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Q&A STUDY IN CANADA
1. HOW CAN I GET A STUDY PERMIT?
The first thing you need to do is to obtain a Letter of Acceptance from a designated learning institution in Canada. In order to get a letter of acceptance you have to go through the admission process: apply for university or college of your choice, meet the program requirements, get accepted, and pay your tuition fee. Once you have the letter of acceptance, you can apply for a study permit through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office (CIC) in your home country. Also, you will be required to provide additional documents including proof of identity, proof of financial support, and letter of explanation.
2. WHEN DO I APPLY FOR A STUDY PERMIT?
In most Canadian universities and colleges, the academic year is divided into two semesters: the fall semester (Sept-Dec) and spring semester (Jan-May). Some colleges may offer a summer semester beginning in May. University deadlines for the admission vary from institution to institution, so it is highly recommended to check the application deadlines, and start the application process at least one year before the actual date of enrolment. If you are planning to study in 2017, you should start the application process for university in 2016. Once you have a letter of acceptance, you will need around 6 to 9 months to receive your Study Permit. How long does it take to get a letter of acceptance depends on higher education institution, the program requirements, and each individual applicant.
3. CAN I TRAVEL IN AND OUT OF CANADA WITH A STUDY PERMIT?
No, you cannot. A Study Permit only allows you to have a legal status in Canada. To be able to travel in and out of Canada you need to obtain a TRV (Temporary Residence Visa). This visa allows you to travel inside and outside of Canada based on the nationality or passport that you hold. For example, if you have a German passport, you are considered to be a part of visa-exempt country, so you do not need a visa to travel to Canada. Once you arrive to Canada you present your passport and study permit to immigration officer to determine your status. However, if you have a passport that is not considered to be a part of visa-exempt country list, such as Jordan or Iran, you need to obtain a TRV, which will allow you to travel legally in and out of Canada. Foreign students can apply for TRV at the same time when submitting a Study Permit application.
4. HOW CAN I APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP/GRANT OR FUNDS?
Canadian universities and colleges offer scholarships and grants for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A scholarship or a grant is usually given to students with the athletic abilities, high grades, and exceptional leadership qualities. Keep in mind that it is highly competitive to receive scholarship funding for international students. The best way to obtain a scholarship or grant is: come to Canada, apply for university or college, get a study permit, and start your studies. Once you start the program on campus you will get the assistance and guidance to all scholarship programs that are available for international students.
There is another option for financial assistance called fund through a university professor. It is more like an employment opportunity. A student will have to work a certain number of hours for a university professor in order to receive funding. Funds are available only for specific majors, and certain levels of higher education. To apply for a fund through a university professor, students have to find a university, get accepted, do research on funding possibilities, and contact the professor directly.
5. CAN I WORK AND STUDY AT THE SAME TIME?
If you are a full-time student and have a valid Study Permit, you may be eligible to work on- or off-campus up to 20 hours per week regular academic sessions, and work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or spring breaks.
6. IF I COME TO STUDY, CAN MY SPOUSE AND CHILDREN ACCOMPANY ME?
Yes, your immediate family (spouses or common-law partners, and children) can accompany you and stay in Canada for the same duration as your Study Permit.
7. IF I COME TO STUDY, CAN MY SPOUSE WORK?
Yes, your spouse will receive an open Work Permit that is valid for the same duration as your Study Permit. For example, if your Study Permit is valid for two years, your spouse will be able to obtain a work permit for two years as well. An open work permit means you do not need a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Service Canada.
8. CAN I STAY IN CANADA AFTER I GRADUATE?
Yes, you can. After graduation, international students have a chance to stay in Canada to live and work. Foreign nationals, who want to gain a valuable working experience in their professional field after completion of studies, may apply for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP). A work permit under the PGWPP may be issued for the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years. For example, if your Study Permit was valid for 2 years, you will receive a post-graduation work permit up to 2 years, and if your Study Permit was valid for 4 years, you will receive a work permit for maximum 3 years.
To be eligible for a post-graduation work permit, applicants must meet specific program requirements. For eligibility requirements, please refer to “After Graduation” section.
9. CAN I IMMIGRATE TO CANADA THROUGH EDUCATION OR STUDY?
Yes, you have various options available to you after you graduate.
- First option – you can apply under Express Entry/Federal Skill Worker stream and get points from your Canadian education.
- Second option – you can work for one year after you graduate, and then qualify for permanent residence in Canada, through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
10. IF I STUDY PhD OR MASTER'S IN CANADA, ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS FOR THAT?
Yes, there are. Each province has a right to select its own candidates under the PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) specific immigration streams for Master and PhD students. Furthermore, as a student, you can get a certificate of nomination from one of the PNP programs and apply for a permanent residence through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) office.
11. CAN I COME TO CANADA ON A VISITOR VISA TO LOOK FOR UNIVERSITY, AND THEN CHANGE MY STATUS TO A STUDY VISA/PERMIT?
It depends on your intention when you apply for a Visitor Visa. The purpose of Visitor Visa is to enter Canada for a temporary period (e.g. short business trip, tourism, sightseeing, family visit), and then leave after the purpose of visit is done. You cannot have any intentions to stay in Canada before applying for a Visitor Visa. The immigration officer at the airport will ask you if you have any intention to stay in Canada. You cannot lie about the purpose of your visit, because if you do, your visa application will be rejected, or the immigration officer will deny your entry at the airport. In addition, this is called a misrepresentation, and you might be banned from Canada for at least 5 years.
Keep in mind that immigration officers are well trained to find out the truth from people who want to enter Canada for any reason. You will be asked many questions in order to find out the real purpose of your visit. So, do not try to deceive the government because they always find out the truth.
Please, think very carefully before submitting any type of visa application to Canada. If you are planning to study then apply for a Study Permit, if you are interested in tourism, apply for a Visitor Visa. Always be clear, straightforward and honest with the immigration officer.