Best Study Guide to Canada for International Students 2022

Study Guide to Canada for International Students

Students always have this question in their minds that how they can study in Canada. The first step is to apply to a Canadian university. Once you are admitted, you can apply for a study permit for Canada. Additionally, International students should also know the complete application process for Canada. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know before moving to Canada. We will cover every aspect for international students from their education system to popular universities in Canada.

Canada, the largest country in North America and the second largest country in the world, consists of 10 provinces and 3 territories. It is located in the northern part of the continent, and its capital is Ottawa. With its immigration-friendly policies, studying in Canada has become easier than ever. Additionally, it is a popular destination for professional and diploma courses among international students. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, in 2021 there were 621,565 international students enrolled in programs of at least 6 months duration in Canada. This data shows the attractiveness of Canada as an educational destination.

Study Guide for Canada for International Students

Students always have this question in their minds that how they can study in Canada. The first step is to apply to a Canadian university. Once you are admitted, you can apply for a study permit for Canada. Additionally, International students should also know the complete application process for Canada. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know before moving to Canada. We will cover every aspect for international students from their education system to popular universities in Canada.

Education system in Canada

School systems in Canada vary by province or territory. In most places education is available in both English and French, although there are enough students in the area who speak the secondary language. High school is typical for grades 9 through 12. In Quebec, high school ends in grade 11 and is followed by a program that prepares the student for university or a technical field called CEGEP.

In addition, students can either attend vocational schools or enter university. At university, they will first receive a bachelor’s degree and can continue to study for a master’s or doctorate degree. Vocational International students will earn certificates and diplomas that will help improve their skills in various trades.

Popular Student Destinations in Canada

Universities such as McGill University, The University of British Columbia, University of Alberta and Simon Fraser University are popular choices if you are looking to pursue a full-time academic degree. Most of the best colleges in the country are located in cities like Toronto, British Columbia, Montreal. At the end of 2021, there were 621,565 international students in Canada. Indian students benefited the most from this. The number of Indian International students who received study permits in the year 2021 was 217,410.

Canada is a preferred destination for vocational studies rather than degree courses as the former courses provide more employment opportunities. Canada is a good choice for immigration as the country offers ample scope for work due to its low population density.

The most popular higher education courses in Canada for international students are postgraduate diplomas in areas such as business management, media, engineering, computer science and hospitality.

Cost of Living in Canada for International Students

The cost of living depends heavily on what part of Canada will you be living in along with how much you will socialize. Some of the basic elements for living as an international student in Canada are:

• Accommodation rent ( on campus or off campus )
• Groceries and food
• Utilities like electricity, water, gas, internet
• Phone bills
• Text and reference books
• Airfare for traveling back to India

Other elements which may differ from person to person would be:

• Dining out
• Travel and Vacation
• Car rent and Car insurance
• Cable TV connection
• Living Expenses

On average, a student spends approximately Rs 5.93 Lakh per year. But the expenses also depend on the place where a student stays. If a student stays in a metropolitan city like Toronto or Vancouver the expenses could go up to CAD 15,000 in comparison to a student studying in the suburbs where the expenses would be around CAD 8,000 – 10,000 each year.

Health insurance

An insurance policy is mandatory for international students, as International students have to stay abroad for a long period of time. Before getting an insurance policy make sure that it covers medical expenses, personal accident, dental treatment, study interruption, passport loss etc. The insurance is basically cashless so the student does not need to pay at the time of admission to the hospital. All international students are required to have basic health insurance and/or extended health insurance. Your university will provide you with all the health insurance details.

Cost of Study in Canada

Tuition fees vary across universities, courses and cities. The average tuition cost for an undergraduate course in Canada is Rs. 22.10 lakhs per annum may be. And if you are planning to apply for a postgraduate course, the average cost (tuition fee) is around Rs. 11.22 lakhs per annum.

