Every year thousands of students across the globe choose Canada to pursue their further education and build a future. There are permanent citizenship and immigration available for international students graduating from post-secondary programs in Canada.
Let's learn more about the visa requirement, work flexibility and immigration terms for students in Canada.
Study Permit is Required
When you wish to pursue further studies in Canada - whether it is an academic, vocational or professional qualification, you need a study permit before you land in Canada. Students applying for a short term or six months program don’t need a permit.
Prior to applying for a study permit, you are required to be accepted at a Canadian educational institution. The school, college or university that selects you will send an acceptance letter that needs to be showed to get the permit. The letter will be necessary to apply for a student permit. You may also take the help of immigration lawyer to ensure that you take the right steps when you apply for student permit.
Where to Apply for the Study Permit?
You need to apply for a study permit from the visa office in your region or country you live. Documents including the identity proof, letter of acceptance and proof that you have sufficient funds to pursue further studies in Canada are required to be submitted along with the permit application.
Working While Studying
A valid study permit makes a student eligible to work temporarily in Canada. You may be allowed to work on the campus if you have a valid student permit. You may work for the educational institution or a private business located in the campus premises.
To work off campus, students need to have a work permit. They are allowed to work 20 hours per week under the Off-campus Work Permit Program and full-time during the scheduled winter, summer and spring breaks.
Permanent Stay in Canada
In most of the cases, students don't need to leave Canada if they wish stay there permanently. Here are a few conditions that you need to fulfill to be able to stay in Canada:
• A student who has acquired a post-secondary degree from Canadian college or university and has a minimum one year of work experience in Canada in a technical, managerial, professional or occupation grade is eligible to stay in Canada.
• A student with skills and experience that are adequate for the labor market needs of Canada may qualify for the permanent resident status.
• Some of the Canadian provinces and territories are allowed to nominate the immigrants on the basis of their skills, work experience and education.
This is basic yet helpful information that students planning to move to Canada for further studies need to know. More details about the process to obtain visa and apply for permanent resident status are available on the website of Government of Canada.
