Frequently Asked Questions
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Admission and Study Process
- Begin by understanding the prerequisites of your desired program and school.
- Opt for a program from a recognized Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Undertake a Language Proficiency Test like TOEFL or IELTS. If you’re not proficient, consider an English preparatory program.
- Submit your application, pay the necessary fees, and await your acceptance letter.
- Apply for your study permit.
- Once approved, embark on your Canadian educational journey.
Most Canadian institutions require proof of language proficiency, like IELTS or TOEFL, for admission.
Typically, PR options are available post completion of tertiary education.
Yes, there are pathways even with a low GPA or basic English proficiency
Both offer unique advantages. Public institutions are generally more affordable, while private ones might offer smaller class sizes and varied intake options.
Both offer unique advantages. Public institutions are generally more affordable, while private ones might offer smaller class sizes and varied intake options.
Courses under six months don’t require a study permit
Student Financial Aspects
Costs differ based on the region, institution, and chosen program. Typically, it ranges from CAD $11,000 to CAD $25,000.
Yes, you must demonstrate adequate funds to cover tuition and living expenses for the first year.
Yes, various institutions in Canada offer scholarships and financial aid. Check directly with your chosen school for opportunities.
Work & Post-Study Opportunities
Yes, various institutions in Canada offer scholarships and financial aid. Check directly with your chosen school for opportunities
Yes, with certain conditions. Typically, you can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks.
Yes, there are several pathways to remain in Canada post-study
Yes, spouses and dependent children can accompany international students.
Study permits aren’t issued for distance learning, but there are exceptions for in-Canada portions of such programs
Canada offers multiple immigration programs for international students post their studies
It varies, but it’s advisable to apply well in advance
It’s an authorization for courses longer than six months in Quebec
It varies, but it’s advisable to apply well in advance.
Immigration Programs for Canada
Canada offers several immigration programs, including:
- Express Entry: For skilled workers
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): For workers who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory.
- Family Sponsorship: For Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members.
- Quebec-selected Skilled Workers: For those who want to live and work in Quebec.
- Atlantic Immigration Program: For skilled workers and international graduates who want to live in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces.
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: For workers who want to live in participating communities in Northern and rural areas.
- Start-up Visa Program: For entrepreneurs who have a business idea and can create jobs in Canada.
- Caregivers Program: For individuals who are providing care to children, elderly persons, or those with medical needs.
Overview: Express Entry is an online system used to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It includes three immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three programs.
- Complete an online profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on your CRS score.
What is the application process?
- Determine your eligibility for one of the three programs.
- Complete an online Express Entry profile.
- Receive a CRS score and enter the pool of candidates.
- Receive an ITA if your score is high enough.
- Submit a complete application for permanent residence within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
Overview: The PNP allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who have the skills, education, and work experience needed to contribute to the economy of that province or territory.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Meet the specific eligibility criteria of the province or territory.
- Have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of the province or territory.
- Intend to live in the province or territory that nominates you.
What is the application process?
- Apply to the province or territory where you want to live and be nominated.
- Receive a nomination certificate from the province or territory.
- Apply for permanent residence through Express Entry (if you have a nomination under an Express Entry stream) or through the regular process.
Overview: Family Sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their relatives to come to Canada as permanent residents. Eligible family members include spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and certain other relatives.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
- The sponsor must meet income requirements to support the sponsored family member.
- The sponsored family member must not be inadmissible to Canada.
What is the application process?
- Determine your eligibility to sponsor a family member.
- Gather required documents, including proof of relationship and financial support.
- Complete and submit the sponsorship and permanent residence applications.
- Pay the application fees.
- Wait for a decision and, if approved, your family member will receive permanent residence.
Overview: Quebec has its own immigration program for skilled workers who wish to live and work in the province. The Quebec-selected Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is managed by the province of Quebec.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Meet the eligibility criteria set by Quebec, including factors like education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability.
- Obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec or CSQ).
What is the application process?
- Submit an Expression of Interest through Quebec’s Arrima portal.
- Receive an invitation to apply for a CSQ if selected.
- Submit a complete application for a CSQ.
- Apply for permanent residence with the Government of Canada after receiving the CSQ.
Overview: The Atlantic Immigration Program is designed to help employers in Canada’s Atlantic provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick) hire skilled workers and international graduates who want to live in one of these provinces.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
- Meet the education, work experience, and language requirements.
- Have an endorsement from the Atlantic province where you will work.
What is the application process?
- Get a job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province.
- Get an endorsement from the province.