Note: Average 1st year tuition fee is based on 435 BE/Btech courses in Canada (Source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)

Note: Average 1st year tuition fee based on 529 MS courses in Canada (Source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)

Scholarships to study in Canada

Merit and need-based fee waivers are granted to international students. Candidates with strong academics, good performance in standardized examinations and extracurricular achievements will be eligible for scholarship awards and financial assistance. To avail these opportunities, one has to make sure to send all the required documents by the specified deadline. Apart from this, the presentation of the application is also important as one’s image is determined by a project.

Required Documents: Generally the following are the documents required for a scholarship application, although the requirements may vary:

• Academic records and photocopies
• A recent CV
• A letter of intent, which serves as a cover page
• Certificate of Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores)
• Letters of Reference (LOR)

How to Get Canada Student Visa

There are several steps to apply for a visa.

Check processing time: The visa application cycle can take 3-4 weeks. It is advised to visit the Canadian Consulate website to know the approximate time taken to process a student visa. Please note that the times shown are not guaranteed and are only an estimate.

Decide how you will apply. There are two ways to apply:

• Apply Online: To apply online you must have access to a scanner or camera to make electronic copies of your documents for uploading and a valid credit card for payment. From 31-Dec-2021, International students from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas will be required to undergo a finger scan at the Regional Visa Application Center (VAC).
• Apply in person: Download the application kit and read the instruction manual. The instruction manual contains important information about the study permit and instructions to help you complete your application. Read the manual carefully and use the document checklist.

Pay the processing fee: Refer to the fee schedule for the cost of applying for a study permit and how to pay. Processing fee is non-refundable in all cases. For biometrics, there will be more than 130 VACs in over 90 countries and all VACs will be equipped to collect biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). Indian International students need to contact the local VFS office to apply for a visa. The cost of a study permit (including extensions) is CAD 150, and if you want to restore your student status, you need to pay CAD 350.

If your spouse/common-law partner and/or children are with you and you are applying for a temporary resident visa, work permit or study permit for them, you will need to pay the appropriate processing fee for them.

Submit your application and supporting documents – Since you need to provide your biometrics, you cannot mail in your application. You have to either apply online or submit your application in person at the VFS office. In either case, you will have to go to the VAC to provide your biometrics.

Also Read: Best Study Guide to Canada for International Students 2022

Medical examination

The visa application process in Canada requires a mandatory medical test for Indian applicants. Your own doctor cannot perform a medical exam. You must see a doctor on the list of panel physicians, which is provided on the official Canada Immigration website http://www.cic.gc.ca/. Once your medical examination is complete, the physician will send the results to CIC. You can choose to take the test before or after submitting your visa application.

Visa for spouse

Spouses can accompany full-time International students on dependent visas. You just need to show that adequate funds are available to support them. Spouses can also work full time if they have stayed for a year or more

Pre-departure List

• Book airline tickets
• Buy travel and health insurance
• Arrange accommodation in Canada
• Arrange transportation to/from the airport to home in Canada
• Arrange your banking – consider buying traveler’s cheques
• Check baggage and customs limitations
• Clear all paperwork with your home educational institution

Get your documents in order and make photocopies to store in your baggage and keep at home, including:

• Passport
• Airline tickets
• Travel insurance certificate
• Letter of Acceptance by the educational institution;
• Key addresses and phone numbers
• A bank statement showing proof of funds
• Prescriptions for any medication you are carrying
• Traveler’s cheques – if applicable
• Medical and immunization records
• Academic history and university transcripts

Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP Canada)

You should note that your study permit is valid for an additional 90 days beyond the length of your study. During these 90 days, you must prepare to leave Canada or apply for an extension of your stay. If you decide to return to Canada, you must apply at least 30 days before your current student status ends.

The PGWPP allows postgraduate International students who have studied at a participating Canadian university/college to gain Canadian work experience. The work experience gained through the PGWPP will ultimately help International students qualify for permanent residency in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Duration – A post-graduation work permit cannot be valid for longer than the student’s course of study. For example, if your post graduate course was of two years, the work permit issued to you will also be for two years.

