For some, obtaining a study permit can feel like an overwhelming task. Canadian Immigration Lawyers are experienced in this area of immigration law, and can help you navigate through the application process.
There are likely numerous reasons as to why you decided to study abroad. It gives you the opportunity to travel to another country, experience a different culture and lifestyle as well it offers the opportunity to receive an education that you otherwise might not have been able to obtain.
One thing that every international student requires when coming to Canada to study for more than six months is a study permit. If your application to study in Canada is refused, it means you will not be allowed to enter the country to pursue your education, which, unfortunately, is the result obtained by many applicants. That is why Canadian immigration lawyers want to make sure you understand what is required for a successful study visa/permit application process.
Who can apply for a study permit?
Any foreign national interested in studying in a Canadian academic institution must meet the eligibility requirements in order to apply for and be granted with a study visa/permit. Generally, you must:
be enrolled at a designated learning institution;
prove that you have sufficient funds to cover the cost of your living expenses during your time in Canada, your tuition fees and your return transportation back to your home country upon the completion of your studies;
not have a criminal record;
be in good health; and,
prove that you will leave Canada once your study permit expires.
An interesting point to note is that when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is assessing your application to study in Canada, they may also look to see whether your intended area of study is in-line with your past study history. If you are choosing to study in an area unrelated to your studies in your home country, be prepared to give a valid explanation as to why.
While these are the general requirements to apply to study in Canada, you will also have responsibilities that you must abide by during your time in Canada. A Canadian immigration lawyer can review with you all the responsibilities and conditions to ensure that you are clear on everything and that you will comply with all of them.
Application Process
In order to apply to study in Canada, you must have all of the minimum required documents. An acceptance letter from a designated learning institution in Canada is required along with a valid passport (or travel document) and proof that you can financially support yourself. Be sure to confirm that the learning institute you are planning on attending has been approved by the government to accept international students. It is also important to note that a study permit is not a visa. If your application to study in Canada is approved, the Canadian government will issue you a student visa, a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization, depending on the country which issued your valid passport (or travel document), in order to allow you entrance into Canada.
Once you have all of these minimum required documents you can apply for your study visa. If your application has been accepted, you will receive a letter of introduction (this is not your study permit). Once you arrive in Canada, you will be required to show this letter to an officer at the port of entry, along with your valid passport (or travel document) bearing the visa or the authorization to enter Canada (as the case may be). It is at this occasion that your study permit will be issued. If your application has been rejected a letter will detail the reasons which lead to that decision.
As any Canadian immigration lawyer can attest, many applications to study in Canada are refused every year for various reasons. Pursuing a post-secondary education is stressful enough as it is, so having a Canadian immigration lawyer to help you through the application process can be very useful. They will be able enhance your chances by ensuring that you have all of the required information and have completed your application properly.
Benefits of Studying Abroad
Having the opportunity to study abroad is not something that everyone has the chance to do, so make the most of it! Studying in Canada gives you the opportunity to live in a multi-culturally diverse community, make new connections with people from all over the world, gain independence and so much more.
If you are interested in studying in Canada, make sure you know what you need before you apply for a study visa/permit. Using the services of a Canadian immigration lawyer when applying for a study visa/permit means that you will avoid submitting an incomplete application and/or an application containing errors, which could result in your application being refused.