Moving to Canada as a Student
How, Why and Where
Stanley Park, Vancouver
Studying abroad is such a valuable experience that can enrich your life and broaden your horizons. When it comes to studying abroad, Canada is one of the top choices among students.
Canada is a place of world-class education, friendly people, and incredibly beautiful nature. Considering all that, it comes as no surprise that more and more students are deciding to move to Canada.
In fact, Canada was ranked number 1 place in the world for studying abroad in Educations.com survey. Over 30,000 international students participated in that study.
As tempting as grabbing your things and moving to Canada sounds, you need to inform yourself first. Studying and living in Canada can be an incredible adventure, but first, you need to cover the basics.
For that reason, we present to you the answers to the most common questions – how to move to Canada, why Canada, and where to go. Let's get started!
HOW TO MOVE TO CANADA AS A STUDENT?
The technicalities of moving to a different country are the biggest drag, that’s true. But you can’t go anywhere before you get that done.
With that in mind, let’s tackle what you need to start the process of living and studying in Canada.
How to apply?
- You need to be over 18.
- You need a valid passport.
- Get your Letter of Acceptance as proof that you've been officially accepted.
- Obtain proof that you have a clean police record and that you are in good health.
- Apply for a Canadian Study Permit (issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)) while you’re in your country of residence (you can apply online).
- The Letter of Introduction from the Canadian visa office needs to be with you at all times during traveling
- Residents from some countries will also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) so check that with Canadian authorities in your country.
Make sure that all the information on these relevant documents is correct. Double-check for any typos or errors before you venture on this journey.
If your trip to Canada includes transit through other countries you should check if you need a different visa for those countries. Your Canadian student visa may not be valid for transit in certain places.
In case you plan to work in Canada as well, you should know that you can get certain part-time jobs without Work Permit. Your Study Permit will suffice.
It is quite possible that you’ll fall in love with this beautiful country and decide to stay after graduation. Can you do that? Of course! You can prolong your Study Permit, apply for Work Permit, or even apply for Permanent Residence. Do any of this without even leaving Canada.
WHY IS CANADA THE PERFECT PLACE FOR STUDYING ABROAD?
If you are interested in studying in Canada, you probably already have some reasons why. However, to give you an even better idea of what Canada has to offer, here are some benefits of studying in this country.
- High standard of education Obtaining a degree from a Canadian university can open many doors for you. Canadian universities are valued across the world and known for their diversity and top quality. In fact, Canada has 8 universities listed among U.S. News top 200 Best Global Universities.
- High quality of life Canada is an economically strong country with a low crime rate and low unemployment rate. According to U.S. News, Canada has ranked number 1 in the world (for the 5th consecutive year) for providing a good quality of life.
- Friendly and approachable people Going alone in a new country can be intimidating. But it shouldn’t be if you are moving to Canada. Canadians are famous for being very friendly and welcoming. Moreover, they are open and kind towards newcomers and minorities.
- Affordable cost of living Compared to other English-speaking countries in the world, Canada is very affordable. It is less expensive in terms of tuition fees, rent, and other living expenses. So, you can live in a country where everyone speaks English, use your typical Subjecto flashcards study material, but pay less than in the US or UK.
When you take into account the above-mentioned benefits, you'll understand why the number of international students in Canada is growing each year. According to IRCC reports from December 2019, there were a total of 642,000 international students in Canada that year. This number represents a 13% increase compared to the previous year.
WHERE TO LIVE AND STUDY?
University of British Columbia
Now, the big question – where to go? Canada is filled with incredible cities and high-ranked universities with impeccable study programs. To narrow down your choices, here is the list of top choices for studying in Canada.
Montreal
Montreal carries the title of the best student city in the world. It earned this title with diversified cultural activities, great nightlife, gastronomy, good job opportunities for students, low cost of living, and safety.
Best universities in Montreal:
Toronto
Toronto wins over students with the typical rush of a capital city. This city has numerous cultural monuments, food and art festivals, and a variety of activities that will keep you busy in your free time. Not to mention that one of the best universities in the world (the University of Toronto) is situated in Toronto.
Best universities in Toronto:
Vancouver
Vancouver offers many free activities and great places where you can hang around with your international friends. You can spend your days on beautiful beaches, or you can go hiking on one of the many trails. If you like a warmer climate and rainy weather, Vancouver may be just the place for you.
Best universities in Vancouver:
Ottawa
This student-friendly city attracts students with its liveliness and diversity. You can spend your free days skiing, skating, or walking the streets of this impressive city. In addition, Ottawa is known to be one of the safest cities in Canada.
Best universities in Ottawa:
Learn more about life in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal
FINAL THOUGHTS
Once you get a chance to spend time in Canada, you’ll understand why many can't resist moving to this country. Studying in Canada is a great choice as it combines quality education, quality life, and a high potential for great social life. Make sure that you further inform yourself about studying at the university you want in Canada before you make the final decision.
Read also Studying In Canada For International Students
Guest contributor Diana Nadim is a writer and editor who has a Masters degree in Marketing. She combines her passion for writing with her interest in research and creates thought-provoking content in various fields. Besides working as a contributor writer for Subjecto, Diana also runs her own 3to5Marketing blog. What inspires her the most in her writing is traveling and meeting new people. Follow her on Twitter.
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