In Continuation To Part-1 publish on April 19, Friday………….
- “Unlocking Doors: A Comprehensive Guide to Studying in Canada”
- Visa ,Study Permit Requirements for International Students
- Tuition Fees ,Living Expenses in Canada
- Exploring Post-Study Opportunities and Lucrative Career Paths
International student requires a valid study permit to enter and pursue his studies in Canada. After getting admission in the college, he/she needs to apply for the study permit in the respective Canadian embassy or visa office in the country where the student is currently residing. A student applying from Kashmir has to apply through Canadian High Commission in New Delhi. The essential documents required for a study visa application include a valid passport, a letter of acceptance from the Canadian institution, proof of financial support, academic transcripts and certificates, a statement of purpose outlining educational goals and intentions, language proficiency test results (if required), and a receipt of payment for visa fees. As of January 22,2024, affected students must provide a provincial attestation letter as part of their study permit application. Applications missing an attestation letter will be returned to the applicant. The immigration office might ask for additional documents such as country specific documents as well. Canada student visa requirements include acceptance in a course from a designated learning institute, financial proof of being able to pay your tuition fee of Canadian institution, cost of living for yourself and for your family members who accompany you, clean background, medical results, English language test scores, provincial attestation letter, submission of all application forms with supporting documents and the application processing fee payable to the Canadian Government at the nearest visa office of applicants country of nationality or residence. In Canada, international students usually find three main study intakes: Fall, starting in September and most widespread; Winter, beginning in January but not universally available;and Spring/Summer, less common, usually in May or July. Availability varies by institution,program, and degree level. Checking directly with preferred schools ensures proper alignmentwith program options and application deadlines. For admission to Canadian colleges, international students should ideally begin their applicationprocess approximately a year before their intended intake. Canada is implementing a temporary two-year cap that will reduce approved study permits by 35% in 2024.Master’s, PhD, and K-12 students are not included in the cap. For classes starting in September (Fall intake), start the application process by the previous September or earlier. If you're aiming for January (Winter intake), start about a year ahead or by the previous January. Applying early gives you enough time to meet all requirements, sort out money stuff, collect your school papers like grades and test scores, and make sure you don't miss the visa deadlines. Language proficiency, demonstrated through tests like IELTS or CELPIP, significantly impacts the PR process. Achieving higher language scores boosts an international student's CRS points in Express Entry, improving their overall eligibility for PR. A study visa for Canada requires the student to score at least 5.5 in each of the four IELTS band requirements with an overall minimum score of 6.0 and above for undergraduate & diploma programs. Graduate courses, on the other hand, require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each band and an overall IELTS score of 6.5 and above. But if you decide to pursue a degree in engineering program, Teaching or Education Studies, do note that the minimum IELTS score is 7.0 overall and per band. Processing times for study visa applications from India to Canada can vary based on numerous factors, including the volume of applications and the time of year. On average, it may take several weeks to a few months. It's advisable to apply well in advance of the intended start date of the study program to allow ample time for processing. Study visa applications may be rejected due to various reasons, such as insufficient funds, incomplete documentation, lack of ties to the home country, concerns about the purpose ofthe visit, or failure to meet eligibility criteria. Providing comprehensive and accurate documentation, demonstrating genuine intentions, and meeting all requirements can help avoid rejections. There is no specific age limit for Indian students applying for a study visa to Canada. As long as the applicant meets all the eligibility requirements, including being accepted by a DLI, demonstrating sufficient funds, and meeting health and security criteria, they can apply for a study permit regardless of age. International students can change schools or courses when they are not satisfied with their college, university or program. However, they must inform IRCC of these changes and follow the required process to do so. There are no restrictions to the number of times you can reapply for a visa, so candidates can apply as many times as they deem necessary. However, the applicant must first understand why his/her application was rejected and address the issue during his/her next attempt. They should provide the visa officer with new information and solutions to problems seen in the previous application. The average cost of living for international students in Canada varies depending on the city or province they reside in. On average, including accommodation, food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses, students can expect to spend approximately CAD $15,000 to $20,000 per year. However, this amount can fluctuate significantly based on the location, lifestyle choices, accommodation type (on-campus, off-campus, shared rental, etc.), and individual spending habits. Larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver tend to have higher living expenses compared to smaller towns or suburban areas. It’s advisable for students to create a budget based on their specific circumstances to estimate their expected living costs accurately. As I said it varies from city to province the student intends to live in, however the primary applicant should have CAD $ 10,000 for himself, CAD 4,000 for his first family member and CAD 3000 for every additional family member accompanying with him in Canada.
