What is the International Student Program (ISP)?
International Student Program (ISP) allows foreign nationals to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada. To study in Canada, most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada, therefore it is advisable for you to apply for a Canadian Immigration Study Permit before you travel to Canada.
In the fall of 2020, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Canada has modified the International Student Program to include online courses. International students, while still outside of Canada, will have the opportunity to enrol in online courses at one of the Designated Learning Institutions and still be eligible for Canada’s post-graduation work permit after moving to Canada.
For more information offered by Canada to study approved online courses, please attend their Canada announces major study and work visa change for fall 2020 webpage.
The opportunities and benefits for international students has increased and Canada is working to continue to improve it. Rightly so, because Canada’s post-secondary schools have an excellent reputation and are among the best in the world. Canadian universities and colleges provide programs that help integrate international students into campus and Canadian life, including their assisted English second-language programs.
Firebird Immigration Consultants will be pleased to help international students setup and arrange their study permits and immigration future to Canada.
Requirements for the International Student Program
International Students should follow some preliminary steps before applying for a Canadian immigration study permit.
What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?
A Designated Learning Institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically designated learning institutions and will not appear on the DLI list. The list provides for approved post-secondary schools.
Application for a study permit requires an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Note: Each post-secondary school has its own set of rules on how to apply, including the level of English or French you need.
To see which learning institution is designated by Canada Immigration, read more on their Designated Learning Institutions List webpage.
Preparation for your International Student Study Permit
Before a foreign student applies for a study permit, they need to prepare for this important immigration venture.
- Choose an education program or school from the Designated Learning Institutions list.
- Apply to the chosen school or education program.
- Apply for any available scholarships for international students.
- Apply for health insurance since Canada does not provide health insurance for foreign students.
More preparation details from Canada are found on their Prepare to Study in Canada webpage. For more information about available scholarships for international students, please go to the International scholarship opportunities for non-Canadians webpage.
Applying for a Student Permit
Once preparations are complete, a foreign student will need to determine if they need to apply for a study permit. There are some circumstances where a foreign national will not need a study permit, but most will.
It is important to note, that a study permit is not a visa and does not let you enter Canada. A foreign student, in most circumstances, must also apply for the appropriate visa to enter Canada.
When a study permit is required
Minor Child Status– study period is more than six (6) months and coming to Canada.
- A minor child coming to Canada with their parents or legal guardian, also needs a valid passport or travel document.
- If Canada immigration approves a study permit for a minor, Canada will automatically give them a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), depending on their passport or travel document.
A minor child is coming to Canada alone to study must have:
- a signed custodianship declaration
- a letter of acceptance from the school they are attending
- proof that they have enough money to pay for their living expenses and their return transportation
Family or Staff of a Foreign Representative in Canada Status – study period is more than six (6) months and coming to Canada.
- You or they are not accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
- You require valid passport or travel document. Depending on your travel document, you may need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
None of The Above Status – study period is more than six (6) months and coming to Canada.
- You require valid passport or travel document. Depending on your travel document, you may need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
When a Study Permit is Not Required
Minor Child – study period six (6) months or less and coming to Canada.
- A minor must have valid visitor status to stay in Canada, which includes an unexpired visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or electronic travel authorization (eTA).
- A minor child means a person 17 yrs. of age and younger. (the age of 18 yrs. is a minor in some provinces or territories). Ion some cases, it can benefit a minor to get a study permit. Contact Firebird Consultants for more information.
- Depending on the age of the minor, you may want to get a study permit anyway which adds benefits and opportunities for the minor, such as co-op related employment.
Adult – study period six (6) months or less and coming to Canada.
- You can study in Canada without a study permit, so long as your studies are not part of a longer study program and the completion of the studies is within the approved 6 months of time.
- You may want to get a study permit anyway.
- You require valid passport or travel document. Depending on your travel document, you may need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA)
Visiting Armed Forces Member – study period is more than six (6) months and coming to Canada.
- You can choose any school, whether they are listed under the Designated Learning Institutions list or not. To see more information in choosing a school, visit the Studying in Canada: Choosing a school, college, or university Canada government webpage.
- You require valid passport or travel document. Depending on your travel document, you may need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA)
Registered Indian Status – study period is more than six (6) months and coming to Canada.
- You can choose any school, whether they are listed under the Designated Learning Institutions list or not. To see more information in choosing a school, visit the Studying in Canada: Choosing a school, college, or university Canada government webpage.
- You require valid passport or travel document. Depending on your travel document, you may need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA)
Family or Staff of a Foreign Representative in Canada – study period is more than six (6) months and coming to Canada.
- You or they must be accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
- You must contact Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
- Your embassy can assist you with this.
- You require valid passport or travel document. Depending on your travel document, you may need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Want to Study in the Province of Quebec?
If you want to study in the province of Quebec:
- You need a study permit,
- You must also apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
- You require valid passport or travel document. Depending on your travel document, you may need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA)
Benefits of the International Student Program
Work while you study
With a temporary work permit, an international study can work while they study at an approved Canadian school. Firebird Immigration Consultants can help you find employment as an international student in Canada.
Gaining Permanent Residency
You can apply for permanent residency in Canada while you study or apply for permanent residency after you graduate from an approved Canadian school.
Help your Spouse or Partner Get a Work Permit
As an international student, you can help your spouse or partner get an open work permit to work in Canada if they qualify.
To read more about the open work permit, you can on the Government of Canada web page, “Who can get a work permit as the spouse or common-law partner of a student?”.
Work in Canada after Graduation
After you graduate from an approved Canadian school, you could remain in Canada and work by getting a post-graduation work permit or immigrate permanently through Express Entry.
Restrictions of the International Student Program
Study Permit is not an automatic visa or travel document
A student study permit is not a visa and it will not let you enter Canada. The study permit allows you to remain in Canada during your study program, it is not a visa or travel document. See above for what you need to enter Canada or travel.
How long can you stay in Canada with a study permit?
A study permit usually remains valid for the entire length of your study program, plus an extra 90 days added on. The reason for the 90 days is to let you prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay in Canada. There are some conditions or restrictions that apply, depending on your study course, type of study program, etc. Firebird Consultants can assist you in determining the length of validation of your study permit.
Exemptions to the International Student Program
Students who are citizens of the United States of America (U.S.A)
Citizens of USA do not need a visitor visa or an eTA to enter Canada, but they must carry proper identification and meet Canada’s basic immigration requirements to enter.
What can Firebird Consultants do for your application to the International Student Program?
Firebird Consultants will help you with the initial assessment, application preparation and correspondence on your behalf with the federal and/or provincial government until the final decision is made on your application through the International Student Program.
If you are looking for a Russian speaking immigration consultant in Vernon, Kelowna, Okanagan, or in Canada to provide immigration support – please contact us for a free assessment.