Study In Canada

Studying in Canada is a dream of many students, and rightfully so. There are very few countries that are on the same level as Canada when it comes to offering a superlative student-life experience, be it education or co-curricular activities.  It’s a hub of excellent growth opportunities, and is a no-brainer for people who dream big. Education in Canada is not only affordable, but you can also get a chance to receive a scholarship being an international student.

The Government welcomes innumerable immigrants every year, and a good chunk of them come to gain further education. Canada is very accessible, and has a low cost of living, almost 3% lower compared to the United States. Not only that, every student gets a work permit based on their study, and has the chance to work even after his education is completed. If you ever plan to stay back in the country after your studies, having a Canadian education offers an added advantage, and pushes you to the top of the ladder to obtain a PR. The benefits of choosing Canada for your higher education are endless, and if you’ve decided on this country, you’re definitely making the right choice. Let’s look at some of the reason why Canada should be on your list:

WHY STUDY IN CANADA?

1. SUPERLATIVE ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE:

If there is any country in the world that offers a superlative academic experience to its students in every aspect, it has to be Canada. It has already earned a reputation for being the best country to pursue computer science and information technology, but now it has started to diversify into other subjects as well, and is gaining a strong foothold in the fields of transportation, telecommunication, engineering, advanced software, microeconomics, medicine and even underrated subjects such as psychology. There is no field of study that you can’t find here. But unlike most good things that come with a huge price tag, education in Canada is actually affordable and very much accessible. You might even have a chance at a scholarship, since the Canadian Government does give international students scholarships.

2. SAFETY:

It is without question that safety is one of the first things that every student would think about first when deciding which country to choose for his further studies. Luckily for you, Canada is one of the safest countries to live in, and at least 5 cities in Canada have been ranking as the safest cities to live in the world for consecutive years now. This is a huge motivation for students to choose Canada. Safety is one of the most important non- negotiables for a student and his family while selecting an appropriate university. Canada has the lowest crime rates and it has a safety index of a whopping 62.42%, placing it at a higher position than Australia, UK, and even the US. If you live here, you can be rest assured that your safety is being taken care of.

3. MULTICULTURALISM AND INCLUSIVENESS:

If there’s anything Canada is known for, it is for the diverse population that lives together in harmony. Canada’s thriving multicultural environment makes it a perfect home away from home for students around the world. In fact, in 1971, Canada became the first country to make multiculturalism an official Canadian policy. You will not only find people of your community here, but are guaranteed to make friends across the globe, and memories for a lifetime with people who understand and respect your individual identity. Not only that, but Canada also ranks the highest in terms of student population around the world. You will also find many clubs in your university where you can learn more about other cultures, or simply find more people that are from your country and collaborate together on things of common interest.

4. AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE:

Canada not only offers world-class education but goes out of its way to make living in the country easy for international students by offering the most affordable healthcare packages to its international students. It prioritizes health & well-being, and doesn’t shy away from taking care of its people, even if it means lowering the cost of healthcare to make it more accessible and affordable. Canada has a decentralized and publicly funded healthcare system called Canadian Medicare. People often say Canada gives ‘free’ healthcare, but actually, it is covered in the taxes that people pay. Each province has their own insurance plans, and receives funds from the federal government. You can read up on the healthcare plans of your province online.

5. OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK WHILE STUDYING:

Every student is eligible to receive a work permit along with a study permit. The best part about the student life in Canada is how the barriers to work while studying are so low. The government here gives international students a lot of exposure, and many opportunities to work during their university life. You can choose from part-time employment to a full time one, or simply work at the university to gain experience. The good news doesn’t end there. Once your studies at the university end, you get the chance to convert your study permit into a PGWP ((Post-Graduate Work Permit) in case you wish to stay back and continue to work in Canada.

6. A CHANCE AT OBTAINING A PR:

As if all these benefits were not enough, Canadian education also puts you in a fast track category for obtaining a PR. Yes, it's true. If you have studied in Canada, that means you have considerable exposure to the place, and understand how things work here. This gives you a huge added advantage and places you in the CEC (Canadian Experience Class) Category. This basically shows that you have a good experience of living in Canada, and would adjust to life here faster than the other applicants.

