Study in Canada: A Guide to the Application Process for Study Permits. Our experienced consultants have many years of experience helping international students with the admission process and the immigration requirements.

• Admission to Canadian High Schools.

• Admission to a language school (French or English)

• Admission to colleges.

• Admission to universities.

• Application for study permits.

• Application for a visa

• Application for eTA (electronic travel authorization)

• Suspension from school

• Transfer to other Colleges or Universities

• Application for work permits.

• Application for family members to join you (spouses, kids)

• Application for parents and other family members to visit you.

• Application for Permanent Residency

• Application for Citizenship

• Custodianship services for minor students

• Airport Pick-Up services.

• Refusals

• Restoration of status

3. Eligibility to Work in Canada

The majority of international students in Canada are eligible to work on-campus unlimited hours and up to 20 hours per week off-campus while completing their program of study. Some students are also eligible for internships. More importantly, the majority of students who complete a degree in Canada are eligible for a work permit valid for up to 3 years after graduation. Many employers prefer to hire international students instead of bringing skilled workers from overseas, as it is costly to sponsor a foreign worker.

4. Eligibility for Permanent Residency in Canada

Getting a degree in Canada can help you qualify easily for Canadian permanent residency and ultimately Canadian citizenship. There are permanent residency programs at the provincial level that require only a degree in Canada without any work experience or job offer, while other programs require as little as one year of professional experience. Permanent resident status entitles you to almost all the rights and benefits of a Canadian citizen. Permanent residency is also the first step towards getting Canadian citizenship. The time you live in Canada while studying is usually counted, which makes you qualify faster for Canadian Citizenship.

5. Low tuition fees

The average cost of tuition and living in Canada is lower than in the United States and other destinations. There are many scholarships that are offered to international students, especially at the graduate level. Also most students are eligible to work to help pay for their tuition fees and expenses. We can help you with admission to language schools colleges and universities. Once you are accepted we can represent you in applying for a study permit and visa or eTA. Contact us for more information.

5 Reasons why you should study in Canada

Every year, around 30,000 international students come to study in Canada. Studying in Canada offers numerous benefits to students. First and foremost, Canada is known for its excellent education system, with top-ranked universities and colleges that offer a wide range of programs and courses. This ensures that students receive a high-quality education that is recognized worldwide. Additionally, Canada is a multicultural country, providing students with the opportunity to experience diverse cultures and perspectives. This exposure fosters a global mindset and enhances one's interpersonal skills. Moreover, studying in Canada allows students to access various scholarships and grants, making education more affordable. The country is also known for its safety and welcoming environment, ensuring a comfortable and secure experience for international students. Finally, Canada's strong economy and job market offers numerous employment opportunities for international students both during the time when they are studying and after graduation. This makes Canada an ideal destination for those seeking a successful career. Overall, studying in Canada offers a well-rounded and enriching experience for students.

Find below five reasons why you should consider studying in Canada.

Study Permit Requirements

To enroll in courses and programs that take longer than six months to finish, you are required to get a study permit. To obtain a study permit, you will need the following:

1. Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): Ensure that the institution you plan to attend is a recognized Designated Learning Institution. DLIs are colleges and universities that are approved by the government to host international students. Once admitted to a DLI, you will obtain a letter of acceptance which is one of the main requirements for applying for a study permit.

2. Valid Passport: To apply for a study permit you need a passport that is valid for the duration of your intended program of study.

3. Proof of funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for at least the first year of your studies. The exact amount may vary depending on your circumstances and the location of the institution where you intend. The more funds you show the higher are your chances of getting a study permit.

4. Medical Examination: Depending on your country of residence, you may be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure you are in good health. Those who plan to enroll in health-related programs or programs that involve dealing with children are required to undergo a medical exam regardless of where they are coming from. Also, those who plan to apply for their study permit under Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) are required to undergo an upfront medical exam before applying for a study permit.

