Studying In Canada
Benjamin A. Kranc is a Canadian lawyer certified by the Law Society of Upper Canada as a Specialist in Immigration Law.
8:1 THE STEPS INVOLVED IN OBTAINING A STUDY PERMIT1
In general, there are three stages to the process of coming to study in Canada. The first step involves research; you should become familiar with issues such as the range, cost and duration of courses/programmes that Canadian institutions offer. Below are a few helpful hints about this part of the process. The second stage is the application for admission to the institution(s) of your choice; this stage will hopefully result in one or more offers of admission. The last step is that of applying for the actual study permit to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
8:1.1 INTRODUCTION TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION2 IN CANADA
The post-secondary programmes and courses that are offered in Canada vary in duration from less than six months to five years or more. You may study to get a certificate, a
college diploma or a university degree (Bachelor’s Degree-three/four years, Master’s Degree-one or two years) or you may pursue a doctoral/PhD programme or a professional degree3.
In Canada there are four types of institutions that offer post-secondary education:
- universities, offering certificate, degree or professional degree programmes;
- community colleges, offering college diploma as well as degree and applied degree programmes;
- university colleges, that have university degree, college diploma and certificate programmes;
- career colleges/private vocational colleges, which are privately-owned institutions that provide training for shorter periods of time.
For more information about each of these categories and the differences between the types of programmes mentioned above, please visit www.studyincanada.com, and select ‘Canadian Education System’ from the top menu.
A list with all the Canadian universities and their web sites is found below. For a list of all colleges and their internet addresses, visit the web site of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges, at www.accc.ca.
British Columbia
The University of British Columbia, Vancouver
British Columbia Open University, Burnaby
University College of the Cariboo, Kamloops
Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, Vancouver
University College of Fraser Valley, Abbotsford
Malaspina University-College, Nanaimo
University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George
Okanagan University College, Kelowna
Royal Roads University, Victoria
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby
Trinity Western University, Langley
University of Victoria, Victoria
Alberta
University of Alberta, Edmonton
Athabasca University, Athabasca
Augustana University College, Camrose
University of Calgary, Calgary
Concordia University College of Alberta, Edmonton
The Kings University College, Edmonton
The University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge
home.uleth.ca
Saskatchewan
Campion College, Regina
Luther College, Regina
University of Regina, Regina
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, Regina
St Thomas More College, Saskatoon
Manitoba
Brandon University, Brandon
Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface, Saint-Boniface
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg
Ontario
Brescia University College, London
Brock University, St Catharines,
Carleton University, Ottawa
Collège dominicain de philosophie et de théologie, Ottawa
University of Guelph, Guelph
Huron University College, London
King’s College, London
Lakehead University, Thunder Bay
Laurentian University of Sudbury, Sudbury
McMaster University, Hamilton
Nipissing University, North Bay
University of Ottawa, Ottawa
Queen’s University at Kingston, Kingston
Redeemer University College, Lancaster
Ryerson University, Toronto
Saint Paul University, Ottawa
St Jerome’s University, Waterloo
University of St Michael’s College, Toronto
University of Sudbury, Sudbury
University of Toronto, Toronto
Trent University, Peterborough
University of Trinity College, Toronto
Victoria University, Toronto
University of Waterloo, Waterloo
The University of Western Ontario, London
Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo
University of Windsor, Windsor
York University, Toronto
Quebec
Bishops University, Lennoxville
Concordia University, Montreal
HEC Montréal, Montréal
Université Laval, Québec
McGill University, Montréal
Université de Montréal, Montréal
École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montréal
Université de Québec; École nationale d’administration publique, Québec
Université du Québec; École de technologie supérieure, Montréal
Université du Québec: Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Sainte-Foy
Université du Québec: Télé-université, Québec
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Cicoutimi
Université du Quéec à Montréal, Montréal
Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski
Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda
Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau
Université du Québec a Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivieres
Université du Québec, Québec
Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke
Newfoundland
Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John’s
New Brunswick
Université de Moncton, Moncton
Mount Allison University, Sackville
University of New Brunswick, Fredericton
St Thomas University, Fredericton
Prince Edward Island
University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown
Novia Scotia
Acadia University, Wolfville
University College of Cape Breton, Sydney
Dalhousie University, Halifax
University of King’s College, Halifax
Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax
Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Truro
Novia Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax
Université Sainte-Anne, Pointe-de-1’église
St Francis Xavier University, Antigonish
Saint Mary’s University, Halifax
For a summary of relevant information with regard to each institution mentioned above, visit the site of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges at www.auccca, select ‘Canadian Universities’ from the right side of the page and then select ‘Our Universities’ from the left side of the following page.
