Subject: A complete student application guide for Canada

Organized by Umer Farooq (omerfarooqjadoon@gmail.com)

Canada has for a long time been ranked by the UN as the number one country in the world to
live in. It has also been a popular choice for students seeking an international experience. There
are more than 90 universities and 150 colleges and technical institutions, offering almost every
study program. A degree or diploma from a Canadian institution is recognized globally as being
of very high standard. Furthermore, attaining these qualifications comes at a very low cost (in
the cost of education and cost of living) than most countries in Europe.
APPLICATION PROCESS
In most Canadian universities and colleges, there are 2 semesters per academic year (the fall
semester (Sept-Dec), and the winter semester (Jan-May). Many colleges also offer a summer
semester beginning in May.
Deadlines: For the September session, application deadlines are generally from mid-December
to end of March.
Some colleges have a rolling admission policy and they accept applications while processing
time still permits.
How to Apply?
Most universities and colleges offer online applications or downloadable versions on their
websites.
If applying to universities and some colleges in the province of Ontario, you must submit your
applications through the central application centers.
The deadline for The Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) is March. Applications
received after the deadline will be processed on a first come, first served basis.
The deadline for The Ontario College Application Services (OCAS) deadline is March 1 for
admission the following September. Applications received after that date will also be handled
on a first come, first served basis.
Some Ontario colleges have applications that can be submitted directly to the institute itself.
Some institutes have January admission; deadlines will be the preceding September to
November.
Dates can vary from institution to institution, and should be confirmed by checking the relevant
calendars.
There are some differences in the application process if you are applying to colleges and
universities in the province of Ontario and in the province of Quebec compared to colleges and
universities in the rest of Canada. Please check the website of your university of interest.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Undergraduate Studies
Students who want to apply for a Bachelor degree program must submit transcripts (report
cards) f the final exams in Secondary School. The report should be officially filled by the
Principal, Headmaster or Counsellor.
Since there is variation in grading standards in different countries, it would be helpful if the
report includes a guide to the grading system at your school.
Also, students may send school or junior college leaving certificate as and when available.
If the transcripts are in a language other than English, then it must be translated into English
only by the issuing authority or university otherwise, it may not be acceptable.
Masters Studies
Students who want to apply for a master’s program should have a relevant bachelor’s degree or
equivalent degree diploma.
Doctoral studies
Students who want to apply for doctoral studies in Canada, you are required to have a master’s
degree diploma.
Language Requirements
English Proficiency
International students must take English Proficiency tests (like TOEFL (Test of English as a
Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing).
For TOEFL, the minimum score required by most universities is (Paper-based test) and 230
(Computer-based test).
Universities have different minimum requirements and scores needed in these tests.
Note: There are many universities in Canada that offer their own English Proficiency Tests. For
more information, visit the official website of the university you are interested in.
Other Requirements
Letter of Recommendation
For both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, a letter of recommendation from a
person who has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to or who
knows you well professionally is needed. The letter should list your positive and negative
qualities, strengths and other such information.
Note: Even if not asked to provide one, include at least two letters of recommendation as they
increase your chances of getting admitted.
Statement of Purpose
A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course, the
suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal interests and
career goals.
How to apply study permit?
International students admitted to universities in Canada need to apply for visas. If your
duration of studies is more than 6 months, you will need to have a Canadian study permit. You
can apply for study permits online or on paper. The online application is the fastest and
recommended way to apply.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
1. Proof of acceptance
You must provide the original letter of acceptance from a recognized Canadian institution. This
letter will contain information like your chosen course of study, the amount of tuition fees,
duration of the program, etc. 2. Proof of Identity
You must provide;
• A passport or travel document. (Citizens of the United States do not need a passport; just
proof of citizenship or permanent residence)
• Two recent passport-size photos (name and date of birth should be written on the back of
each photo)
3. Proof of financial support
You must prove that you can fully support yourself during the duration of your studies in
Canada. Usually, a minimum of C$10,000 (on top of your tuition fees) is needed for each year of
study.
As proof, you need to show some of the following;
• proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if money has been transferred to Canada;
• proof of a student/education loan from a financial institution;
• your bank statements for the past four months;
• a bank draft in convertible currency;
• proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees;
• a letter from the person or institution providing you with money; and
• Proof of funding paid from within Canada if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-
funded educational program.
4. Letter of explanation
If you are applying for a study permit even though you do not need one, you should include a
letter that explains why you are applying. The letter will inform the visa officer that you
understand your options.
CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for a study permit;
• You must have been accepted by a recognized learning institution in Canada.
• You must prove fully support yourself financially during your stay.
• You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record.
• You must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.
• You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay.
After your visa application has been received, the immigration office might ask for additional
documents like Medical and Security documents.
Visa processing times depend on the specific visa application office.
After approval, a letter of introduction and a temporary residence visa will be sent to you,
which will enable you to travel to Canada. Once you arrive in Canada, you need to present
these documents and your proof of financial support, identity (passport) and other requested
documents to the border control agency. You will then be given a study permit that allows you
to study and live in Canada for the duration of your study program.

RENEWAL OF STUDY PERMIT BY FOREIGN STUDENTS

Foreign nationals must obtain a study permit to study in Canada. As an international student, if
you want
to renew your study permit, you should apply at least 30 days before the expiry date of your
current
status. Applying early allows you to remain in Canada under the same conditions of your
current study
permit until you receive a decision.
The validity period of your study permit cannot exceed that of your passport. Therefore, you
should
ensure that your passport’s validity exceeds the amount of time you are requesting on your
application.
If you apply for a renewal of your study permit, and the permit expires before you receive an
answer,
you can continue to study in Canada under the same conditions until you receive a decision.
You should apply to renew your study permit if you intend to travel outside Canada and your
permit will
expire while you are travelling.
If your study permit has expired, and you have not applied for an extension, you must leave
Canada.
You must remain enrolled at a DLI and make reasonable and timely progress towards
completing your
program. Failing to do so may lead to your removal from Canada. The DLI will report your
continued
academic enrolment and status to CIC.
An officer may impose, vary or cancel conditions on a study permit. These may include one or
more of
the following:
The type of studies or courses you may take;
The educational institution you may attend;
The location of your studies;
The time and period of your studies;
The times and places at which you shall report for medical examination or observation;
The times and places at which you shall report for the presentation of evidence of compliance
with applicable conditions;
The prohibition of engaging in employment; or
The duration of your stay in Canada
Full-time students enrolled at a DLI and pursuing an academic, professional or vocational
training
program that is at least 6 months long may work up to 20 hours per week during a regular
academic
session and full time during regularly scheduled breaks between sessions.
It is illegal to remain in Canada beyond the validity of your status in Canada.
It is illegal to work without a required work permit.
It is illegal to study without a required study permit.