Can I travel to Canada for education purposes?
The answer is straightforward, yes. Canada is one of the most visited destinations for education purposes. How does this work?
It begins with a study permit allowing foreign students to study in the country. The Canadian immigration authorities issue this document. However, you can only receive the document having met the following eligibility criteria for Student Visa:
– Provide a medical certificate that shows that you are in good health.
– You must have received admission from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI).
– Have sufficient funds for your tuition fee, cost of living, transportation, and extra funds for relatives that may accompany you.
– Produce a police verification certificate to show that you have no record of criminal acts.
More so, here are the documents that you need to apply for the student visa:
a. A Valid Passport
b. Letter of Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution
c. Passport Size Photographs
d. Proof of Funds
e. Statement of Purpose
f. English Language Proficiency Exam Score
g. Credit card
h. Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
How can I become a Canadian citizen?
The first thing on the mind of every immigrant is how they can become a citizen of Canada. However, you cannot skip the process; you must first become a permanent resident. You should accustom yourself to how the Canadian government operates.
If you cannot speak any, you should learn either French or English. The final part of becoming a citizen is to spend at least three years in Canada. You are a step closer to becoming a citizen. Summarily, you can become a citizen by meeting the following requirements:
a. Become a permanent resident
b. Be an inhabitant of Canada consistently for three of the most recent five years
c. Ensure your taxes have been filed
d. Be fully equipped with your responsibilities, rights, and other details about Canada
, e. Be able to communicate fluently
Read our immigration guide for a more detailed answer.
How can I have a permanent residency?
Becoming a permanent resident in Canada is an excellent desire for foreigners. The reason is that they can enjoy certain benefits like every citizen. Nevertheless, they are specific requirements called residency obligations. Some of these benefits are:
a. Being able to work and live anywhere in Canada
b. You can apply to sponsor any family member to come to Canada
c. Access to universal social and healthcare services
d. Free education for your children
e. Protected human rights and freedoms
f. You are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship
There is misinformation that the process is complex; this is not true, as many people do not even know the requirements that help them to become Canadian permanent residents. The commonest three ways are:
The Express Entry System
This approach began in 2015 for foreign applicants that want to work and live in the country. However, it has helped simplify and speed up the Canadian immigration process.
There are three Federal Immigration programs for this. They are:
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FWSP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores eligible visa applicants considering their age, educational qualifications, and work experience.
Family Sponsorship Visa
This visa allows another permanent Canadian citizen or resident to sponsor their dependent, spouse, relative, or partner. The programs for this are:
- Spousal and Common-law Sponsorship Program
- Super Visa
- Spousal and Family Sponsorship Visa
- Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program
The Provincial Nominee Program
This program entices experienced workers to relocate to your province and be a part of the Canadian labour market. The province checks for particular occupations that may experience high shortages and demand more help. The Provincial Nomination (PN) is a surer way to get permanent residency.
Do I need a work permit?
Depending on the kind of job you are doing, you may or may not need a work permit. In Canada, there are two types of work permit programs. These are:
- Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) – a temporary plan for foreign workers
- International Mobility Program
Summarily, the temporary resident will need work permits to work during their stay in the country. The story differs for Permanent Citizens and Residents as their status allows them to work.
Students may not need a work permit if they want to work on campus. However, they will need one if they are to work off-campus.
Will a study permit help me stay in Canada?
Yes, a study permit will help you stay in Canada. Nevertheless, you can only stay during your time of study. At the end of your academic year, the student will be asked to switch their status for a more appropriate position or leave Canada.
If you want to remain in the country, you can explore the Canadian Experience Class Program for Permanent Residency. It allows an easy transition from being a student to functioning, working, and earning as a Permanent Resident. However, this is only possible at the end of their final academic year.
How can I be eligible for a Canadian passport?
Not every person is eligible for a Canadian passport. You must be a Canadian citizen before you can get a Canadian passport. For foreigners, you will need between three to four years after becoming a permanent resident to qualify as a Canadian citizen.
The Canadian passport is an authoritative document that people use for different purposes:
a. Travel
b. Proof of citizenship
c. Identification
The document shows that you are a citizen of Canada even when in another country.
How can I get my Canadian passport?
As a citizen, you can physically apply for your passports at varying locations. You can also apply via online means by mailing the Foreign Ministry.
What is the cost of living in Canada?
There is no fix to living in Canada. Different areas in the same province may have varying costs of living. Cost of living refers to the money you need to cater for basic things like housing, taxes, food, and even healthcare services. The parallel is that wages or salaries are often tied to the cost of living.
It is important to know the cost of living where you want to move to. Experts suggest that you have substantial money to help you survive the first three months before you get a job. Curate a list of the things you compulsorily have to pay for.
Check out our cost of living articles.
What are the weather conditions in Canada?
Like common western countries, Canada is characterized to have four seasons. The only difference is that their degrees may vary from province to province. No matter where you want to settle in Canada, get ready for a cold winter.
The environment is full of snow from the ponds and lakes. For this season, you will need a warm fireplace or hot chocolate to survive and heavy clothing and thick soups. In January, the average temperature during the day is -0.7°C, while the average low is -6.7°C during nighttime. However, a province like Manitoba will often dip below -30°C in the winter months!
The spring is different as there would be no more snow. The field is green, and you will see blossom tulips at almost every location. Summer is marked by the bright sun and a long of activities.
People love it even though it is a short time.
Check out our Winnipeg-specific article here.
What kind of job can I get in Canada?
The Canadian economy encourages hardworking people that may be in the country. There are several job opportunities in Canada. They range from highly skilled jobs to semi-skilled ones. Your professional career can be as a dentist or a doctor with quality credentials.
Immigrants may not get their dream jobs when it all begins. Hence, you are advised to save enough money before moving into the country. Over time, you will get better jobs and find your feet.
