ICEF Miami

December 2019Monday, December 9, 2:00 pm to 2:45 pmSeminar Room 4

Become an International Student

in Canada: Student Visa and

Immigration Aspects

Why choose to study in Canada?

• Top quality institutions and programs available

• Cost

• Gaining work experience while

studying

• Bilingual (English / French)

opportunities

• Living in a culturally diverse and safe country

• Opportunities for employment and immigration after graduation2

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Is a Study Permit required?

For short-term courses (lasting 6 months or less), a Study Permit is NOT required:

• U.S. citizens only require a valid travel document (passport).

• U.S. permanent residents require a valid travel document (passport) and a U.S. permanent resident card. An electronic travel authorization (“eTA”) is also required if intending to enter Canada via an airport. An eTA is not required if planning to drive a vehicle or arrive by train, bus or boat.

• Citizens of other countries may either need a Temporary Resident (Visitor) Visa or an eTA. Check online if you need a visa or an eTA at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp.

Note: If you may consider extending your studies (e.g. going to study ESL a few months, after which you may consider pursuing an undergraduate degree), we would recommend that you apply for a study permit.

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Is a Study Permit required?

For studies lasting more than 6 months, a Study Permit is REQUIRED:

• U.S. citizens require a valid travel document (passport) and can apply for a study permit online, at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or upon entering Canada. It is important that you provide all supporting documents (e.g. proof of acceptance, proof of financial support, etc.).

• U.S. permanent residents require a valid travel document (passport), a U.S. permanent resident card, and can apply for a study permit online, at a VAC or upon entering Canada. An eTA is also required if planning to arrive and apply at an airport, but not required if planning to arrive and apply at a land or maritime port of entry. It is important that you provide all supporting documents (e.g. proof of acceptance, proof of financial support, etc.).

• All other citizens are required to obtain a Study Permit before travelling to Canada. You can apply online or at a VAC.

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Preparing to apply for a Study Permit

• Visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/apply.html.

• Apply and get a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution.

• If the institution is located in the province of Quebec, you will also need to apply for a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ).

• Ensure you have a valid passport or travel document.

• Gather proof(s) of financial support.

• Include a letter of explanation (to help the visa officer understand your goals).

• Include a notarized custodian declaration (if application is for a minor).

• Check for any other visa office-specific local requirements.

Consult the average processing times at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

TIP: APPLY EARLY, APPLY ONLINE!

ONLINE PAPER APPLICATION (via a VAC)

Refer to the most updated forms and lists of documents, as well as instructions.https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html (or www.cic.gc.ca)

Submit your biometrics (fingerprints and digital photo) at a U.S. Application Support Center (ASC). To find the closest ASC, visit: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/application-support-centers.

Submit your biometrics (fingerprints and digital photo) at a VAC. To find the closest VAC, visit: https://www.vfsglobal.ca/Canada/usa/.

Medical examinationYou may be required to pass a medical exam if you have lived in certain countries for at least 6 months within the last year. To find out more, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/medical-exams.html.

Travel Document (e.g. Passport)

You will be asked to submit your travel document via a VAC, only once and if your application has been approved.

You must submit your original travel document with your Study Permit application.

How to apply for a Study Permit

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Why was a Study Permit application refused?Top reasons include…

• Unclear/insufficient financial resources

• Missing documents

• Concerns with bona fides

• Not having complied with a request (e.g. for additional supporting

documents, to provide biometrics, or to submit passport within

allotted time)

• Not having responded truthfully to all questions (e.g. not declaring

a past visa refusal from any country)

• Fraudulent documents provided

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Work Opportunities

• Once approved for a study permit in Canada, most post-secondary students can work on or off campus up to 20 hours / week during semesters, and full-time during authorized school breaks – no work permit required.

• Once most post-secondary students graduate from a designated learning institution, they may be eligible for a post-graduation open work permit for up to 3 years.

• A post-secondary student’s spouse/common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit for the duration of the student’s studies.

• After one year of full-time skilled work experience, you may qualify to apply for permanent residence.

Student pathway to Permanent Residence (using Express Entry)

Immigrating permanently to Canada is a multi-step process

Apply for a study permit

Complete studies in an eligible program

Apply for a post-

graduation work

permit

Gain one year

Canadian work

experience at the NOC 0, A, or B

level

Pass an approved language

test

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User friendly, online system from profile creation to application for permanent residence

Creating an Express Entry profile is free and a profile is active for up to one year

Points are awarded to former international students who completed at least a one year program of education in Canada

Candidates may be eligible for more than one program

The top scoring candidates in the pool are invited in every round

Fast processing of permanent residence applications – within 6 months in most cases

Express Entry Highlights

Former international students are good candidates for Express Entry because of their age, education, language ability, Canadian work experience and established community networks.

For more information: www.canada.ca/expressentry10

Criteria Profile information(no spouse)

Comprehensive Ranking Score

Age 24 years old 110

Education Master of Arts Degree

135

Language High (CLB 8-9) 116

Canadian Experience 1 year 40

Canadian Study Experience 2 year M.A. 30

Job offer or Provincial nomination No 0

Total* 481

Sara – a former international student • Received her Masters degree in

Canada • Has a post-graduate work permit for

two years, and is in her second year of work

* Not shown in the table: Sara also gets 50 points for her combinations of language and education and Canadian work experience and education.

Candidate Profile Example

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#1Leader in acceptance

and tolerance of

different cultures

(OECD ranking)

Universal health

care

Strong and

stable economyTop places for

doing business

Multiculturalism

and

diversity

Becoming a Permanent Resident in Canada

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For more information

English: Canada.ca/ExpressEntryFrançais: Canada.ca/EntreeExpress

English: CitCanadaFrançais: CitImmCanFR

English: @CitImmCanadaFrançais:@CitImmCanFR

CitImmCanada

English: Canada.ca/international-studentsFrançais: Canada.ca/etudiants-etrangers

13Additional / General Questions: MIAMIIMMIGRATION@international.gc.ca