If you want to go to school in Canada and are not a Canadian citizen you need to get a Canadian study permit, also referred to by many as a Canada student visa (on this page we use the 2 phrases interchangeably). An exception to that is if the program you are going into lasts less than 6 months. Something to consider is the fact that if you end up extending your studies you would need a Canada student visa and in order to apply you’ll need to leave Canada, so it may be worthwhile to get one just in case. Once you have you’re a Canada student visa you can apply from within Canada to renew it should your study term be extended.
At Bains Professional Corporation we are experts in the process of obtaining a Canada student visa. We will make sure your application to study in Canada is processed properly and can help you avoid mistakes that can lead to applications being rejected. Allow us to help you from start to finish so that you can avoid the stress and anxiety of this important process.
There are a number of steps that need to be taken, some are simple but others can be more involved and require assistance. The first step is simple, get a letter of acceptance from a recognized Canadian higher education provider. From there you’ll need to get a Canadian student visa application package.
Something to be aware of is that you may also need to obtain a temporary residence permit as well depending on what country you are coming from. Also, to get your application package there are a few questions that you’ll need to answer about yourself that will determine your eligibility to apply. If you are eligible it also determines what documents you’ll need to provide. In some cases, applicants may also need to attend an interview at their local visa office.
Also, depending on other factors that are weighed on a case by case basis, you may need to provide fingerprints, get a medical exam or even have a police check before submitting your application. You also can’t get a Canada student visa if you have a criminal record and you may be required to provide a Police Clearance Certificate as proof. There are other steps involved in the whole process and our team will take you through them as quickly and efficiently as possible to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
You may need to get a part-time job to help pay for your expenses while you are studying in Canada. It is possible to qualify to work on or off-campus for up to 20 hours during university semesters and full-time during breaks such as the winter or summer holidays, without the need for a work permit. You may also be able to work as a co-op or intern as part of your program and even stay in Canada as a permanent resident or find work after you graduate.
Your study permit expires 90 days after your program ends so if you want to stay in Canada and seek work after this time you’ll need to acquire a post-graduation work. If approved this is valid for three years.
Bains Professional Corporation (BPC) is a general practice law firm with over 25 years of combined experience providing Immigration law services including helping people come to Canada to study. BPC is dedicated to providing our clients with the highest standard of legal service. We apply our legal knowledge and experience to simplify the legal world into terms our clients understand so they can make the best decisions for themselves, their family and their business. We strive to achieve the unique individual goals of each of our clients and utilize our skills to achieve optimal results. We ensure that our advice is practical, innovative, affordable and always conducted punctually. BPC also offers services in Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi. Office phone (416) 744-3939, email info@bainspc.com.