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Writer's pictureAnsari Immigration

Elevating Study Permits and International Student Programs!

Amara, an enthusiastic scholar, arrived in Vancouver with high hopes and aspirations. Like many others, she believed that Canada was a land of opportunities. Ansari Immigration has been instrumental in helping numerous dreamers like Amara achieve their goals. Ahmed from Egypt is a testament to our success:

“Ansari Immigration smoothed my path to a top-tier university in Canada, exposing me to a world of diverse cultures and experiences.”

Why Canada?

Canada's allure for international students stems from its top-notch education, welcoming society, and post-graduation opportunities. But the journey wasn't always seamless. Some faced hurdles with Canada’s International Student Program, which the government has now refined to ensure a smoother transition for genuine students, guarding them against fraud.

Detailed illustration showcasing the step-by-step process on how to apply for a study permit in Canada.

How to apply for a study permit ?

  1. Choose a program and institution: The first step is to decide what you want to study and where you want to study. You can use the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list to find out which institutions are approved by the Canadian government to accept international students. You can also use the School Finder tool to search for programs that match your interests and goals.

  2. Apply for admission: Once you have chosen your program and institution, you need to apply for admission by submitting your academic transcripts, language test results, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and other required documents. You also need to pay an application fee and meet the admission requirements of your chosen institution.

  3. Receive a letter of acceptance: If your application is successful, you will receive a letter of acceptance from your institution, which is a proof that you have been admitted to a program in Canada. You need this letter to apply for a study permit.

  4. Apply for a study permit: You can apply for a study permit online or on paper through the IRCC website. You need to fill out an application form, pay a processing fee, and submit your letter of acceptance, passport, proof of financial support, medical exam results, police certificates, and other supporting documents. You may also need to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and attend an interview if required.

  5. Receive your study permit: If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction from IRCC, which is not your study permit but a confirmation that you are authorized to study in Canada. You need to show this letter to the immigration officer when you arrive in Canada, who will then issue your actual study permit.

Fresh Updates to Ease Your Journey


Q1: What’s New in the International Student Program?

The Canadian government has fortified the International Student Program. Now, post-secondary institutions must verify acceptance letters with the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), ensuring a transparent admission process. Plus, come fall 2024, a “recognized institution” framework will expedite study permit processing for schools that excel in supporting international students.


Q2: How Will These Changes Benefit Me?

These amendments are designed to iron out kinks, making your passage to Canada more straightforward. They also aim to weed out fraudulent practices that tarnished the experience for some students.


Q3: What About Post-Graduation?

Post-graduation, there are pathways like the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) awaiting you, opening doors to invaluable work experience in Canada.


Q: How can I apply for a scholarship or grant to study in Canada as an international student?

There are many scholarships and grants available for international students who want to study in Canada, offered by various sources, such as the Canadian government, provincial or territorial governments, institutions, organizations, or individuals. Some of the scholarships and grants are based on academic merit, while others are based on financial need, community involvement, leadership skills, or other criteria. You can use the Scholarships Finder tool to search for scholarships and grants that match your profile and preferences. You can also contact your chosen institution or your home country’s embassy or consulate in Canada to find out about other funding opportunities.


Canada's New Changes to the Study Permits and International Student Program?

The Canadian government has recently announced some changes to the International Student Program to protect the interests and rights of international students and prevent fraud and misuse of the system. Some of the changes are:

  • Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs): Starting from June 1, 2023, only students enrolled at DLIs will be eligible to apply for a study permit or extend their existing one. DLIs are institutions that have been designated by provincial or territorial governments to host international students. This means that students who are studying at non-DLIs will have to either transfer to a DLI or leave Canada when their current study permit expires.

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): The PGWP is a work permit that allows international students who have graduated from a Canadian institution to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of their program. Starting from June 1, 2023, only students who have completed a program of at least eight months in duration at a DLI will be eligible to apply for a PGWP. Additionally, students who are studying online from outside Canada due to COVID-19 will be able to count up to 50% of their program towards their PGWP eligibility, as long as they complete at least 50% of their program in Canada.

  • Off-campus work: International students are allowed to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays. Starting from June 1, 2023, students will need to meet two new conditions to be eligible for off-campus work: they must hold a valid study permit and they must be enrolled in an academic, vocational, or professional program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate at a DLI.

These changes are intended to ensure that international students come to Canada for genuine educational purposes and benefit from the opportunities that Canada offers.


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