to pay anywhere between an average of $29,714 for undergraduates programs and $17,744 for postgraduate programs per year, while MBA programs average at about $27,397 annually. Read more here.

3. Is Canada’s student visa open?

Yes, Canada is processing student visa applications and you can apply for your Canadian student visa. In order to travel to Canada you must follow COVID-19 measures which include being fully vaccinated among other criteria.

4. What should I study in Canada to get PR?

There are a few immigration programs and streams that allow international graduates within specific disciplines and graduate levels to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Two such programs are the Master’s Graduate Stream of the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) and the Student Stream of the Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP). Another way how international graduates become permanent residents is by staying on and working in Canada after their studies. That’s because Canadian work experience counts towards your immigration points. International graduates can work in Canada by applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). It’s important to study at a PGWP-approved college or university in order to qualify for a PGWP after you graduate.

5. How to study in Canada with scholarships in 2022?

International students who have shown academic excellence may be able to get scholarships to study in Canada in 2022 and beyond. See this list of Canada scholarships, grants, and fellowships for international students.

6. What is the cost of a study visa in Canada?

It costs $150 to apply for a Canadian study visa in 2022.

7. How can I study in Canada and work?

The good news is that international students are eligible to work while studying in Canada. Students can work off-campus for 20 hours per week and full-time during semester breaks. You can also stay on and work in Canada after you graduate with a Post-Graduation Work Permit. See question four.

8. How much time do I need to reapply for a study permit in Canada?

You should apply to extend your study permit at least 30 days before your current permit expires. If your permit has already expired then you have 90 days to apply to restore your status and extend your permit. You will have to pay a $200 fee to restore your status.

How Long Will My Visa Application Take?

On average processing times for study permits can take around 15 weeks, depending on your nationality and where you are applying from, however, there may be a faster option for you if you qualify for the Student Direct Stream (SDS). If you are from one of the following countries you may be eligible for the SDS and could receive your permit to study in Canada in as little as 20 calendar days!

List of Eligible Countries

  • China;
  • India;
  • Morocco;
  • Pakistan;
  • the Philippines;
  • Senegal;
  • Vietnam;
  • Brazil;
  • Colombia;
  • Peru;
  • Antigua and Barbuda;
  • Costa Rica;
  • Trinidad and Tobago; and
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Need Help With Your Application?

student wearing glasses sitting on the couch with laptop | study in Canada Using a licensed professional to assist you with your application comes with all kinds of perks! You’ll have access to your very own student advisor who will not only help you find the best place to study in Canada based on your personal needs and career aspirations but also help you write a motivational letter to help support your college or university application.

You will also be able to submit all your information and supporting documents on our state-of-the-art Visa Profile Builder. This will allow you to track your application, keep in contact with your designated Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), and will make the entire process simpler, quicker, and more convenient for you, leaving you with one more thing to do. Explore what student life in Canada has to offer!

Work in Canada as a Student

As an international student, you can study in Canada and work in Canada for a maximum of 20 hours a week. This a great way to gain Canadian experience, extra funds, and the possibility of future employment by a Canadian employer.

Read More…

Canadian Education System

Said to have one of the best education systems in the world, Canada has a lot to offer for your educational future. You have the chance to receive free government education in both primary and secondary institutions if you are either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.

Read More…

Study Permit Visa Partners

If you are an international student that is not a permanent resident of Canada, you may need a study permit. A study permit will give you the chance to have access to the great Canadian education system, and even work part-time as an international student.

Read More…

Post-Graduate Work Permit

With Canadian educational institutions recognized around the world, you can greatly benefit from Canada’s education system as an international student. You have the opportunity to further your education through a variety of programs offered by recognized Canadian institutions.

Read More…

Immigration FAQ’s

Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is based on the following factors:

  • Provincial Nomination;
  • Offer of employment;
  • Core capital factors;
  • Your common-law partner or spouse;
  • Skill transferability;
  • Previous Canadian study experience;
  • Siblings in Canada; and
  • French and English Ability

Provincial Nomination (600 Points)

600 points are awarded for an enhanced Nominee certificate from a province in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Job Offers (50-600 Points)

A Canadian job offer will also earn you points; the number of points is based on the NOC level of the particular job.

Core Human Capital Factors (600 Points)

These take into account your level of education, for example:

  • Certificate;
  • Diploma; or
  • Degree

If you intend to gain higher qualifications, your score will increase. This same point system applies to your legal partner or spouse if you applied together.

Language (150 Points)

Improving your language skills in either English or French through a recognized Canadian institution can also raise your CRS score.

Work Experience

The more experience you have, the more points you earn. This also applies to your legal partner or spouse.

You must:

  • Meet all the requirements of the:
    • Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC);
    • Federal Skilled Trades Class; or
    • Canadian Experience Class

You must register with the Canadian Job Bank within 30 days unless:

  • You have arranged employment from a Canadian employer; or
  • You have received a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program

You must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment in order to earn Comprehensive Ranking System points, unless you:

  • Have worked full time for an employer with a work permit for a least one year (or a part-time job for an equal amount of time);
  • Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is for at least one year in duration; or
  • Have a valid employer specific temporary work permit exempt under code R204 (a), (c) or R205

If you qualify for any of the Federal Programs, you have 30 days from when you submit your profile to complete the rest of the requirements like registering with the Job Bank. If you do not, your Express Entry profile cannot be activated.

