Expert Guide to Successfully Applying for a Study Permit as an International Student in Canada: Everything You Need to Know

How to become an international student in Canada 

To become an international student in Canada, there are several steps you need to take. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Choose a school and program: The first step is to choose the school and program that you want to apply for. Many universities, colleges, and language schools in Canada offer programs for international students. Make sure to research and choose a program that suits your interests and career goals.

Check the admission requirements: Once you have chosen a program and school, check the admission requirements for international students. Typically, you will need to provide transcripts, English language proficiency scores (such as TOEFL or IELTS), and proof of financial support.

Apply to the school: After you have met the admission requirements, you can apply to the school. Most schools have an online application system, but some may require a paper application.

Apply for a study permit: To study in Canada as an international student, you will need a study permit. You can apply for a study permit online or by paper. You will need to provide your acceptance letter from the school, proof of financial support, and other documents such as a passport.

Wait for a decision: After you have submitted your application for a study permit, you will need to wait for a decision. Processing times can vary, so make sure to apply well in advance of your program start date.

Arrive in Canada: Once you have received your study permit, you can make travel arrangements to Canada. Make sure to bring all of your important documents with you, such as your study permit, passport, and acceptance letter from the school.

Attend orientation: Many schools offer orientation sessions for international students. Attend these sessions to learn about life in Canada, the school’s policies, and how to get involved on campus.

Overall, becoming an international student in Canada requires careful planning and preparation. Make sure to research your options, meet the admission requirements, and apply for a study permit in advance of your program start date.

Compare this with becoming an international student in the UK and Australia 

Becoming an international student in the UK and Australia follows a similar process to that of Canada, but there are some differences to keep in mind. Here’s a comparison of the steps involved:

Choose a school and program: This step is the same across all three countries. You need to research and choose a program and school that suits your interests and career goals.

Check the admission requirements: This step is also similar across all three countries. You need to check the admission requirements for international students and make sure you meet them.

Apply to the school: The application process varies by country. In the UK, you can apply through a centralized application system called UCAS for undergraduate programs, and directly to the university for postgraduate programs. In Australia, you can apply directly to the university or through an education agent. In Canada, you can apply directly to the school or through a third-party service such as ApplyBoard.

Apply for a study permit or visa: In the UK, international students from certain countries (including Canada) can apply for a short-term study visa if their program is less than 6 months long. For longer programs, you will need a Tier 4 (General) student visa. In Australia, you will need a Student visa (subclass 500) to study. The process for applying for a study permit or visa varies by country, but you will need to provide documents such as your acceptance letter, proof of financial support, and English language proficiency scores.

Wait for a decision: Processing times for study permits and visas can vary by country. Make sure to apply well in advance of your program start date.

Arrive in the country: Once you have received your study permit or visa, you can make travel arrangements to the country. Make sure to bring all of your important documents with you.

Attend orientation: Orientation sessions for international students are common in all three countries. Attend these sessions to learn about life in the country, the school’s policies, and how to get involved on campus.

Overall, becoming an international student in the UK and Australia follows a similar process to Canada, with some minor differences in the application process and visa requirements. It’s important to carefully research the requirements for each country and plan well in advance to ensure a smooth transition to your new country of study.

Can this same application process also serve as a migration route for families? 

The process of becoming an international student can also serve as a migration route for families. Here’s how:

Choose a school and program: The first step is to choose a school and program that suits your interests and career goals. This is an important decision, as it will impact your family’s location for the duration of your studies.

Check the immigration requirements: When choosing a country and school, it’s important to consider the immigration requirements for your family. Some countries allow family members to join the student on a dependent visa, while others do not. You will need to research the immigration policies of the country you wish to study in to determine if this is a viable option.

Apply to the school: Once you have chosen a school and program, you can apply to the school. If you plan to bring your family with you, you will need to research the policies of the school and country to determine if they allow dependents to join the student.

Apply for a study permit or visa: When applying for a study permit or visa, you will need to include your family members in the application if you plan to bring them with you. The application process and requirements vary by country, so be sure to research the specific requirements for your situation.

Wait for a decision: After you have submitted your application for a study permit or visa, you will need to wait for a decision. Processing times can vary, so make sure to apply well in advance of your program start date.

Arrive in the country: Once you have received your study permit or visa, you can make travel arrangements to the country. Make sure to bring all of your important documents with you, including the documents for your family members.

Settle in: When you arrive in the country, you must settle in and adjust to your new environment. This may include finding housing, enrolling your children in school, and familiarizing yourself with the local culture and customs.

Becoming an international student can serve as a migration route for families, but it requires careful planning and research. You will need to consider the immigration policies of the country you wish to study in and ensure that the school and program you choose allow for dependents to join the student. By following the same steps as becoming an international student, families can migrate to a new country for educational and career opportunities.

What’s the policy regarding allowing dependants if the applicant is going for an undergraduate program versus a postgraduate degree and certificate course?

The policy regarding allowing dependents to accompany a student can vary by country and by the level of study. Here’s an overview:

Canada:

Undergraduate programs: International students enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program in Canada for at least 8 months are eligible to bring their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children with them. They will need to apply for a study permit and a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for their family members.

