The international student's guide to settle in Canada

The international student’s guide to settle in Canada

Posted August 27, 2021

Intelligent Overseas Education Travel Update: Here’s how to study and settle in Canada. Are you considering studying in Canada? If so, you’ll require a study permit to enroll as an overseas student. A study permit allows international students to study at designated learning institutions in Canada. Here are the processes to get your study permit and prepare for your migration to Canada.

Step 1: Choose and enroll in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

Before you may apply for a study permit, you must choose a school. Provinces and territories designate international schools. These schools are DLIs (DLI). Canada’s public schools are DLIs. Here is a list of post-secondary DLIs. After deciding on a program and school, it’s time to apply. A DLI acceptance letter must accompany your application.

Step 2: Ensure you meet the eligibility necessities.

Aside from a DLI acceptance letter, there are various more prerequisites for a study visa. These are:

Proof of funds. You must show sufficient funds to cover your tuition, living expenses (and those of any family members), and return travel expenses.
No criminal record. You may be asked to ensure your description is lawful. A police certificate may be necessary.
Good health. You can be asked to have a medical checkup to establish your health.
Proof you will leave after the permit expires. Finally, you must show an officer that you will continue your studies.

Step 3: Get your documents in order.

The following documents are needed to apply for a study permit:

Proof of acceptance. Your school has accepted you. An original or electronic copy of the acceptance letter
Proof of identity. All visitors to Canada must have a valid passport/travel document plus two most recent passport-sized pictures.
Proof of financial support. You can prove your funds with the following documents:
If you sent money to Canada, open a bank account in your name. The Scotiabank StartRight® Program helps overseas students bank. To open a student account at Scotiabank, make an appointment.
GIC from a participating Canadian financial institution. The Student GIC Program from Scotiabank might help prove funds.
Bank student or education loan
Last four months’ bank statements
Bank draught convertible to Canadian currency
Paid tuition and housing costs;
A letter from the donor or school.
Canada funds your scholarship or educational program if you have one.

You may also be asked to:

Letter of explanation. Explains why you wish to study in Canada and your student duties.
Certificate acceptation du Quebec (CAQ). If you intend to study in Quebec for more than six months, you must have the CAQ document. For more information, contact your DLI.
Custodian declaration (minors only). The Custodianship Declaration form must be submitted with the child’s application.
Other documents. Your country or state may have additional requirements. For added information, contact the visa office.

Step 4: Apply for Study Permit

Applying for a study permit can be done online or on paper. Use differs depending on where you submit (outside Canada, inside Canada, or at a border crossing). To learn how to do this, visit the Government of Canada’s. Fill up an online or paper application, attach all documents, and pay the fees. Application processing and biometric fees are included. Fingerprints and digital photos are examples of biometrics. Depending on your application, you may be charged for a police certificate or medical exam. Your application will be approved, and you’ll get your permit.

Student Direct Stream (SDS)

In some states, the Student Direct Stream is available (SDS). This program helps you get a study permit faster. The goal is to process SDS requests in 20 days. Your biometrics must be sent quickly, and you must also fulfil all other eligibility conditions. SDS is only accessible online. See if you qualify for the SDS program on the Government of Canada’s website.

Note: Study permits are not visas. In addition, a visiting visa or digital travel authorization (eta) may be required. If you need one of these, it will come with your study permit.

Step 5: Arrive in Canada

Once you arrive in Canada, you want to get your basic needs in order so you can start the school year prepared and comfortable.

Find a place to live. Consider your post-secondary institution’s on-campus housing possibilities when seeking lodging. Environmentally friendly, on-campus housing can help you meet other students. Search4StudentHousing and Rent Faster can help you find off-campus housing.
Set up a mobile plan. Most mobile phone companies have student plans. You can usually pick between a prepaid and a monthly contract. Telus, Rogers, and Bell are top telecommunications firms in Canada. A credit check is often necessary to get a monthly contract option. It’s harder for newcomers who don’t have Canadian credit.
Find a job. There are options on and off-campus for part-time work while in school. Contacting persons and organizations who may hire you after graduation is another benefit of working while studying. Explore job possibilities through the Govt of Canada Job Bank.
Open a bank account. Open a bank account to protect your financial security. You can contact Scotiabank for help establishing up a GIC, a student bank account, and building credit. To enter for a chance to win $30,000 towards tuition, plus earn $60 with a no-fee Student Banking Advantage® Plan1, visit StudentBanking.com.

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