- Submit a complete application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Overview: The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is a community-driven program designed to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities by creating a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to live and work in one of the participating communities.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Have a job offer from an employer in a participating community.
- Meet the community-specific requirements.
- Meet the education, work experience, and language requirements.
What is the application process?
- Check the What are the eligibility requirements? of the participating community.
- Get a job offer from an employer in that community.
- Submit an application to the community for recommendation.
- Apply for permanent residence with IRCC after receiving the community recommendation.
Overview: The Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Have a qualifying business.
- Secure a commitment from a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator).
- Meet the language requirements.
- Have sufficient settlement funds.
What is the application process?
- Secure a commitment from a designated organization.
- Gather required documents, including proof of commitment and language proficiency.
- Complete and submit the application for permanent residence.
- Wait for a decision and, if approved, receive permanent residence.
Overview: The Caregivers Program allows individuals to come to Canada to provide care for children, elderly persons, or those with medical needs in a private home. There are specific pathways under this program, such as the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Have a valid job offer in Canada.
- Meet the language and education requirements.
- Have work experience in an eligible caregiver occupation.
What is the application process?
- Get a job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Gather required documents, including proof of job offer, language proficiency, and education.
- Complete and submit the application for permanent residence.
- Wait for a decision and, if approved, receive permanent residence.
Types of Visas available for temporary residents in Canada
Temporary resident visas include:
- Visitor Visa: For tourists, business visitors, and individuals visiting family or friends.
- Study Permit: For international students enrolled in a Canadian educational institution.
- Work Permit: For individuals with a job offer from a Canadian employer or those participating in international agreements like NAFTA.
- Super Visa: For parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, allowing them to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time.
- Temporary Resident Permit: For individuals who need to enter or stay in Canada for a specific reason and do not meet the requirements for a standard visa.
To extend your stay, you must apply for a visitor record before your current status expires. This document will indicate the new expiry date of your stay in Canada. You must provide:
- A completed application form.
- Proof of financial support.
- Details about your purpose of stay and ties to your home country.
A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) allows individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to Canada to enter or remain in the country for a specific reason. TRPs are issued at the discretion of immigration authorities and are used to address exceptional circumstances, such as:
- Attending an important event or meeting.
- Providing essential services.
- Addressing humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
Overview: A Visitor Visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa) is for individuals who want to visit Canada temporarily for tourism, business, or to visit family or friends. This visa can be single-entry or multiple-entry, allowing visitors to enter Canada once or multiple times within the visa’s validity period.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Valid travel document (passport).
- Good health.
- No criminal or immigration-related convictions.
- Sufficient funds to support the stay in Canada.
- Strong ties to home country, such as a job, home, financial assets, or family.
- Intention to leave Canada at the end of the visit.
- Invitation letter from someone in Canada (optional but recommended).
What is the application process?
- Determine how you will apply (online or on paper).
- Gather the required documents, including a valid passport, photos, proof of financial support, and any other documents specified by the visa office.
- Complete the application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your application and provide biometrics if required.
- Wait for a decision and, if approved, get the visa stamped in your passport.
Overview: A Study Permit is required for international students who wish to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. It is not a visa but a permit that allows you to stay in Canada for the duration of your studies.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Acceptance letter from a DLI.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
- No criminal record (police clearance certificate may be required).
- Good health (medical exam may be required).
- Proof that you will leave Canada after your studies are completed.
What is the application process?
- Get an acceptance letter from a DLI.
- Gather required documents, including proof of identity, financial support, and the acceptance letter.
- Complete the application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your application and provide biometrics if required.
- Wait for a decision and, if approved, receive your study permit upon arrival in Canada.
Overview:
- A Work Permit allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specific employer and job. There are two types of work permits: Employer-specific Work Permits and Open Work Permits.
- What are the eligibility requirements?
- Job offer from a Canadian employer (for employer-specific permits).
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (if required).
- Meet the general What are the eligibility requirements?, including a valid passport, proof of financial support, and good health.
What is the application process?
- Determine the type of work permit you need.
- Gather required documents, including the job offer, LMIA (if applicable), and proof of identity.
- Complete the application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your application and provide biometrics if required.
- Wait for a decision and, if approved, receive your work permit.
Overview: The Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows them to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time without needing to renew their status.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Invitation letter from the child or grandchild in Canada.
- Proof of the child or grandchild’s income and financial support.
- Complete a medical examination and purchase Canadian medical insurance.
- Meet the general What are the eligibility requirements?, including a valid passport and good health.
What is the application process?
- Get an invitation letter from your child or grandchild.
