Rules for International Students in Canada, 2023

Rules for International Students in Canada, 2023

High-quality education that is affordable makes Canada a highly sought-after study destination for international students. Almost 4 lakh international students attended different courses in Canada in 2022. The abundant and exciting educational opportunities available backed by ample scope for research work and an environment that encourages students to work while studying has made Canada the most preferred choice among students for studying overseas. 

Liberal government policies and flexible rules for international students in Canada further make it an attractive option.

Eligibility (2023)

Good academic standing and having passed higher secondary school are prerequisites. English language proficiency is important and one of the following tests must have the required score –

TOEFL: The score is valid for two years and is accepted by all Canadian universities. The qualifying score is mostly between 80- 100. If a student has been studying in school with English as the official language for more than four years, the test is not required for them. Even students with a reading test score of more than 35 on the SAT exam do not need to sit for the test.

IELTS: The minimum IELTS score a student requires to study in Canada is 6, with most colleges requiring 6.5. The test can be used to apply to 5 institutions for free, on the basis of the score. If a student has been in an English speaking country for at least four years or is a citizen of a country with English as their official language, or if they have attended an English medium school for at least three years, they do not need to take the IELTS test.

PTE: The Pearson Test of English is an assessment of reading, listening, speaking and writing skills of students. Students who have completed three years at an institution with English as the first language, do not need to take the test.

CAEL: The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment Test assesses students’ English listening, writing, reading and speaking skills and scores on a scale of 10 to 90.

Visa Requirements 

1) Application form for Canada Study Visa – Students need a study permit to study in Canada and this can be applied for online and on paper as well.

2) Valid passport – 

  • The passport should have a validity of at least one year after the issuance of visa. 
  • It must have been issued during the last 10 years and have a minimum of two free pages
  • All previous passports, if any, must be attached

3) Passport-size photographs

  • Two color photos (35×45 mm size).
  • White background, within the last 6 months period
  • One photo must be glued to the application form and the other must be included in the documents

4) Birth certificate and national identity card are mandatory.

5) Academic documents

  • Certificate & transcript of Bachelor’s (for applying to a Master’s program)
  • Certificate & transcript of Master’s (for applying to a Ph.D. program)
  • Transcript of Matric and certificates (for applying to a Bachelor’s degree)
  • Proficiency certificate in English from the university 
  • Course summary explaining current & previous courses
  • Two Recommendation Letters from your university along with the referee’s details

All these documents must be attested by the respective universities and boards.

Any documents that are not in English, need to be translated into English and adhere to the following requirements –

  • Confirmation from Translation Company/Translator
  • Translation Date
  • Name and Signature of the Translator
  • Translator’s Contact Details
  • CV – Compulsory for the university admission process 

6) Statement of purpose – Previous academic documents, employment status, immigration history and financial status are must.

7) Letter of acceptance from an educational institution or in Quebec, from a Designated Learning Institute.

8) Letter of Explanation – It’s like a cover letter that explains your study goals to the Visa Officer.

9) Proof of funds – It is a receipt or proof of legal fee due to the university.

10) Bank statement – A bank statement of the last six months that would support the student’s education in Canada.

11) Receipt of Visa application is required at the time of the interview.

12) Immigration Medical Examination 

13) Health & Travel Insurance

14) Hotel Reservation & Flight Booking details 

15) Polio & Covid Vaccination Certificates 

16) Guarantee of Investment 

17) Police Certificate

Processing Time
In general, the processing time for a study permit varies from country to country and is approximately between 10 weeks to 3 months. Time needed for the application to go from office to VAC for fingerprints and biometrics is not included in this. 

Student Direct Stream
Residents of some countries get the permit faster. These countries are Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, China, Morocco, India, Senegal, Pakistan, Vietnam, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam. 

Fulfil your dreams of studying in Canada and the US with Aplicar!

 

Aplicar connects students and recruitment partners to the best educational opportunities across Canada. It’s a one-stop solution to ease students’ journey towards studying in Canada.

The Aplicar Advantage 

  • Save hours of research and apply to the most suitable programs and schools in Canada
  • Apply to the school of your dreams in just 5 minutes
  • Apply to multiple schools/colleges with a single profile
  • Excellent acceptance rate
  • Streamline and simplify search, application, admission, study visa, and post landing services through our flexible service model

Surging International Enrolments reflected in 2022-23 UK Visa Numbers

News Topical Blog - Surging International Enrolments reflected in 2022-23 UK Visa Numbers

Latest Home Office figures show a significant increase in international demand for UK higher education for the 12-month period ending September 2022. A total of 476,389 study visas have been issued in this period. It is a jump of 77% from the same period in 2019 and 24% in 2018. These are important figures as they compare current visa volumes to pre-pandemic numbers.

