Having the opportunity to study abroad brings joy to every international student who wants to get their dreams fulfilled for a prospective future.
Most developed countries around the world including Canada, inclusive, offer a strong educational base to train all categories of students to attain the peak of success in their careers.
The best colleges are out there for international students to cherry-pick and proceed with the necessary application to get admitted.
It’s therefore important to get everything in place before getting ready to go to school abroad.
Noteworthy, the admission of every applicant would be based on the merits of their profiles and the requirements demanded by the institution.
Even if one eventually gets admitted, the acquisition of a study permit would eventually hold them back from stepping into Canada.
Importantly, a study permit plays a crucial role in the duration of your stay in Canada as an international student.
Without a study permit issued by the Canadian immigration service, international students would be prevented from studying.
However, if you’re planning to obtain a study permit, certain steps must be taken as well as some significant factors that would affect your eligibility for actually getting one.
This article discusses everything you need to know about a study permit; what it means, why it is important, steps to take to acquire one, and the factors that would affect your chances of getting one.
What is a Study Permit?
A study permit is what gives international students the eligibility to study in a particular country by the immigration service of that country.
In Canada, the government issues a legal document to international students and this allows them to study at their preferred colleges or universities where they got admitted.
These respective colleges are also known as Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
So if you are willing to pursue academic excellence in studying a professional course over there, this should be considered as an essential requirement.
Here are some important things every international student should know about study permits;
Eligibility: Applying for a study permit presupposes that international students must obtain an acceptance letter from a designated institution, and also proof that they have sufficient funds for all manners of costs throughout studying in the country.
Duration: This is dependent on the choice of study based on each course intended to be studied by a student.
The duration of some courses takes up to 4 years while others are much longer.
The study permit normally grants an additional 90 days which allows the students to prepare to leave Canada after the stated period has been exhausted.
International Students can also apply for an extension if they wish to continue their studies up to the level of post-graduation opportunities.
Work eligibility: Study permits give international students the privilege to apply for work on or off-campus which helps them gain valuable work experience and also covers their daily costs of living, by making them independent.
Compliance: International students must adhere strictly to the rules and regulations stated in the Study Permit to avoid revocation and consequently deportation.
Therefore, they are enjoined to maintain full-time enrollment at their designated learning institutions.
Application process: The application for a study permit would be rejected when a student does not follow the proper procedures in submitting complete paperwork.
Therefore, important supporting documents must be tendered in direct order to the Canadian immigration authorities.
Why is a Study Permit Important?
Since you know what a study permit entails, and how it seems crucial for international students pursuing their education, then its importance cannot be over-emphasized as it serves several purposes stated below.
Legal Authorization for Education Abroad
Firstly, the study permit allows international students to study within a country’s borders based on its government authorization. No student would be considered a legal resident without this permit.
They may also face deportation or other legal consequences.
In a nutshell, a study permit provides the necessary legal framework for a student to pursue their educational goals abroad.
Access to Essential Services and Opportunities
Secondly, another reason why a study permit is considered important is that it is attached to various services based on your stay in Canada.
They include obtaining a student visa, enrolling in school, securing a place to stay, and even working part-time after studying.
Countries like Canada require international students to open a bank account and also obtain a driver’s license, provided they have the means to do so.
Invariably, all the activities stated would become impossible without a study permit.
Maintaining Immigration Status
Thirdly, the immigration service in any foreign country supervises and regulates the entry of visitors, and tourists, including international students.
In this light, a study permit is a vital tool for you to maintain your immigration status and adhere to certain regulations as stated earlier.
Additionally, international students must maintain a full-time course load and achieve satisfactory academic progress.
Failing to do so can jeopardize one’s legal status, making it crucial to understand and abide by these requirements.
Opportunities and Graduation Benefits
Think of opportunities coming from different sources to you as an international student. It means extra benefit to your experience and pockets, doesn’t it?
It could be post-graduation work, permanent residency, or even a good-paying job that would change a lifestyle for the better.
Meanwhile, many countries offer programs that allow international graduates to work or apply for immigration benefits, often with expedited processes for those who have completed their studies with a valid study permit.
What are the 4 Things that Can Affect Your Study Permit
Application in Canada?
It’s an undeniable fact that these factors stated below have led to the rejection of various study permit applications by hundreds of international students around the world, without most of them knowing why.
No Letter of Explanation
Attaching your letter of explanation to your study permit application is very important.
