Are you planning to study abroad in Canada in 2024? If so, you’re in the best place! Canada is understood for being an important place to study and live, and after the newest Canada student visa updates, it’s still just as open to international students as ever… In 2022, greater than 800,000 international students selected Canada as their study destination. Read on to learn how to apply for a Canadian student visa, the newest IRCC updates for international students from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on study permits, and the way a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) can improve your visa application and profit you during your studies.
From application to arrival, ApplyBoard can enable you achieve your study abroad dreams. Use our free-to-use platform to find the proper study program in Canada.
How to Apply for a Canadian Student Visa
First things first: let’s walk through the Canadian study permit (student visa) application process. Thankfully, it hasn’t modified much from the way it looked in the past. Just follow these steps, and provides yourself loads of time to apply.
Before you begin your study permit application, you’ll need to be accepted right into a study program at a recognized Canadian college or university. We may help with that part! Use our platform to find the best study program and simply apply online. ApplyBoard routinely checks all the things over to ensure you’re submitting your very best application.
Once you receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) out of your chosen institution, you’re all set to start applying on your study permit.
Gather and Fill Out Your Documents
Generally, to study in Canada, you would like to apply for a study permit online. Before submitting your application, you should gather all the required documents. You may additionally need to provide a translation of your documents and certify any copies. For a whole list of the documentation requirements, use the Government of Canada’s Document Checklist.
Pay Your Fees and Submit Your Application
When applying for a Canadian student visa, you should pay an application processing fee. You may additionally have to pay a biometric fee. Keep in mind that these fees are nonrefundable, whatever the final decision. Before submitting your application, ensure that you just’ve accomplished and submitted all crucial forms and paid all mandatory fees. Then, government officials will review your application.
Keep in Mind: Whether your study permit application is approved or refused, your identity documents will probably be returned to you either with an evidence of why your application was refused, or a letter of introduction that confirms your permit approval.
Arrive in Canada
When arriving in Canada, you should show your letter of acceptance and other related documents at Canadian customs, and you should participate in a brief interview with a Canadian immigration officer on the airport or other port of entry. You’ll need to answer questions on your study plans, and the officer will review your supporting documents, so make sure to keep those documents with you.
Find out more about Canadian student visa interview strategies on our blog.
Canada Student Visa Updates for 2024
Wondering about recent rules for international students in Canada as we head into 2024? We’ve summarized the recent IRCC updates for international students below, so exactly what’s modified as you begin fascinated with applying on your study permit.
Increased Work Hours For Students
Typically, international students are only permitted to work off-campus for 20 hours per week during regular school semesters, and 40 hours per week during breaks in classes, like summer vacation. In the autumn of 2022, a recent temporary measure was put in place which allowed international students to work an infinite variety of hours while classes are in session.
This measure was only meant to last until December 2023. However, the increased work hours measure has now been prolonged until April 30, 2024! The government also left the door open to permanently raising the weekly permitted working hours limit in the longer term, although nothing official has been announced yet.
This signifies that international students have the chance to earn more income and gain further work experience during their stay in Canada.
Increased Financial Requirements
As a part of a study permit application, international students must show proof of monetary support to indicate they’ve access to enough money to live in Canada during their studies.
In the past, the minimum amount students had to show for proof of monetary support (in addition to travel and tuition costs) was C$10,000 per yr. However, to reflect the increased cost of living in Canada, the minimum proof of monetary support amount has modified to C$20,635 for 2024. This signifies that as of January 1, 2024,, all recent study permit applications must meet these recent financial proof requirements.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Reforms
Historically, international students had to graduate from an eligible in-person Canadian program to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Since the COVID-19 pandemic, nevertheless, international students had the choice to complete up to 50% of their studies online. This measure continues to be in effect for college kids applying for a Canadian study program before September 1, 2024. However, it’s necessary to note that this PGWP policy won’t have any further extensions beyond that date.
New Study Permit Application Form
Canada’s study permit application process just got easier! As of December 1, 2023, a new edition of the study permit application form (IMM1294) is on the market. The old form will not be accepted, so if you happen to’re applying through the IRCC secure account, make sure to use this updated form for submissions ranging from that date.
Letters of Acceptance Must be Validated
Finally, it’s also value knowing that as of December 1, 2023, Canadian institutions are required by the federal government to confirm the validity of each letter of acceptance. If your college or university doesn’t accomplish that in time, your study permit application will probably be returned and refunded.
This is unlikely to affect you, but if you happen to’re concerned, reach out to the institution to ensure they’ll validate your letter on time.
Just starting your journey? The ApplyBoard platform guides you thru the study program application process seamlessly. This way, you possibly can achieve your study abroad dreams with confidence!
Guaranteed Investment Certificates
ApplyBoard and the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) have teamed up to offer Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) services to international students. By applying for ApplyBoard and RBC GIC services, you’ll have the ability to show your proof of monetary support, and meet the brand new financial requirements with a robust financial profile.
If you’re applying on your study permit through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), getting a GIC is mandatory. A GIC is the easiest method for you to prove you’re financially set to live and study in Canada!
Take your study permit application to the subsequent level and strengthen your funds by applying for a GIC through ApplyBoard and RBC.
We hope this blog has helped to bring you up-to-date on Canadian student visa and IRCC updates for international students. For more updates and international student suggestions, try our other blogs! We wish you one of the best of luck in your journey.
From application to arrival, ApplyBoard can enable you achieve your study abroad dreams! Explore our free-to-use platform to find programs in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, or Australia.