Study in Canada for Indian Students

Canada is a hotbed of international immigration that prides itself on accepting people from all over the world. Asian immigration is to Canada is one of the most prominent among foreign nations, and within this demographic subset, Indian immigration in particular has gained a lot of steam in recent years.

India as a nation has emerged as a prominent force on the international stage, propped up by a populace of aspirant people who socially are very upwardly mobile.

The booming economy and growing mass of citizens who are middle class has allowed the boldest of Indian citizens to take a leap of faith and immigrate to Canada in order to better their fortunes and search for a better life.

Recently, through a census study conducted by StatisticsCanada (Statscan) in 2021, it was found that Indians make up about 5,1 % of the Canadian population, which equals approximately 1, 858,755 in real numbers. This represents one of the highest numbers of Canadian immigrants of non-European descent.

The Indian community in Canada has deep roots historically, going as far back as the late 19th century during the beginning stages of the industrial boom years in Canada when the first Indians, whom were classified as British subjects due to India being part of the British Empire, came to either farm or assist in the nascent industries of the nation.

This long history of settlement has resulted in an entrenched and deepened sense of community among Indians in Canada, with numerous celebrations and observances of Indian cultural and religious traditions within the many places of worship (temples, mosques).

So if you’re a newly arrived Indian student fresh from the mother country and you fear that you’ll lose touch of the lifestyle and traditions that you're used to following at home, there are many Indian communities in Canada that are more than willing to welcome you into their fold..

If you’re a young, ambitious and determined young student from India and want to broaden your educational horizons in another country, there has never been a better time to immigrate to Canada than today. Year on year in the recent past there have been roughly 100,000 Indian students who chose Canada as their study destination of choice.

In order to study in Canada, you must first apply to a Canadian university before you apply for a Study Permit. This is so you don’t waste additional time and money applying for a program you do not meet all of the requirements for.

How to Apply to a Canadian University

In order to study in Canada, you must first apply to a Canadian university before you apply for a Study Permit. This is implemented so you don’t waste additional time and money applying for a program you do not meet all of the requirements for.

One of these visa options is the Student Direct Stream (SDS). If you live in India, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam, your study permit application to Canada is prioritized. Therefore as a member of an eligible country we advise you to apply directly to this immigration stream.

If you apply through SDS, you can obtain a Canadian study permit in 20 calendar days and no longer have to wait a few months. To qualify for the expedited application process you must meet the criteria for a study permit plus additional requirements that we discuss in more detail below.

Please take note of the following study permit requirements for the Student Direct Stream.

• An acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution;
• Proof that you paid your tuition for your first year of study;
• A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD $10,000;
• A medical exam (if needed);
• A police certificate (if needed);
• Your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript;
• English language test results (IELTS) academic or general training score of six or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking, or listening) OR;

Canada upped its game when it comes to being an international standard of education and plans to have more than 450,000 international students within its borders by 2023.

Remember that if any of your application documents are not in English, they must be translated into either French or English by a certified translator. Normally you also need to include the original documents with your application as well, so please be aware. Make sure that you bring the following to your application:

• Immigration forms;
• Valid ID; and
• Medical reports

Immigration Forms

You will need to complete the immigration form IMM 1294 and Family Information Form IMM 5707. Be sure that you answer truthfully and do not miss out on any answers as this can impact your application negatively.

If any of the questions on the form do not apply to you, just write NA (Not Applicable).

Valid ID

To study in Canada whether you are an Indian student or not, you must also bring a valid form of ID for your study permit application. This includes your passport which must have at least two blank pages in it. The passport must not expire during your stay in Canada!

Two ID photos must also be included with your application. Be sure that you write your name and age on the back of these photos. The photo size must be 3.5cm by 4.5cm so please be aware that other sizes will not be accepted.

The costs of Biometrics for Indians are around 4546 rupees so please make sure that you have it ready when you apply.

Medical Reports

Should you intend to study in Canada for more than six months, you will need to complete a Medical examination. These medical exams cannot be done by just any doctor. They must be completed by a registered doctor who belongs to the Panel of Physicians in Canada.

When to Apply to Study in Canada From India

Universities in Canada open their doors to applicants from January to April, so application processing times can be quite busy during this period.

Make sure you know exactly when you want to apply to your preferred university as some of the educational institutions will have different application times and you certainly do not want to hand in a late application.

If you have chosen to study in September, make sure that you apply before August or your application could be refused immediately by your university.

Why Indian Students Should Study in Canada

After graduation, there is no doubt that you’ll be leaving Canada with a world-class education behind your name and a promising career to look forward to. Studying in Canada is a surefire way to stay on and live in this incredible country permanently.

So, if you obtained a three-year Bachelor's degree, then you can work in Canada for up to three years, which gives you ample time to gain significant Canadian work experience.

How Studying in Canada can Lead to PR

Not only does this look excellent on your resume but it’s exactly what you need to qualify for immigration programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

The pathway to permanent residency for international graduates is relatively clear and straightforward and mostly leads to successful immigration applications. Studying in Canada opens the doors to many opportunities in the Canada, and a bright future.

How to Work in Canada While You Study

You can use the International Experience Canadas (IEC) Working Holiday Visa program to obtain work experience while studying in Canada. However, you should make sure that you’re eligible to study in Canada by meeting the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of a country that has an international mobility program
• Be between the ages of 18-35 years of age.
• If you’re not a citizen of a country with an international mobility program, then you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa through the internationally recognized organization (AIESEC Canada, GO International, IAESTE etc.)

Many international students in Canada look to take on part time or even full time work to help finance their lifestyle while they study. As of March 2023, international students in Canada who's study permit allows them to take on an off-campus job, are no longer subject to the 20-hour per week restriction that is currently in place.

This allows international students to take on more work-intensive jobs, affording them both the opportunity for substantial work experience and earning far more while they study.

Are There Options to Work After Graduation?

With work permit programs that cater exclusively for international graduates like the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP), you can put your new Canadian qualification to good use by landing a job in Canada and working in the country for the same duration of time as it took to complete your qualification.

The Post-Graduation Work Program or PGWP is designed to help international students who have completed a qualification from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI), whether a certificate, diploma, or degree, stay and work in Canada.

International PGWP students in Canada will receive an open work permit. This work permit will allow graduates to work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed for any employer anywhere in Canada and change jobs anytime.

If you apply and you’re successful, graduates will be able to work for as many hours as they like, and depending on the length of their study program, the work permit will be valid for anywhere between eight months to three years.

International students in Canada who find employment in occupations classified as TEER 0, 1 and 2 can claim Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points if they apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

How we can Help You Study in Canada as an Indian Student

For professional help and guidance, put your visa application in the trusted hands of our student Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs). Our team of dedicated student advisors can provide you with excellent options for designated learning institutions that suit your budget and career goals, and even guide you through the enrollment process to obtain your letter of acceptance.

By using our services, you will receive a document checklist and we’ll submit your application on your behalf to ensure fast, and optimal results!

FAQs

What is the Most Effective Method to Ensure That you Study in Canada?

The universal and cliched advice of ‘good marks/scores can get you anywhere’ ultimately applies to obtaining a place to study at a prestigious Canadian tertiary institution that can pay your student bills as well.

Which City has the Biggest Community of Indians in Canada?

The Indian community in Toronto is the largest among major Canadian cities/towns. The industrious financial and commercial metropole is the most prized destination for a lot of ambitious and aspirant Indians who want to pursue a better life for themselves.

Which Canadian University has the Most Number of Indian Students Enrolled?

The University of Toronto, being situated in the urban area that is the center of Indian immigration to Canada, is the university with the highest number of Indian students in Canada.