As an international student, there are many benefits to choosing Canada as your place of study. Canada’s provinces each manage their own education system and engage in healthy competition by providing perks to attract students. Regardless of the province you choose, the curriculum, quality of learning, and the degree, diploma, or certificate you obtain will be highly respected around the world. International students will benefit from studying in either the English or French language, or both, thereby increasing their marketability after graduation. Canada is a strong proponent of equal rights, and its schools ensure equality and fairness for domestic and international students. Qualified students are welcomed irrespective of ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, and sexual orientation. The provinces value the wellness of their residents and boast of providing affordable support to students for their basic health and medical needs.
Indeed, much of Canada has long-lasting, cold winters. However, it does not deter students from attending classes and graduating in record time. A reliable public transportation system and appropriate clothing make it possible for students to travel within their communities without owning personal vehicles.
Many international students who dream of coming to Canada to pursue their education goals often reside permanently with their spouses, children, and parents.
Elboniel Consultants can help make sense of the student visa requirements, study permit application process, and language proficiency testing options.
Students interested in studying in Canada will require a letter of acceptance from a University, College, or high school designated as a learning institution. These are schools that a provincial or territorial government has approved to host international students.
See a list of designated schools:Designated learning institutions list
In most instances, a study permit is required for all foreign nationals studying in Canada. A study permit is not an entry visa; instead, it is the authorization letter to study issued to a prospective student. It must be presented or obtained at the port of entry to Canada. Some personal circumstances and exemptions may make a permit unnecessary to study per IRCC regulation. However, an applicant must always obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) to enter Canada. The TRV or eTA is issued automatically if the application for a study permit is approved.
Students that have obtained a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) are encouraged to apply online. Students can follow either the regular study permit application stream or the Student Direct Stream (SDS). IRCC processes most SDS applications within 20 calendar days, unlike the standard process that lasts several months. Students applying under the SDS stream must present either of the two IRCC acceptable language tests. Only scores from International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic or general training ranging from 6.0 or higher in each skill, or a Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) score equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 in each skill are tenable.
The student must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, and the cost of returning to one’s country of permanent residence or citizenship. One should also submit a police clearance showing no criminal records and a medical fitness report from a designated panel physician. Finally, notwithstanding the application stream used by an applicant, they must satisfy a visa officer that they are sincere and will leave Canada at the end of the study program.
One of the critical documents that accompany a study permit application is the letter of explanation. The applicant or their representative uses the letter of explanation to advocate for the applicant. The letter’s content and tone help the officer understand the applicants’ study goals while demonstrating critical reasons why the student wishes to study in Canada. The applicant must also show proof of adequate funds and strong ties to their country to convince an officer that they will return to it at the end of their study.
Elboniel Consultants can advise students on study permit exemptions and arrange general and country-specific documents to meet stream requirements. We will write a comprehensive letter of explanation, submit a complete application, and correspond with IRCC during the application processing period.
Students enrolled in part-time or full-time studies, six months or less in duration, may be exempt from needing a study permit.
Other exemptions are for:
We can advise people in such situations.