If you have decided to jump into the amazing journey of studying in Canada, congratulations for taking the first step. But we know you may have a lot of questions popping up in your mind right now including: Where should I start with? In which province or city would I like to study? What documents will I need? Hold on and don’t panic because we are going to tell you the 5 steps you should follow to make your dream come true.
Step One: Choose the Province and City you would like to study in.
Before you decide on a college or university, it is important to first choose the province and city where you are going to live. Be sure to do some research on the cost of living, public transportation, weather, city’s culture and people’s lifestyle. Most importantly, find out if there is a job market related to your field of study or to your professional experience as this will help you to find a job more efficiently.
Step Two: Select the college or university and the study program.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding a study program. Based on our experience we recommend you pick two or three study programs based on your last education level and previous work experience. Subsequently, find out which colleges or universities offer those programs and compare their program’s courses, fees, campus facilities, student associations, and work placement options. Read our article “Difference between College and University in Canada” to learn more about the types of study programs offered by these institutions.
This step requires a lot of research, thus reaching out to an expert can help you to save time and resolve your doubts. As we have partnerships with more than 100 colleges and universities in Canada, our agents can provide you with the best study program options according to your profile, as well as help you with the school registration process.
Please note that if you are looking to apply for a Permanent Residence after your studies, the institution you are applying to must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Step Three: Apply to your winning school options and get your Acceptance Letter.
After you have identified your preferred college or university, look at their admission requirements and registration process. The following are some of the most common entry requirements that they will ask you as an international student:
- The College or University’s Application Form.
- Transcript from your secondary or postsecondary school, translated to English or French by a Certified Transcript Translator.
- English or French Proficiency.
- Letter of Intent explaining why you want to get enrolled in that specific college or university and which education course you wish to apply for.
- Valid Passport.
- Recommendation Letter from a previous boss or study program coordinator.
Step Four: Prepare all the documentation and submit your Study Permit Application.
Once your school application has been approved by the College or University, they will send you an Acceptance Letter so you can begin preparing your Study Permit Application. If you want to apply to a school in Quebec, you must obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ).
Applying for a Study Permit involves extensive paperwork and proving that you have sufficient funds to support your living expenses during your study program length. We invite you to read our article “Requirements to study in Canada” to know more about the specific documentation you must provide in your application.
After gathering all your documents, you can submit your application using the Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRRC) web portal or by a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country. Since the Canadian Immigration requirements are constantly changing, please visit the IRRC website and check for the last updates before starting with your application.
IMPORTANT: Due to COVID 19, online and VAC processing times are taking several weeks. Therefore, we suggest submitting your application at least 8 months in advance.
Step Five: Get ready to start classes.
If you are living outside of Canada, you will receive a Letter of Introduction from the Canadian Embassy. This letter is not an official Study Permit but will authorize you to travel to the country as a student. Once you arrive in Canada, the border agents will issue a Study Permit and a Work Permit in case your study program includes a CO-OP semester.
Lastly, we recommend you traveling to Canada two weeks before your first day of classes to get familiarized with your neighbourhood, transit system, and school location. Moreover, be sure to bring the right clothes for the winter weather, as many provinces easily reach temperatures below 0º.
Please send us a message or request a virtual appointment if you are interested in receiving more information about our educational counselling services.
