Foreign nationals who have been accepted into a Canadian educational program can apply for a Study Permit, which will allow them to study in Canada. Study Permits are temporary visas whose validity time is determined by the length of the academic program, which is often between one and four years.
To be eligible for a Study Permit, the applicant must demonstrate that they are enrolled in the school program and have adequate finances to pay their tuition and maintain themselves in Canada while studying.
The immigration authorities will also consider the applicant’s intents and if they intend to return to their native country at the completion of their education.
1. Obtain Acceptance into a Canadian School Program
Before applying for a Study Permit, the foreign candidate must first be accepted into and registered with a school program in Canada. Most Canadian schools, including universities, colleges, high schools, and secondary schools, will admit international students.
In general, before accepting a foreign student, Canadian schools will seek evidence of appropriate English-language proficiency. When a foreign student is accepted into a program, the school will usually need a deposit toward tuition expenses before enrolling the foreign student.
After a foreign student has been accepted into a school program, we prepare and file a Study Permit application with the Canadian immigration authorities.
2. Apply for a Study Permit
After being accepted into a school program in Canada, a foreign national may apply for a study permit. This necessitates filing an application with the immigration authorities.
The Canadian immigration authorities will want proof that the foreign student is financially capable of paying the tuition fees for their school program, as well as having enough funds to support themselves while studying in Canada, such as paying rent, buying food, and so on. If the student does not have enough finances on their own, family members can contribute.
Another factor that immigration officials will assess is if the applicant is a real student who intends to return to their native country at the end of their education. The goal of this examination is to weed out those who may seek to utilize the study permit program to gain admission to Canada for purposes other than studying, such as working or reuniting with family in Canada, or otherwise remaining in Canada illegally.
If the immigration authorities are satisfied that the application fits all conditions, they will grant a Study Permit with the same validity length as the study program, which is usually between one and four years.
3. Start Working in Canada as a Student
Foreign nationals with a study permit may work up to 20 hours per week in Canada. This will allow the student to supplement the cost of their studies in Canada while also gaining valuable work experience.
However, this employment experience will not be recognized when applying for permanent residence.
4. Obtain Post-Graduate Work Permits
Foreign nationals who have finished an 8-month or longer study program in Canada can get a Post-Graduate Work Permit valid for up to 3 years. This is a form of open work permit that allows the foreign national to work in any occupation or job available.
The work permit application must be submitted within 90 days of the applicant’s graduation from their school program. Working in a skilled position in Canada for at least one year qualifies the person to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry program.
5. Apply for Permanent Residence through the Express Entry system.
Foreign nationals who finish their education in Canada, get a Post-Graduate Work Permit, and gain at least one year of competent work experience may apply for permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry Program.
A separate application is required under either the Canadian Experience Class or the Skilled Worker category.
The applicant’s Canadian education and job experience will considerably improve their prospects of acceptance under the Express Entry program.
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