Studying in Canada has been the dream of many students around the world. The country is not only rich in natural resources and the best cities but is also well known for some of the best universities around the world. International students who are willing to study in Canada should also know about study permit and Canada that welcomes international students from diverse cultures and backgrounds from all over the world.
So, what are the major requirements to study in Canada? The answer is obtaining your Canadian student visa and a study permit. First, let’s get to know what these two terms mean. A Canadian student visa is a document that allows you to enter Canada, while a Canada permit is a document that allows you to stay and study in Canada.
What is a Study Permit?
As mentioned above, in a general sense, a study permit is a document that allows you to live and study in Canada. The Government of Canada technically does not issue a student visa. But, when your student permit is approved, instead of a student visa, you’ll be provided with a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). These documents will allow you to enter Canada.
How long can you stay in Canada with a Study Permit?
Your study permit mentions the time frame for your stay in Canada. Generally, a Canada study permit is valid till the length of your program plus extra 90 days. For example, if your course is for 2 years, then you can stay in Canada for 2 years and 90 days. You can utilize these 90 days either to process for extending your stay in Canada or prepare to leave Canada. However, the length of the time frame for a study permit varies according to various conditions. Let us explain these conditions briefly.
1. If you’re Taking a Prerequisite Course
The length of your stay in Canada will be different if you are taking a prerequisite course. International students will need to take a prerequisite course if the college/university asks them to do so before going for their main course of study. Usually, the term period of these prerequisite courses is of one year. So, in this case, the length of your permit will be equal to the length of your course plus one year for your prerequisite course.
2. If Your Studies are expected to Complete after your Study Permit Expires
In some cases, students are not able to complete their studies within their study permit time frame. In this case, they’ll need to apply for an extension of their study permit. If they fail to do so, they’ll have to leave Canada.
3. If you Finish your Studies before your Study Permit Expire
If you complete your studies before your study permit expires, your study permit will be valid for 90 days from the date of completion of your studies. For example, if you have a study permit for one year left, but you have completed your studies, this does not mean that you can live in Canada for that one year. Your study permit will be valid for only 90 days after the completion of your studies.
Your study completion date will be according to the completion letter, transcript, degree, or diploma provided by your college.
Can you go Back Home While Studying?
Yes, you can definitely go back home while you are studying in Canada. However, while returning to Canada, you’ll need to show proof that you’re enrolled in your school when you return to Canada. And, if you have a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), it must still be valid when you return to Canada.
Applying For Study Permit
Applying for a study permit is quite a tedious task. As soon as you get accepted by a college/university in Canada, you need to start preparing for applying for a study permit. Here, we will guide you on the documents required for a Canada study permit application.
Application for a Study Permit Checklist
1. Original Letter of Acceptance
Your college/university will send you a letter of acceptance after you are accepted to a college/university. So, the very important document that is required for a study permit application is the letter of acceptance provided by your college/university. You can include either the original copy or an electronic copy.
Conditional Acceptance and Prerequisite Courses
If you are taking a prerequisite course, you’ll be provided with a conditional acceptance letter. In this case, you can include this conditional acceptance letter while applying for a study permit. Then, you can apply for an extension of your study permit after you complete your prerequisite course.
2. Proof of Identity
Proof of Identity is another important document that needs to be submitted while applying for a study permit. If you are traveling with your family member, you’ll need to submit the proof of identity of each and every family member traveling with you.
A Valid Passport or a Travel Document
If you are applying for a study permit online, then you’ll need to upload a copy of the information page of your passport. When this is approved, you’ll be required to submit your original passport.
Two Recent Passport-size Photos
Along with your passport or travel document, you’ll need to submit your two recent passport-size photos. You’ll also need to write down the name and date of the person on the back of each photo.
3. Proof of Fund
It is very important to provide your proof of funds as evidence that you can support yourself and your family during your stay in Canada. In order to show your proof of funds, you can present the following documents:
- If you’ve transferred your money to Canada, you’ll need to submit proof of a bank account in Canada in your name.
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
- Proof that you’ve obtained a student or education loan from a bank
- Your bank statements for the past 4 months
- A bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
- Proof you paid tuition and housing fees
- A letter from the person or school giving you money or
- Proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program
Standard Eligibility Criteria For a Study Permit
How would you identify if you are eligible for a study permit? Here are some of the criteria you’ll need to fulfill in order to be eligible for a study permit:
- You need to be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) in Canada.
- You’ll need to provide proof of evidence for your
- Tuition fees
- Living expense for you and your family in Canada
- Travel expense while traveling to and from Canada.
- You’ll need to ensure that you’ll obey the law and have no criminal record. In some cases, you’ll need to get a police certificate.
- You’ll have to prove that you’re in good health by providing a medical examination report.
- You’ll have to prove that you’ll leave Canada upon the expiry of your study permit.
Post Graduate Work Permit Program
The Post Graduate Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows international students to work in Canada after completing their studies from a designated learning institute in Canada. You can find various jobs in Canada with a work permit. Students need to provide a few supporting documents while applying for a work permit in Canada.
Valid Study Permit
In order to apply for a PGWPP, an international student must have a valid study permit. If a student took leave from their studies during their program, the officer must determine if the applicant was compliant with the conditions of their study permit, as outlined in Assessing permit conditions.If the officer determines that the student actively pursued studies during their leave, the student may still be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).
If it is determined that the student has not met the conditions of their study permit, they may be banned from applying for a post-graduation work permit for 6 months from the date they stopped their unauthorized study or work.
Official Letter for Graduation
While applying for a PGWPP, an international student should submit a letter that confirms the completion of the program of the study. This letter is used to assess the requirements referred to above. Officers may also request additional documents to complete the assessment of the application.
Your Transcript
The student applying for PGWPP can also provide an official transcript issued by their DLI, if available. Alternatively, the applicant may also provide a transcript copy from their DLI’s website. The transcript, along with the letter of completion of studies, is used to assess the requirements referred to above.
We at CIC Education Hub guide students willing to study in Canada in each and every step of the Canadian visa and study permit application process. We can provide you with answers to all your question on how to apply for a Canadian student visa and study permit. Feel free to contact us if you are planning to study abroad or applying for a Canadian student visa from Nepal.