“After becoming a permanent resident, individuals need to fulfill specific criteria, including language proficiency and knowledge of Canada, to qualify for citizenship. Once granted citizenship, individuals can apply for a Canadian passport, providing them the benefits and privileges of Canadian citizenship, including visa-free travel to numerous countries and access to consular assistance abroad through Canadian embassies and consulates. My aim was to cover all the important aspects relating to an international student seeking his educational and career goals in Canada. We hope we have successfully discussed all the aspects of our topic in detail. However, if there are any further questions, I advise readers to reach directly email at [email protected]”
International students applying for a study permit to Canada through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) are required to have a minimum GIC of $20,635 CAD from a participating Canadian financial institution such as the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). The minimum GIC limit was recently increased from previous limit of $10,000. Applicants must prove they have enough money to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation without relying on unauthorized employment. This can be demonstrated through bank statements, sponsorship letters, or scholarship/grant certificates. The amount required may vary depending on the duration and location of the study program. Indian banks streamline the education loan process for studying in Canada by offering guidance and financial assistance to eligible students. To apply for an education loan, students usually need to submit documents like admission letters, fee structure from the Canadian educational institution, academic records, proof of identity, residence, income or collateral documents (if required), and co-borrower details. Banks assess the student’s eligibility based on these documents and offer loans with favorable terms and conditions. Several banks in India, including State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB), and others, offer education loans for students planning to study in Canada. In Kashmir,The Jammu & Kashmir Bank is also offering educational loans to international students intend to pursue their further education abroad. The loan criteria typically involve the applicant securing admission to a recognized university or college in Canada, providing proof of the course’s cost, and meeting the bank’s eligibility requirements. Banks may provide loans covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and other education-related costs, up to a specified limit. International students in Canada are generally allowed to work while studying under certain conditions. Typically, students with a valid study permit are permitted to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter or summer holidays. These work opportunities can include on-campus jobs, off-campus employment, internships, and co-op placements related to their field of study. However, it’s important for students to check their specific study permit conditions and ensure compliance with the regulations set by the Canadian government regarding work permissions for international students. International students aiming for PR should focus on building their Canadian work experience, improving language proficiency, and staying informed about immigration policies and eligibility criteria. Networking, participating in community activities, and pursuing further education or certifications can also strengthen their PR applications. Canadian education is highly regarded globally and completing studies in Canada grants additional points in the Express Entry system. It also showcases adaptability, language proficiency, and familiarity with Canadian society, enhancing an international student’s profile for PR applications. There are scholarships and financial aid options available for international students studying in Canada. Many Canadian universities offer scholarships, grants, and bursaries specifically designed for international students based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, or financial need. Additionally, some government-funded scholarships, such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program, are open to international students pursuing higher education in Canada. It’s advisable for students to research and inquire directly with their chosen institutions about available financial aid opportunities and eligibility criteria. Canada provides numerous opportunities for international students who choose to settle permanently. The country’s strong economy, diverse job market, and welcoming society present favorable conditions for career growth and personal development. With access to various sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, and more, international graduates often find ample job prospects and upward mobility. Additionally, Canada’s inclusive society, excellent public services, universal healthcare, and emphasis on work-life balance contribute to a high quality of life for settled international students and their families. An international student can stay in Canada for 3 years after completing his 2 years’ program. The postgraduate work permit allows international students to stay in Canada and work for up to three years after graduating. As per new rules announced, graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will soon be eligible to apply for a 3-year work permit also. International students are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their studies in Canada. As per new rules announced, effective from September 2024, international students who begin a study program that is part of a curriculum licensing agreement will no longer be eligible for a PGWP after graduating. Studying in Canada provides international students with access to the PGWP, enabling them to gain significant Canadian work experience. This experience is invaluable and can potentially enhance their eligibility for permanent residency. Absolutely, Canada offers pathways to permanent residency for international students through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), provided they meet specific criteria. Express Entry is a selection system for PR applications managed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). International students can enter the Express Entry pool by creating a profile and receiving a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Having Canadian education and work experience boosts their CRS score, enhancing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. Canadian education is globally recognized for its quality, providing international students with a competitive edge. Additionally, work experience gained through the PGWP enhances their chances of meeting the criteria for immigration programs, offering a smoother transition to permanent residency. The combination of Canadian education and work experience contributes significantly to their eligibility and adaptability within the Canadian workforce. Studying in Canada offers Indian students a unique opportunity to build an international network, connecting with professionals, mentors, and peers from around the world, which can significantly enhance their career prospects. Canadian work experience acquired through the PGWP offers international students a competitive advantage upon their return to their home countries. It adds significant value to their resumes, showcasing international work exposure, adaptability, and a global mindset, which are highly sought-after qualities in today’s interconnected job market. International students interested in entrepreneurship can explore various programs and initiatives in Canada that support startups and entrepreneurial ventures. Some provinces offer specific entrepreneur streams under their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), allowing international graduates to establish and operate their businesses in Canada. International students can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting the residency requirements, which typically involve residing in Canada for at least 1,095 days within the five years before applying. Completing studies in Canada counts partially towards the residency requirement. After becoming a permanent resident, individuals need to fulfill specific criteria, including language proficiency and knowledge of Canada, to qualify for citizenship. Once granted citizenship, individuals can apply for a Canadian passport, providing them the benefits and privileges of Canadian citizenship, including visa-free travel to numerous countries and access to consular assistance abroad through Canadian embassies and consulates. My aim was to cover all the important aspects relating to an international student seeking his educational and career goals in Canada. We hope we have successfully discussed all the aspects of our topic in detail. However, if there are any further questions, I advise readers to reach directly email at [email protected].
………………………Concluded
(The author is a senior immigration consultant and a member in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) in Canada. He is also former member of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC and member of Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) and Canadian Migration Institute -CMI. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)