5. Biometrics: Depending on your nationality, you may need to provide biometric information as part of your application.

6. Application forms: Form IMM 1294 E: Application for study permit made outside of Canada.

7. Photo: You need a digital Photo or a scanned copy of a physical photo. The frame size must be at least 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8″ x 1 3/4″). The photographs must show the full front view of the head, with the face in the middle of the photograph, and include the top of the shoulders. The size of the head, from chin to crown, must be between 31 mm (1 1/4″) and 36 mm (1 7/16″).

Please note that students from certain countries may require extra documents or forms to support their study permit application.

Amana Immigration Consulting can help with a new study permit application.

Students who are granted an initial study permit that expires before the completion of their degree program must apply for a study permit extension(renewal) to mantain their legal status in Canada and their eligibility to continue studying and working in Canada. A study permit should be typically valid for up to 3 months after the completion of courses or program of study. However, sometimes immigration officers grant a study permit that expires before the completion of studies because a student has a conditional offer of admission or because the student's passport expires sooner. To renew your study permit you will need the following documents:

1. Letter of enrollement from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) (college or university): The letter must include information about you (name and date of birth), your program of study( name of program, level of study, start date) and more importantly your expected graduation date.

2. Valid Passport: You need a passport that is valid for the duration of your studies.

3. Proof of funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for at least one year.

4. Medical Examination: If you have lived outside Canada in certain countries during the 12 monthts preceeding the application date you may need a mdedical exam. You may also need a medical exam if you plan to work in a school setting( primary or secondary schools) or health related field such as hospitals.

5. Biometrics: You may need to provide biometric information as part of your application if you have not provided them with your initial application.

6. Application forms: Form IMM 5709 Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student.

7. Photo: You need a digital Photo or a scanned copy of a physical photo. The frame size must be at least 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8″ x 1 3/4″). The photographs must show the full front view of the head, with the face in the middle of the photograph, and include the top of the shoulders. The size of the head, from chin to crown, must be between 31 mm (1 1/4″) and 36 mm (1 7/16″).

Applying for a new Study

Study Permit Renewal

Working in Canada & Work Permits

International students who are enrolled full time in a post secondary program/degree may be able to work in Canada with just their study pemrit. Check the eligibility criteria below:

International students may work on campus using just their study permit and a Social Insurance Number(SIN) that you can apply for free of charge at a Service Canada Office.

1. Eligibility Criteria : To work on campus you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

   • have a valid study permit

   • have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)

   • be studying full time regardless of the program of study.

2. Number of hours: To apply for a study permit you need a passport that is valid for the duration of your intended program of study.

3. Type of Jobs: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for at least the first year of your studies. The exact amount may vary depending on your circumstances and the location of the institution where you intend. The more funds you show the higher are your chances of getting a study permit.

4. Required Documents Depending on your country of residence, you may be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure you are in good health. Those who plan to enroll in health-related programs or programs that involve dealing with children are required to undergo a medical exam regardless of where they are coming from. Also, those who plan to apply for their study permit under Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) are required to undergo an upfront medical exam before applying for a study permit.

   International students may work on campus using just their study permit and a Social Insurance Number(SIN) that you can apply for free of charge at a Service Canada Office.

   1. Eligibility Criteria : To work off campus you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

      • have a valid study permit

      • have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)

      • be studying full time in a degree, certificate or diploma program that takes at least 6 months to complete.

   2. Number of hours: Students who meet the above eligibility criteria can work a maximum of 20 hours/week during the acdemic terms and full time during scheduled breaks. However, the government sometimes creats policies that allow students to work more. Make sure you don't exceed the number of hours that your permit allows you to work.

      International students can apply for their spouse for an open work permit that allows the spouse to work full time while the student is completing their program of study. Amana Immigration Consulting can help you get an open work permit for your spouse.

