Hadson Immigration

Study in Canada

Study in Canada: A Guide for International Students

Want to study in Canada? We answer all your top questions, including how much it costs to study in Canada, which courses are available and how you can use your Canadian study permit as a pathway to obtain Canadian permanent residence.

International Student Program

International Student Program can help to guide you through the process. From getting your study permit to permanent residency, we’ll be there every step of the way. With our help, you can transform a Canadian education into Canadian permanent residence

Every one of our International Student Program clients is paired with an Educational Counsellor who has been trained in the landscape of Canadian higher education and immigration in Canada.

With their help, you will submit the strongest possible application.

Here are the basic steps of the application process:

1. Choose a ProgramYour program choice is one of the most important factors of your study permit application. You must present a strong case for studying in Canada in this particular program.

We make program recommendations based on your work experience and education history. This will give you the best possible chance of submitting a successful application.

2. Apply to the School: After deciding on a program, we will help you prepare and submit your application. You need to have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) before you can apply for a study permit.

3. Apply for a Study Permit: With your acceptance letter in hand, you’ll be ready to apply for your study permit. We will help you to prepare and submit your application to Canadian immigration.

What is a Canadian Study Permit?

A Canadian study permit is the document that allows you to study at a school in Canada. 

Once you have been accepted to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can apply for a Canadian study permit.

 

What is the Application Process for a Canadian Study Permit?

There are four stages to obtaining a Canadian study permit:

1. Check your eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian study permit.

You will need:
  • an acceptance letter from a DLI,
  • proof of financial support,
  • supporting documents (varies depending on your countries of citizenship and residence)

2. Prepare your application: If you meet all eligibility requirements then you can start to prepare your study permit application.

Make sure that you have gathered all documents required for your country.

It is a good idea to have a qualified immigration representative review your application before you submit it.

3. Submit your study permit application: You have two options when submitting your application:

4. If your study permit is approved, come to Canada! You do not receive your Canadian study permit until you arrive at a Canadian Port of Entry (POE).

If your permit is approved, the Canadian government will issue you a Port of Entry Introduction Letter.

You must show this letter to the immigration official when you arrive in Canada to get your study permit.

How Long Does it Take to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit?

The amount of time it takes depends on your country of residence.

The shortest processing time is 1-2 weeks, but some applicants can expect to wait as long as 16 weeks. Processing times depend on the volume of applications received.

If you’re applying close to the beginning of Canada’s academic year you may experience delays.

There are plenty of scholarship opportunities for international students who want to study in Canada.

The opportunities available to you will depend on your field of study or research and your country of origin.

You can find more information about scholarships that may be available to you by using this database.

A designated learning institution (DLI) is any school that is allowed to admit international students.

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs and can admit students from foreign countries.

Not all post-secondary schools are DLIs, so you must check the Canadian government’s list of DLIs before applying.

Canada has a reputation for providing accessible, quality education for international students. To understand which program is right for you, first you must understand Canada’s levels of study.

Any educational program beyond the twelfth grade in Canada is considered post-secondary education. There are a few different types of post-secondary education, each with a different purpose.

Certain programs may have specific admissions requirements.

Our mandate is to ensure that you meet the basic admissions requirements for any program that you are applying for
To study at a Canadian school you will need to be proficient in English or French.

Canadian post-secondary schools set their own conditions for language skills of international students. Language skill requirements vary from one school to the next.

While preparing your application, you should research the specific requirements for your program. Some schools even allow you to complete English courses after you begin your studies.

Some international students do not need to provide proof of their language skills. If you are from an English-speaking country or have studied in English, then you may not have to take the IELTS.

Each school set its own language requirements. It is important to check the specific requirements of the school where you want to apply.

ach school has their own deadline. You should make sure to submit your application well before this deadline. 

Canadian schools are flooded with applications every year. As the deadline approaches, schools become more selective.

The more reputable schools are especially competitive, so the earlier you get your application in, the better.

 

  • University of Toronto (UofT)

  • University of British Columbia (UBC)

  • McGill University

  • Université de Montreal (UdeM)

  • McMaster University

Can I Stay in Canada After I Graduate?

Canada makes it easy for international students to become permanent residents if they want to remain in the country.

The Post-Graduate Work Permit allows international students to stay in Canada and work for up to three years after graduating. After working in Canada for one year, international graduates may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. 

To apply for a PGWP, you need to prove that you have respected all the conditions of your study permit. Studying must have been your primary activity during your time in Canada.

A PGWP is typically granted for the same duration as your studies in Canada.

With a Canadian study permit, you can change your school or program at any time. To do so, you will want to make sure you are following the right procedure and staying within the conditions of your study permit.

Yes! Another perk to studying in Canada is that international students have the right to work. This helps offset the cost of tuition and living expenses.

International students in Canada can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during school terms. During scheduled breaks like summer vacation, international students may work full-time.

Most students don’t need a work permit to work while they study whether their job is on campus or off campus. Your study permit will state whether you’re allowed to work off campus.

If your program of study includes work experience, you may be able to work more than 20 hours during the semester. This will be indicated in your letter of acceptance.

If the government approves this condition, you will be granted both a work permit and a study permit. This work permit will allow you to work on campus only. 

International students who are married or have kids may wish to bring their family with them.

Canadian visa officers will consider study permit applications which include accompanying family members. You should note that including family members on a study permit application may influence the visa officer’s decision.

If you are approved as a family, your spouse will be able to work full time while in Canada. Any accompanying children will be able to study for free.

If your family does accompany you, your spouse will be eligible for an open work permit, authorizing them to work full-time in Canada while you are studying.

With world-class education opportunities throughout Canada from coast to coast, it is no surprise that thousands of international students come to Canada every year to study.
If you have more questions, or are interested in working with us, the first step is to fill out our free assessment. An academic counsellor from our International Student Program department will contact you to discuss your options.

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