Canadian Student Visa

Canada Study Permit 

Your pathway to receiving unparalleled education as an international student in Canada. 

- Tuition payment for the first year of study (for those studying outside Quebec) 

- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for the required amount based on the province or territory of study 

- Attestation of issuance of the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministere de I'Immigration, de la Francisation et de I'Integration (for those studying in Quebec) 

- Completion of a medical exam prior to application (if required) 

- A police certificate prior to application (if required) 

- Most recent secondary or post-secondary transcripts 

- Minimum score on a qualifying language test 

Canada Covets International Students 

Canada views international students as ideal future permanent residents due to their age, Canadian education, life experience in Canada, and language skills. The Express Entry system awards additional points to international graduates from Canadian institutions. 

What are the Extra CRS Points for Canadian Education? 

How to Get a Post-Graduation Work Permit 

International graduates can also take advantage of the Post-Graduation Work Permit, which enables them to work in Canada after completing their studies. The work experience obtained through this permit can be used to bolster their application for permanent residence. 

Work and Study 

Work While Studying 

Internships and Co-Op Programs 

On-Campus Work 

Off-Campus Work 

Work After Graduation 

Post-Graduation Work Permit 

Studying in Quebec 

Conditions to Qualify under PEQ 

The Quebec Experience Program (Quebec Graduate Stream) allows eligible international students with valid study permits to apply for permanent residence after successfully completing approved full-time studies in Quebec and acquiring the necessary work experience. The processing time for this program is typically six months. On July 22, 2020, a series of changes were introduced to the PEQ requirements, along with transitional measures for certain candidates already in Quebec. 

International students must first secure admission to an eligible study program and obtain a study permit to study in Canada. They must also meet specific financial and qualification requirements. 

Conditions to qualify for the Quebec PEQ program (Graduate of Quebec Stream): 

Completion of one of the following eligible diplomas 

   - Bachelor’s Degree (University Undergraduate) 

   - Master’s Degree (including MBA), Doctorate 

   - DEC (Diploma of College Studies) for technical training 

   - DEP (Diploma of Vocational Studies) for 1800 hours or more of study 

   - DEP followed by ASP (Attestation of Vocational Specialization) for a minimum of 1800 hours of continuing education leading to a specific trade 

Must have temporarily resided in Quebec for at least half of the study program on a valid study permit and complied with the conditions of your stay. 

Work Experience Requirements 

1. For holders of a technical college diploma, bachelor's, master’s, or doctorate: 

   - Full-time work experience of at least 12 months after the study program in a job classified under NOC level 0, A, or B. 

   - You must hold a full-time job at NOC level 0, A, or B at the time of application. 

   - Internship experience (up to a maximum of three months) completed as part of the program may also be counted. 

2. For holders of a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP), alone or with an ASP: 

   - Full-time work experience of at least 18 months after completing the study program in a job at NOC level 0, A, B, or C. 

   - You must hold a full-time job at NOC level 0, A, B, or C at the time of the application. 

   - Work experience at NOC level 0, A, or B does not need to be related to the study program. 

   - Work experience at NOC level C must be related to the diploma obtained in Quebec. 

Knowledge of Advanced Intermediate Oral French 

To meet the French language requirement, candidates can choose from the following options: 

1. Complete one of the eligible diploma programs entirely in French. 

2. Submit attestation of a French test or diploma recognized by authorities showing B2 level (intermediate) in oral comprehension and production. 

3. Provide proof of meeting the language requirements of a professional order in Quebec or pass an examination by the Office quebecois de la langue française. 

4. Submit a final transcript showing at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary studies completed entirely in French. 

When to submit an application?

- Applications must be submitted no later than 36 months after receiving the diploma. 

- As of October 2018, candidates cannot apply six months before obtaining their diploma. Instead, they must provide proof of graduation, an attestation of completion, and a final transcript before submitting an application. 