International students has access to different work permits both during the time when they are studying and after graduation:

International students who have an internship, placement or co-op requirement can get a co-op work permit free of charge. If the requirment is on-campus it can be done less than 20 hours/week of students can

1. On-campus Internships, Placements or Co-ops : Students who are required to complete an internship, placement or co-op on campus can do so with just their study permit regardless of the number of hours required and the duration.

2. Off-Campus Internships, Placements or Co-ops : Students who are required to complete an internship, placement or co-op off campus are required to get a co-op work permit if the internship, placement or co-op is full time. Those who are required to complete part time internship, placement or co-op can do su with their study permit. However, it is receommended that they get a co-op work permit since there is no charge for getting a co-op work permit and most employers prefer to hire holders of co-op work permits for some governement incentives or tax benefits.

3. Eligibility Criteria for getting a co-op work permit : To get a co-op work permit you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

   • have a valid study permit

   • have an internship, placement or co-op that is a requirement for graduation.

4. Validity of a co-op work permit : Usually, a co-op work is issued with the same validity period of a study permit. However, the co-op work permit can only be used to complete the internship, placement or co-op requirment. It is illegal to use it for other jobs.

5. Required Documents for applying for a co-op work permit: to apply for a cop-work permit you need the following:

   • A co-op letter from your instution clearly mentioning the number of internship, placement or co-op hours that you are required to complete before you can can graduate.

   • a copy of your study permit

   • Medical Examination: If you have lived outside Canada in certain countries during the 12 monthts preceeding the application date you may need a mdedical exam. You may also need a medical exam if you plan to work in a school setting( primary or secondary schools) or health related field such as hospitals.

   • Application forms: Form IMM 5710 Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker.

   • Photo: You need a digital Photo or a scanned copy of a physical photo. The frame size must be at least 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8″ x 1 3/4″). The photographs must show the full front view of the head, with the face in the middle of the photograph, and include the top of the shoulders. The size of the head, from chin to crown, must be between 31 mm (1 1/4″) and 36 mm (1 7/16″).

   International students may work on campus using just their study permit and a Social Insurance Number(SIN) that you can apply for free of charge at a Service Canada Office.

   1. Eligibility Criteria : To work on campus you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

      • have a valid study permit

      • have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)

      • be studying full time regardless of the program of study.

   2. Number of hours: There is no limit on the number of hours that international students can wotk on the campus of the institution where they are studying. This means that you can work as many hours as you want provided that you meet all eligibility criteria.

   3. Type of Jobs: Students can accept any on-campus job regardless of whther it is offered by the institution or a private business located on campus. This includes at offices of the college or university or private businesses (such as coffee shops, restaurants or private contractors) located on campus.

   Amana Immigration Consulting can help you underestand eligibility for work in Canada

Working under with the study permit

Students work permits

Working on Campus

Working off Campus

Co-work permit

Post-graduation work permit

Spousal Work Permit

Visa/eTA & Entry to Canada

A visa and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) are both authorization documents that allow individuals to enter Canada, but they serve different purposes and are applicable in different situations. A visa or eTA are issued automatically to those who apply for a study permit. You don't need to apply separately for a study permit and a visa or eTA.

1. Visa:

   • Purpose: A visa is an official document stamped or affixed to a traveler's passport, granting permission to enter Canada for a specific purpose and duration.

   • Application Process: Obtaining a visa usually involves a more extensive application process, including the submission of various documents, and a longer processing time.

   • Applicability: Visas are typically required for individuals who intend to visit Canada as tourists or to visit family members. It is also required for those who intend to study short term courses or programs (such as language courses and exchange programs), work, or live in Canada for an extended period.

2. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA):

   • Purpose: An eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It is electronically linked to the individual's passport and is valid for multiple entries into Canada for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

   • Application Process: The eTA application process is usually quicker and simpler than that of a visa. It is done online, and applicants only need to provide some basic information.

