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A Comprehensive Guide to Canada Study Visa
Canada is an excellent option for international students looking for world-class education, cultural diversity, safety and economic stability.
With some of the top-ranked universities in the world, Canada has become a preferred study abroad destination.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about studying in Canada as an international student.
Navigating the Canada Study Visa
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | Canada is the second-largest country globally, with 10 provinces and 3 territories spanning 6 time zones. |
| Capital | Ottawa |
| Major Cities | Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary |
| Language | Bilingual nation with English and French as the two official languages at the federal level. |
| Literacy Rate | 99% |
| Climate | - Northern two-thirds: Similar to northern Scandinavia, very cold winters, and short, cool summers. |
| - Central southern area: Typical continental climate with very cold winters, hot summers, and relatively sparse precipitation. | |
| Economy GDP | $2.379 trillion |
| Currency | Canadian dollar ($) (CAD) |
| Government | Federal parliamentary state |
| Area | 9,970,610 square kilometers |
| Distance from India | Approximately 11,600 km, takes about 17 hours. |
| Population | 38 million inhabitants made up of immigrants from over 200 different countries. |
| Time Zone | UTC−3.5 to −8 |
| Summer (DST) | UTC−2.5 to −7 |
| Major Mountain Ranges | Rockies, Coast, Laurentian |
| Major Rivers | St. Lawrence, Mackenzie |
Key Facts to Study in Canada
| Key Facts to Study in Canada | |
| Language Spoken | English & French |
| Cost of Study | Variable, depending on course and institution |
| Source of Funding | Scholarships, Grants, Student Loans |
| Exams Required | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE (depending on the university) |
| Degrees | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
| Intakes | September (Fall intake), January (Winter intake), and May (Summer intake) |
| Visa | - Student Permit: Permits to Study in Canadian Universities for up to 3 months. - Student Direct Stream (SDS) program: Faster application process for eligible candidates - Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ): Study permit for colleges in Quebec |
Key Benefits to Study in Canada
- Tuition fees are generally lower compared to the US, UK, and Australia.
- Students can work part-time on campus up to 20 hours per week.
- Full-time work is permitted during scheduled academic breaks.
- Option of a post-graduation work permit for up to 3 years after completing studies.
- Prospects of gaining permanent Canadian immigration after graduation.
- Vibrant, tolerant, and diverse student communities across cities.
- Cutting-edge research facilities and world-class educational infrastructure.
- In summary, Canada offers a high quality of life, a peaceful environment, and plenty of work prospects for international students.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada Study Visa
"To be eligible for a Canadian study permit as an international student, you must fulfill the following requirements:- Have an unconditional offer letter from a designated learning institution
- Prove you have sufficient funds to pay for tuition fees and living expenses
- Clear any required medical examinations that are imposed on your country
- Obtain a certificate of clearance from police and security agencies as applicable
- Possess a valid passport and other necessary travel documents
- Have no criminal record or background that could make you inadmissible
- In addition, students must convince visa officers they have enough funds to cover not only the tuition fees but also a minimum amount of CAD 10,000 for living expenses for each year of studies in Canada
Top Univeristes to Study in Canada for International Students
QS World University Rankings 2024 – Top 10 universities in Canada
| Canada Rank | Global Rank | University |
| 1 | 21 | University of Toronto |
| 2 | 30 | McGill University |
| 3 | 34 | University of British Columbia |
| 4 | 111 | University of Alberta |
| 5 | 112 | University of Waterloo |
| 6 | 114 | Western University |
| 7 | 141 | Université de Montréal |
| 8 | 182 | University of Calgary |
| 9 | 189 | McMaster University |
| 10 | 203 | University of Ottawa |
The University of Toronto is ranked as the top university in Canada. It is a leading public research university with over 93,000 students spread across three campuses. It offers over 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs with strengths in disciplines like management, engineering, law and medicine.
The University of British Columbia is another leading public research university located in Vancouver, BC. It has around 64,000 students in a wide range of programs. It is especially well-known for programs in earth, environment, oceans and sustainability.
McGill University is a public university located in Montreal, Quebec established in 1821. It is one of Canada’s most prestigious universities offering over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to 40,000 students. McGill is particularly renowned for medicine, sciences, arts, engineering and law programs.
The University of Alberta founded in 1908 is located in Edmonton, Alberta. It offers over 400 undergraduate and 500 graduate programs across 18 faculties to over 30,000 students. The university is noted for its research intensity and strengths in the sciences, engineering, business and medicine.
Other top options include University of Montreal, McMaster University and the University of Waterloo which are comprehensive research universities with a diverse range of programs and world-class research reputations.
