With Canada recently ranking within the top five of the world’s best countries for international students, it is not surprising that many newcomers start their path to permanent residency through the pursuit of post-secondary education, given our first-rate educational system, friendly and welcoming culture, safety and favourable living costs.
The first step to studying in Canada in 2021 is to apply to a designated learning institution and program of choice and to receive a letter of acceptance. You must then submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in order to obtain a study permit. To submit your application, among other requirements, you must demonstrate that are able to pay for your tuition for the first year, that you have no criminal record and are in good health. If your DLI is in the province of Quebec, you are also required to obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (Quebec Acceptance Certificate).
Welcoming international students has been a top priority for Canada during this pandemic. There have been numerous policy responses to support international students, such as allowing them to enter the country as long as their post-secondary institutions have approved quarantine plans, relaxing the rule on online learning so as to not penalize students away from campus due to COVID-19, and modifying deadlines for PGWP applications and renewals. These attempts are all to make it clear that Canada not only values the significance of foreign students to its education system, culture, and economy, but that it remains dedicated to inviting international students who want to start to build their life in Canada.
To learn more about immigrating to Canada, go to Mirbaha Schachnow LLP.