Despite the positive trend, a government statement released with the data advises that such comparisons be made responsibly. According to them, these figures do not account for changes in travel patterns following the pandemic which may have led to more students applying for visas by September 2022. It cannot be stated with certainty if this is a long-term trend or a short-term spike. The spike could be the cause of deferrals during the pandemic.

With UK’s departure from European Union, students from EEA also require study visa and roughly 96% of all study visas granted were for non-EEA students. Of these, Chinese and Indian students made up just 51% of all visas, while other countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh have seen continuing growth. Nigeria, however, accounted for the highest increase in visa numbers with a whopping 650% growth between 2019 and 2022. This period also marks the first time India’s study visas have surpassed China’s.

 

As before, any spike in international student numbers reignites the debate regarding international enrolments, net migration and limits governing the same. As international students contribute hugely to the economy, cutting back on these numbers is thought to be counterintuitive to the government’s policies regarding rebuilding of the economy. In UK, almost 70% of education export earnings come from international students and they contribute a net positive of £26 billion per year.

Fulfil your dreams of studying in Canada and the US with Aplicar!

 

Aplicar connects students and recruitment partners to the best educational opportunities across Canada. It’s a one-stop solution to ease students’ journey towards studying in Canada.

The Aplicar Advantage 

  • Save hours of research and apply to the most suitable programs and schools in Canada
  • Apply to the school of your dreams in just 5 minutes
  • Apply to multiple schools/colleges with a single profile
  • Excellent acceptance rate
  • Streamline and simplify search, application, admission, study visa, and post landing services through our flexible service model

Guide to finding student accommodation in Canada

Guide to finding student accommodation in Canada

There are many great places to study abroad such as Canada which has always been one of the most preferred choices by students from around the world. The country’s education system is known for its high quality, rigorous standards and innovative teaching methods thus, making it an attractive destination to study and live. Also, Canada has a publicly funded education system, which means that most institutes receive government funding. This allows for more affordable tuition fees for students, compared to other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. 

But, before embarking on the journey to study in Canada, there is a range of factors to consider and one of them includes scouting student accommodation. The process may seem daunting if you haven’t yet arrived in the country and don’t have the resources for help. Fret not, as here’s a guide with needful information to help find the best accommodation possible in Canada.

Housing options for International Students in Canada

On-campus accommodations

Universities provide these in buildings or areas that are reserved for residential use on their campuses. The best part? It involves minimum living expenses as the rent is lower with a significant cut down on travel, food, maintenance, etc. Also, the administration is within walking distance so student can easily address their queries, if any.  

Off campus accommodations

For living off campus, the best options available are rentals and homestays. In tier II or tier III cities, the cost will be higher, ranging between CAD 700 to CAD 1,000 per month. Also, check the location that has good transport links and is safe to move around. 

Other important steps to consider while finding student accommodation in Canada are: 

  • Start your search early: It’s a good idea to start looking for student accommodation as soon as you know you’ll be attending school in Canada. This will give you more time to compare options and make a decision.
  • Look for furnished units: Many student accommodations come furnished with essential items such as a bed, desk, and chairs. This can be convenient and save you money on furniture costs.
  • Negotiate the lease: If you’re interested in a unit but the rent is a bit high, you may be able to negotiate the terms of the lease with the landlord. This could include negotiating the rent or length of the lease.
  • Contact the landlord or property manager: Once you’ve found a place you’re interested in, contact the landlord or property manager to schedule a viewing and ask any questions you may have.
  • Determine your budget: Determine how much you can afford to pay for rent, utilities, and other living expenses. This will help narrow down your options and make it easier to find a place that fits your budget.
  • Consider sharing a unit: Sharing a unit with other students can be a cost-effective way to find accommodation. Just be sure to have clear agreements in place with your roommates to avoid any conflicts.
  • Check for additional costs: Be sure to factor in additional costs such as parking, internet, etc when comparing options. These costs can add up and significantly impact your budget.

Fulfil your dreams of studying in Canada and the US with Aplicar!

 

Aplicar connects students and recruitment partners to the best educational opportunities across Canada. It’s a one-stop solution to ease students’ journey towards studying in Canada.

The Aplicar Advantage 

  • Save hours of research and apply to the most suitable programs and schools in Canada
  • Apply to the school of your dreams in just 5 minutes
  • Apply to multiple schools/colleges with a single profile
  • Excellent acceptance rate
  • Streamline and simplify search, application, admission, study visa, and post landing services through our flexible service model