How Can I Study and Work in Canada? A Step-by-Step Guide for International Students

Canada houses some of the top universities in the world. More than a thousand would-be international students desire to study in the country for it offers the best education system and study programs. As many as 500,000 study permit holders come to Canada and take their chances in shaping a great future.

As Filipinos, everyone knows that being in a foreign country opens up multitudinous opportunities for any professional. And as an individual with great ambition and determination to be the best in your field, there’s no other country that would ever satisfy your hunger for success but Canada.

So, the question now is, “how can I study and work in Canada?” Read along as we unveil a guide on how to apply for a Canada Study Permit.

Step-By-Step Guide for International Students Bound to Canada

What is a Canadian Study Permit? It is a document that allows an international student to study at a school in Canada. Once you have been accepted to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can proceed with your application for a Canadian student permit.

Here are the basic steps in the application process:

Step 1: Understanding the requirements

For a smooth application process with your preferred Canadian educational institution, you need to understand every requirement from the school along with the courses they offer. Each college and course have unique requirements. This means you need to carefully analyze the conditions and your eligibility.

Preferably, preparing for your Canadian study permit should start at least 6 months. Requirements may differ between provinces and it’s difficult to be cramming up on the deadlines.

Step 2: Choose your Course and Institution

The next step towards choosing an institution is ensuring that the school of your choice is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) since only schools with this status are allowed to admit foreign students.

You will be then required to set your specific major course upon applying to study in Canada. However, the Canadian education setup is flexible when it comes to shifting courses.

Step 3: Take the Language Proficiency Test (Optional)

To successfully gain entry to any Canadian institution, international students have to show proficiency in English or French. While other institution does not require language proficiency test, some schools do. IELTS is the preferred test for proficiency in English.

For the French language, TEF is the most common option, but you can opt for another test like DALF, DELF, or TCF. You have to polish up your language skills to successfully ensure your application.

Step 4: Apply to Universities

If you have already made a shortlist of your preferred course and institution, it is now time to contact the universities of your choice. You should obtain their application packages and submit them in advance.

Avoid applying randomly and consider the application cost ranging from around $100 to $250. Compare your options and select one or two alternatives as backups.

When filling out the application form, make sure that you provide accurate data with documentary evidence. Once done, you will have to wait until you receive your acceptance letter from the university to which you applied.

Most schools require an initial payment before they release the Letter of Acceptance (LOA). This document plays a significant role in the next step of the process of applying for your study permit.

Step 5: Process your study permit

Once you have an institution ready to admit you, you can now apply for the Canadian Student Permit. You can apply online or visit a local visa application center. Your application must include the following:

• Acceptance letter

• Passport

• Documentary proof that you have enough finances to study in Canada

If you have been accepted in an institution in Quebec, you will receive along with your acceptance letter a “Ceritificate d’acceptation du Quebec” (CAQ). Make sure to include this document in your study permit application.

Step 6: Travel Plan

Once you are done with your application together with the interview, an immigration officer will then decide on your study permit application, if accepted, it’s time to start making travel plans to Canada.

Your visa will indicate the start date of which your permit is effective. You cannot enter Canada before the date marked. Also, you need to check the COVID-19 travel checklist and make sure to comply with them before leaving.

Step 7: Arrival

The immigration officer will then verify your documents at the port of entry before you can enter Canada. This is the final step of the immigration process. Once done, you can now focus on starting your new life as an international student in Canada.

Can I Work While Studying?

Another advantage of studying in Canada is that international students can work part-time up to 20 hours per week during school terms. During scheduled breaks like summer vacation, international students can work full-time.

Your study permit will indicate whether you are allowed to work off-campus or not. For eligible and full-time students, there’s no need for a work permit to work while studying.

If your study program includes work experience, you may be able to work more than 20 hours during the semester. This will be indicated in your letter of acceptance. If the Canadian government approves this condition, you will be granted both work and study permits. However, this work permit will allow you to work on-campus only.

What Happens After You Complete Your Studies?

Canada’s federal government eyes international graduates as future new permanent residents. These graduates are young, have knowledge of the culture, are adept in languages, have Canadian qualification and already has work experience.

After graduation, Canada offers Post-Graduation Work Permit that allows students to start their careers in Canada. This program allows graduate students to stay and work for a Canadian company depending on their eligibility and the duration of their studies.

How To Apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit in Canada

One of the main drives to obtain PGWP is to have related Canadian work experience. This is a pathway for international graduates to qualify for permanent residence in Canada. However, students can apply if they met the following requirements:

• At least 18 years of age or above.

• Have studied in Canada as a full-time student for a minimum of 2 years.

• Completed a course in a designated learning institution (DLI).

• Applied for PGWP within ninety (90) days of your graduation.

• Have a valid study permit at the time of your application for the PGWP.

If these requirements are not met, you cannot remain in Canada after graduation and must return to your home country ninety (90) days following your graduation.

Have you figured out the answers to “how can I study and work in Canada?” Applying for a student visa can take a lot of work and time. Let the right people handle the process and experience a stress-free and successful application.

Find out whether you qualify for Canada by talking to our agents. Visit our website for more information.