The letter serves as an opportunity to shed light on certain concerns or inadequacies in your application.
Failure to attach it makes the application lack critical context and subsequent rejection.
On the other hand, taking due time to pen down a comprehensive letter of explanation helps you to demonstrate your genuine interest in studying in Canada which reduces suspicions of immigration violations.
It also allows you to address issues like gaps in your academic history, financial discrepancies, or inconsistencies in your application.
Before starting, follow the requirements and guidelines to maximize your chances of obtaining a study permit.
Unclear Bank Statement
Every international student must show that they have sufficient funds to take care of their tuition fees and other living costs that may arise in the future, based on what the substance of a bank statement contains.
It heavily impacts your study permit in such a way that if the bank statement is unclear or lacks information needed, delays and possible rejections of your application might ensue.
A clear bank statement is meant to show your available balance that matches the official language of Canada to make it easy for the immigration authorities to access your financial capacity accurately.
Being an international student who happens to be oblivious to some policies and laws put in place, you don’t want to raise suspicions about the authenticity of your financial documents, because it would lead to an investigation that further delays your application instantly.
You can avoid all these issues by making sure that your bank statement is in one of the official languages, clearly displays your name, account details, and recent transaction history, and indicates the available balance that meets or exceeds the required funds for your study period.
Why should these steps be taken seriously? Because a clear and accurate bank statement is the possibility of a successful Study Permit Application in Canada.
No Tuition Deposit/ Insufficient Proof of Funds
If you don’t pay the required tuition fees, you won’t get educated or enrolled.
Canadian institutions will ask for your tuition deposit for you to secure a spot among others in the program.
Invariably, your application would be incomplete without it, and would also serve as a ground for rejection.
The Canadian government as well as its institutions needs to be assured that they are training and educating independent students and not those who would become a burden to their social services later on.
This is why every international student needs to have sufficient proof of funds to cover various expenses. Failure to do so will also lead to a denied application.
All you need to do to avoid those problems is to pay the required tuition fee at the appropriate time and also tender clear evidence of your financial capacity that enhances your chances of a successful Study Permit Application in Canada to pursue your education smoothly.
No Clear Career Progression
The absence of a clear career progression can negatively impact your application in several ways.
Canadian immigration authorities assess applicants to ensure they genuinely intend to study and return to their home country after completing their studies.
Without a career plan, you may lack a clear purpose for your education in Canada, raising doubts about your intentions.
Additionally, it demonstrates your commitment to your chosen field of study and your potential to contribute to Canada’s workforce after graduation.
It can also aid in securing post-graduate work permits and permanent residency.
Not having a clear career progression plan can weaken your application by casting doubt on your intentions and your ability to contribute to Canada’s labor market in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an interview compulsory for a Canadian student visa?
An interview might be compulsory if the visa officer deems it necessary or if your visa application is incomplete.
However, a mandatory step for obtaining a Canadian student visa is a medical examination.
Does the Canadian Embassy verify bank statements?
The Canadian embassy may conduct checks to authenticate the accuracy of the financial information provided in your bank statements as part of the visa application process.
How long does it take to get a student visa for Canada in Nigeria?
The processing time for a Canada Student Visa is typically around 90 days, but it can sometimes be faster, taking as little as 20 days.
Who approves student visas in Canada?
To be eligible for a Canadian student visa, you must first apply to and be accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), which is a school approved by the territorial government to accept international students.
How does the Canadian Embassy verify educational documents?
The Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is utilized to verify the validity and equivalence of your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate with Canadian standards, and it is a requirement for immigration purposes.
How does the Canadian Embassy verify educational documents?
Visa officers assess your academic performance for consistency, but it’s not solely about grades.
They also evaluate your English language proficiency and other factors when deciding on your visa application.
Conclusion
International students need to understand that these factors can affect their study permit application, and are also best for a successful academic journey.
Ensuring that every documentation is clear, accurate, and meets the required standards is equally important to avoid delays and potential rejections.
Paying the necessary tuition deposit and providing sufficient proof of funds is not only a requirement but also a demonstration of your commitment to being a responsible student.
Lastly, having a clear career progression plan not only strengthens your application but also sets the stage for future opportunities in Canada after graduation.
Always remember that a study permit is not just a document; but the key to unlocking a world of educational, professional, and personal growth in any country you find yourself.
When you follow the guidelines and understand all the factors put in place, you can increase your chances of a successful study permit application and embark on an enriching academic journey in Canada and other countries around the world.