Studying in Canada

Studying in Canada: Challenges and Solutions

For many students, studying abroad presents excitement, adventure and opportunity for growth and development. For those who wish to study in Canada, those dreams must be considered in light of the many challenges.

First off, studying in Canada isn’t cheap; for some it is a luxury and for others it is a priority, but for most it is just too expensive. The number of international students studying in Canada has been in decline in recent years, and for good reason. Once you factor in the rise in the value of the Canadian dollar, the ever increasing cost of travel and tuition fees, the costs can add up quickly.

In addition, many institutions charge foreign tuition fees that far exceed any fee that a Canadian citizen or permanent resident would pay. Consequently, cost becomes so prohibitive that students turn to other options either in other countries or their home country. One solution to the cost problem is for the student to immigrate to Canada to obtain permanent resident status before beginning their studies. When you consider the tuition costs over a number of years in comparison to the cost of an immigration application, the numbers speak for themselves.

Now, before you start to think that there is no way that a student will qualify to immigrate to Canada, consider that a student’s parent may qualify. If a student’s parents immigrate and include their children in the application, the children too become permanent residents. As there is no obligation on a parent to reside in Canada for their child to maintain their permanent resident status, parents can live abroad if desired.

This option works best for post-secondary students but can work for primary and secondary students if guardianship in Canada can be arranged. Also consider that local school boards may also have parental residence requirements in order for a student to avoid the foreign tuition fees. With immigration applications taking as long as they do to process (up to 4½ years in some countries), it is advised to plan ahead and apply early if this strategy appeals to you.

The second biggest challenge facing international students is obtaining a study permit from CIC; this process can be as challenging as a student’s intended course of study. Figuring out which forms are required, where to send them and what supporting documents to include can be puzzling.

The major components of a study permit application from CIC include: the application fee, a study permit application form, an acceptance letter from the school in Canada, proof that the student will leave Canada at the end of their studies (shown by ties to the student’s home country) and proof that the student has enough funds to live in Canada for the duration of his or her studies. In some cases, a medical exam or police certificate will also be required.

Many institutions have staff on hand to help foreign students through the study permit process. In addition, valuable information is available on CIC’s website (www.cic.gc.ca). If you are still facing difficulties, considering hiring either a lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant to help you along.

A final item to consider is that attendance at certain institutions will afford their graduates better post graduation immigration opportunities in Canada than others. International students who graduate from an institution that is either authorized by law to grant degrees or publicly funded will be entitled to apply for a post-graduate work permit upon completion of their studies, assuming they can find a job somewhat related to their degree.

If an institution does not fit either of these requirements, graduates will not qualify for a post-graduate work permit. So before you register, it may be worthwhile to find out if a school you are considering holds one or both of these requisites. These post-graduate work permits are typically valid for two years, but are only valid for one year in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.

Here’s to hitting the books before 1st day of classes – doing one’s homework always pays off!