Canadian schools and universities have consistently been in the top ranks of the best education in the world. Moreover, Canada is also considered the country with the best quality of life. Should you choose to study in Canada, you’ll be assured of the affordable cost of study with quality education.
It’s an English-speaking country with cultural diversity and warm and welcoming people. Plus, you’ll feel safe in Canada since it is one of the safest countries and even ranked as the 6th most peaceful country in the world. To pursue your studies in Canada, here are 5 simple steps to follow:
1. Get an Acceptance Letter from a Canadian School, College, or University
First and foremost, you need to obtain an acceptance letter from any Canadian institute you wish to apply for. This letter is needed as part of the requirements of a study permit. To get an acceptance letter, choose a study program, school, and province.
It’s worth mentioning that provinces in Canada have their own education system, having different departments responsible for education. Once you have decided on a program and school, start applying and follow the instructions and requirements needed. If the school finds you eligible and admits you to their program, you will receive an acceptance letter which you will need for the study permit application.
Be sure to do this step at least six months before your intended date of study for primary and secondary school and one year before for a post-secondary program. In this step, it is also the best time to know the estimated expenses which are given by the school you are applying for, including tuition fees, living expenses, and many more.
2. Check if You Need a Study Permit
Upon obtaining an acceptance letter, check if you need a study permit before coming to Canada. If you are coming to Canada for studies of more than six months, you need to obtain a study permit and attend a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan. You won’t be able to enter the country if you don’t have the two requirements.
Since a study permit isn’t a student visa, you’ll also be given a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), which is given once you are granted a study permit. In case you don’t need a study permit, you only need to present a valid passport and acquire either a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). For those studying in Quebec, you also need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) which can be applied after submitting your application for a study permit.
3. Meet Eligibility Requirements and Gather the Required Documents
Getting a student permit requires applicants to meet the eligibility requirements. As stated in Step 2, be sure to be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Moreover, you should be able to provide proof of financial capacity enough to sustain your overall stay, covering living expenses, airfare, and tuition fees.
You may be required to provide a police certificate indicating no criminal record, a medical exam showing you are healthy, and proof that you will not stay in Canada after the expiration of the study permit. If you are eligible, start gathering the required documents such as your acceptance letter, passport or any identification document, and financial statement. Additionally, you may be asked to submit a letter of explanation, a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ), and other additional documents depending on nationality.
If you wish to have faster processing of your study permit, you can apply via Student Direct Stream, which is only available in some countries. For minors needing a study permit, it is also required to submit a Custodianship Declaration form that must be notarized and signed by the parents or legal guardian. Also, if you are short on financial aid, please check out this list of affordable Canadian institutions for international students.
4. Complete the Study Permit Application
Once you have completed the documents, make sure to have a scanned copy for each since you’ll be uploading it through Student Direct Stream. You’ll need to create an online account which will be used to submit your application, pay fees, and check the application status. Before starting with the application form, an instruction guide is required for you to read to fill out each field correctly.
You will be asked to answer some questions which will determine what specific documents are needed for you to present. At the end of the application, a processing fee and biometrics fee are required to complete the application online. The biometrics fee includes your digital photo and fingerprints.
5. Give Biometrics and Go to an Interview
After submitting your application, you’ll need to process the biometrics according to your country’s procedures. This step is also the time your application is being reviewed and checked if additional or missing documents are required. Additionally, you’ll be asked to attend an interview in your country to complete the application.
Once your application is approved, a port of entry letter of introduction and electronic travel authorization (eTA) or visitor visa are given, which are presented to a border services officer upon arrival in Canada. The study permit is only given once you arrive in Canada. If in case your application was rejected, an explanation letter indicating the reason for rejection will be sent to you.
Your application will be rejected if you were not able to show enough funds to support your entire study in Canada or you failed your medical exam. Moreover, your application will be rejected if the visa officer believes that you have other reasons for applying for a study permit or that you won’t leave Canada before your study permit expires.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! When your study permit is approved, you can start preparing for your arrival in Canada. Before leaving for Canada, be sure to complete pre-arrival documents such as DLI. It’s also best to prepare by learning about life in Canada and how to manage your expenses. Moreover, make a list of documents to ensure that you don’t leave anything behind. The documents you’ll be presenting to the border services officer are a valid passport, letter of acceptance, letter of introduction, financial statement, visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA), and other additional documents required.