Education Resources

1. How to Apply for a Study Permit

A study permit is a document that allows you to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

• 1. Get an Acceptance Letter from a DLI
  • Choose a program and institution listed as a DLI on the IRCC website.
  • Obtain the official acceptance letter.
• 2. Check Eligibility
  • Proof of acceptance
  • Proof of financial support (tuition, living expenses)
  • No criminal record (police clearance)
  • Good health (may require medical exam)
• 3. Gather Required Documents
  • Valid passport
  • Letter of acceptance from DLI
  • Proof of funds (bank statements, scholarship letters)
  • Statement of Purpose (why you want to study in Canada)
  • Passport-sized photos
  • Immigration medical exam report (if required)
  • Police clearance certificate (if required)
• 4. Apply Online or at the Visa Application Centre
  • Create an online IRCC account
  • Complete application forms (IMM 1294)
  • Upload documents and pay fees (CAD 150)
  • Provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre if required
• 5. Wait for Processing
  • Processing times vary by country
  • May be asked for additional documents or an interview
• 6. Prepare for Arrival
  • Carry your study permit approval letter
  • Present documents to border officials on arrival in Canada

2. Scholarships for International Students

Scholarships can help reduce the cost of studying in Canada.

Common Types of Scholarships:

• University-specific scholarships
  • Offered by individual universities based on merit or financial need.
• Government scholarships
  • Examples: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Canada Graduate Scholarships
• External scholarships
  • Offered by foundations, international organizations, or home country governments.
• Provincial scholarships
  • Some provinces offer awards to international students (e.g., Ontario Trillium Scholarship)

How to Find Scholarships:

• Check university websites under “International Scholarships”
• Use scholarship databases like ScholarshipCanada.com
• Contact your institution’s international student office
• Apply early and follow all instructions carefully

3. From Student to Permanent Resident: Step-by-Step

Many international students aim to become permanent residents (PR) after graduation.

Key Steps:

• 1. Graduate from a PGWP-Eligible Program at a DLI
  • PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) allows you to work in Canada for up to 3 years.
• 2. Gain Canadian Work Experience
  • Work in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 under NOC 2021) to qualify for PR pathways.
• 3. Apply for a PGWP
  • Must apply within 180 days of receiving final marks
  • PGWP is an open work permit with a length depending on study program duration
• 4. Choose a PR Pathway
  • Express Entry – Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For candidates with at least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces have streams specifically for international graduates
  • Atlantic Immigration Program: For graduates in the Atlantic provinces
  • Other programs: Family sponsorship, Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), etc.
• 5. Improve CRS Score (if applicable)
  • Gain more work experience
  • Improve language test scores (IELTS, CELPIP)
  • Obtain provincial nomination (adds 600 points)
• 6. Submit PR Application
  • Complete Express Entry profile or apply directly to PNP
  • Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
  • Submit a complete PR application within deadlines
• 7. Receive PR Status
  • After approval, complete the landing process to officially become a permanent resident