In the previous year, Canada made history by welcoming a record-breaking 450,000 new international students. This remarkable feat can be attributed to Canada’s renowned quality of education, safety, multicultural environment, and the invaluable opportunity it offers to international students to work during their studies and gain eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after program completion.
The PGWP, a pivotal bridge to Canadian permanent residence, allows international students to accumulate Canadian work experience, making them highly sought-after in the job market. With more than 100 economic class immigration programs tailored to international students, the path to Canadian permanent residency is well-paved.
So, how can you embark on your educational journey in Canada? Here’s a comprehensive guide:
Step 1: Research Your Ideal Study Destination
Canada boasts a multitude of top-tier colleges, universities, and post-secondary institutions open to international students. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research to identify programs that align with your interests and career aspirations.
Prior to applying to any program, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to ensure that your chosen post-secondary institution is listed as a designated learning institution (DLI). A DLI is authorized by the government to admit international students.
If your goal is to obtain a PGWP after your studies, make sure your selected program and DLI are eligible for PGWP. This information is readily available on the IRCC website. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, proceed to apply to the educational institutions.
Step 2: Secure a Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
Upon approval by a Canadian DLI, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA). This letter is a prerequisite for submitting your study permit application to IRCC. The LOA typically includes vital details such as:
DLI name and contact information
Your personal information: name, date of birth, and address
Program details: program name, level, duration, start date, expected completion date
LOA expiry date
Step 3: Apply for a Study Permit
You can directly submit your study permit application to IRCC. However, it’s highly advantageous to enlist the expertise of an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer who can craft and submit the strongest, most accurate application on your behalf.
IRCC will require a set of documents for the study permit application, including:
Your LOA
Proof of financial support to cover tuition and living expenses in Canada
Police certificates
Medical exams (if applicable)
A letter of explanation outlining your career objectives and ties to your home country
Quebec:
If your academic journey leads you to the province of Quebec, you must first apply for and obtain a Certificat d’Acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) from the Quebec government before submitting your study permit application to IRCC.
Student Direct Stream (SDS):
Canada offers a fast-track study permit option known as the Student Direct Stream (SDS). This expedited process is available to residents of specific countries:
India
China
The Philippines
Pakistan
Vietnam
Morocco
Senegal
Brazil
Colombia
Peru
Antigua and Barbuda
Costa Rica
Trinidad and Tobago
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
For most SDS applications, IRCC’s processing standard is a swift 20 days, and applications must be submitted online. Eligibility criteria for SDS are similar to a regular study permit application but include additional requirements such as specific language proficiency and a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth $10,000 CAD.
Embrace Your Canadian Educational Journey
Canada offers an array of opportunities for international students. With its exceptional education, quality of life, and post-study employment prospects, Canada stands out as a dream destination. Furthermore, the nation boasts a diverse range of economic class immigration pathways, many of which are designed to support international graduates in their pursuit of Canadian permanent residency. As Canada eases its COVID-19 restrictions, now is the perfect time to embark on your educational adventure in this vibrant and welcoming country.
At Unitia, we are dedicated to guiding you through every step of your Canadian educational journey. If you have questions or require personalized assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts at info@unitiaimmigation.com or visit https://unitiaimmigration.com/. Your pathway to Canadian education starts here.