Intakes to Study in Canada for International Students
Canada has a three semester system, so international students can begin their programs in the Fall, Winter or Spring/Summer sessions. Here are the major intakes:
| Intake Period | Start Date | Class Duration |
| Fall Intake | Late August or early September | September to December |
| Winter Intake | January | January to April |
| Spring/Summer Intake | May | May to August |
It is recommended to apply 4-6 months in advance before your chosen intake session to give enough time for processing visa applications. Programs starting in September tend to be the most popular intake.
Application Process for Canada Study Visa
Follow these key steps for a smooth and stress-free study permit application process:
- Step 1: Research study programs and shortlist potential universities or colleges
- Step 2: Take English or French language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL if required
- Step 3: Submit your application to your chosen university before the admission deadline
- Step 4: Get the unconditional acceptance letter from the university & Pay the first semester's tuition fees in advance
- Step 5: Fill out and submit your Canadian study permit application online
- Step 6: Schedule an in-person visa interview at your nearest visa application center
- Step 7: Undergo any required medical examinations and obtain police clearance certificates
- Step 8: Gather documents to prove you have sufficient funds for tuition and living costs
- Step 9: Wait for study permit approval from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
Book your flight and fly to Canada before classes officially start!
Different Types of Canada Visas
Here are the types of Canada visas:
- Visitor visas
- Student visas
- Work visas
- Permanent Residence visas
- Business Immigrant visas
- Express Entry Program visas
Requirements Of Canada Study Visa
General Admission Requirements for Canada Study Visa:
For Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas:
- School transcripts for grades 10 and 12
- IELTS 6 or an equivalent score in an acceptable test like PTE
For Grad Certificate/PG Certificate/ PG Diploma:
- 3 years Bachelors degree
- IELTS 6.5 or an equivalent score in an acceptable test like PTE
For Bachelors Degree:
- School transcripts for grades 10 and 12
- IELTS 6.5 or an equivalent score in an acceptable test like PTE
For Masters Degree:
- Four years Bachelors degree
- Work experience may be a prerequisite for some courses
- IELTS 7 or an equivalent score in an acceptable test
Canada Study Visa Categories:
SDS (Student Direct Scheme) Category:
Documents required:
- IELTS 6 each in all of the four modules
- One year tuition fees receipt
- GIC CAD 20,635
- Unconditional letter of acceptance from the college or University
- Upfront medical
University / General Category / Non-SDS Category Applications for Canada Study Visa:
Documents required:
- Offer letter
- Fee receipt
- IELTS score card or a PTE score
- Medical
- Funds for your entire course duration tuition fee along with the cost of living
- Letter of explanation
Transitioning to Permanent Residence in Canada
Pathways to Permanent Residence
International students can work towards transitioning from temporary resident status to permanent resident status while studying and after completing their program in Canada.
Permanent residence provides the ability to permanently live and work anywhere in Canada without restrictions. It also serves as a pathway to full Canadian citizenship. Here are some of the main options:
- Provincial Nominee Programs - These province specific programs nominate international graduates with in-demand skills for permanent residence.
- Canadian Experience Class - This federal program is for skilled temporary residents with at least 1 year of work experience in Canada.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program - This program is for eligible foreign workers with required education, skilled work experience, English/French skills and other criteria.
Graduates who studied in Canada's Atlantic provinces or rural communities can also benefit from accelerated pathways like the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program or the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
Gaining Canadian work experience after studies greatly boosts chances of qualifying for permanent residence.
Requirements for Permanent Residence
While each provincial and federal immigration pathway has some specific requirements, in general, applicants need:
- At least 1 year of recent skilled work experience in Canada
- Educational credentials and language ability scores aligned with Express Entry CRS points grid
- Sufficient funds to support settlement as a permanent resident
- Clear background/medical checks and criminal record review
- An intention to live outside the province of Quebec
Overall, candidates with higher human capital, skills, experience and credentials get invited faster for permanent residence.
Benefits and Responsibilities of Permanent Residents
Becoming a permanent resident confers many benefits but also comes with responsibilities:
Benefits include:
- Ability to live, work and study anywhere in Canada
- Access to social services and healthcare
- Protection under Canadian law and legal rights
- Ability to apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years
- Can travel freely to and from Canada
Responsibilities include:
- Need to pay Canadian income taxes
- Must continue to live in Canada to maintain status
- Cannot vote in elections (until acquiring citizenship)
- Must obey all Canadian laws and regulations
- Can lose status for extended absence from Canada
In summary, permanent residents enjoy extensive rights while also agreeing to fulfill obligations.
