The cost of higher education in Canada is much less than in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. This is why the ratio of Pakistani students choosing Canada as their immigrant country has increased over the last few years. The country offers them quality and affordable education, a vibrant cultural environment, and unique growth opportunities. In this article, we shall discuss Canada as a study destination for Pakistani students and everything associated with moving to this multicultural and welcoming country as a part of your Canada immigration plan.
Understanding Canadian Study Permits
Let’s first discuss the Canadian study permits that make a Pakistani student eligible to pursue higher studies in this diverse and inclusive country.
What is a Study Permit?
Simply put, a study permit is an official document issued by the Government of Canada that lets a student enter the country and study there. This letter allows international applicants to be part of the designated learning institutions, DLIs, as regular students.
Who Needs a Study Permit?
A study permit is a requirement for all international students planning to move to Canada for higher studies and stay there for more than six months. The study permit allows the student to remain in the country for the entire course duration in addition to 90 days, which allows them to decide to move out of the country.
The only exception is the exchange program, where students do not require a study permit to pursue a course in Canada.
Applying for a Canadian Study Permit
Applying for a Canadian Study Permit requires some specific steps. All these steps are elaborated below:
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility for application for a study permit includes:
- Being enrolled in any of the designated learning institutes in Canada
- Proof of financial status
- A positive character or police certificate
- Medical examination
- A statement of proof that you will exit Canada as soon as the course ends
Document Checklist
- A valid visa for six months
- Two passport-size pictures
- A letter of acceptance from any of the designated learning institutions in Canada
- Proof of financial support (Bank statement)
- Provincial attestation letter
- For anyone under 18 years of age, a letter from custodian
Necessary Documents for the Application
Financial Proof
One of the following documentation is required for financial proof while applying for a study permit in Canada:
- Proof of holding a Canadian bank account
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate
- Bank Statement
- Proof of paid tuition fee
Identification and Citizenship Documents
- A passport valid for six months
- Two passport-size pictures
Particular Fast-Track Option: Student Direct Stream
What is the Student Direct Stream (SDS)?
International students often have to wait long periods to get their study permits. To avoid this, they are given the option of Student Direct Stream, also known as SDS, which offers faster application tracking. Compared to the fifteen weeks of the regular period, the permit is provided within twenty days of application submission.
However, to apply for SDS and be eligible, one must pass the CAEL Test with a score of at least 60 and a valid language test result, such as IELTS with a minimum score of 6.
Eligibility and Benefits for Pakistani Students
For Pakistani students, applying for SDS requires the following:
- An acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada.
- Documentary proof of tuition payment for the first year of study.
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate
- IELTS or PTE test with a score of a minimum of 6
- Medical exam results
Choosing the Right Canadian University
Pakistani students face a lot of confusion when choosing the right Canadian university owing to the numerous options available. Picking the right one might appear tricky. If you are also in a fix and have no idea which university you should apply to, this guide will give you a clear path.
Top Universities in Canada for International Students
Considering the global ranking, some of the best universities to study in Canada for International Students are:
- University of Toronto.
- University of British Columbia.
- McGill University.
- McMaster University.
- University of Alberta.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a University
Choosing a university is not as easy as it seems. Various factors play their due role in shaping the experience of students. Pakistani students especially need to take their decision carefully by keeping the following elements in mind:
- The location of the university’s campus should be considered, as it really affects the cost of living of students. Its cultural environment and climate should also be some elements one should consider. If you are on a Pakistani student visa to study in Canada, limit expenses by staying on campus.
- The university’s ranking, especially for the course you are taking, is an important factor to consider as it will really affect your job-hunting situation later on.
- A lot of universities offer scholarships and grants to deserving students. If you are tight on the budget, look for the universities that provide financial aid.
- A strong faculty can really shape a student’s experience while being a part of the university. Look at the renowned professors teaching in different universities before making your final pick.
Financial Planning for Studying in Canada
Planning the finances before putting your foot on the Canadian ground is a rational approach. Here is how you can manage your finances while studying in Canada.
