Immigration to Canada through study

For those who dream of studying in Canada, the conditions of the corresponding immigration program have become even more attractive: since March 19, 2024, spouses of students can obtain an open work permit, and students themselves have the opportunity not only to study but also to build a career in this country. In this article, we will tell you in detail about how to move to Canada through an educational program, what pitfalls may be encountered along the way, and what advantages await motivated students.

Program Overview

Canada Immigration Program through Study aims to attract international students by providing them with the opportunity to obtain an education, work during and after their studies, and integrate into Canadian society. Recent changes in the law allow spouses and children of students to obtain appropriate work and study permits.

The Student Direct Stream system has been introduced for countries such as China, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Antigua and Barbuda. It allows for the accelerated processing of applications for study in Canada.

As of March 19, 2024, spouses and partners of international students studying in Canada can obtain an open work permit. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada, except those on the list of unscrupulous employers or employers working in the erotic services industry. The permit is valid for as long as the study permit of the main student is valid.

Requirements for Participants and Preparation Process

To participate in the immigration program through study, you must:

• Obtain a letter of acceptance from an accredited Canadian learning institution (DLI).
• Prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses in Canada.
• Pass a language test such as IELTS Academic with a minimum score of 6.5.
• Provide a certificate of no criminal record.
• Undergo a medical examination and confirm the absence of serious illnesses.

Step-by-step process for participating in the program:

1. Preparation. Make sure form on the official website programs, whether there is a need to obtain a study permit. Then register for IRCC portal or on secure IRCC account.
2. Choosing an educational institution and program. Choose an accredited educational institution and a suitable study program. It is important that the chosen educational institution is part of list of Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) If an institution loses DLI status during study, the student may continue their studies there until their study permit expires, but will not be able to renew their permit without a new DLI. If the institution loses status before the start of study, the student must select a new institution with DLI status.
3. Submitting documents for study. Obtain an acceptance letter from the chosen educational institution. Prepare the necessary documents including: financial confirmation, certificate of no criminal record, language test results, and medical examination.
4. Obtaining a study permit. Fill out and submit an application on the website Immigration Services of Canada​. Next, you should wait for the application to be reviewed and, if the answer is positive, receive permission to study.
5. Study in Canada. Arrive in the country and begin studying according to the chosen program. If necessary, the study permit can be extended. This is relevant if the training is delayed or additional courses are required.

Employment and Work During Training

Students can work on or off campus without the need for a separate work permit. To do so, they must be a full-time student and have a valid work permit.

Students have access to work during the school year and full-time during the holidays. However, part-time employment is regulated and cannot exceed 20 hours per week.

After graduation, you can try to qualify for a PGWP — this is based on the DLI where the student studied, but only if the program of study at the DLI is completed and the program requirements are met, and the status of a full-time student in Canada is maintained for the entire duration of the study.

Exceptions:

• The student studied part-time during the last semester.
• The student has received an approved academic leave.
• The student has a study permit valid for the last 180 days.
• The student has applied to extend his/her study permit in Canada before the expiration of his/her study permit, but a decision on the application has not yet been made.

To apply for a PGWP, a diploma, certificate, transcript, or official letter from the educational institution must be submitted within 180 days of completing the program. The study permit must be valid for the entire period. Also, when applying, it is necessary to prove that the student attended and completed the program, stating its name and duration.

If the study permit expires before the grades are received, the student may apply for a Visitor Record visa or leave Canada and apply for a PGWP outside of Canada.