Canada offers a blend of high-quality education, multiculturalism, and a welcoming environment to international students. Its universities and colleges are globally recognized, providing diverse academic programs and research opportunities. With over 100 universities and 200 plus colleges and technical institutes, featuring virtually every program imaginable, Canada may just be the place of your dreams. There are lot of advantages to choosing Canada for study. As I mentioned, Canada offers high quality education, diverse culture, post-graduation work opportunities, and pathways to permanent residency. Tuition fees are comparatively low, that makes it an affordable place to live and study. Also, the application process is straight-forward, Canada accepts and recognizes Indian certificates and degrees/diplomas. Canada offers a wide range of study options including undergraduate, graduate, diploma, and certificate programs across various fields like engineering, business, arts, information technology, medicine and other sciences. Canada is a world leader in software development, telecommunications, aerospace, engineering, urban transport, biotechnology, mining technology and environmental industries. The main difference between the education system in India and the education system in Canada is the theoretical approach vs. practical approach. Indian education is primarily theory-based, whereas a Canadian education system is predominantly practical-based. Moreover, the standard of living between the two countries is the key factor. Despite the better affordability that India offers, Canada provides a far better lifestyle to its residents. One of the major contributors to this ease of living is Canada’s comparatively lower population and less pressure on public resources and infrastructure. Canada prioritizes international student safety through various measures: strict laws and policies maintain a safe environment, campuses have security protocols and personnel, cities employ community policing, educational institutions offer emergency support services, the country’s commitment to diversity promotes respect, and international student advisors provide safety information and resources. These efforts collectively aim to create a secure and inclusive atmosphere, ensuring the safety and well-being of international students throughout their studies in Canada. International students in Canada have access to healthcare provisions that vary by province. Many provinces offer coverage through provincial health insurance plans, which might include essential medical services. Additionally, some universities mandate health insurance for international students, providing coverage for services not included in provincial plans, like prescription drugs or vision care. It’s crucial for students to understand the healthcare coverage available in their province of study and whether they need supplementary health insurance to ensure comprehensive coverage during their stay in Canada. Several sectors in Canada actively seek international graduates, including technology, healthcare, engineering, finance, and research sectors. These industries often have a high demand for skilled professionals, providing ample employment opportunities and career growth potential for international graduates.
“As long as one parent holds valid status in Canada e.g. study/work permit, permanent resident or Canadian citizen, their children are permitted to study at the pre-school, primary or secondary school levels without paying any fees. Moreover, the spouse of the international student (masters and doctoral programs only) can apply for open work permit and on approval can work legally in Canada.”
The job market in Canada for international graduate students is actually very good all across Canada in a variety of fields. The number of employed people in Canada was forecast to continuously increase between 2023 and 2024 by 0.1 million people (+0.5 percent). After the fourth consecutive increasing year, the number is estimated to reach 20.22 million people and therefore a new peak in 2024. As per new rules announced by Canadian Govt. in Jan 2024, open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs, as well as professional programs such as medicine and law. Undergraduate and college students will no longer be eligible to bring their dependents. Dependents are defined as spouses and/or unmarried minor children. Children over the age of 21 are not eligible to enter as the dependent of an international student. While filling out your study permit application, the student needs to indicate that his family will be accompanying him. As long as one parent holds valid status in Canada e.g. study/work permit, permanent resident or Canadian citizen, their children are permitted to study at the pre-school, primary or secondary school levels without paying any fees. Moreover, the spouse of the international student (masters and doctoral programs only) can apply for open work permit and on approval can work legally in Canada. In view of my 15 years experience canda I will like to highlight Canada’s appeal, including its high-quality education, cultural diversity, post-graduation work options, and pathways to permanent residency. T Canada’s practical-based education system, safety measures for international students, and healthcare provisions varying by province. I may bring it to the notice of readers that Canada has a thriving job market, especially in sectors like technology and healthcare, while outlining recent changes regarding open work permits for dependents of international students. Overall, Canada emerges as a promising destination for international students seeking academic excellence and career prospects. However, if there are any further questions, we encourage our readers to reach directly email at study@ migrationscanada. com ………………………To be continued tomorrow on Thursday
(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”.)