Financial Requirements 

Proof of sufficient unencumbered funds is required to cover tuition and living expenses. Tuition is estimated at $15,000 per year but may vary depending on the institution and program. Applicants must also demonstrate they have adequate funds to support themselves and any dependents accompanying them to Canada.

When submitting an application under the PEQ, applicants must sign a Contract of Financial Self-Sufficiency, confirming their ability to provide for themselves and any dependents for a minimum of three months. 

You are not eligible for the Quebec Experience Program if: 

- You are ineligible for the PEQ if you have a bursary requiring you to return to your home country and you have not fulfilled this condition, or if you have started a new study program in Quebec. 

For more information, a livestream by immigration lawyer Colin Singer reviews the PEQ and other provincial and federal programs for international students and graduates. 

Financial Requirements to Study in Quebec 

Quebec is a favored destination for international students, and to study there, you must provide proof of unencumbered funds to cover both tuition and living expenses. You can demonstrate financial capacity through the following: 

- Your own bank statements for the past six months, showing sufficient funds for your studies, along with proof of tuition and housing payments. 

- Bank statements from a close relative, showing they have enough funds to support you, along with a financial support confirmation letter from them. 

- Proof of funding received within Canada, such as a scholarship or participation in a Canadian-funded educational program. 

Tuition is generally estimated at $15,000 per year, though this can vary depending on the institution and the specific study program. 

In addition to covering tuition, you must also ensure you have sufficient funds for living expenses. The amount needed for this must be calculated based on the table below: 

How to calculate the amount of proof of funds? 

To calculate the required amount for proof of funds, combine tuition fees and living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members. For example, if your tuition is $15,000, living expenses for you as a student are $11,000, and living expenses for your spouse are $5,100, the total proof of funds needed would be $31,100. 

Pathways Canadian PR Card  

August 22, 2018 – Canada offers a broad range of immigration programs that present numerous opportunities for international graduates to apply for permanent residence following their studies. 

The provision for international graduates is primarily led by the federal Express Entry system, which allocates specific points for Canadian educational qualifications. 

In addition, the employer-driven Atlantic Immigration Pilot has a dedicated stream for international graduates. 

Ontario, being Canada’s largest province, is at the forefront among provincial nominee programs. It offers three distinct streams tailored to various levels of graduates, with only one of these streams requiring a job offer. 

Quebec also provides an international graduate stream that does not necessitate a job offer, as long as the candidate demonstrates a high level of proficiency in French. 

Other provinces, including British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, each have their own specific streams for international graduates. 

Alberta includes a provision for international graduates through the Alberta Opportunity Stream. 

New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island do not have dedicated streams for international graduates but are included in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. 

Several provinces require graduates to hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit. This permit allows graduates up to three years to acquire the necessary work experience to qualify for Canadian permanent residence. 

Read on to learn about the available options for applying for permanent residence after studying in Canada. 

Express Entry for International Students 

At the federal level, the current administration has facilitated Canadian immigration for international graduates by incorporating points into the Canada Express Entry system. 

In November 2016, Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points were introduced for various educational achievements: 30 CRS points for three-year post-secondary, master’s, professional degrees, and doctorates; and 15 CRS points for post-secondary diplomas lasting one or two years. No points are awarded for a Canadian high school education or below. 

This adjustment provides many graduates with the additional advantage they need to receive an Invitation to Apply. 

Atlantic Immigration Pilot 

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot includes a specific stream for international graduates. This stream enables graduates with a job offer who meet certain criteria to immigrate to Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. 

Atlantic International Graduate Program: Requirements 

- A job offer in a position classified under NOC 0, A, B, or C for a minimum duration of one year. 

- A score of at least level 4 in the Canadian Language Benchmark exam in English or the Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens in French. 

- A minimum two-year degree, diploma, certificate, or trade/apprenticeship credential from a recognized publicly-funded institution in an Atlantic province. 

- Completion of at least two years as a full-time student in Canada. 

