Canada is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international students coming from all over the world. Before you can come to study as an international student in Canada, you must take a few simple steps. It is important to know how to apply and exactly what documents are required by Canadian authorities to issue a study permit.
We, at CLTC Higher Education, have helped 100s of students to get study permits. To make the process simpler, CLTC Higher Education has developed the 5 simple steps shown below to apply for your Canadian study permit.
- Get your Acceptance Letter
In order to apply for a Canadian study permit, first, you must obtain an acceptance letter from a Canadian university. The acceptance letter must contain specific information and most schools will be familiar with the requirements. The letter must also come from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This is an organization authorized by the Canadian government to host international students. Further, it is mandatory that students have achieved an IELTS band score of 6.5 or more or equivalent English qualification to apply for an Acceptance Letter.
Finally, it is important to note that, not all programs offered by DLIs are eligible for post-graduation work permits (PGWP). It is important to ensure that your program is eligible for a PGWP prior to applying. We, at CLTC Higher Education, can help you to identify programs that are eligible for PGWP.
2. Prepare Study Permit Application
Once you receive your letter of acceptance, you can begin preparing your Canadian study permit application. This application requires extensive documentation proving your genuine intentions in Canada and your ability to support yourself.
Again, we at CLTC Higher Education will help you with the preparation of these documents.
Generally, when you submit the study permit application you will have to provide the following documentation, in addition to those documents requested for your country:
- Acceptance Letter
- Proof of Financial Support: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your first year in Canada. You are required to show proof that you can cover your tuition fees as well as your cost of living (accommodations, food, etc.).
3. Submit Study Permit Application
You should submit your application using the online web portal. The process as shown in the portal appears very straight forward. To submit a successful study-permit application, requires more than what meets the eye. It is only an experienced person who would have the knowledge to undertake this task. The well-experienced and knowledgeable staff at CLTC Higher Education are very happy to help students with this process at no cost. Processing times vary greatly from country to country, ranging from a few weeks to a few months, so be sure to plan in advance.
4. Travel to Canada
If your application is approved you will receive a Letter of Introduction as well as a travel visa (if required for your country of citizenship). These documents will authorize you to travel to a Canadian Port of Entry (POE) to obtain your study permit. Your study permit will not be mailed to you, you can only pick it up when you land at a Canadian POE and speak to a border official.
Immigration Tip
The document allowing international students to study in Canada is called a study permit rather than a study visa. The term ‘visa’ refers to a document that allows you to enter Canada, while a ‘permit’ allows you to participate in certain activities, like working or studying.
5. Maintain your status
If your study permit is approved and you enter Canada as an international student, you must meet the requirements below in order to maintain your status in Canada:
- Always be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI);
- Make progress towards completing your program;
- Respect any conditions listed on your study permit;
- Stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements, and;
- Leave Canada when your permit expires or arrange for an alternative valid visa permitting further stay in Canada. Please do not remain in Canada without a valid visa.
If you’re ready to start your adventure by finding a program of study in Canada, complete the free student assessment form provided by CLTC Higher Education and an experienced student counselor will contact you to discuss study programs that interest you.
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