How to move to Canada and settle as an international student

Canada is a North American country that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Arctic Ocean in the north. Canada shares a border with the US. Canada’s terrain is largely flat, with mountains in the west.

A parliamentary democracy, a federation, and a constitutional monarchy make up the governance system. The queen of the United Kingdom is the head of state, while the prime minister of Canada is the head of government. Canada has a free-market economic system, which determines the prices of products and services.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and the Trans-Pacific Partnership all have Canada as a participant (TPP).

Are you thinking about moving to Canada to study?

If that’s the case, you’ll require a study permission to continue your studies as an overseas student. A study permit is a document granted by the Canadian government to foreign nationals that allows them to study at Designated Learning Institutions.

Here’s a rundown of everything you’ll need to do to get your study visa and get ready to move to Canada.

 Step 1: Choose and enroll in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

You must first pick where you wish to attend school before applying for a study visa. Different schools are designated by provinces and regions to admit overseas students. These schools are known as Designated Learning Institutions (DLI). All Canadian elementary and secondary schools are DLIs. A list of post-secondary DLIs may be found here.

It’s time to apply once you’ve decided on a program and a school. A letter of approval from a DLI is required as part of your application.

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Step 2: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements

In order to apply for a study visa, you must complete numerous other eligibility conditions in addition to a DLI acceptance letter. Among them are:

• Evidence of funding, You’ll need to show that you have enough money to cover your tuition, living costs (for yourself and any family members), and travel expenditures (for yourself and any family members).
• No criminal history, You may be asked to show that you have no criminal history. A police certificate may be requested of you.
• Excellent health, You may be needed to have a medical examination to demonstrate your excellent health.
• Proof that you will depart when your permission expires.
• Finally, you must show an officer that you will leave once your study permission has expired.

Step 3: Get your documents in order

You must provide the following papers to apply for a study permit:

• Acceptance evidence. This is a letter from your school confirming your acceptance. You can provide an electronic copy or the actual acceptance letter.
• Identification proof A valid passport or travel document, as well as two current passport-sized pictures, are required for you and any family members traveling to Canada.
• Financial proof is required. The following papers can be used as proof of funds: If you’ve transferred money to Canada, you should have a Canadian bank account in your name. The Scotiabank StartRight® Program helps foreign students with banking. To open a student account, make an appointment with Scotiabank.

1. The Guaranteed Investment Certificate of a participating Canadian banking institution (GIC). The Student GIC Program from Scotiabank can be utilized to provide evidence of funding.
2. Student or education loan from a bank.
3. Bank statements for the past four months.
4. Bank draft convertible into Canadian currency.
5. Proof of paid tuition and housing fees.
6. Letter from the person or school giving you money.
7. If you have a scholarship or are enrolled in a Canadian-funded educational program, you will get funding from within Canada.

You might also be required to provide:

• Explanatory letter. Explains why you wish to study in Canada and that you are aware of your student duties.
• Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). If you want to study in Quebec for more than six months, you’ll need the CAQ paperwork from the Quebec government. For information on how to apply for the CAQ, contact your DLI.
• Declaration of Custodianship (minors only). Minors who need a guardian must submit
• Custodianship Declaration form along with their application.
  Additional docs Depending on your nation or location,
• There may be additional requirements. Further advice can be obtained from the visa office.

Step 4: Apply for Study Permit

You can submit your study permit application either online or on paper. There are various steps depending on where you apply (outside Canada, inside Canada, or at a port of entry). The instructions may be found on the Government of Canada’s website.

Fill out the online or paper application, supply necessary paperwork, and pay your costs to finish the application process. Application processing charges and a biometric fee are included in the fees. Your fingerprints and a digital image are used as biometrics. Other expenses for a police certificate or medical exam may apply depending on your application.

Your study permission will be issued after your application has been approved. 

Student Direct Stream (SDS)

You may be eligible for the Student Direct Stream depending on where you reside (SDS). This tool helps you to speed up the application procedure for a study visa. The goal is to complete SDS applications within 20 days. You must supply your biometrics as soon as feasible and complete all other qualifying conditions to receive expedited processing. The SDS application is only accessible over the internet. To determine if you are qualified for the SDS program, go to the Government of Canada’s website.

A study permit is not the same as a visa. Before you go to or enter Canada, you may need a visiting visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). If one of these documents is required, it will be sent with your study permission.

Step 5: Arrive in Canada

Once you’ve arrived in Canada, you’ll want to get some basic things in order so that you may feel prepared and at ease before the school year begins.

• Find a place to live: When looking for housing, start by checking at the on-campus choices at your post-secondary university. Living on campus might be a good option because the rooms are usually equipped and close to campus, making it simpler to meet other students. Two websites that can assist you in finding off-campus accommodation are Search4StudentHousing and RentFaster.

• Set up a mobile plan: Student plans and packages are available from most mobile phone companies. A pay-as-you-go (prepaid) plan or a monthly contract option are commonly available. Telus, Rogers, and Bell are some of Canada’s leading telecommunications firms. Be advised that a credit check is frequently necessary in order to get a monthly contract option. It might be more challenging for newcomers with no credit history in Canada.

• Find a job: If you want to work part-time while attending school, there are options both on and off campus. Working while you study can also help you build business ties with people and organizations who might want to hire you when you graduate. You may look into different job possibilities by going to the Government of Canada Job Bank.

• Open a bank account. You should create a bank account to guarantee that you are financially secure. For additional information and help setting up a GIC, creating a student bank account, and building a credit history, contact Scotiabank.

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