Canada which is the second largest country in the world, is also a widely popular destination for thousands of international students from all over the world. The country which is one of the leading destinations for higher education, gives students a wide range of opportunities and memorable career experiences.
Right from the beautiful ski slopes of British Columbia province, the bustling cities of Quebec, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, the stunning prairies of Manitoba, picturesque mountain ranges and hospitable locals everywhere, Canada has everything to offer.
It is therefore not a surprising choice that you want to study in this country, but it is important to gain an absolutely fair idea of how you want to start, in order to achieve this goal.
Most of the universities as well as individual programs/courses has its own set of rules and other requirements, which might look tricky initially.
Well, here’s the whole process broken explained in these manageable steps.
Completing Your Registration
You need to first register with IDI Overseas so that you are assured of getting the best quality advice.
Profiling of the Candidate
Our counsellors will make a proper assessment of your academic qualifications, your work experience, the financial status, career goals and some of your other life aspirations.
- Ensuring that you meet all the requirements
Applying to study at a university/college in Canada as a prospective international student is not something which can happen overnight. Hence, you should start planning for this at least from 6 months – one year in advance. Therefore, we help you to look into your requirements for different courses and explain you what are the documents that you require for the universities/colleges.
You should even understand that the universities/colleges in one province could be completely different to what you may consider in the other one.
First of all, you need to have the following:
- An up-to-date and valid passport (at least of 6 months validity)
- Get the right English (or French language proficiency) qualifications
- Proof of how you are planning to fund your education in Canada.
- Finding a course and selecting your universities
You will have to choose and apply for a specific/particular major when applying for a university in Canada, which is a flexible choice.
You must first verify and ensure that you are applying to an institution that falls under the list of designated learning institutes (DLI) so that you can legally obtain a student visa and be sure of what you actually want to study at the universities you have chosen. The fee varies for every program and also based on the university you are applying for.
- Clearing the required English/French exam
IELTS is considered as the best bet for gaining English language proficiency since all the universities and colleges of Canada accept this. You even choose for the Cambridge English: Advanced or the TOEFL examinations.
In case, you are planning to study in a French-speaking region of Canada, you will most likely require clearing a French proficiency test. The most common one is the TEF exam but there are other exams like DALF, DELF, or even the TCF.
Fees for these tests will be more than CA$100 and you need to check how much it costs as per your currency in your country. It is always important to book for these exams in advance to make sure that you get a date and you can achieve fair test results within proper time for applying.
- Application process to universities
It is widely known that the application process differs more from one course to another course, and even from one university to another university. It is here that the consultants at IDI Overseas, will help you in reaching out to the universities which you have selected, you are interested in and we will help you get the application packs that will clear provide information to you regarding the process.
The application fees for most of the programs at each university usually ranges from CA$100 to CA$250. You should be sure of where and what you wish to study in Canada, and ensure that you meet all the mandatory requirements before you complete this process.
Once you send the applications, you only have to wait. If your application is accepted, then it means you have cleared the first real challenge. Confirm once again with your university that you are planning to join and at this stage, you will be receiving an acceptance letter. This letter is very important, and hence keeps it safe.
- Applying for your study permit
We will help you in applying for your student visa online or in person at the local visa application centre. The fee required will be about CA$150.
The following documents should be provided as evidence.
- Acceptance letter from the DLI university
- Current valid passport
- Proof of funds for your stay
If you have chosen to study in the province of Quebec, you would also require a ‘Certificat d’acceptation du Québec’ (CAQ), which your particular university will be sending to you.
Student visa requirements for Canada
- You should be meeting the rules and obligations specified by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
- You should be able to show that you have sufficient money for supporting your study and also stay in Canada
- You need to be submitting your clean police record which will show that you have no criminal record. It’s a way to verify that you are a law-abiding citizen.
- You should also be medically fit for making a trip to Canada and prove that you are suited to stay in the climate which prevails there.
- In addition to these you should be able to show any other documents which you would be asked for your admission process.
Visa Counselling
We will help you for your preparation (including any mock sessions) for the interviews that would be scheduled with the High Commissions. We will also help you during the process of collation and reviewing of relevant documentation for the final submission of your student visa application.
- Planning your journey
After you get your study permit it’s time to plan for your journey.
You need to first double-check the start date on your particular visa to ensure that you arrive in Canada because you need to be very clear with authorities at the immigration center in Airport when you are launching your new life in Canada.
Well, it’s also the time for you to start organizing accommodation as well as starting to book your flight journey. There are many options for you to choose regarding your accommodation.
Pre-Departure Information
We will be providing you comprehensive information related to your country of choice, in this case, Canada so that you are completely prepared for your ensuing academic career and life at an overseas university.
- Arrival in Canada for starting your studies
You need to place all your documents in an accessible place, which is part of your hand luggage so that you can be handing over anything which is required to prove your identity and the purpose of your visit to the Canadian immigration officers.