Types of Work Permits in Canada
Types of Work Permits in Canada
International students can legally work during and after completing their studies in Canada provided they obtain the appropriate work permits:
- Students do not need a work permit for on-campus part-time work up to 20 hours weekly or full-time work during scheduled academic breaks.
- To work off-campus or after graduation, international students need a valid work permit such as:
- Post Graduation Work Permit - For post-study full-time skilled work
- Spouse Open Work Permit - For spouses of international students
- Co-op Work Permit - For paid co-ops and internships
- Off-Campus Work Permit - For part-time and casual jobs off-campus
These temporary Canadian work permits allow international graduates to gain valuable local work experience that can help qualify for permanent residence later.
Applying for an Canada Work Permit
To obtain a Canadian work permit after graduation, you need to follow these key steps:
- Successfully complete an eligible study program and get your degree, diploma or certificate
- Obtain a job offer letter from an employer based in Canada
- Fill out and submit the online work permit application along with supporting docs
- Undergo a medical exam if requested by IRCC
- Provide proof of financial support and ties to your home country
- Wait for work permit approval and get the Confirmation of Permanent Residence document
Enter Canada on the work permit and start your new job!
It is crucial to note that most Canadian work permits are employer-specific and tied to a particular job offer. To change jobs, it is necessary to first secure a new job offer and apply for a fresh work permit. Therefore careful career planning is advised.
Understanding Work Permit Restrictions and Conditions
Work permits have certain conditions that graduates need to strictly abide by such as:
- Only being allowed to work for a specific employer mentioned on the work permit document
- Limits on total allowable number of work hours per week
- Geographic restrictions specifying where the job can be carried out
- Clear expiry dates beyond which work authorization ceases
- Clarity on which family members are allowed to work
Violating any of the stipulated work permit conditions can lead to cancellation of your work rights and make you ineligible to apply for future permits and permanent residence.
Cost of Studying in Canada
Although Canada is an advanced developed country, the cost of living and tuition fees for international students are lower than comparable countries. Here are the average first year tuition fees at Canadian universities:
| Program Type | Average First Year Tuition Fees (CAD) |
| Undergraduate Programs | CAD 13,000 to CAD 30,000 per year |
| Graduate Programs | CAD 17,000 to CAD 35,000 per year |
| MBA Programs | CAD 30,000 to CAD 95,000 per year |
| Engineering and Medicine | CAD 15,000 to CAD 50,000 per year |
In terms of living expenses, international students require around CAD 20,635 per year to cover housing, food, transport, books, phone and leisure. Students are advised to be prepared for these costs.
Post-study Work Opportunities in Canada
Abundant opportunities for international students to gain work experience after finishing studies in Canada either through :
| Opportunities for Work Experience After Studies in Canada | Description |
| Post Graduation Work Permit | Allows up to 3 years of open work rights for graduates |
| Provincial Nominee Programs | Fast track PR and skilled provincial work experience |
| NAFTA Professional Work Permit | For US and Mexico students to work in Canada |
| Intra-Company Transferee Work Permit | Work at a Canadian branch of the current employer |
These work experiences after study helps students eventually achieve permanent resident status in Canada through express entry linked pathways. With world-class education, high living standards, tolerance for diversity and abundant post-study work opportunities, Canada is an excellent study destination!
Frequently asked questions
The study permit is typically issued for the entire duration of your academic program in Canada. For example, if you are pursuing a 4-year bachelor's degree, your study permit will be valid for 4 years. However, you must maintain your student status by being enrolled full-time and making progress towards completing your program.
Yes, international students can work part-time on campus up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during scheduled breaks without needing a separate work permit. To work off-campus or after graduation, you will need to get a co-op work permit or post-graduation work permit.
If your study program is in English, you will need to prove English proficiency with an approved test like IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum scores required depend on the university and program chosen. If your program is in French, you can provide a French language test instead such as TEF or TCF.
Yes, international students have access to various pathways to apply for permanent resident status in Canada after finishing their studies, provided they meet eligibility criteria. These include Canadian experience class, provincial nominee programs and express entry linked PNPs.
Yes, if you wish to bring dependent family members like a spouse or children, you will need to separately apply for a dependent visa for each of them and prove you can support their living expenses. Their visas will be valid for the same duration as your study permit.
Yes, your overseas work experience may help boost your profile for immigrating to Canada through express entry linked provincial and federal programs. Each program has specific criteria for eligible work experience.
It is recommended to apply for study permit renewal at least 2 months prior to its expiry date. Processing times by IRCC can vary. Starting your renewal process well in advance avoids any study disruption.
Yes, you can travel out of Canada and return any time before your study permit expires, provided you have a valid passport and supporting documents. However, very long absences may raise questions about your eligibility at port of entry.