8:2 THE RESEARCH
If you are seriously considering the option of completing post-secondary studies in Canada, you should start your research more than a year in advance of the date you would like to begin. Usually, entry points for international students are the September and January semesters. It is best to start early because each institution has its own deadline for accepting applications, and the deadline may be as early as ten months in advance of the beginning of studies.
In terms of sources of information, the course calendars that most institutions post online are a good place to start. In addition, you may wish to contact the registrar/admissions offices of the institutions you are interested in, and request that they mail you their information packages. You can also search for specific programmes and the institutions that offer them at www.studyincanada.com/english/sinfo/index.asp.
Listed below are the sources of information regarding studies in Canada.
University programmes
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
600-350 Albert Street, Ottawa,
Ontario, KIR 1B1, Canada
Tel: (613) 563-1236, Fax: (613) 563-9745
College programmes
Association of Canadian Community Colleges
#200-1223 Michael Street North, Gloucester,
Ontario, K1J 7T2, Canada
Tel: (613) 746-2222, Fax (613) 746-6721
Private career college programmes
National Association of Career Colleges
#403-233 Colbourne Street, P.O. Box 340, Brantford,
Ontario, N3T 5N3, Canada
Tel: (519) 753-8689, Fax: (519) 753-4712
Studying in Canada
Canadian Bureau for International Education
220 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 1100, Ottawa,
Ontario, KIP 5Z9, Canada
Tel: (613) 237-4820, Fax: (613) 237-1073
French and English second language programmes
Council of Second Language Programs in Canada
P.O. Box 53063, Ottawa,
Ontario, KIN 1C5, Canada
E-mail: info@cslp.com www.cslp.com
Distance education
Canada:
Provinces and Territories:
8:2.1 Things to look for
In doing your research, you may want to pay particular attention to admission requirements, entry dates, programme length and costs.
Each Canadian institution sets its own admission requirements and selects applicants who meet those requirements. You should contact the institution(s) to which you intend to apply. For an overview of general admission standards, visit www.studyincanada.com, select ‘Choosing a School’ and then select ‘General Requirements’.
You should note that engineering, optometry, medicine, veterinary medicine, law, and dentistry are fields for which there is a great deal of academic competition for admission and most universities have limits or quotas on the number of qualified applicants admitted each year. A high level of academic achievement is required for admission. Often, at least two years of university studies, sometimes in a related field, are required before you can be admitted to study in these fields. On top of that, you may be required to take a test, such as LSAT (law) or DAT (dentistry) before you can be considered for admission into such courses of studies.
It is important to take into account the language requirements. You do not have to speak both English and French to study at a Canadian university – however, you will have to show proficiency in one, depending on the university where you apply. Most English universities require a score of 560 or better on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Canadian French-language universities usually assess applicants on a case-by-case basis. See Schedule 6 (page 242) for the web site addresses of language tests providers.
The particular costs that you should be looking for in your research are:
- admission fees;
- tuition fees (for international/visa students);
- housing;
- food expenses;
- books and supplies;
- personal living expenses (transportation, entertainment);
- health insurance.
8:3 APPLYING FOR ADMISSION
An application usually includes forms and supporting documentation. The information packages sent by the institution(s) will most likely include:
- a.hard copies of the forms to be filled in and submitted; and also
- b.a list of the supporting documents that must be provided, for example, proof of having completed high school.
You should be able to find and print these materials (forms and list of documents) online, on the individual web sites of the university/college. In addition, in some provinces admission applications can be submitted electronically, in which case you will only have to mail the supporting documents. For more information about electronic applications, visit the following sites:
- Alberta: Alberta Learning Information Service –Electronic Application Service: www.alis.gov.ab.ca/ learning/ao/postsccondary.asp
- British Columbia: Post-Secondary Application Service of British Columbia: www.pas.bc.ca/
- Ontario: Ontario Universities Application Centre: www.ouac.on.ca/
- Ontario College Application Service: www.ocas.on.ca Quebec: Montreal region: www.sram.qc.ca/
- Quebec City region:www.sraq.qcca/
- Saguenay/Lac St-Jean region:www.sras.qc.ca/
In terms of mailing your admission application package, you may consider sending it by courier or registered mail, in order to avoid potential delays resulting from it being lost if sent by regular mail. Once your application is received, the institution(s) to which you have applied will send you a letter of confirmation. If you do not receive such a letter within a few weeks of having sent your package, you should contact the admissions/registrar office(s) and inquire about your application.
Some institutions may provide you with a way to check the status of your application online. You should monitor the status of your application, either online or by being in touch with the admissions/registrar office, and you should not hesitate to contact the university/college if you have any concerns relating to it.