There are three programs to apply for under Express Entry:

  • Skilled Federal Worker Program (SFWP);
  • Skilled Federal Trades Program (SFTP); or
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The following factors affect your eligibility:

Work Experience

You must:

  • Have gained relevant work experience for a job listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Note: Work experience gained in another occupation you have not applied for does not apply;
  • Have gained work experience in the past 10 years;
  • Have received payment for your work;
  • Have a job at skill level 0, A or B;
  • Have a year’s worth of work experience (minimum 1,560 hours); and
  • Prove that your work experience fits the requirements of the NOC

Language Ability

You must:

  • Meet the minimum language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB);
  • Take a language proficiency test That is approved by IRCC;
  • You must meet the language requirements for either French or English; and
  • Your language test results must not be more than two years old when you apply

Education

You must:

  • Have completed canadian secondary education; and a tertiary certificate, diploma or degree;
  • Have completed foreign credentials; or
  • Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC

Proof of Funds

You must prove you can support yourself and your family financially, unless:

  • You are working in Canada; or
  • You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer

Additional Factors to Be Considered

  • Age;
  • Valid job offers; and
  • Adaptability

This program is aimed at people who wish to become permanent residents (PR) of Canada. This only applies to people who qualify in a skilled trade.

Minimum Requirements

You must:

  • Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
  • Meet the language requirements for English and French;
  • Have two years’ work experience in a skilled trade (or equal amount of experience in a part time position;
  • Have work experience within the past 5 years;
  • Meet the job requirements in the National Occupational Classifications;
  • Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum of one year; or
  • A certificate of qualification for that skilled trade that is confirmed from the Canadian provincial or territorial government authority

Skilled Work Experience

These skilled trades are involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Program as ranked by the National Occupational Classification.

Group NumberJob Description
72Industrial, construction or electrical trades
73Equipment operation and maintenance
82

Technical and supervisors in:

  • Agriculture
  • Natural resources
  • Production
92Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisor
Central control operators
632Cooks and chefs
633Bakers and butchers

Education

You do not need a specific qualification for this program, but you can earn more CRS points if you have:

  • Foreign qualifications;
  • An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC;or
  • A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree

Language Ability

  • Pass the Canadian Language Benchmark test at minimum language level;
  • The language test must be approved by IRCC; and
  • Your test results must not be older than two years when you apply.

Be assessed by the province or territory

Each of the provinces or territories have different requirements for the skilled trade industry.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements

You must:

  • Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
  • Have the required language skills needed for your job;
  • Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
  • Have the language proficiency needed for your job; and
  • Have plans to live outside of Quebec

Skilled Work Experience

Work experience must be gained in the following job levels based on the National Occupational Classifications.

Job DescriptionSkill Type
Technical jobsB
Skilled tradesB
Professional jobsA
Managerial jobs0

Education

You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if you:

  • Have a high school diploma, tertiary diploma or degree;
  • Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC; or
  • Have completed foreign credentials

Language Ability

To qualify you must score well in the various language tests determined by the CEC.

Canadian Language Benchmark Score NeededJob Level (NOC)
70
7A
5B

The language test must be approved by IRCC and must not be older than two years when you apply.

  • Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
  • Have the required language skills needed for your job;
  • Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
  • Have language levels need for your job; and
  • Have plans to live outside of Quebec

Note:work experience gained as a student or a self-employed individual does not count.

Skilled Work Experience

Work experience must be within three years of applying for the Canadian Experience Class. Work experience must be gained in the following job levels as based on National Occupational Classifications.

Job descriptionSkill Type
Technical jobsB
Skilled tradesB
Professional jobsA
Managerial jobs0
Education

You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if:

  • have a high school diploma and/or tertiary diploma or degree;
  • have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; or have
  • completed foreign credentials

Note: Only apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your foreign education is either equal to, or higher than the Canadian education standard.

Language Ability

To qualify you must score well in:

  • the Canadian Language Benchmark; and
  • the language tests
Canadian Language Benchmark score neededJob level (NOC)
70
7A
5B

The Language Test must be approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .These tests are based off your French and English ability to:

  • Read;
  • Speak;
  • Listen; and
  • Write

Your test results must be included if you are applying for this program through the Express Entry program. Note: these tests must not be older than two years when you apply.

Principal Applicant

When you apply for the Express Entry, and want to immigrate with your common law partner, you must choose who will be the principal applicant.

Note: a common law partner is a person who has been married to you for one year. This applies for same sex and opposite sex partners.

Choose the principal applicant by looking at who will score the highest points under the Express Entry program.

Inadmissibility

You may be inadmissible if you are:

  1. Considered a security risk;
  2. Lied about information in your application or interview;
  3. Have ties to organised crime;
  4. Can’t support yourself financially;
  5. Have terrible financial health;
  6. Committed a crime outside of Canada;
  7. Do not qualify under Canada’s immigration laws; and
  8. Have a family member that is not allowed in the country
Choosing Where To Live

Note:under the Express Entry you can apply to live in other provinces/territories in Canada, except Quebec. This province has its own set of requirements needed for you to enter.