Overview of Tuition Fees and Living Expenses
Where the tuition fee is a compulsory expense for the students and has to be managed periodically, the living expenses can be rationalized. Students with a tight budget can opt for various measures to limit their living expenses, such as living closer to the campus and choosing cost-effective accommodation and transportation options. On average, an international student would have to spend at least CAD 18,000 to CAD 20,000 per annum to live and study in Canada.
Financial Proof Required for a Study Permit
International students need financial proof to be eligible for a study permit in Canada. This means that the student is financially sound enough to support his educational and living expenses while residing in Canada for higher studies. The following documents may act as the financial for study permit as per the situation:
- Proof of a Canadian bank account
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution.
- Proof of an education loan from a bank.
Work Opportunities for Students
A lot of students fund their education by working in Canada. The country is filled with opportunities and international students don’t really find any problem managing their daily work routine while studying in universities.
Working While Studying: On-campus and Off-campus Options
Students with a valid work permit can easily find temporary gigs or full-time jobs either on-campus or off-campus. They do not require special permission from anyone to pursue their work ambitions, making it easier for them to finance their degree.
However, certain rules apply to international students on and off-campus work situations. these conditions and rules are:
- The student can only work up to 20 hours on-campus or off-campus
- During their regular breaks, they can work full-time if they want.
- The working situation should follow the rules mentioned in the Immigration and Refugee protection regulations.
Post-graduation Work Permits and Career Prospects in Canada
The postgraduate work permit is a special condition under which students are allowed to work for as long as three years in Canada once their degrees are complete. It’s a step ahead of having a bachelor’s degree in Canada.
Also known as PGWP, this permit gives full-time work permission to graduates from other countries residing in Canada for educational purposes. The duration of this work permit depends highly upon the program taken up by the students.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
Most international students studying in Canada will apply for permanent residency and eventually reside in Canada forever. Here is how studying in Canada can be to permanent residency.
How Studying in Canada Can Lead to Permanent Residency
The postgraduate work permit gives students good experience and competency when qualifying for their final goal: permanent residency and Canadian immigration.
They can apply for permanent residency and be selected for it through the Canadian Experience Class, also known as CEC.
In addition, the PNP, also known as the Provincial Nominee Program, is an employee-driven program that helps Pakistani postgraduate students get PR for Canada.
Life in Canada as a Pakistani Student
The experience of living in Canada differs for Pakistani students and largely depends on their caliber, consistency, and hard work. If they adapt to changing situations, they can surely lead a good life in Canada as Pakistani students.
Cultural Adaptation and Community Life
Cultural shock is the biggest factor affecting the peace of mind of Pakistani students moving to Canada. The strength to accept change and manage your lifestyle accordingly can aid you in residing in this multicultural country.
Canada, being a vast country, has a massive community life and offers something to everyone! Even the Pakistani community in Canada is pretty huge, and to adapt to a new country, finding the right community is imperative. Support systems like the counselors on campuses also aid new entrants in adapting to changing living situations easily.
Once you move to Canada to study, the South Asian community already there will make things easier for you.
Resources and Support Systems for Pakistani Students in Canada
The support system for Pakistani students is pretty sturdy in Canada. There are Pakistani student clubs that organize cultural events from time to time. They also offer volunteering programs that aid new students in mingling with others and forming new relationships. This way, a new Pakistani student can have a stronger sense of belonging to the new country and foster new relationships.
Conclusion
Recap of the Steps to Successfully Study in Canada
- Gaining a study permit is essential for Pakistani students looking forward to staying in Canada for over six months.
- Applying for a study permit requires financial proof, acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), and other documents.
- To avoid delays, opt for SDS, the Student Direct Stream. It takes around 20 days for eligible students and requires a minimum IELTS score of 6 and proof of tuition payment.
- On average, the annual expenses for international students range from CAD 18,000 to CAD 20,000.
- Financial proof is necessary for the study permit.
Encouragement to Pursue Canadian Education
Moving to Canada for higher studies secures the future of Pakistani students by opening new opportunities for permanent residency and giving them a new perspective on life. Canada is known to provide world-class educational facilities to the students. Also, funding education wouldn’t be a problem as the students can easily work on-campus or off-campus to manage their expenses. Also, it can further take you closer to your final goal of Canadian immigration. If you have always dreamt of studying in good institutions, it’s high time you should apply for the Universities in Canada and secure your future.
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