8:3.1 The letter of admission
The institution(s) to which you have applied for admission will usually take a decision with regard to your application within four to six months of the deadline for submission. However, please note that the time frame for an answer may vary from one university or college to another.
If an institution is willing to offer you admission, they will send you a letter that contains such an offer. Please be aware that in order to be considered ‘admitted’, you need to write back and formally accept the offer, usually by a certain date that is mentioned in the offer of admission.
The university/college should provide you with a letter you will need in order to apply for a study permit. See Figure 20 for guidelines and sample letter of acceptance as provided by CIC.
8:4 APPLYING FOR A STUDY PERMIT
8:4.1 When a study permit is not necessary
There are certain courses of study for which a study permit is not required:
- a course/programme that is less than six months in duration;
- courses that are not academic, professional or vocational in nature.
In such cases, although you may not need a study permit to complete your studies, you must nevertheless ensure that your stay does not extend past the time specified by the immigration authorities upon entry in Canada. If you anticipate that that will be the case, prepare an application to extend your stay in Canada and submit it at least 30 days before the end of the six months. For more details, see section 8:6 below.
If you come to Canada for a short programme and you are planning to continue your studies in another programme after the short programme, you are encouraged to apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. This will allow you to apply for your new programme from within Canada. Otherwise, you will have to apply to a Canadian visa office abroad.
8:4.2 General requirements for a study permit
In order to obtain a study permit, you will have to:
- provide a letter of acceptance from the educational institution you plan to attend;
- prove that you have enough money to pay school fees and support yourself and your family, if applicable;
- take a medical exam in some cases;
- qualify as a temporary resident in Canada, including a temporary resident visa if needed; for more details about the requirements associated with these, see Chapter 09; and
- satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies.
8:4.3 Specific requirements
As mentioned in Chapter 01, to find out exactly what documents you need to include in your study permit application, you must contact the relevant visa office. See Schedule 1 (page 219) to determine which office you should contact, and also visit the site of Citizenship and Immigration Canada at www.cic.gc.ca for up-to-date information.
8:4.4 Supporting documents
In general, the supporting documents that you will have to provide are the following:
- proof of identity (a valid passport or travel document that guarantees re-entry to the country that issued it);
- proof of acceptance from an educational institution (the letter provided by the institution); and
- proof of funds that are sufficient to cover your and, if applicable, your family’s living expenses while in Canada (e.g. bank statement or proof of payment of tuition and residence fees).
For more information, please consult the study permit application guidelines, that can be obtained as specified in Chapter 01. For a sample application, see Figure 21.
8:5 THE STUDY PERMIT
If your application for a study permit is accepted, you will get an introduction letter from the visa office where you applied. You will also be issued a visa to come to Canada. When you enter the country, show the introduction letter from the visa office to immigration officials who will issue your study permit at the port of entry.
The conditions on your permit may tell you:
- how long you can stay, the date by which you must leave Canada;
- the types of studies or courses you may take;
- the educational institution you may attend;
- where you can study, the location of your studies;
- if you need to report for medical examination or observation;
- if you need to report to provide evidence of compliance for certain conditions;
- if you are permitted to work on-campus at your institution.
8:6 AMENDMENTS TO/RENEWALS OF STUDY PERMITS
Once in Canada, you may be able to change the conditions of your permit or apply to renew it. For that you will need to submit an Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada, which will not be discussed in detail in this book. The application will have to be sent to the Inland Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, Alberta. For a sample application form, see Schedule 9 (page 247).
8:7 WORKING WHILE YOU ARE STUDYING IN CANADA
As a student, you may be able to work in certain situations. However, it is advisable that you come to Canada with enough money to cover all your expenses while you are studying.
Foreign students enrolled full-time at a publicly-funded post-secondary or degree-granting institution are automatically authorised to work (up to ten hours a week) on the campus of the institution at which they are studying. They are also allowed to work at a job that is related to their studies for up to one year after graduation. In the former case, the student does not need to apply for a work permit. In the latter case, please see Chapter 07, i.e. inland work permit applications (without HRSDC confirmation).
8:8 SPOUSES AND DEPENDANTS OF STUDENTS AT CANADIAN INSTITUTIONS
Your family members can come with you to Canada. They too will have to meet all the requirements for temporary residents in Canada. For more details about this aspect, see Chapter 09.
Spouses and common-law partners of:
- full-time students; and
- former full-time students doing post-graduation employment; and
- post-doctoral fellows
are eligible for open or open/restricted employment authorisations, depending on the medical requirements having been met. In such cases, HRSDC confirmation is not required. For more details about the process of obtaining a work permit in general, see Chapter 07.
