BACK IN SCHOOL AT 37: DIY study permit application in Canada
- sheillalynndiamse
- Nov 22, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 22, 2021
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
- Benjamin Franklin
Secure a letter of acceptance from a recognized institution.
To be able to become an international student in Canada, you need to apply first for a study permit. And to be able to do that, you have to prove you have been accepted in a college or university in Canada by securing a letter of acceptance (LOA).
What course will you take?
Are you changing careers or learning a new set of skill that complements your past work experience? How long are you willing to study? Canada offers postgraduate certificates and diplomas for professionals and these usually take one to two years to finish. There are also master’s, bachelor’s, and doctorate degrees you can choose from that may last from 2 to 3 years. Research the educational requirements of the course you want, and the documents you need to submit. Most often, the basic requirement is completion of a bachelor’s degree. You may also be asked to provide proof of your English proficiency which may be an IELTS or Duolingo test result, or a certificate of English as a medium of instruction from your last college or university.
Which intake will you enrol in?
Competition is tough specially for courses that are in demand. Check the colleges or universities offering the course you want, and which intake it is available for international students. In Canada, the intake seasons are Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Slots for international students per course are limited, and there are thousands of foreigners competing for those slots. To secure a spot, be ahead of the game. Inquire about the schedule of the school in processing admissions. This will also determine when you should submit your study permit application. With the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, you should AT LEAST have 6 months in preparation.
I enrolled for the Fall 2021 intake which started last September. George Brown College opened the application for international students for my course (Digital Media Marketing) and intake last Dec. 2020. I sent my application on the first day the admissions were opened, and the school processed it 2 months later. I received my LOA in February 2021.
Check if the school is a designated learning institution (DLI).
According to IRCC or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the organization that facilitates the arrival of immigrants, DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Studying in a DLI allows international students to obtain a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) or work full-time after graduating. The length of your PGWP depends on the length of your study. It can be from a year to 3 years. For example, if your study is for 1 year, most likely you will be given a 1-year PGWP. But take note that NOT all DLI make you eligible for post-graduation work permit program which is why due diligence pays off. Click here for the complete list of DLIs in all provinces of Canada.
Where in Canada would you like to live?
The second major consideration when studying in Canada is deciding which province you will live. Does the vibrant city life appeal to you or the quieter, laid-back mood in the province or suburban? Your choice of province will depend on several factors - the cost of living, climate, accessibility of transportation, and even proximity to relatives. Living and studying abroad require adjusting in all aspects, and being able to have that emotional support from relatives is a game-changer.
You may also want to know more about the employment opportunities and different immigration pathways each province offers that are aligned with your studies and long-term goals. Is there a demand for your career? Can you apply what you have studied? The most popular choices for Filipinos are Vancouver in British Columbia because of the warmer climate, and Toronto in Ontario because of the city vibe. Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Yellowknife are provinces ideal for families because of the easier immigration pathways through provincial nominations program. Knowing these will be very helpful so you can weigh your options.
Show proof of funds or financial support.
Studying abroad entails a lot of costs. Assess your finances. Do you have enough funds or financial support that can cover the tuition and living expenses? In Toronto, tuition for a 1-year postgraduate certificate ranges from CAD 15k to 19k. There are some colleges offering 2-year courses for CAD 24k. If you would like to take a master’s degree or doctorate degree, be prepared to shell out more. Education abroad does not come cheap, but it’s definitely worth it.
Provide bank certificates or bank statements, proof of income like payslips, tax declaration, sale of a property or car, investments in stocks or the crypto market. Remember, POF refers to cash or fund that is readily available or can be withdrawn easily.
You can also secure a Government Issued Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution. Under the student direct stream, the applicant is required to secure a GIC equivalent to a year’s worth of living expenses which is at CAD$10,000 (Php 400,000.)
If finances are not enough, but there are relatives or friends who are very much willing to support your studies, you can declare them as sponsor/s, but which will require complete documentation:
Establish the applicant’s relationship with the sponsor by providing birth certificates, letters, or pictures.
Submit a letter or affidavit of support (notarized) expressing the sponsor’s intent to provide financial assistance, and detailing what kind of support will be provided - Will the sponsor pay for the tuition, living expenses, or provide for the accommodation?
Explain clearly the rationale or motivation of the sponsorship.
Valid passport.
Make sure that before applying, your passport is valid during your intended stay in Canada. Set a schedule with your local consular office ahead of time if you need to renew your passport. This will save you a lot of trouble and worries because you can't stay in Canada past the expiry date of your passport. They will only give a permit that's valid as long as your passport or any travel document. In case your passport expires while studying, you also have to process the extension of other Canadian visas or permits issued to you.
Write a statement of purpose (SOP).
Aspiring international students need to include a statement of purpose (SOP) in their application. This document is an essay addressed to the visa officer discussing your motivation for pursuing further studies. It is critical to present in your SOP how your studies in Canada and chosen course help you with your professional goals as well as with your short-term and long-term academic goals.
If you have checked these 4 major steps off your list - brace yourself for an adventure that will change your life and world. It surely changed mine.
Good luck on your application! :)
Do you have any question or want to share your journey in applying for a study or work permitin Canada? Please comment below or send me a mesage.
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- Paolo Coelho
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