However, it is important to be aware of the right way to do that while on your journey to a life in the Great White North. In this article, we will explain the way to obtain your Student Permit, the rights it offers you and also the next steps for your immigration. Besides that, we will give you some tips on deciding the best path to follow as a student before your immigration process.

Step by step on your immigration to Canada as a student

There are many ways to immigrate to Canada. The right one for you to choose will depend on your starting point. For example, if you do not yet have an advanced level of a non-mother language, taking an English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) course can be a good starting point. Although they do not allow the student to work and study at the same time, they can be the basis for securing a spot at a university and perhaps even a scholarship to study for free! Now, if you are already good enough in English or French to get a certification like the TOEFL, then your study path goes right through a university or vocational school. Once you have a diploma of your studies in hand, you can apply for a PGWP (Post Graduate Work Permit). This is basically a Work Visa.

Eligibility for the PGWP requires you to have graduated from a course of at least eight months, which resulted in a diploma or certificate. The course must be full-time and must be completed without interruptions. Once you have met these requirements, you will be able to apply for the PGWP, which can last between eight months and three years. Once you have the PGWP, you can find an employer. This employer, in turn, may become your sponsor who will file for a Work Visa or even a Permanent Residence Permit.

Applying for a Student Permit

Before applying for a Student Permit, you have to make sure you need one. This first step is very simple: if you plan to study English in Canada for more than six months, you will most likely need a Student Permit. If you plan to study for less than six months in Canada, a visitor's visa will suffice. However, this is a path that contributes little to your immigration journey, since a course of at least eight months is required to earn a PGWP. While there are exceptions to this rule, it will apply to most cases. Therefore, the next step is to gather the necessary documentation to apply for the visa.

The first thing to provide is a letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution. This institution may be a university, a vocational or technical school, or a language school. Your choice on those options will influence what you can or cannot do with your visa while in the country and even your future intentions. In addition, proof that you are able to support yourself during your stay as a student in Canada is required. This proof takes place through bank documents. You must have in your account the amount of 10 thousand Canadian dollars per year of study, plus the amount to pay for the school where your studies will take place and for your return trip.

Can I work in Canada on a Student Permit?

For you to be able to study and work simultaneously, you must be enrolled at a university or vocational school. This type of student bond may grant you the permission to work on the university campus and even off-campus in situations that are connected to the course you are studying. However, the Student Permit allows you to work 20 hours a week during the off-campus term or full-time for some specific periods. In addition, at least one of the following requirements must be met:

●     You are a college student and you have completed the required classes for your degree;

●     Or you are taking part-time classes because you are in the last academic stage of your studies;

●     Or you are on a co-op program that grants you up to four months of full-time work per year during the course;

●     Or through an internship.

The type of Student Permit required to start an internship or co-op program is different from the standard one. In order to work on completely disconnected fields from your course or university, you must apply for a Work Permit. However, it is easier to obtain this Permit once you already have a company willing to hire you (a student) for a job. A Student Permit for English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) does not allow you to work during the period, but gives you an opportunity to make valuable networking when it comes to earning this right. This can come in the shape of being introduced to employers or universities.

In any case, the function of a Student Permit for your immigration to Canada is a step prior to work. While studying at Canadian institutions, you will be able to familiarize with its culture and residents, and also get to know the next steps for your immigration process.