Canada – A Preferred Educational Hub for International Students

The Canadian public education system is one of the best in the world. Graded from kindergarten to Grade 12, all public schools in Canada are provincially accredited. They follow a standard curriculum across the country, employ only government-certified faculty and the system is publicly funded. Though standardization is maintained across the country, each province’s curriculum reflects regional and local aspects too.

College education is also top-quality, with more than 130,000 international students opting for universities across the country annually. Research, scientific publications and international collaborations, a rich tradition in supporting the arts and humanities and an open liberal atmosphere are what attract high-quality students from across the world.

Minister of Immigration, John McCallum refers to international students as “the cream of the crop, in terms of future Canadians.”

International students prefer Canadian educational institutions because the tuition fees are pegged competitively. Additionally, students are assured of a high standard of living, health-care, housing, recreational and entertainment options, high level of public safety, religious and cultural tolerance and tourist opportunities.

What are Study Permits?

Most foreign students are required to apply for a study permit if they wish to study at a Canadian educational institution. This permit allows them to complete a course of education specified in the program offered by an approved educational institution. Students should apply for this before they travel to Canada.

This study permit serves as your Canadian visa for the duration of your stay, if you hail from a visa exempt country. Otherwise you will also need a TRV (temporary resident visa)

However, you may not need a study permit if:

• Your program is less than 6 months’ duration
• If you’re a family member or staff of a foreign representative in Canada
• If you’re a member of a foreign armed force

If you need to pursue further studies, it may be possible to renew your study permit in Canada itself. Full-time students in an accredited higher educational program may be allowed to work part-time on campus, off-campus, as a co-op or intern etc and finally stay on in Canada if you find a job after graduation.

The study permit is flexible and you can apply for status change when required.

Eligibility Criteria for Students

These documents are required to get a student visa for Canada:

1. Completed application form.
2. Acceptance by a school, college or university in Canada.
3. Valid passport that allows you to return to your home-country.
4. Proof of funding to pay for tuition fees, living expenses for self, any family-members and return transportation for self and any family-members.
5. Be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and posing no threat to the security and integrity of Canada.
6. Applicants from certain countries may have to furnish biometrics.
7. Be in good health, willing to undergo medical exam if required.
8. Be able to demonstrate satisfactorily that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.
9. Proof that all administrative fees and charges have been paid.

Spouses and common-law partners who accompany the student are permitted to work for the duration of the study permit.

If your study permit is approved, you will be given a Letter of Approval. This is to be presented to the border officer when you enter the country.

Students below 17 years are required to have a custodian. This may be a relative or close friend in Canada. If none are available, certain private companies provide this service.

All this information is available in a Canadian student visa application package either from the CIC website, by contacting the local visa office, Canadian consulate or embassy in your own country.

Admissibility criteria have to be maintained even after the applicant has lived in the country for years or even decades.

How An Immigration Lawyer Can Help

Since 30 June 2011, only licensed lawyers (and registered consultants) are permitted to prepare and submit visa applications. Processing your application with the help of a certified, experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyer can eventually save you time and money.

Your application is basically your own responsibility. However, not everyone can deal with the complex paperwork, documentation and bureaucratic requirements. With every change in government, there could be changes in immigration policies. These changes are reflected in the visa regulations for immigrants and students. We understand the system, and our upstanding ethical standards help us to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition. We can assist you to fulfill your educational goals.

Many students wish to continue living and working in Canada. Study permits may need to be transitioned into citizenship.

A minor mistake or omission in any of the documents, or failing to submit in a particular format could result in your application being returned. This means delays which could be disastrous if you plan to attend a particular educational program. These programs are governed by strict quota systems and you could miss the deadline.

Inaccuracies discovered in your application could result in your being deported.

Keeping these aspects in mind, we ensure that:

• We provide a genuine, swift and comprehensive assessment of your eligibility
• We process, review and prepare your application in keeping with the visa department standards
• We ensure that there are no glitches, lapses or mistakes in the application
• If necessary, we can attend the visa interview with you

We provide the benefits of our vast and in-depth experience with immigration law so that your application stands the best chance of being successfully processed