Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students pursuing higher education abroad. Canada offers high-quality education, multicultural diversity, and a welcoming environment for foreign students. However, studying in Canada is not as easy as it used to be. The Canadian government has recently announced a cap on the number of study permits issued to international students at the college or undergraduate level for the next two years. This policy aims to manage the rapid growth and impact of international students in Canada, but it also poses a challenge for students who want to study there.
If you are a current or aspiring international student in Canada, you might be wondering how the cap on study permits affects your chances and options. How can you apply for a study permit under the new policy? What are the requirements and procedures you need to follow? What are the benefits and opportunities you can enjoy as an international student in Canada?
In this article, I will show you a simple journey with five milestones to help you plan and prepare for studying in Canada under the new policy. Follow these steps and learn how to overcome the cap challenge and achieve your Canadian dream!
Milestone 1: Pick a province and a school that has enough slots for international students and matches your interests and goals.
The first step in your journey is to research the provinces and schools that have more availability and offer the programs you want. The cap on study permits is a temporary measure for 2024 and 2025, based on each province’s population, so some provinces will have more slots than others. You can check the provincial allocation of study permits on the Canada.ca website. For example, Ontario has an allocation of 43,500 study permits, while Nunavut has an allocation of 50 study permits.
You can use the Designated Learning Institution List to search for eligible institutions by province and city. You can also check the websites of the institutions you are interested in to see their admission requirements, deadlines, and fees.
You should also consider other factors, such as the cost of living, the climate, the culture, and the language of the province and the city where you want to study. You can find more information about studying in different provinces and territories on the EduCanada website.
Milestone 2: Apply to your chosen school and get your acceptance letter and your provincial attestation letter (PAL).
The second step in your journey is to apply to your chosen school and get your acceptance letter. You will need this letter to apply for a study permit and a provincial attestation letter (PAL). The PAL proves that you are within the cap limit for your province. Check the Canada.ca website for the PAL process details.
Each school has different rules on how to apply. You should contact the school where you want to study to learn how to apply. They will give you the list of all the documents you need to send them. Your school will be able to tell you about the cost to apply, the tuition fees, the health insurance, the rent, and how much it costs to live in Canada.
You should apply at least six months in advance if you want to study at a primary or secondary school, or a year in advance for a post-secondary program. You should also apply to more than one school in case you don’t get accepted by your first choice.
Note that the PAL is only required for most post-secondary students at the college or undergraduate level and that some students are exempt from this requirement. The PAL process will be in place by March 31, 2024, and you will need to submit your PAL along with your study permit application. Each province and territory will have its own process for issuing PALs. You should follow the instructions from the province or territory where you intend to study. The PAL must be written and signed by the provincial or territorial government, and it must contain your name, date of birth, passport number, DLI name and number, program name and level, and start and end dates.
Milestone 3: Apply online for a study permit and a visa or an eTA, depending on where you are from.
The third step in your journey is to apply online for a study permit and a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), depending on your country of origin. You will need to submit your application online and provide all the required documents, such as your passport, proof of financial support, and language test results. You can check the study permit checklist to see what documents you need.
A study permit is not a visa. It does not let you enter Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an eTA. If you do, they will issue them to you at the same time as your study permit. You don’t need to apply for them separately or to pay an extra fee.
You can also apply through the Student Direct Stream if you are a legal resident of one of the 14 designated countries and meet the eligibility criteria. This can help you get your study permit faster. The processing time for the Student Direct Stream is 20 calendar days, while the processing time for the regular study permit application is 8 weeks.
Note that the minimum financial requirement for study permit applicants has increased from $10,000 to $20,635 as of January 1, 2024. This amount is based on the low-income cut-off (LICO) for a single person living in Canada for 12 months, and it may vary depending on the province or territory where you plan to study.
Milestone 4: Get ready to travel to Canada.
The fourth step in your journey is to get ready to travel to Canada. You will need to arrange your travel and health insurance, book your flight, find a place to stay, and pack your stuff. It would help if you also prepared for the weather, the culture, and the language of Canada.
You do not need to provide any health or travel information before or after your flight, as Canada has removed all border and travel measures for anyone entering the country. However, you should still be respectful of the local health guidelines and regulations, and follow the advice of the Government of Canada before you travel. You should also check the Travel Advice and Advisories for Canada.
Milestone 5: Start your studies and have fun in Canada.
The fifth and final step in your journey is to start your studies and have fun in Canada. You have done an amazing job of navigating your application to study in Canada and overcoming the cap situation. You have shown your determination, resilience, and excellence.
Now you can start your studies and enjoy your Canadian experience. You have so much to look forward to, such as exploring your campus and city, making friends, joining clubs and activities, and learning about Canada. You can also take advantage of the benefits and opportunities that Canada offers to international students, such as the possibility of obtaining a post-graduation work permit and permanent residence if you want to stay longer.
Note that the cap on study permits does not affect the eligibility or availability of various immigration pathways for international students, such as the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or the Provincial Nominee Program. These programs allow you to apply for permanent residence based on your education, work experience, language skills, and other factors. This could open the door for you to become a Canadian citizen and enjoy the rights and privileges of living in this country.
Conclusion
As we navigate these uncharted waters together, remember that the journey to studying in Canada, despite the new permit cap, is one filled with opportunity and promise. At HY Voyagers, we’re committed to guiding you through every wave and wind. While we may not delve into the specifics of our consulting services here, know that our compass is always set toward empowering your academic voyage.
The cap on study permits is indeed a significant marker in Canada’s educational landscape, but it is by no means a barrier to your dreams. With careful planning, the right resources, and a community of support, the journey to achieving your Canadian educational aspirations is well within reach.
I, Keertthi Vaishnavi (aka) Captain KIKI, and the HY Voyagers’ Captain crew are here to illuminate the path, offering a beacon of hope and clarity amidst the fog of uncertainty. Whether it’s choosing the right province, understanding the nuances of the application process, or simply seeking a word of encouragement, our mission is to ensure that every student feels equipped and confident to embark on this exciting journey.
Remember, every great voyage begins with a single step. Let’s set sail towards your Canadian dream, knowing that HY Voyagers is with you at every mile of this journey. Together, we’ll navigate the seas of change and steer toward a future brimming with possibilities.
