Requirements to Study in Canada
Before going to any country, the first thing you should know is the travel requirements. Also, keep in mind that several factors, such as your nationality and duration of your stay, may have additional criteria. To study in Canada as an international student, you will need the following:
- A valid passport
- Visitor Visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA)
- Proof of enrollment in a designated learning institution (DLI)
- Study permit (if staying for more than six months)
- Proof of financial support during your stay
- No criminal record (certification from the police department)
- Be in good health (a medical exam if staying longer than six months)
- Proof of departure from Canada once the study permit expires
- Biometrics test (we will discuss this later in the article)
Other Requirements to Study
Also, depending on the courses you plan to take, you must also present the following requirements:
- Proof of passing prerequisite courses (degree, certifications, etc.)
- English level certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, FCE, CAE)
- Letter of explanation (to the visa officer regarding your study plans)
- Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ), if you plan to study in Quebec
Student Visa for Canada
Now that you know the requirements to study in Canada, it’s time to apply for your visa. In Canada, there isn’t a distinct “student visa,” like in most countries. International students must apply for a Visitor Visa, or “temporary resident visa,” which allows you to study in Canada as long as you have a valid study permit.
The study permit requires many of the same documents as when applying for a visa, including proof of identification, acceptance from a learning institution, and financial support.
How to obtain a Visitor Visa to study in Canada
After obtaining proof of the requirements we discussed earlier, you can easily apply for a visitor visa directly on the Government of Canada website. Online applications process much more quickly than mail-in applications, and you can receive status updates regarding your application directly through your online account.
For anyone who plans to visit, work, or study in Canada, they will need to submit their “biometrics,” which is a photo and fingerprints. You only need to give your biometrics to Canada once every 10 years if you plan to travel there frequently.
Courses to Study in Canada
There are several post-secondary schools in Canada— colleges and universities, technical and vocational schools, and language schools. Of these options, you can choose from dozens of courses, including:
- Language courses
- Professional certificates
- Degree programs
English Courses in Canada
Whether you’re new to the English language or seeking to improve your proficiency, language schools in Canada offer English courses for all levels!
General English
These English courses help you develop the four basic skills of the language: speaking, listening, writing, and comprehension.
English Exam Prep
These classes are intensive English courses that prepare students forinternationally recognized exams, such as the IELTS and Cambridge Certificates of Proficiency in English.
Co-Op Learning | Internship Programs
Some study programs in Canada require work experience within their curriculum. Co-ops can serve as internships and on-the-job experience while you’re studying. If you want to work and study in Canada simultaneously, Co-ops are a great option. You just need to apply for a co-op work permit to do so. For more information, check out our article about several co-ops in Canada.
Higher Education| Universities in Canada
Would you like to receive a Master’s or a Bachelor’s degree while in Canada? Many universities in Canada rank among the top schools internationally and offer thousands of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Most importantly, the tuition fees of Canadian universities are generally lower than those of other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
How to Study in Canada | 7 Steps
Once your mind is set on studying in Canada, there are several tasks you’ll have to complete before you can officially plan and pack for your trip. Let’s review them step by step:
1. Do your research
Decide on the type of courses you plan to study in Canada. This will help you narrow down your school choices and inevitably which city you’ll most likely live in once there. Next, analyze the cost of living in that city and the job market available there. If you need assistance, our GrowPro Experience Managers are here to help you!
2. Apply in advance
Once you choose a school or university, start on the application process immediately. A good rule of thumb is to apply to the universities at least a year in advance. That way, you’ll have time to prepare all of the necessary documentation. You will need proof of enrollment to apply for both a visitor visa and study permit, so the extra time is beneficial.
3. Obtain a visa
Now that you have proof of enrollment, you can now apply for the Visitor Visa. Remember, there isn’t a “student visa” for Canada. Here, students are considered temporary visitors.
4. Get a study permit
Under the Visitor visa, you must specify the reason for your stay. If the courses you plan to take will be longer than six months, you’ll need to apply for a study permit.
5. Purchase your plane tickets
It’s time to purchase your plane tickets and prepare for your time abroad. You can use Skyscanner to find and compare great deals on flights, as well as our article on how to get cheap flights to Canada.
6. Pack your bags
Your new adventure in Canada awaits! When packing, make sure you have everything you need: passports, I.D.s, money, school forms, and other essential documents.
7. Hello Canada!
You’ve officially arrived! In our GrowPro Welcome Sessions, we will help you adjust to your new city, find accommodation, open a bank account, and so much more.
Work and Study in Canada
Depending on your school and type of courses, you can work while you study in Canada. As we mentioned in a previous section, some courses require you to receive job training through co-ops and internships, for which you will need a work permit. If you are taking English or French as a second language, however, you are not eligible for a co-op work permit.
You can also work both on-campus and off-campus jobs as long as your study permit specifies permission. If you’re studying in Canada, you can only work during your study program. You cannot work before your studies begin, after your studies end, or once your student permit expires.
To work in Canada, you will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which you can apply for with the Government of Canada.
Finding a Job in Canada as a Student
One of the best ways to learn about job opportunities in Canada is through networking. To start, you can attend our GrowPro social events, which we organize in different countries to help international students meet other people in the area. You can also find work through local job fairs in Canada, your college campus, and online job boards.
In our GrowPro Welcome Sessions, we explain all of the requirements and resources you need for working in Canada, such as how to create your Resume or CV, helpful websites to use, and even a compilation of job offers through our GrowPro Partners!
Salaries in Canada
As of 2020, the minimum wage in Canada ranges between 11 CAD to 16 CAD. It is different between each province and territory. Keep in mind, these rates apply differently to students under the age of 18 and certain hospitality jobs, such as liquor servers, where workers can earn tips and other gratuities.
Take the Leap to Canada with GrowPro Experience
Now that you have enough information and resources, it’s time to start planning! If you’re serious about studying in Canada, let us help you! Our team at GrowPro can assist you throughout the entire process. We will process all necessary documents for your school, guide you through all of the program requirements, open your bank account in Canada, and help you settle in your new city!
What are you waiting for? Check out some of our experiences today!
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