Canada is now arguably the preferred destination for International students. The massive North American country welcomed around 450,000 new International students in 2021, a record figure.
There are a cornucopia of factors that makes Canada a highly attractive option including the world class education on offer, high levels of safety and security, multicultural society and ofcourse, the coherently defined pathway to residency and citizenship.
International students are allowed to gain part time employment while studying and following graduation from a Designaged Learning Institution, become eligible for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
The PGWP gives graduates the opportunity to burgeon their Canadian work experience which improves their chance of gaining Canadian Permanent Residency.
This article details the FOUR basic steps for anyone to obtain a study permit for Canada.
STEP 1: DO YOUR RESEARCH.
Regardless of whether or not you are applying through an agency or using a study abroad consultancy, make sure you carry out adequate research on the school and the program.
If your goal is to get a PGWP after graduation, make sure the schools on your list are DLIs.
STEP 2: APPLY TO THE SCHOOL
Submit your application. Ensure that all the requisite documentation are provided as detailed on the program website. Stick to the application modalities of the school. Some post graduate programs may require you to get a supervisor prior to applying, others require the submission of results from standardised tests like GMAT, GRE, TOEFL and IELTS.
STEP 3: GET YOUR LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE (LOA)
If you meet the admission requirements and are offered admission, the school will issue an LOA.
In order to submit your study permit application to the IRCC, you will need the LOA.
The LOA contains details such as:
** The name of the DLI,
** Contact information of the DLI
** Your name, date of birth, and mailing address
**The study program, level of the program, duration of the program, its start date, and estimated date of completion
** Expiry date of the LOA
STEP 4: APPLY FOR THE STUDY PERMIT
The study permit application can be submitted directly to the IRCC.
It is advisable to work closely with an experienced study abroad consultant to ensure that you leverage on their knowledge to submit the most compelling application.
The following documents should be provided:
• Your Letter of Acceptance
• Proof of financial support to cover your tuition and living expenses in Canada
• Police certificates
• Medical exams, if applicable
• Letter of explanation detailing your career objectives and ties to your home country