   • Applicability: eTA is applicable for citizens of visa-exempt countries who are flying to Canada for short stays, such as tourism, business meetings, or visiting family and friends.

In summary, a visa is a more comprehensive authorization required for specific purposes and for longer stays, while an eTA is a simpler authorization primarily for short visits by air and is applicable to individuals from visa-exempt countries. It's important to check the specific entry requirements based on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your intended stay in Canada. The Canadian government's official website provides up-to-date information on visa and eTA requirements.

International Student With a Job offer Stream

For students who have completed any post-secondary program and have a valid job offer on hand.

Masters' Graduate Stream

Most Provinces offer direct immigration process for Masters Graduates

Ph.D Graduate Stream

Several Provinces offer direct immigration process for Ph.D graduates

Canadian Experience Stream

For students who have completed any post-secondary program in Canada and have one year of experience in a valid job after graduation.

Student to Permanent Resident programs

Sometimes the federal government creates temporrary policies with pathways to permanent residency for international student.

Staying Permanently in Canada

Canada has many options for students who like to stay in the country permanently after completing their studies. There are options available both at the provincial and at the federal level.

Some programs require just proof of graduation from a Canadian college or university, other programs require just a job offer while others require some experience after graduation. Below, you will find highlights of some the Permanent Residency Programs for International students.

Before Coming to Canada

1. Apply for your study permit as soon as you get an acceptance letter or at least 2-3 months before the start date of your program:the processing time for study permit from outside canada tends to be very long especially during summer time(before the start of a new academic year)

2. Provide as many documents to support your study permit application as possible: for your study permit to be approved you need a letter of acceptance and proof of enough funds to cover your tuition and living expenses. Also, make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your studies. A study permit and/or Visa/eTA will not be issued with a validity beyond the e

3. Do not attempt to enter Canada too early if your application is approved quickly: you can be sent back home if you arrive too early. Even if you are allowed to enter you will most likely get a study permit with many restrictions. Amending your study permit to remove those restrictions (especially those related to eligibility to work in Canada) takes a long time (2-6 months). Arriving 2-4 weeks before the start date of your program is usually acceptable to border officers.

4. Be aware of prohibited and restricted items. You may face a lot of issues at the airport (or land border if you are crossing from the US)if you are bringing certain items. You can find more details about what you can or can't bring with you here: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/rpg-mrp-eng.html

5. Do not leave the airport without the hard Copy of your study permit. You can not start studying or working without a study permit. To receive your study permit you will need to show the approval letter of your study permit when you arrive.

Tips for International Students: 10 Important pieces of advice

We have been supporting International since 2000 and here some important things that you should be aware of as an International Student

While in Canada

1. Abide by the conditions of your study permit: Your study permit requires you to be actively enrolled in your program of study. Skipping shool or dropping out of your program of study can have many consequences including your detention and removal from Canada.

2. Do not work without an authorization or a work permit: International students may work in Canada with their study permit or with a work permit. However, you should make sure that you meet all elligibility criteria.Also, you should not exceed the number of hours that you are allowed to work. Working without authorization or exceeding the number of hours your allowed to work can lead to many problems such as removal from Canada and loosing eligibility for the 3-years work permits that international students usually get after graduation.

3. Apply for a government ID or Driver's License as soon as you arrive at the province of your destination: Many international students loose their passports every year. These students usually take with them their passport everywhere they go to use it as a form of ID. To avoid this get a government Photo ID or Driver's license as soon as you arrive You can then leave your passport at home and use the ID for everything including flying within Canada.

4. Get health insurance and make sure you know about what is covered. International students are required to have health insurance while studing in Canada. In some provinces students ca get government insurance coverage. If the province of your destination does not extend health insurance coverage to international students you should get insurance through your school.

5. Be aware of the expiry date of your Study Permit and the deadlines for all applications: Your study permit should cover the entire duration of your studies. If you need more time you should apply for an extention 2-3 months before the expiry date of your study permit.