Everything you need to know about preparing to study in Canada as an international student. Learn about the application process, visa requirements, and tips.
It’s a huge step for an overseas student to come study in Canada, but don’t worry, this article will give you the confidence you need to start your trip.
There are a few things you can do to assist things run more smoothly before you arrive in Canada.
How to study in Canada
To study in Canada and finally get permanent residency, follow these steps:
- Choose a course of study: Choose the Canadian educational program you want to enroll in by doing your study.
- Apply to universities in Canada: Once you’ve decided on the course of study you wish to take, submit your application to a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Obtain a study permit: After you obtain a letter of acceptance and provincial attestation from the region where your school is located, Cohen Immigration Law will assist you in applying for a study permit from the Canadian government. You need to obtain a study permit in order to be allowed to stay in Canada lawfully as a student.
- (Optional) Consider your options about immigration. Cohen Immigration Law will help you look into ways to get professional work experience while you’re still in Canada and how to petition for permanent residence once you graduate.
What advantages come with studying in Canada?
Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students to study abroad, with over 800,000 of them calling it home. Studies show that the following reasons draw students to Canada:
- The excellent quality of education provided by Canadian schools.
- opportunities for international students to work during their studies, after graduation, and while they apply for permanent residence.
- deciding whether to study in English or French.
- The safety and security of Canada.
- a welcoming location for international students and immigration from over 200 different nations each year
- Canada has a more diverse and cosmopolitan society and is more affordable than other popular study abroad destinations.
- Furthermore, the Canadian dollar is depreciated in value in relation to other major currencies such as the USD, GBP, and EUR.
New changes to Canada’s study permit allocations
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced in 2024 that it intended to cap the number of study permits granted in that year at 360,000. Depending on the number of students in each province and territory, this allotment will be split among them. By March 31st, 2024, provinces and territories must have a mechanism in place for providing provincial attestation letters to students.
Neither primary or secondary school teachers nor master’s or doctorate students are exempt from this cap. This guideline also applies to renewals of study permits.
In order to safeguard stakeholders against potential abuse of the international student program, maintain sustainable levels of foreign enrollment, and provide enough accommodation for students who are admitted to Canada, the IRCC implemented these modifications. The new regulations state that the IRCC will provide province and territory governments a portion of the total study permit cap, and those governments will subsequently assign the permits to approved educational institutions in their respective regions.
A provincial attestation letter from a province or territory confirming the applicant’s authorization to study in Canada will be required for all study permit applications filed after January 22, 2024, as part of the implementation of this cap.
The IRCC expects these steps to be implemented over a period of two years, and at the conclusion of 2024, it will evaluate the allocation numbers for study permits in 2025.
If you are interested in immigrating to Canada through studying?
Schedule a consultation with our experts today for detailed information: Ask.imple@gmail.com.
