Canada has become a top destination for international students who are seeking high-quality education.
The country’s education system has been praised by scholars worldwide – their institutions are highly ranked with lots of them among the top rated in the world.
The people are welcoming and friendly – Canadians have been rated the most friendly people on earth severally.
International students in Canada easily feel at home due to how welcoming and ready to help, the people are towards immigrants.
The country attracts students from all corners of the globe – and the reason isn’t far-fetched.
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Students in Canada receive an excellent education and have several opportunities to build their careers after school.
In addition, the immigration policies are friendly – you can easily transition to a permanent resident after school.
As an international student planning to study in Canada, understanding the rules and regulations governing your stay will help you stick to the law and ensure that you follow the terms of your student visa.
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Canada takes its laws very seriously and violating any rule will get you into trouble even as an international student.
There are many rules for international students in Canada and how well you know them can make the difference in remaining law abiding while in the country.
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If you are not familiar with the rules for international students in Canada, below are all of them that you should know – never forget them.
These rules cover your stay in Canada, from areas such as visas, work permits, study permits, healthcare, and more.
New rules for international students in Canada
If you want to avoid any issues with immigration or your school while in Canada, ensure you maintain these rules.
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You need a study permit to study in Canada
- As an international student planning to study in Canada for more than six months, you must get a study permit.
- Your study permit is a legal document that will be issued to you by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows you to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada – with it, you can engage in academic activities in Canada.
- To apply for a study permit, you must have an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
- It is also important for you to apply for your study permit before coming to Canada for your studies because, when approved, you will be issued a letter of introduction which you will present at the port of entry in Canada.
Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)
- As an international student, you must ensure that the institution you plan to attend is DLI-approved by the Canadian government.
- DLIs include universities, colleges, and other educational institutions authorized to host international students. If the institution is not a DLI, please, do not go there to study.
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You must maintain full-time enrollment
- As an international student who is studying in a DLI, you must maintain full-time enrollment at your designated institution throughout your academic program.
- Full-time enrollment here means taking a minimum number of credit hours or courses as specified by the institution.
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You must not work more than the allowed hours in a week
- As an international student with a valid study permit in Canada, you may be eligible to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic session and full-time during scheduled breaks.
- You must ensure that you do not exceed this number of hours (20 hours per week), if you are caught working more than the allowed hours – your student visa can be cancelled.
- In addition, you must make sure that your study permit explicitly allows you to work on or off-campus before you take up any job – if your study permit does not allow you to work, you should avoid working while studying.
Tax obligations
- International students who work in Canada are subject to Canadian tax laws.
- To stay on the side of the law, you need to study and understand your tax obligation and make sure that you file your income tax returns if required – if there is any aspect of your tax obligation you do not understand, you can go to your institution’s international student’s office for help.
You must comply with immigration regulations
- As an international student in Canada, you must comply with Canadian immigration regulations throughout your stay.
- You need to maintain valid immigration documents like study permits and passports and follow any conditions or restrictions outlined in these documents.
- If any other specific rules apply to your visa or study permit, ensure you follow these rules – do not disobey the law under any circumstances.
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Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Upon completing your studies in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- The PGWP allows graduates to work in Canada for a duration equal to the length of their study program, up to a maximum of three years. If you are eligible for PGWP and wish to stay back in Canada, apply for your PGWP within the specified time to avoid issues with immigration authorities.
Keep your financial proof
- You are required by Canadian law to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs while studying in Canada.
- This financial proof will be required when you apply for a student visa as well as when you apply for a study permit. Ensure that you present genuine proof of funds.
You must have health insurance
- Most provinces in Canada provide healthcare insurance coverage to international students through provincial health insurance plans.
- However, the coverage and eligibility criteria aren’t the same across provinces, so you need to check the specific requirements for the province where you will be studying and get one for yourself.
- You need to apply for this provincial health insurance as soon as possible after arriving in Canada.
If expired, you must renew your permit on time
- Your study permit is supposed to last as long as your program, however, if for any circumstance (maybe you repeated a class), it will expire before the end of your program, you must renew it before the current one expires.
- You must monitor the validity of your study permits, work permits (if applicable), and other immigration documents and renew them before they expire.
- Start the renewal process before the current one expires to avoid any interruptions in your stay in Canada.
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You must maintain academic progress
- As an international student, you are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by your institution.
- Failing to meet academic standards will result in academic probation or even termination of your study permits.
Report changes to your details
Another important rule for international students in Canada is the issue of changes in your details.
- As an international student, you must report any changes in your contact information, academic program, or marital status to IRCC.
- If you fail to report any changes, it can affect your immigration status.
In addition to these rules, you are expected to obey Canadian laws while in the country, those laws related to driving, alcohol consumption, and employment, obey them.
Violating any laws in Canada while in the country even as a student will have serious consequences, including deportation.
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Finally, you are encouraged to respect Canadian cultural norms and values and accept the difference between you and anyone else.
Being open-minded, respectful, and willing to learn about Canadian culture will make your overall experience as a student in Canada wonderful.