Canada stands out as an acclaimed destination for a top-tier education system due to its institutions ranking among the best in the world. Some of these well-known Canadian institutions stand out from the rest because they are affordable, offer cutting-edge research opportunities, have excellent academic standards, and have incredibly supportive students.
Across the world, students from various locations dream of a Canada student visa because it is the most educated country with more than half of its population possessing higher degrees. Additionally, Canada has different programs for students who want to convert their study permit into a PR.
In this blog, we will explore the process and eligibility of a student visa and the process of extending our stay in Canada and getting a Canada PR.
What is a Canada Student Visa?
The Canada student visa is similar to a Canada visit visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization program (eTA). However, the student must also hold a study permit to be eligible to study. It is a document that will enable beginning your education in Canada.
A student permit enables you to attend schooling at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. The study permit allows you to be present in Canada for a limited period, namely the duration of the study.
Canada Study Permit Eligibility:
All international students who want to study in Canada need a study permit, which, along with a visitor visa or an eTA, permits you to embark on your educational journey in Canada.
The study permit makes it easy for you to apply for Canadian citizenship, but it does not grant you government benefits such as health benefits.
However, there are certain conditions where a student might not need a study permit:
- If your study program is to be completed in less than six months, you only need a visitor visa.
- If you are a member of Canada’s armed forces or related to a Canadian foreign representative.
Critical Requirements of Canada Student Visa:
The following documents need to be submitted along with fees to initiate your application process.
- A valid passport or travel document is needed.
- A letter of acceptance from a DLI in Canada.
- Clean criminal records
- Your complete past travel history
- A resume highlighting your educational and employment status
- Medical examination if required.
- Passport size photographs
- Proof of financial resources and stability.
- English Proficiency test results
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- All the documents must be translated into English or French.
How to Convert Your Student Visa into a PR?
There are numerous ways for international students to convert their study visas into Canada PR. Every program has different requirements and eligibility criteria, so students need to choose the one that best fits their profiles.
Canadian Express Class (CEC): The CEC program helps international students and workers already inside Canada apply their designated experience, either work or education, towards their Canada PR application. To obtain PR through this program, it is mandatory to have at least a year of work experience in Canada.
Extending your study permit: When your study permit is about to expire, you will need to apply for a study permit extension, by applying before the expiry date. Although the extension does not merely lead to Canada PR, it can be a pathway by applying through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Provincial Nominees Program (PNP).
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Permanent residency can be granted by specific provinces in Canada to international students. Each province has its custom-designed immigration programs with varying eligibility criteria and application processes. This pathway of obtaining a PR is the most popular as it has the fastest processing times.
Conclusion
Overall, Canada is an ideal destination for international students due to its wide range of educational opportunities and high quality of education, which not only cater to students but also provide a pathway for their future trajectory of obtaining a Canada PR.
The Canada study visa allows you to embark on your educational journey in Canada by getting admitted into a Designated Learning Institute. There are several ways to transition smoothly into Canada’s PR