The study program must be at least eight months long for you to be eligible for a work permit.

Following are the eligibility and application criteria for obtaining Post Study Work Permit in Canada (PGWP Canada):

• You must pursue a full-time course in Canada.
• Your course length should be more than 8 months.
• You must have graduated from a public post-secondary institution or a private post-secondary institution or
• You should apply for a work permit within three months (90 days) after receiving an official letter from the institution that you have successfully completed your studies.
• You will be issued a work permit only if you have a student visa.
• You must pay the Open Work Permit Holder Fee and the Standard Work Permit Fee in Canadian currency, online or manually.

You cannot get a work permit longer than the duration of your course. If your course is eight months, you will get a work permit for eight months.

Step 1: Understand the requirements

Successfully applying to a Canadian education institution requires an understanding of the different requirements for schools and the courses they offer.

Candidates also need to carefully analyze the rules and regulations applicable to the study permit application process. Only approved schools and approved study periods will be meaningful.

Ideally, you should start planning for your Canadian study permit at least a year in advance. Common requirements for all universities and institutions include an updated passport, proof of passing the prescribed language tests with a minimum grade/band with proficiency in English or French, and proof that you can finance your studies as well as living expenses in the country. . .

Of course, requirements can vary between provinces, which is why this step should be done carefully and systematically.

Step 2: Select your course and institution

The first step towards choosing an institution is to confirm its status as a designated educational institution. Only DLI can admit foreign International students.

You will need to finalize a specific core course when applying to study in Canada. The Canadian academic setup is flexible to change courses, although it’s best to compare your options beforehand and choose a major that really interests you.

Step 3: Take a language proficiency test

In order to successfully gain admission to Canada, every international student must prove proficiency in either English or French. IELTS is the preferred test for English proficiency, some institutions also accept Cambridge English: Advanced or TOEFL exam scores.

For French, you can choose DALF, DELF or TCF, although the TEF exam is the most common option.

Select the test, pay the fee and book your dates in advance. Of course, you have to brush up on your language skills to ensure that your application is not rejected.

Canada Study Permit Holders by Top 10 Countries of Citizenship

Step 4: Apply to universities

Now is the time to contact your shortlist of universities, get their application packs and submit them in advance. International Students The choice of applying to a dozen universities can be advantageous but you have to consider the application fee, which varies from $100 to $250.

Do not apply at random. Compare your options, identify your preferred course and institute and choose one or two options as a backup.

Be careful while filling the application form and ensure that you provide accurate information along with documentary evidence. Once this is done, it’s time to face the excruciating wait until you receive your acceptance. Once you confirm your interest, the university will send an acceptance letter, which plays an important role in further formalities.

Step 5: Apply for a study permit

Now that you have an institution ready to admit you, it’s time to apply for a Canada Study Permit. You can apply online or visit your local visa application center. Your application must be accompanied by the acceptance letter received in the previous step, your passport and documentary evidence that you have sufficient financial proof to study in Canada.

If you have applied to an institution in the province of Quebec, you will receive a “Certificate d’Acceptance du Quebec” (CAQ) along with the acceptance letter. Make sure you include this document in your study permit application.

Step 6: Travel time

Once the application has been processed and an interview conducted if necessary, the immigration officer will make a decision on your study permit application. If accepted, now is the time to start planning your trip to Canada.

Your permit will have a start date, which is the date from which the permit takes effect. Keep in mind that you will not be allowed to enter Canada before this date. Plan your trip accordingly.

Step 7: Study time

An immigration officer will verify your permit and other documents at the port of entry before allowing you to enter Canada. This is the final step of the immigration formalities and now you can focus on starting your journey as an international student in Canada.

What happens after you complete your studies?

They are young, culturally aware, fluent in languages, have Canadian qualifications and often have work experience.

After graduation, Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit allows students to start their career here.

Recent changes to the Express Entry Selection System have made it easier for international students to transition to permanent residence.

There are also multiple provincial immigration streams specifically aimed at international students.