1. Study Permit:

This is one of the most important things one should know before applying to study in Canada. A Study Permit is the most basic, but invaluable document that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada as a student.

• Issued by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC), This is a mandatory document for foreign nationals wanting to study in Canada, your Study permit is the first step to your entry in Canada as a student.
• Once you receive your Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI), you can apply for a Study Permit. Please note that a Study Permit is not the same as a Visa. You cannot enter Canada without a VISA, which is issued once you receive your permit. Depending upon the course you’ve selected to study, the university gives you a study permit.
• Universities usually take in new students and start fresh batches between two seasons- The fall intake which is during September, and the winter intake, which is during January. Summer courses and short term courses usually commence in May. The process of applying for a study permit is long with many steps involved. Moreover, It can take up to three months for you to get your study permit, so it is always advisable to start well in advance.
• The most important thing to know is that you cannot apply for a study permit before you get your Acceptance Letter. This letter is the first step a university takes in inviting you to study in their country.

Let’s look at the main documents required for a Study Permit:

1. A valid passport from your country of residence.
2. Proof of Acceptance by a DLI.
3. Proof of funds
4. Immigration medical examination.
5. Statement of Purpose
6. Credit Card
7. Clean background and no criminal record
8. English language proficiency score card. (IELTS)

Sometimes, the university may offer you a conditional acceptance letter, where they require you to study a short course before you can be enrolled in the course you have applied for. The most common example is when a university accepts you into their bachelors program, provided you take a short course on English as a Second Language (ESL). In such a case, Canadian immigration issues you a visa only for the length of your pre-requisite course. Once you complete all the prerequisites, you can apply for an extension.

Contact us to know all about obtaining a study permit, and get complete assistance in applying and procuring your study permit with enrolment in top universities.

2.Student Direct Stream:

The student direct stream is an initiative by Canadian immigration to help meritorious students get their study permit faster. Please note that a study permit is not a VISA, and does not guarantee your entry into Canada. The Student Direct Stream is an expedited Study Permit processing program that gives exceptional preference to students living in any one of the following countries:

• China
• India
• Morocco
• Pakistan
• Senegal
• The Philippines
• Vietnam

Two things to note here is that first, your acceptance letter needs to come from a designated learning institute, since non DLI’s are not authorized to admit international students. Secondly, in case you receive a conditional acceptance letter from a DLI, you can still apply through SDS, but the visa will still be valid only until the duration of your pre-requisite course. Additionally, certain conditions must be fulfilled even though you are eligible to apply through SDS, like proof of a language test result, from IELTS or TEF, and a Letter of Acceptance from a post secondary DLI.

Keep in mind that the Student Direct Stream is a faster route to you obtaining your VISA, but it is, in no way, a shorter route. There is a stringent eligibility criteria, and if you don’t fulfil even just a few of the eligibility requirements, your visa will be processed through the regular route.

Let’s look at the eligibility requirements for SDS:

1. You must have an acceptance letter from a DLI.
2. You must pay your tuition fees in full for the first year of your study.
3. You must have written a language proficiency exam, either IELTS or or TEF, which tests your proficiency in English or French respectively, the two main        languages of Canada. A minimum score of 6 in IELTS, and 7 in TEF is required.

4. You must have a GIC, which is basically a Canadian Investment system with fixed returns. A GIC can be issued by a bank or trust in Canada. You must      possess a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of at least CAD10,000 from a Canadian Bank.
5. All your academic documents and proof of study from previous institutions.
6. A copy of your complete medical examination.
7. Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (Quebec Acceptance Certificate, or CAQ) if you are planning to study in Montreal or anywhere in Quebec.

Unlike regular visa processes which can easily take up to three months, the Student Direct Stream can help you get your visa within 4 weeks only. Contact Impetusforfurture to know in-depth about SDS and fast-track your way to a Study Permit.

