Studying in Canada while also paving a path for work and immigration involves a few clear steps. Here’s a comprehensive outline of what you need to consider:
1. Choose a Program and Institution
- Research Programs: Look for programs that align with your career goals and interests.
- Select Institutions: Choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada that is recognized by the government.
2. Apply for Admission
- Prepare Application Documents: This typically includes academic transcripts, proof of English/French language proficiency (like IELTS or TOEFL), letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
- Submit Application: Apply to the schools of your choice and wait for acceptance.
3. Obtain a Study Permit
- Once accepted, you’ll receive a Letter of Acceptance.
- Apply for a student visa or study permit through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) by:
- Submitting the required documents, including proof of funds, medical exams (if needed), and police clearance.
- Paying the processing fee.
- If your program is longer than six months, you will need a study permit.
4. Work While Studying
- On-Campus Work: You can work on campus without a work permit.
- Off-Campus Work: With a valid study permit, you may work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks, provided you meet the conditions of your permit.
5. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- After graduation, you can apply for a PGWP to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program.
- Ensure you apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final marks.
6. Immigration Pathways
- After gaining work experience in Canada on a PGWP, you may consider permanent residency through various immigration pathways:
- Express Entry: If you meet the eligibility requirements, including having work experience and education from Canada.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Some provinces have programs specifically tailored for international graduates.
- Canadian Experience Class: This is for those with significant work experience in Canada.
7. Application for Permanent Residency
- Once you have the relevant experience and meet the eligibility criteria, apply for permanent residency through the methods applicable to your situation.
Additional Tips
- Financial Planning: Ensure you have sufficient funds for tuition fees and living expenses.
- Language Proficiency: Good English or French skills will be advantageous for study, work, and immigration.
- Networking: Connect with alumni and professionals in your field to enhance your opportunities.
What are the Benefits of Studying in Canada?
Canada is now one of the world’s leading destinations for international students with over 800,000 students from all over the world. Research shows that international students are attracted to Canada for the following reasons:
- High quality of education offered by Canadian schools
- Canada offers international students with opportunities to work during and after their studies, and transition to permanent residence
- Opportunities to study in English and/or French
- Safety and security
- Multicultural society
- Canada welcomes immigrants and international students from nearly 200 different countries each year
- Canada is affordable compared with other popular international student destinations. Consider also that the Canadian dollar is weaker than major currencies such as the USD, GBP, and EUR
About Canada’s Universities and Colleges
There are over 1,500 universities, colleges, and other educational institutions that are authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to welcome international students. These educational institutions are called Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and they exist to help international students learn in Canada and stay in the country after graduation. The list of DLIs that are authorized by IRCC is constantly growing. Please verify that the university, college, or other institution you wish to enroll in is authorized by IRCC by visiting the Canadian government’s official website.
Ontario and Quebec are Canada’s largest provinces by population, and hence, they host the most number of DLIs in the country (nearly 1,000 combined).
Given the large number of DLIs across Canada, you are very likely to find an educational program that meets your needs.
Generally speaking, universities across Canada offer comparable levels of high-quality education. The reason for this is that Canada promotes equity within its education system, meaning that it strives to ensure all students get the best possible education possible, irrespective of which institution that they go to.
Canada also has some 150 community colleges which also offer good quality education. Whereas universities specialize in providing theoretical knowledge and career training in certain professions (e.g., medicine, engineering, law), community colleges offer more applied training to help students quickly integrate into the labour market. College programs are more practical, with the knowledge provided to students meant to help them find work within their area of study.
Just like universities, colleges across Canada tend to offer similar levels of education. International students should take comfort at studying at a Canadian college, since the credential that they gain will support their professional and immigration ambitions upon graduation.
New changes to Canada’s study permit allocations
In 2024, IRCC announced that it will begin limiting the number of study permits issued in that year to 360,000—which would be divided through specific allocations for provinces and territories based on their student populations. Currently, this cap does not impact masters or doctoral students, nor those in elementary or secondary levels of schooling. In addition study permit renewals will not be impacted by this policy either.
In 2025, this study permit cap will be revised to 437,000 study permits, which will include master’s and PhD students as well.
IRCC has implemented these changes to help promote sustainable levels of international students, safeguard stakeholders from abuses of the international student program, and ensure adequate housing for accepted students in Canada. Per these new changes, IRCC will allocate a portion of the overall study permit cap to provincial and territorial governments, who will then distribute this allocation among DLIs in their jurisdiction.
To implement this cap, all study permit applications made after January 22nd, 2024 will now need a provincial attestation letter from a province or territory, in support of the applicant’s approval to study in Canada.
Recommended
Your Guide to Navigating the Canada Visa Process
Relocating to Canada from Nigeria as a Student
Study Pathways to Permanent Residence (PR)
International students who complete post-secondary education in Canada have many opportunities to extend their stay and ultimately transition to permanent residence.
Your education in Canada may put you at an advantage when it comes to pursuing Canadian permanent residence. Many federal and provincial immigration programs value candidates with Canadian education and work experience.
After completing your education in Canada, you can gain Canadian work experience by obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) which, depending on your Canadian academic program, may enable you to work in Canada for up to three years.
While holding a PGWP, you can then go ahead and pursue a number of federal and provincial permanent residence avenues, such as:
Express Entry
One of the most prominent ways of pursuing permanent residence is by submitting an Express Entry profile. Express Entry is the main way that Canada manages economic class immigration applications.
Express Entry candidates are assessed through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS rewards candidates who are young, have Canadian education and work experience, and strong English and/or French proficiency. These are characteristics that many of Canada’s international students possess.
Through Express Entry, former international students may be well-placed to be eligible for the popular Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, which enables tens of thousands of former international students and temporary foreign workers to become permanent residents each year.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories across Canada to identify immigration candidates who meet their local economic needs. Many PNP streams reward candidates who are former international students or are specifically dedicated to international students.
Quebec
Quebec is Canada’s second largest province and the city of Montreal is a very popular destination for international students. The province operates its own immigration system with programs that are different from those offered by the federal government and under the PNP. Quebec also encourages former international students to transition to permanent residence. One of the notable ways it seeks to do this is through the Quebec Experience Program.
You may also like
How To Relocate To Canada From Nigeria
Canada visa requirements for Nigerians
Jobs In Canada For International Workers
How to Apply for Canada Immigration from Nigeria
Ways to Settle in Canada from Nigeria
How To Move Permanently To Canada WITHOUT AN AGENT