International student studying in Canada
Are you an international student planning to study abroad in Canada, but are unaware of how to do so? Do not worry if this person is you, as this blog will inform you on the step-by-step process required for the study permit application. Essential requirements and qualifications needed in order to apply, as well as specific documents that are required will be addressed. If you have any issues pertaining to a study permit application or other related permits, feel free to give Akrami and Associates a call and request a consultation at 416-477-2545.
What is a study permit
For those who are unaware, a study permit is an authorized document issued by an officer to any foreign national wishing to study abroad in Canada for a specified period of time.
Do I need a study permit
In some cases, a study permit is not required from the foreign national to study abroad in Canada. Firstly, if the foreign representative is accompanied by a family member or private staff accredited by Global Affairs Canada, you do not need to obtain your own study permit. Secondly, those who are members in the armed forces designated for the purpose of the Visiting Forces Act in a country or territory do not require a study permit.
There are also certain activities that do not require the foreign national to obtain a study permit. These activities include attending preschool, completing a distant learning program, taking audit courses, taking courses as a secondary activity that are included into your school’s tour package, taking a non-academic, professional, or vocational course, and/or taking a course that is less than 6 months and that can be completed before your authorized stay period in Canada has expired. Any of these activities that a foreign national wants to follow through with in Canada can do so freely without the necessity for a study permit.
What are the requirements for a study permit application
For the rest who do not qualify under the following exceptions, study permits are very useful for students looking to study in Canada, but do require certain requirements. The first requirement necessary to apply for a study permit is that the applicant needs to receive a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution, which will later allow for the applicant to study at their Canadian institution once the permit has been issued. The acceptance letter must be printed on an official letterhead and must contain the exact fees the applicant has to pay for the selected program, the anticipated start and finish date of your program, and when you need to register. After receiving your acceptance letter, you must complete and submit your application for a study permit. Be sure to check prior to the study permit application, that the institution you have applied for is a Designated Learning Institution listed under the designated learning institution list.
Alongside the letter of acceptance from a DLI (Designated Learning Institution), you must be able to prove certain things to the officer inquiring your entry. Firstly, you need to meet the requirements listed under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, which can be viewed in detail on the Government of Canada website. You have to show that once your studies have finished, you will return to your home country. Depending on the duration of your program, a suitable proof of financial support will need to be shown, whether the duration is less than 12 months or more than a year. You will also need to provide the officer with a Police Clearance Certificate, to make sure that you are a law-abiding citizen and are not seen as a threat to the Canadian society. There should be no criminal record on your account. A medical examination may also be conducted to ensure that you are in good health and that no foreign illnesses and diseases enter Canada. Lastly, you will need to produce certain documentations asked for by the officer to further establish your admissibility.
How do I apply for a study permit
After you have met all the requirements necessary for the application, you will be able to apply for a study permit. You will need to fill out an application package as well as pay the required application fees in Canadian dollars (CAD). Once everything above has been completed, the applicant must submit their application and await a response. The approval time may vary depending on the location from where you have applied.
Are there any conditions attached to a study permit
With a study permit, you are responsible for maintaining definite conditions throughout the duration of the applicant’s stay in Canada. One condition is that the person has to continuously be enrolled in their DLI after coming to Canada. They also have to carry through with the course for a reasonable amount of time without unreasonable delays in the programs finish date. If they do not adhere to these conditions, then they will be removed from Canada. In other cases an officer can change, impose, or cancel conditions on your study permit. Things like the type of course you take, location of your studies, educational institution you attend, duration of your stay in Canada, the work conditions attached to your study permit, etc. are all sufficient reasons that an immigration officer may use to impose, alter, or cancel your study permit.
What do I do once I arrive in Canada
Once you arrive in Canada, you will need to show the officer the letter of introduction and the TRV, if it is applicable to you, at the port of entry. From there, you can now freely study abroad in Canada. If you need to renew your permit, you can do so to prolong your stay for educational purposes.
Contact Akrami and Associates
Throughout this blog, we have discussed the qualifications, requirements, and conditions placed on study permits as well as the basis of what a study permit is. If you were one of many applicants who were curious on the steps and requirements of a study permit, we hope that this blog helped you further understand the application process. Although the study permit may seem easy to obtain, it is a long and difficult process. With the help from our representatives at Akrami and Associates, the top immigration law firm of 2017, your immigration matters can be handled and managed in no time. With our trusted and experienced team of lawyers at Akrami and Associates, we can help you deal with any problems related to such permits or other cases related to your diverse immigration matters. You can trust our team of professionals in assuring that your legal immigration issues get done and is handled with care. Many of our clients come to us after they have already been refused on their own application. Not to worry, because Akrami & Associates has a wealth of experience in dealing with such matters. If you have any questions or personal inquiries that you would like to inquire about, please feel free to contact us at 416-477- 2545 to book a consultation. Contact us to find out how we can help you! There's always a way! Do not forget to check out our blogs at thevisa.ca and follow our Facebook page for more information.