Canadian universities and colleges offer high-quality, internationally recognized educational programs. However, if you wish to pursue or enrol in a college or university of Canada, you must verify that the college or university is authorized by IRCC. You can verify this by visiting the official website of Canadian government. The universities and colleges that are authorized by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) are called designated learning institutions (DLIs). There are over 1500 universities and colleges in Canada that are authorized by IRCC.
Unlike Australia, United Kingdom and other countries of Europe and United States of America, Canada is more affordable to study. A student who wishes to start his or her educational program at a Canadian University or College can avail the benefits of studying in Canada by living in their home country as they can study online.
Universities and colleges promote comparable levels of top-quality education across Canada. A student can expect quality education regardless of which institution they are enrolled in. The Canadian education system ensures that all students get the best education as Canada believes in equity in its education system.
The following are some of the internationally-renowned universities in Canada:
- Queen’s University
- McMaster University
- McGill University
- Dalhousie University
- University of Toronto
- University of Montreal
- University of Calgary
- University of British Columbia
- University of Waterloo
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Alberta
- University of Ottawa
The benefits of beginning your Canadian immigration journey
You can begin your Canadian immigration journey in your country due to lack of available flights because of COVID-19 pandemic. Even if you are unable to come to Canada, you get peace of mind. According to IRCC, you can complete your entire study program online and still become eligible for Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).
The federal government of Canada has introduced this policy to allow international students to pursue their studies online and become eligible to obtain PGWP after completion of their programs. Owing to the global COVID pandemic, this temporary policy helps in providing more flexibility to foreign students.
This policy is a boom for international students as they can save several months of living costs in Canada by remaining in their home country.
Online Study programs are now affordable for you
For the academic year 2021-22, Canadian Universities are now offering online programs. If you pursue a two-year qualifying program at a designated college or university in Canada, you will get a full three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). To ensure this you must complete at least 50 percent of your education in Canada.
PGWP helps in gaining Canadian work experience – which will help you to work for up to three years in Canada.
If you get full three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit you will become eligible for the following immigration programs:
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Express Entry Program
- Quebec Experience Program
- Atlantic International Graduate Program
- Northern Immigration Pilot
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot
PGWP is very important for foreign students who want to provide strength to their immigration applications and make it more competitive. The prospects of obtaining permanent residency become bright if a student has a combination of Canadian education and work experience obtained through PGWP in Canada.
Job Opportunities for Students in Canada
Any student who holds a valid study permit is legally eligible to work in Canada as soon as they land in the country. A majority of the study permits allow students to work for up to 20 hours per week during their studies and fulltime during summer and winter breaks.
Your partner or spouse is also eligible to work with an open work permit during and after completion of studies. During your stay in Canada your children can accompany you and study in Canada’s public schools without requiring their own study permit.
After completion of your studies, you will get Canadian credentials – certificates, diploma or degree. Canadian government and employees will recognize your credentials. With the Canadian degree, you can explore Canadian labour market and gain additional points under a wide range of provincial and federal immigration programs.
The benefits of pursuing Canadian studies
Educational programs in Canada help you to enhance your language skills – English and French language skills. You can obtain more points under several immigration programs if you score high in your language tests. Excellent language skills will help you to integrate socially in Canada and also help you economically.
As a foreign student, if you complete your post-secondary education in Canada, you will get many opportunities to explore and stay further – which will eventually lead to gaining permanent residency in Canada. Once you complete your education from a recognized Canadian University and gain work experience in Canada, you will be recognized by many provincial and federal immigration programs as a valuable candidate. Your Canadian education gives you an edge when you apply for permanent residency in Canada.
In a nutshell, Canada is a land of opportunities for international students. They are being invited to come, explore and start their Canadian immigration Journey.