Postgraduate programs: International students enrolled in a full-time postgraduate program in Canada for at least 8 months are also eligible to bring their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children with them. They will need to apply for a study permit and a visitor visa or eTA for their family members.

UK:

Undergraduate programs: International students enrolled in an undergraduate program in the UK can bring their spouse or partner and children under the age of 18 with them as dependents. They will need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa and a Tier 4 (General) dependent visa for their family members.

Postgraduate programs: International students enrolled in a postgraduate program in the UK can bring their spouse or partner and children under the age of 18 with them as dependents. They will need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa and a Tier 4 (General) dependent visa for their family members.

Australia:

Undergraduate programs: International students enrolled in an undergraduate program in Australia can bring their spouse or de facto partner and dependent children with them as dependents. They will need to apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) and a Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) for their family members.

Postgraduate programs: International students enrolled in a postgraduate program in Australia can bring their spouse or de facto partner and dependent children with them as dependents. They will need to apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) and a Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) for their family members.

It’s important to note that the policies can change, and it’s always recommended to check the most up-to-date information on the official websites of the countries and the schools where you plan to study.

What’s the average amount required for families and their dependents for a year?

The average amount required for families and their dependents for a year can vary greatly depending on the country and the location of the school. The cost of living, accommodation, and other expenses can vary significantly between cities and regions within the same country.

Here is an estimated range of the average annual living expenses for families and their dependents in each country:

Canada: The average annual living expenses for a family of three in Canada can range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 40,000, depending on the location and the type of accommodation. This includes housing, food, transportation, and other basic expenses.

UK: The average annual living expenses for a family of three in the UK can range from £15,000 to £30,000, depending on the location and the type of accommodation. This includes housing, food, transportation, and other basic expenses.

Australia: The average annual living expenses for a family of three in Australia can range from AUD 30,000 to AUD 50,000, depending on the location and the type of accommodation. This includes housing, food, transportation, and other basic expenses.

It’s important to note that these are estimated average costs and that actual costs can vary depending on many factors such as the location, lifestyle, and the type of accommodation. Additionally, tuition fees can vary greatly depending on the level of study and the school. It’s always recommended to research and plan accordingly to ensure that you have the necessary funds to support yourself and your dependents while studying abroad.

What’s the success rate of this process compared with migration programmes? 

It’s difficult to compare the success rate of the process of becoming an international student with that of migration programs, as the two processes serve different purposes and have different criteria for success.

Becoming an international student involves applying for a student visa, meeting a school’s admission requirements, and enrolling in an academic program. The success rate of this process depends on several factors, including the applicant’s academic qualifications, financial resources, language proficiency, and the availability of study visas. The success rate of obtaining a study visa can vary depending on the country and the level of study, as well as the individual circumstances of the applicant.

On the other hand, migration programs typically require applicants to meet specific criteria, such as having certain skills, work experience, or family connections to the host country. The success rate of migration programs can depend on the applicant’s ability to meet these criteria and pass the relevant selection process. It’s important to note that the success rate of migration programs can also vary depending on the country and the program in question.

Overall, both becoming an international student and participating in migration programs can be highly competitive and require careful planning and preparation. Success rates can vary depending on individual circumstances, the specific program or school, and the current immigration policies and requirements of the host country. It’s always recommended to research and plan accordingly, and to seek professional advice when necessary.

Are there any privileges for the dependants?

Yes, there may be some privileges for dependents who accompany international students on their study journey, depending on the country and the school. Here are a few examples:

Canada:

Spouses or common-law partners of international students in Canada are eligible for an open work permit that allows them to work for any employer in Canada for the duration of the student’s study permit.

Dependent children of international students in Canada are eligible to attend primary or secondary school in Canada without needing a study permit.

UK:

Spouses or partners of international students in the UK are eligible to work in the UK if the student is studying at a postgraduate level or if they are government-sponsored students.

Dependent children of international students in the UK are eligible to attend school in the UK without needing a visa.

Australia:

Spouses or de facto partners of international students in Australia are eligible to work in Australia for the duration of the student’s visa.

Dependent children of international students in Australia are eligible to attend school in Australia without needing a visa.

It’s important to note that the eligibility and criteria for these privileges can vary, and it’s always recommended to check the most up-to-date information on the official websites of the countries and the schools where you plan to study.

Statistics

However, I can provide some statistics from previous years to give you an idea of the success rate of study permit applications in these countries.

Country	Success Rate of Study Permit Applications
Canada (2019)	85%
UK (2019)	87%
Australia (2018)	75%

It’s worth noting that these statistics are based on previous years and may be subject to change based on various factors such as immigration policies, political climate, and economic conditions. It’s important to keep in mind that the success rate of study permit applications can also vary depending on the individual circumstances of each applicant.

We offer this professional service: 

Are you considering studying abroad and need professional guidance on the process of becoming an international student? Look no further! Our team of experienced professionals is here to help you every step of the way.

We offer personalized services that cater to your unique needs, including assistance with choosing the right school and program, preparing and submitting your application, obtaining your study visa, and even finding accommodation and settling into your new environment.

We understand that studying abroad can be a challenging and overwhelming process, but with our expertise and support, we can make it a seamless and rewarding experience for you and your family. We have helped many students achieve their dreams of studying abroad, and we can do the same for you.

Don’t wait any longer! Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you make your study abroad dream a reality.