3. Work While studying:

Canada has one of the most student-friendly work policies in the world, making it a student’s most loved study destination.

Every student wants to gain as much exposure as possible during their study, and always looks for ways to implement his learning in the real world. This is why it becomes imperative for universities to offer not only great education but also good work opportunities to their students to really motivate them to choose their country to come and study in. A lot of developed countries like the USA and Australia have stringent policies when it comes to working during university education, and most end up working within the university itself , giving students few opportunities to find fulfilling work. This is another aspect where Canada rules everyone out and takes the top spot. Working in Canada is encouraged by the Canadian government itself, who make it easy for foreign nationals studying in universities to get their hands and feet dirty by getting a real taste of the work culture in Canada.

You don’t require a special work permit to work while studying in Canada. In fact, having work experience only accelerates your pathway to a PR. Even if you don’t intend to stay back in the country, possessing Canadian work experience is an added advantage when looking for work anywhere in the world.

Most international students don’t need a work permit to work while they study, and can work upto 20 hours per week, and full-time when they have vacations. You can work on-campus as well if you wish, and can earn between 8-10 CAD every hour. However, there are some cases where you will not be eligible to work in Canada. For example, If you are an exchange student, or are enrolled in a course which is less than 6 months long. Your Study Permit will state if you are permitted to work in Canada. This statement will enable you to obtain your Social Insurance Number (SIN) , which is a 9 digit number given to you by the Canadian Government.

Obtaining a SIN is a prerequisite before you can start working. The biggest advantage is that you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), after the completion of your studies, allowing you to work anywhere in Canada for any employer for up to three years after you graduate. Contact us to know more about working while studying, and unlimited support and guidance to obtain your SIN.

4. Study Without a Study Permit:

Not every course requires a study permit. You have to check carefully whether the course you have opted for is asking for a study permit. Usually, courses that are less than 6 months long don’t require a study permit. However, If you are applying for a course longer than 6 months, you must get your study permit.

There are some cases where a Study Permit is not required to study in Canada, namely:

• Minors attending preschool
• Following Audit Courses (where a student is permitted to attend an academic course without obtaining credits)
• Taking up a non-academic, non-professional, or non-vocational course, but one of general interest which can be completed within the period authorized upon entry to Canada
• Taking a course which is six months or less and can be completed within the period authorized upon entry into Canada.

As you can see, there are some special cases in which a study Permit is not mandatory for your entry to Canada. However, even the students who don’t require a study permit will need to have a Letter of Acceptance from their university at any cost. The university must also be a Designated Learning Institute, since non DLI’s are not permitted to admit international students.

You must understand that a study permit is not a VISA. Even the students who don’t require a study permit have to get some sort of VISA to be allowed entry into Canada. Instead of a study permit, they will be required to obtain a temporary resident visa, also called a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorisation. (eTA). If your study permit is approved, you’ll get approved by the Canadian government and receive either an eTA or a visitor visa, depending on your requirement.

Get in touch with us to know if you require a Study Permit, and for unlimited guidance in moving the roadblocks you’re facing in your quest to study in Canada.

5. Study Pathway to PR:

A common question asked by international students is how they can use their work and study experience during their university time and convert it into a PR. Well, lucky for you, the choices are endless.

If you have Canadian education, you have numerous advantages if you apply for a Canadian PR, since they are already acclimatized to life and work in Canada. Most students work during their time at the university, be it in-campus or off campus. This gives them the touch and feel of the work culture in the country, and acclimatizes them to it very well. Every country has a varied and unique work culture. Impetusforfuture country has a laid back and casual style of work, where you have fair pay and flexible working hours.

For students applying for a PR, Canadian immigration places you at a priority since you clear most of the prerequisites for obtaining a VISA in the country. It is highly advantageous to have a Canadian education if you plan on settling in Canada. One big reason being that all regulated professionals are required to get a Canadian diploma before they start practicing . But since you will already have a Canadian degree, it will save you time and money. There is more than one pathway for international students to obtain a PR after the completion of their studies. There are three main study pathways to a PR, namely the CEC (Canadian Experience Class), QEC (Quebec Experience Class), and the PNP (Provincial Nominee Program). All three pathways have their own unique components, and depending on your situation and what your intent is, you can choose the pathway which will serve you best, and help increase your chances at a PR. In some cases, you can apply for a Canadian PR and Study permit at the same time, which is known as Dual Intent.