- Gather required documents, including proof of relationship, medical insurance, and financial support.
- Complete the application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your application and provide biometrics if required.
- Wait for a decision and, if approved, receive your Super Visa.
Overview: A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is issued to individuals who need to enter or stay in Canada for a specific reason but do not meet the requirements for a standard visa. TRPs are granted in exceptional cases and are temporary.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Demonstrate a compelling reason to enter or stay in Canada.
- Explain why the individual cannot obtain a regular visa.
- Meet the general What are the eligibility requirements?, including a valid passport and good health.
What is the application process?
- Determine the reason for requiring a TRP.
- Gather required documents, including proof of identity and explanation of the compelling reason.
- Complete the application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your application and provide biometrics if required.
- Wait for a decision and, if approved, receive your TRP.
Permanent Residency in Canada
The process for applying for permanent residence typically involves:
- Determining eligibility through various programs like Express Entry, PNP, Family Sponsorship, etc.
- Submitting an online or paper application, depending on the program.
- Providing necessary documents, such as proof of identity, language test results, educational credentials, and work experience.
- Undergoing medical exams and security checks.
- Paying application fees.
- Waiting for a decision from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
To sponsor a family member, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Meet income requirements to support the sponsored family member(s).
- Submit an application to IRCC that includes forms, fees, and supporting documents.
- Agree to provide financial support to the sponsored family member(s) for a specific period (typically 3 to 20 years, depending on the relationship).
Benefits of becoming a permanent resident include:
- The right to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada.
- Access to most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including healthcare.
- Protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- The ability to apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
IELTS and Language Requirements
The IELTS requirements vary depending on the immigration program:
- Express Entry: Minimum of CLB 7 in all four language abilities (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) for Federal Skilled Worker Program; lower scores may be accepted for other streams.
- PNP: Each province sets its own language requirements, which can vary.
- Study Permit: Generally, a minimum overall band score of 6.0 is required for undergraduate programs and 6.5 for postgraduate programs.
- Work Permit: Language requirements depend on the specific job offer and the employer’s requirements.
To improve your IELTS score:
- Take an IELTS preparation course.
- Practice regularly with sample tests and past papers.
- Focus on improving your weakest areas.
- Use English in your daily life to enhance your skills.
Yes, Canada accepts several language tests for immigration purposes, including:
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): Accepted for Express Entry and PNP.
- TEF (Test d’évaluation de français): Accepted for French language proficiency.
Availing Citizenship in Canada
To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must:
- Be a permanent resident.
- Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the five years before applying.
- Have filed your taxes for at least three years within the five-year period, if required.
- Prove your language skills in English or French (for applicants aged 18-54).
- Pass a citizenship test (for applicants aged 18-54) covering knowledge of Canada’s history, values, institutions, and symbols.
The process involves:
- Completing the application form and gathering required documents.
- Paying the application fee.
- Submitting your application to IRCC.
- Waiting for a decision and attending a citizenship test and interview if required.
- Taking the Oath of Citizenship at a citizenship ceremony.
Benefits of Canadian citizenship include:
- The right to vote and run for political office.
- The ability to obtain a Canadian passport.
- Greater job opportunities, especially in government positions.
- Protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- The ability to pass on citizenship to children born outside Canada.
Visa Application Refused
If your visa application is refused, consider the following steps:
- Review the Refusal Letter: Understand the reasons for refusal as stated in the letter from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Consult an Immigration Lawyer: A lawyer can help you understand the reasons for refusal and advise on possible next steps.
- Evaluate Your Options: Depending on the reason for refusal, you may have options such as reapplying, addressing the issues mentioned in the refusal letter, or appealing the decision.
Yes, in some cases, you can appeal the decision. The appeal process depends on the type of visa and the reason for refusal. Consulting an immigration lawyer is recommended to understand your options and the best approach.
The timeframe for appealing a visa refusal decision varies based on the type of visa and the specific circumstances of your case. It is important to act quickly and seek legal advice to avoid missing any deadlines.
Common reasons for visa application refusals include:
- Incomplete or inaccurate application forms.
- Insufficient supporting documentation.
- Failure to meet eligibility criteria.
- Lack of proof of financial support.
- Concerns about the applicant’s intent to leave Canada after the visa expires.
Yes, you can reapply after a visa refusal. It is important to address the reasons for the previous refusal and provide additional documentation or information to strengthen your new application.
Yes, hiring an immigration lawyer can increase your chances of success if you reapply. A lawyer can help identify and address the issues that led to the initial refusal and ensure your new application is complete and accurate.