- Graduation within the 12 months preceding the application date. 

- Residency in one of the Atlantic provinces for at least 16 months in the two years leading up to graduation. 

- Possession of a visa or permit to work, study, or train in Canada. 

- Completion of a Settlement Plan and provincial endorsement as part of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. 

Ontario 

Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream 

To qualify under this stream, applicants must have: 

- A permanent and full-time job offer in a position under NOC 0, A, or B that meets Ontario’s entry wage levels. 

- Either: 

  - A graduation or fulfillment of requirements for a full-time minimum two-year degree from a publicly-funded Canadian college or university; or 

  - A graduation or fulfillment of requirements for a full-time minimum one-year post-graduate diploma program from a publicly-funded Canadian college or university. 

- Completion of at least half of the studies in Canada. 

- Application submission within two years from the date of completion of the aforementioned course. 

International Student Immigration Category 

PhD Graduate Stream 

1. Graduation from a PhD degree program at a publicly funded Ontario university with at least two years of study completed. 

2. An intention to live and work in Ontario. 

3. Legal residency in Canada if applying from within; applications from abroad are also accepted. 

4. Submission of the application within two years of receiving the PhD diploma. 

Masters Graduate Stream 

1. Graduation from a Master's degree program at a publicly funded Ontario university with at least one year of full-time study completed. 

2. Proficiency in English or French at level 7 or higher. 

3. Residence in Ontario for at least one year within the last two years. 

4. Adequate settlement funds. 

5. An intention to live and work in Ontario. 

6. Legal residency in Ontario or abroad; applications from other parts of Canada are not accepted. 

7. Application submission within two years of obtaining the master’s degree certificate. 

Quebec 

Conditions to qualify for the Quebec PEQ program (Graduate Quebec Studies Stream): 

Completion of One of the Following Eligible Diplomas 

To qualify, you must have completed one of the following diplomas and have resided temporarily in Québec for at least half of the duration of the study program on a study permit while adhering to the conditions of your stay: 

- Bachelor’s Degree (University Undergraduate) 

- Master’s Degree or Doctorate 

- DEC – Diploma of College Studies, Technical Training 

- DEP – Diploma of Vocational Studies, which must attest to 1800 hours of study or more 

- DEP followed by ASP – Attestation of Vocational Specialization, which must attest to a minimum of 1800 hours of continuing education and lead to a specific trade 

Knowledge of Advanced Intermediate Oral French 

There are four options (only one required) to meet the French language requirement: 

1. Completing studies in one of the eligible diploma programs listed above entirely in French, which verifies your knowledge of the required French language level; or 

2. Providing an attestation of results from a French test or diploma recognized by the authorities that shows B2 (intermediate) proficiency in French oral comprehension and production; or 

3. Submitting a final transcript that confirms successful completion of an advanced intermediate level French course taken in Québec at a recognized educational institution listed under the PEQ eligible French courses; or 

4. Presenting a regular license to practice from a professional order in Québec, or an attestation of meeting the language requirements of a professional order in Québec, or an attestation of passing an examination administered by the Office Québécois de la langue française for obtaining a regular license to practice. 

British Columbia 

BC PNP Skills Immigration Stream for International Graduates 

This category is designed for foreign nationals who have graduated from Canadian post-secondary institutions. The main requirements for candidates are: 

- Having obtained an eligible degree or diploma from a Canadian post-secondary institution following a program of at least 12 months of full-time study within the two years prior to the application; 

- Having an indeterminate full-time job offer from a B.C. employer for a position under NOC Skill Levels O, A, or B. Other occupations may be considered under specific circumstances; 

- The offered wages must match the prevailing wages for the position in B.C.; 

- The candidate must possess the qualifications needed for the job offered, though no previous experience is required; 

- The employer must fulfill certain criteria, such as having a business location in the province; 

- The candidate must demonstrate the ability to become economically established in B.C. 

