Admissions process in Canadian Universities

Now that you have made the choice to study in Canada, what are the next steps?

Choose a university
You must first determine in which field you want to study, and where. To do this, you can start by consulting this Directory of Canadian Universities. It contains the profiles of the universities and the list of study programs offered. 

It is important to get as much information as possible about the institutions where you are considering studying, and the communities in which they are located, in order to make an informed choice. Do not hesitate to contact the representatives of international student services at the universities that interest you and ask them questions. Also, allow enough time to apply for and obtain a study permit.

Prepare and submit an application for admission
After listing the universities that pique your interest, check their websites for the applicable admissions requirements and process, which vary from institution to institution. You will also need to consider the following:

Your eligibility
In Canada, each university has its own admission criteria and evaluates applicants one by one. That said, undergraduate admission usually requires a high school diploma and a good academic record.

Required documents
You may be required to provide various official documents, such as transcripts from secondary or post-secondary institutions. You may also need to have these documents assessed and provide a translation, in English or French. To find out more about the recognition of diplomas, consult the authorities responsible for education in your country, or the Canadian Information Center for International Credentials. 

If you are not entirely sure on how to proceed next, please have a look at our Introduction to Canadian Immigration for more information about your next steps and book your appointment.

Linguistic criteria
International students wishing to study in Canada must prove that they are proficient in English or French, depending on the university they wish to attend. Many English-speaking universities require applicants to pass a minimum score on a standardized language proficiency test. French-speaking universities usually assess the linguistic knowledge of applicants on a case-by-case basis.

If your language skills are insufficient, there are many Canadian programs you can enroll in before applying for admission to a Canadian university; these programs are offered by universities, colleges and private institutions. For more information, visit the Languages Canada website.

Admissions procedures
Admissions procedures vary from province to province. In some of them, the candidate can submit his application for admission to a centralized service. In others, he must submit it directly to the university concerned. Do not hesitate to submit applications for admission to more than one program and to more than one university, in case you are refused admission to the program of your first choice.

The date for submitting applications for admission
As a general rule, applications for admission should be submitted at least eight to 12 months before classes begin. International students usually start their studies in September (start of the fall term) or January (start of the winter term). Please note, however, that some universities allow international students to submit applications throughout the year.

Obtain a study permit
If you wish to study in Canada for six months or more, you must apply for a study permit upon receipt of a letter from a Canadian university confirming your admission. The application for a study permit must be made before entering Canada.

You can apply online, or by going to the Canadian visa office located in your country to fill out a paper form. For details on study and work permits granted to international students, visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada website (cic.gc.ca/english/study).

To study in Quebec, you must also obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies issued by that province. Additional information on this subject is available on the Internet (immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/students).

To obtain a study permit, you must prove that you have enough money to pay your tuition fees, living expenses and those of any family members accompanying you to Canada, as well as for your return journey and that of any member of your family. In some cases, you will also need to pass a medical examination which proves that you are in good health.

To study in Canada, you must follow the law, have no criminal record, and not be a risk to Canadian security. You may need to provide a police certificate.

You must also prove to the visa officer that your main reason for coming to Canada is to go to university and that you will leave Canada when you finish your studies. 

If you are not entirely sure on how to proceed next, please have a look at our Introduction to Canadian Immigration for more information about your next steps and book your appointment.

Work while studying in Canada
Since 2014, new full-time international students who have obtained a valid study permit are allowed to work in Canada without a work permit. They can work on campus for an unlimited number of hours and, if their program lasts at least six months, they can work off campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and full-time during holidays scheduled in the school calendar.

Foreign students who wish to work while studying must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada. They can work as soon as they have their SIN.

Foreign students in Canada are also allowed to work in a co-op or internship program provided that the work placement is an integral part of their study program. Students in these programs will need a work permit in addition to their study permit.

On leaving university: getting a job and the salvation of a permanent resident
The Post-Graduation Work Program allows foreign students who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution, after completing a study program there of at least eight months, to gain work experience in Canada. The work permit allows students to work for a certain period which cannot exceed that of the duration of their study program, and the maximum duration of three years. If certain criteria are met, an open work permit could be granted to the spouse.

As skilled workers through the experience gained through the Post-Graduation Work Program, graduates become eligible for permanent residency in Canada through Express Entry, a system that allows most immigrants to obtain permanent residency. in the country. And under new rules introduced in November 2016, earning a degree in Canada also makes it easier to get permanent residency. With permanent resident status, you receive most social benefits, including health care coverage, that Canadian citizens receive. Permanent residents can then apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada for a predetermined number of years.

If you are not entirely sure on how to proceed next, please have a look at our Introduction to Canadian Immigration for more information about your next steps and book your appointment.

Original article : www.universitystudy.ca/