Contact us to know more about the different pathways to a Canadian PR, and find the pathway best suited to your interests.

6. Apply for Study Permit From Inside Canada:

A commonly asked question is whether one can apply for a Study Permit while they’re already in Canada. The answer is yes. You can apply for a Study Permit when you’re already in Canada. In fact, this is known as the best immigration method owing to its low threshold, low cost, and high success rate. In many cases, when you change your tourist visa into a study visa, you are also allowed to bring your spouse and/or children with you.

However, not all foreign nationals are eligible for this. Contact us to know how you can convert your visitor visa into a study permit in Canada.

7. Canadian Experience Class:

As the name itself suggests, This permit is for foreign nationals who possess work experience, and wish to become permanent residents. The CEC Program was launched in 2008, to honor and recognise the contributions of immigrants to Canada’s economy, with an aim to help provide foreign nationals with a faster route in obtaining a PR. Canadian Experience Class applications are processed quickly, often within three to four months.

Students will only qualify for CEC if they have at least 12 months of work experience in a skilled occupation in Canada. Please note that part-time work earned during studies does not count towards the CEC requirement. There are a few other requirements to be eligible for CEC, please get in touch with us to learn more.

8. PGWP:(Post-Graduation Work Permit Program )

What happens when you complete your studies, but wish to stay back in Canada and gain additional work experience?

This is where the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) comes in. Every student studying in a DLI in Canada is eligible to work while they study. They don’t always require a work permit for this either. What's more, the Canadian government even allows you to work for upto 1 year after the completion of your studies as well. In case you wish to stay longer and continue to work after your visa expires, this is where a PGWP becomes necessary. The PGWP is a unique route to a work permit, and comes with added advantages. Unlike most work permits given in Canada, this is the only work permit which does not require a LMIA to be done. A LMIA is a Labour Market Impact Assessment, which assesses how giving you a job will affect the Canadian nationals, and is a prerequisite to obtain a Canadian work permit.

The PGWP is a unique program designed for students who have graduated from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to obtain an open work permit, with the least possible time and hassle. Canadian education can help you significantly if you are planning to immigrate to this country as well. To be eligible for this, you must be at least 18 years of age, and have studied in a full-time course in a DLI. Another requirement is that the foreign national must apply within 180 days of the completion of their study program.

In case you have studied in a part-time course, or accelerated studies, your PGWP will be the same duration as your studies, if done full time. However, there are some cases when the student will not be eligible for a PGWP. Not all programs of a DLI make students eligible for a PGWP, and students in a program less than 8 months are not eligible for a PGWP. It can take anywhere between 80 to 180 days to get your PGWP approved, an you can even apply for it from overseas in case your study permit expires and you head back home. In some cases, you can also apply for a LMIA exempt permit if you are eligible, giving you a higher chance of obtaining a work permit.

Contact us or call us to know if you are eligible for a PGWP, or any other exemptions, and find the fastest route to obtaining a PGWP under our guidance.

WHY US? / HOW CAN WE GUIDE YOU?

If you are looking for a trustworthy and reliable immigration consultancy to help you in your journey to Canada, look no further. You have come to the right place. We are fully licensed and well trained consultants who carry decades of experience. There is no problem that we haven’t seen in our career, no matter how big or small, and can help you overcome it all. From low IELTS scores, to missing documents- we can help you through it all. Our goal is customer satisfaction, and we will work tirelessly with you to help you achieve your goal of studying in Canada. You can leave all the heavy-lifting to us, we will take care of all your requirements.

It is not without reason that most of our new clients are referred by our previous satisfied customers. With us, you can be rest assured that you are in good hands.