Do You Want To Study In Canada?
Here Is What You Need To Know About Obtaining A Canadian Study Permit
Canada welcomes approximately 400,000 international students each year to attend and take part in many accredited college and university programs. Not only is this an opportunity to learn from some of the most renowned educational institutions in the world, but it also provides the possibility of being able to stay in Canada after graduation.
What Is A Canadian Study Permit?
A study permit is a document issued by the Government of Canada to allow foreign nationals to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in the country. The majority of international students will need study permits in order to study in Canada. It is important to ensure you review the document checklist and have all the required paperwork prepared before you submit your application. Whether you apply online or with a paper application, all study permit applications should be submitted and approved prior to travelling to Canada.
In addition, please be aware that a study permit is not a visa and does not grant you access to enter the country. However, if the government approves your study permit, you will also be issued a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA)
Are You Eligible To Apply?
Eligibility for Canadian Study Permits is determined under the following categories:
Proof Of Acceptance
According to the Government of Canada, as an international student, you will only be able to get your study permit if you are enrolled in a designated learning institution and if you can provide a letter of acceptance from the school.
Proof Of Finances
To study in Canada, you must also prove that you have the financial means to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses and return transportation. If you are bringing family members with you, you must also be able to financially provide for them while you are all in the country (in some cases your spouse can qualify for a work permit).
Criminal Record
All international students seeking to complete a post-secondary educational program in Canada are expected to have no criminal record. The expectation is that students are to always obey the law and schools and the Canadian government may even ask for a police certificate, or relevant documents, to verify this information.
Health Record
Any international student looking to apply for a study permit must be in good health in order to qualify. Sometimes a medical examination could be required in order to determine that the applicant does not have any pre-existing conditions and that it is safe for them to travel to Canada.
Return Plan
The Canadian study permits and appropriate visas allow individuals to arrive in Canada and remain here until they complete their schooling or until their permit expires. Many programs will allow you to apply for a work permit once your studies are completed. However, in order for an international student to get this study permit, they must prove to an officer that they have a plan in place to leave the country once the time comes.
How To Apply For A Study Permit
If you’re a foreign national interested in attending one of Canada’s acclaimed schools, there is a specific process that needs to be followed. Here are the steps to follow in order to ensure you are granted both a study permit and visa to Canada.
Step 1: Apply To A College Or University
Before you apply online to submit your application for a permit, you must first be granted acceptance into one of the designated schools in Canada. Every institution has different rules and regulations on how to submit an application package, but it is recommended that you do so at least six months in advance. Do your research on which program would be most beneficial to you and apply accordingly. If you are having trouble finding a school, do not worry, JR Immigration can assist you with this. JR Immigration will guide you right from the start until you obtain your study permit. The goal is ultimately to gain permanent residence in Canada, so choosing a career that supports that initiative is important.
Step 2: Submit All Relevant Documents With Your Application
Once you’ve been granted admission into a school, you will receive an acceptance letter. This letter will then be used as part of your application because it is required in order to get a study permit in Canada. You and a spouse may also be eligible for a work permit depending on language tests and other factors. All this information should be included and will be taken into consideration when processing your application. In addition to the letter, you will also be required to submit a valid passport and evidence that you can support yourself, and family members who come with you, while you’re studying in Canada.
Step 3: Ensure You Have Electronic Copies Of Your Permit & Visa Before You Come To Canada
Generally, you must apply for a study or work permit prior to arriving in the country. However, there are limited instances where that does not apply. For example, depending on the level of education you are seeking and language abilities, you may be able to apply at the port of entry when arriving in Canada or from within the country. JR Immigration can help you navigate through the processing factors and help you understand which option is available to you.