How To Gain Study Experience In Canada
If you want to study in Canada, you must first select and then apply to a Canadian-designated learning institution (DLI), which might be a university or college.
Once you receive a letter of acceptance from the DLI, you can apply for a study permit from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
To be eligible to apply for a study permit, you must:
- Show proof that you have adequate financial support to cover the first year of tuition, living expenses, and return transportation to your home country.
- Have no criminal record, which you can prove by getting a police clearance certificate and submitting it to the IRCC.
- Submit a completed medical examination to the IRCC to show you are in good health.
- Convince the immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of the period authorized by the study permit.
The Pathway from Study to Permanent Resident
If you are an international student who graduates from a post-secondary institution in Canada, you have options to extend your stay and become a permanent resident. Many federal and provincial immigration programs place a high value on candidates with Canadian education and work experience, which is an advantage for students who have them.
After you finish your education in Canada, you become eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that allows you to work in Canada for up to three years.
If you have a PGWP, you can apply to several federal and provincial permanent residence programs, like the Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Programs.
To qualify for a PGWP, international students must meet various requirements, including completing studies at a DLI leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate, being a full-time student, and having a transcript plus a letter from the DLI proving you completed the study program.