BC PNP Skills Immigration Stream for International Post-Graduates 

This program enables certain graduates of B.C. post-secondary institutions to settle in the province. No job offer is needed to apply in this category. Successful applicants will: 

- Have completed an eligible Master's or Doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in B.C. in a designated field of study within the two years preceding their application; 

- Show their intention to settle in B.C.; 

- Demonstrate the ability to become economically established in B.C. 

Alberta 

Alberta does not have a specific pathway to permanent residence for international students. However, the Alberta Opportunity Stream includes a provision for graduates holding a Post-Graduation Work Permit. In addition to meeting other requirements, PGWP holders must: 

- Have a minimum of 6 months of full-time work experience in Alberta within the last 18 months; 

- The work must be related to the candidate’s studies; 

- The candidate must hold an Alberta-approved credential from an Alberta-approved institution. 

Saskatchewan 

Saskatchewan Experience Category: International Student Stream Sub-Category 

This category targets international students who have graduated from a Canadian or Saskatchewan post-secondary institution and is divided into two streams: 

1) Students Who Have Graduated from a Saskatchewan Institute  

Requirements: 

- Obtained a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Saskatchewan post-secondary educational institution; 

- Have at least 6 consecutive months (or 960 hours) of paid employment in Saskatchewan; 

- Hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit; 

- Have an indeterminate full-time job offer in your field of study from a Saskatchewan employer. The job should be: 

  - NOC A, B, or 0; 

  - In a designated trade; 

  - Related to your field of study and require post-secondary education; 

- Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter; 

- Demonstrate required language skills for NOC C occupations. 

2) Students Who Have Graduated from an Institute in Canada 

Requirements: 

- Obtained a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian post-secondary educational institution following a program of at least 8 months of full-time study; 

- Hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit; 

- Have at least 6 consecutive months (or 960 hours) of paid employment in Saskatchewan in a position related to your field of study; 

- Have an indeterminate full-time job offer in your field of study from a Saskatchewan employer. The job should be: 

  - NOC A, B, or 0; 

  - In a designated trade; 

  - Related to your field of study and require post-secondary education; 

- Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter; 

Newfoundland & Labrador International Graduate Category 

This category is for recent graduates with a Post-Graduate Work Permit and a job or job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. To qualify under this category, the applicant must: 

- Have completed at least half of their studies in Canada and have graduated from an eligible publicly funded Canadian college or university; 

- Have completed a minimum two-year diploma or degree program, studying full-time with opportunities for advancement; 

- Have a full-time job offer in their field of study or a related field from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer; 

- Apply to the NLPNP within two years of receiving their degree or diploma; 

- Have legal status to work in Canada, such as a Citizenship and Immigration Canada Post-Graduate Work Permit; 

- Have the qualifications, training, skills, and accreditation required for the job; 

- Demonstrate the intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador; 

- Show they have sufficient financial resources to establish themselves and any dependents in Newfoundland and Labrador; 

- Demonstrate sufficient English or French language capability to perform the job duties. 

Newfoundland & Labrador International Graduate Entrepreneur Category  

This category, announced on July 30, 2018, is for immigrants wishing to start, join, or manage a business in the province. Basic requirements include: 

- Graduating from Memorial University or the College of the North Atlantic; 

- Completing a program of at least two years in length; 

- Achieving a benchmark level 7 in one of Canada’s official languages; 

- Having at least one year of experience in managing or owning a business in the province; 

- Candidates must establish themselves and their business on a temporary work permit before being nominated for permanent residence after at least one year; 

- No up-front investment requirement. 

New Brunswick 

There is no specific stream for international students under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program. However, the province participates in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (see above). 

Prince Edward Island 

There is no specific stream for international students under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program. However, the province participates in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (see above). 

Interested Employers: Please contact us here for further information. 

Interested Candidates: Determine your eligibility for Canada by completing our free online evaluation. We will provide you with our assessment within 1-2 business days.