Study in Canada

 

Over the last many years, Canada has been the Study destination of choice for the international students. The number of International students have more than tripled in the last decade and India is now the number one source country. Most students would require a Canadian study permit to study in Canada.However, a Canadian  study permit is not required if the study program is for six months duration or less.

There are numerous factors which contribute to Canada’s popularity including

1. Canada offers International education at an affordable price
2. Canada with it’s multicultural environmentis a safe country for students and consistently ranks as one of the best countries in the world.
3. High approval rates in Student friendly Student Partners Program (SPP) and now in Student Direct Stream (SDS) program in India.
4. International students can often work during their studies
5. Grant of Open Work Permit ( Post-Graduation work Permit- PGWP)  upon completion of course studies of 8 months or more  duration.
6. Numerous Immigration possibilities upon completion of PGWP, including under preferential Canada experience class CEC.

Eligibility criteria for admission

• Consistent and good academic records with no major failures or backlogs
• For admission to most colleges – IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no band less than 6.0. For admission to Universities or specializedprogram IELTS band of 6.5 or 7.0 overall with no band less than 6.0
• Relevant study course with no major unexplained gaps from studies

Steps to obtaining a Canadian Study Permit

• Research and shortlist the college or universityand course of study based upon your choice of location of the institute, cost of studies etc.
• Prepare to write your English Proficiency examination. IELTS is the preferred third party examination and is mandatory if you wish to qualify for the preferred Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. Depending on the selected course of study, you may be required to write other examinations like SAT, GMAT.
• Apply to your shortlisted College or University well in advance of their deadlines.
• Start preparing for your financial and other support documentation
• Once you get your offer letters from the College or University, finally choose your institute and pay the fee to confirm your admission and obtain letter of acceptance ( LOA) .
• Upon receipt of the LOA, proceed to pay for the GIC and undergo upfront Medical examination from a Canadian Designated Medical practitioner( DMP)
• Prepare all applications and supporting documents to apply for your student visa

Student Direct Stream ( SDS ) Program

SDS is a facilitation program. You stand a very good chance of a positive decision if you completely meet the requirements of the However, there is no  100% guarantee of a visa, as the office would make a qualitative assessment of your application.

SDS Eligibility requirements 

To be eligible for faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must:

• be a legal resident living in one of the following countries:
  • China
  • India
  • Morocco
  • Pakistan
  • the Philippines
  • Senegal
  • Vietnam
• have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution
• live outside of Canada when you apply
• have proof you have paid your tuition for your first year of study
• have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate(GIC) of CAN$10,000
• have a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec(CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration ( Only if planning to study in Quebec)
• get a medical exambefore you apply (if you need one)
• get a police certificatebefore you apply (if you need one)
• have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s)
• have a language test result that shows either:
  • an International English Language Testing System(IELTS) academic or general training score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening), or
  • a Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) score that is equal to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening

 

Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP)

• The course must have been completed from from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions(DLIs)
• A student needs to pursue a course for a minimum duration of 8 months to be eligible for the Program
• For any study course of less than 2 years duration, the student would be granted a PGWP of an equivalent duration of his study course e.g a 1.5 year PGWP would be granted for a 1.5  year study course
• For 2 year study courses, the student would be eligible for a 3 years post-graduation work permit
• Once a PGWP is issued, the holder is allowed to work for any Canadian employer in any field without the requirement of any job offer or permit.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

Q When can I join my course of study in Canada

A There are 3 major intakes

Fall Semester- This is usually the most popular intake starting in the month of September

Winter Semester-Relatively fewer seats are available for this Semester starting in the month of January

Summer Semester- This semester usually starts in the month of April or May, Not all programs start in the semester

Q Can I join my course in any other month

A Some private colleges offer Off semester admissions other than the 3 major semester intakes

Q Would it be better if I join a course of less than 6 months duration and then extend the study permit

A The rules do not permit the extension of such visas to longer duration study permits from within Canada

Q Can I work full time in Canada

A Most students who are  over 18 years of age, can work upto 20 hours during semesters and full-time during semester breaks without the need for any additional work permit. There is no restriction on the number of hours worked in a co-op or internship program as long as the component does not exceed 50% of total course duration.

Q Can my spouse  work full time in Canada

A Spouses of International student may be eligible for issuance of Open work permit OWP- which would allow them to work full time. However the student must be enrolled full time in a Designated learning institute which would make the student eligible for a PGWP and the spouse must apply for a work permit.

Q If I am a student- can my minor child accompany me to Canada. What kind of visa are the eligible to be granted

A Immigration rules permit that the accompanying minor child may be eligible for a Student visa. They do not need to procure a separate LOA and  pursue their school education in Canada.

Q What is a Student Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)

• A GIC is a Canadian investment that has a guaranteed rate of return for a fixed period of time. Many banks offer Student GICs. The GIC must be for a mount CAD $ 10000 or more. The bank that gives you the GIC must release the funds to you by providing:
  • an initial lump sum once you identify yourself upon arrival in Canada
  • the remainder of the funds in monthly or bi-monthly installments over 10 to 12 months

If your bank or GIC doesn’t meet these criteria, you won’t be able to apply through the Student Direct Stream. Students from India most commonly obtain GIC from  ScotiaBank, ICICI Bank, SBI Canada Bank