These are the factors that are used to calculate CRS Points

  • Age (max 110 points);
  • Education (max 150 points);
  • Language proficiency (max 160 points);
  • Canadian Work Experience (max 80 points);
  • Skills Transferability (max 100 points); and
  • Additional Factors (max 600 points)

A legal agent is an authorized representative that must be:

  • A paralegal or lawyer who has a good relationship with the provincial or territorial legal societies of Canada;
  • A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who has a good relationship with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council; or
  • A notary who has a good relationship with the Chambre des notaires du Québec

Note: An unauthorized agent will not be able to help you with your application.

There are currently 3 Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants working with Canadianvisa.org:

David Allon #R513335

Mario Antolinez #R515931

Jimmy Park #R510391

If you want to ensure that your Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized consultant, you can check with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).

The ICCRC’s website has a register of all the persons that are qualified to be Canadian Immigration Consultants. Any individual who claims to be a legal consultant will have a RCIC code. If there are no results for a person’s RCIC code, then they are not a legal Canadian Immigration Consultant.

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EXPRESS ENTRY CHECKLIST

  • Passport Copy (all pages including stamps and visa);
  • Job Letter on company letterhead;
  • IELTS
  • Education documents 10th onwards;
  • Education Evaluation i.e., WES
  • Police Clearance Certificate
  •  Employment Documents i.e., Recent Job Letter, Pay Slips and Bank Statement
  • Offer of Employment: If you have LMIA, provide copy of your LMIA approval and offer of
    employment
  • Upfront Medical
  • Digital Photo with dimensions 50 mm wide X 70 mm high

If you are married provide following documents for your spouse and dependent child whether they are
accompanying or not:

  • Passport Copy (all pages including stamps and visas)
  • Immigration Documents (i.e., work permit, study permit and visitor record) If Applicable
  • Police Clearance Certificate
  • Employment Documents
  • IELTS or CELPIP
  • General Exam Certificate
  • Education Evaluation from WES or CES or ICAS or IQAS or ICES.
  • Education Documents
  • Medical
  • Digital Picture
  • Marriage Certificate

Please note that CIC provide us 60 days to submit 2nd stage documentation from the date of Invitation
and we may take up to 7 business day to submit from the date of receipt of all documents from you.
So kindly start collecting all documents beforehand.

Visitor Visa & Super Visa

  1. Scanned copy of passport with front, back and all stamped pages
  2. Notarized Invitation Letter (we will write it for you, then you have to
    notarized)
  3. Bank statements
  4. Proof of status (PR CARD/work permit/study permit)
  5. Job letter/enrollment letter
  6.  Notice of assessment
  7.  Birth Certificate
  8.  If applying for convocation: Offer letter + fees receipt + student id+
    Transcripts + Enrollment letter + Convocation Letter from college
  • Scanned copy of passport with front, back and all stamped pages
  • Digital photos with 35 mm X 45 mm dimensions
  • Marriage certificate (if not available, then affidavit)
  • No Objection Certificate (if Government employee)
  •  Funds (Bank Statement + Balance Certificate) (Minimum 6-7 lakh
  1. Property Papers – Map, Registry, Jamabandi
  2. Motor Vehicle – RC copy
  3. Gold Receipt
  4. Insurance Policy
  1. J forms (Last 2-3 years) or Tehsildar Income Certificate or Lease
    Agreement
  2. Business Registration, ITR’s on company name, Company’s Pan Card
  3. ITR’s, NOC, Salary Statement/Salary Slips, Experience Letter
  1. Health Insurance from Canadian Company
    • valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry
    • at least $100,000 coverage
  2. Upfront Medical from India
    **All documents should be in English**
    EMBASSY FEES: $100 + $85 (Biometrics Fees) = $185

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program Checklist

Copy of pages of your passport or travel documents for you, your spouse and your dependent children,
  • Front page
  • Back page
  • All stamped pages
Submit the endorsement letter from Atlantic province that has endorsed you
Submit the original results of your language proficiency test that shows you meet a minimum of level 4 of CLB. Your test result must not be more than two years old on the date of application.

Your all education documents after 12th class. If your diploma, certificate or degree
was not issued in Canada, you must also provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

You must show that you have at least 12 months of full-time work experience within the 36
months before your application.

  • Letter of employment
  • Paystubs
  • Bank statements
  • ITR’s

You must provide the following documents of you and your spouse:

  • Birth Certificates
  • Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
  • If married more than once, include certificates from each marriage and divorce.
  • Children Birth certificate
You must get a police certificate from each country where you live for six or more months in a row since the age of 18.
Include 1 photo of each family member, whether accompanying or not, and yourself. Dimensions are 50 mm wide X 70 mm High. Family member means you, your spouse and your children’s.

Submit bank statement or balance certificate to prove you have enough funds to settle in
Canada.

**All documents in a language other than English or French must be translated. Provide both a
photocopy of the document and the translation in English or French. **