Per Statistics Canada, the number of international students in Canada has increased steadily since the mid-2000s. There were 621,600 study permit holders in Canada in 2021. Furthermore, Canada broke the record and welcomed over 550,000 international students in 2022.
There are several reasons why Canada remains a top destination for international students including the standard of education, lower costs, obtaining work, and immigration opportunities post-graduation.
STUDY PERMIT
If you are a foreign national and wish to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, you must obtain a study permit first.
It’s important to note that a study permit is not a visa but a status document; thus, it does not allow you to travel to or enter Canada. You may also need a visa or eTA.
There are 2 streams through which you can get a study permit: Regular study permit application process and the Student Direct Stream (based on country of legal residency). Eligible countries include: Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Peru and Philippines among others. If you qualify to apply via the Student Direct Stream (SDS), your application may be processed in as early as 20 days.
There’s a series of requirements you’ll have to meet before applying so we’ll be there guiding you every step of the way in order to submit a thorough application with a high success rate.
SPOUSE OPEN WORK PERMIT (SOWP)
Spouses and common-law partners of foreign students are eligible for an open work permit which allows them to work full time (40 hrs per week) for the employer of their choosing regardless of location without an LMIA.
Accompanying minor children are authorized to study at the preschool, primary or secondary level without a study permit though one is recommended.
POST GRADUATE WORK PERMIT (PGWP)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students who have graduated from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) to obtain a work permit (without an LMIA) for up to three years.
Graduating from a DLI does not automatically mean you are eligible for a PGWP. Here’s the list of DLIs by province and territory indicating PGWP eligibility: DLI List
An open work permit is usually issued which will allow the graduate to find work with any employer in any occupation and in any location.
The validity of the permit is equal to the duration of studies.
If after you complete the course of your PGWP, you decide to live in Canada permanently, there are different paths to permanent residency available to you. Reach out to us and will be happy to help you achieve your immigration goals.
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