International Students & their Canadian Journey!

#NishasNet | Students from Different Communities in New Country.

Every aspiring student is Curious, Anxious to know and Explore their journey as an International Student.

The very thought of this for sure, rattles the anxious butterflies in the stomach.

The life of a student in today's time has become quite competitive, especially after the Internet evolvement. Everyone has become socially active, kids these days live more of a reel life than real life. Due to this peer pressure is also very high. One such factor is International study. Every second kid wants to get international exposure. This has made countries like the USA, Canada, the UK and Australia one of the top destinations for higher studies. Out of these, Canada as of date ranks no. 1 in acquiring higher studies permits due to many different factors like Global recognition, better opportunities, world-class benefits, international exposure and last but not the least post-study permit leading to permanent residency.

The various things involved in this like how to obtain the study permit, making acquaintances upon arrival, etc. We have tried to cover it all here, To give an idea about the process, requirements and life there.

Study Permit - How to obtain one?

To apply for a study permit, you need

• Offer letter (Well in advance with the complete set of documents)

• A letter of acceptance from the institution( post fee payment)

• May be an interview

• Medical report

• Police Certificate.

• Proof of sufficient funds

You can show proof of funds with a Canadian bank account in your name, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), proof of a student loan, liquid funds (savings / fixed deposits etc) in your bank account, a Sponsorship letter from your first relative supporting you with financials for your study permit, or get discounted prices of your education through scholarship programs.

Any eligibility for scholarships or financial support?

Silver Lining is that even being an international student, one is still eligible for scholarships & financial support in Canada. Just note that the scholarship is not guaranteed and one often has to do some search to find out what he or she is eligible for and how to apply.

Many Canadian universities have programs that offer grants or scholarship packages or bursaries. One should also contact the school’s financial aid office to check if any scholarships or bursary options are available for international students.

Search online for additional resources or get help from your consultant.

A place to stay?

Usually, many schools have dormitories facilities for international students, if your school doesn’t have one or if you are not offered one by your school, you’ll need to find a place to stay. Asking your international student office would help. AIR BnB is another good option to book in advance for a few days while you land and then later look for more options.

Before signing the lease, be aware of what things to consider before renting, the process of renting in Canada and what to look for in a lease agreement.

What’s banking like in Canada?

Banking might be different in Canada than where you’re from, but it’s fairly easy to get started. Most banks in Canada offer free basic banking to full-time students. It’s important to read through all the fine print before opening an account

All one needs to open an account is a study permit or temporary visa, proof of school enrollment and a government photo identity.

Access to Canadian healthcare?

Canada is known throughout the world for its government-funded national healthcare system. This system is meant to provide healthcare that is universally available to permanent residents, is without income barriers, has comprehensive coverage, is portable within Canada and elsewhere, and is administered publicly.

Whether or not public health services are offered to international students is at the discretion of each province and for others, the students are to purchase private health insurance. Many schools offer their own mandatory private health insurance coverage for international students. One may be able to opt out of it if he/she has proof of opting for other private health coverage.

The best is to contact the school to guide on this process. Following Provinces and territories offer health coverage to international students. Please do verify the fine details at your end.

• Alberta

• British Columbia

• New Brunswick

• Newfoundland and Labrador

• Northwest Territories

• Saskatchewan

• Prince Edward Island

Work (Part-time / Full time) is it allowed?

Aspiring / Future international students are always wondering what the restrictions are for them who want to work to help pay for school or gain relevant work experience. The answer is that one can work, but only in certain places and for a certain amount of time.

International students can normally work on campus provided their study permit allows them to, and they can only work during the duration of their course and not before or after it ends. The employer can be the school, a student organization, or a private contractor that provides on-campus services. Students may also run their own business so long as it’s physically located on campus and can work more than one job.

As an international student, You would need Social Insurance Number (SIN) to be eligible to work as many hours as you wish on campus. You might also be eligible to work up to 20 hours a week off-campus. You’re also eligible to work full-time off-campus during scheduled breaks, as in during the summer, the winter holidays, or reading week. During this time, you can work overtime or work two part-time jobs, which totals more than the average weekly working hours — However, to work full-time, you must be a full-time student before and after this break

Succeed at school in Canada.

Being successful as a student can sometimes be more difficult for international students, as the language, school structure, and expectations may differ from those in your home country. However, most schools provide resources, such as teaching assistants, professors and teaching assistants, who are available to assist students during office hours.

Here is a brief overview of what to expect as a student in Canada.

• Follow the code of ethics. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the policies that apply to you.

• Even in high school, Canadian teachers provide opportunities for students to work as a group to complete a project.

• Your college and university professors will ask you at times to write an essay to fulfil the requirements of your course. As an international student, especially if English or French is not your mother tongue, your education in Canada will give you the skills to write excellent essays. This will help you succeed in post-secondary education in Canada.

• Group work, and doing presentations are important parts of post-secondary education in Canada.

• Avoid Plagiarism at any cost. Post-secondary schools in Canada treat plagiarism as a serious offence and it may attract punishments.

Student life, involvement and making friends?

The people you meet will determine to a great extent how much you will enjoy your time in CANADA as an international student. One of the better ways to adjust to your new life is to catch up with a lot many people to understand the lifestyle.

Participate in student clubs, study groups, intramural activities and other activities. School's international student office often organizes social events for international students where you can catch up with locals and other people who have also moved to Canada to study and are looking for friends.

Culture Shock- How to deal?

Moving to a new country always comes with a learning curve. There are all sorts of cultural and social practices that are likely quite different than at home, and you might end up missing friends and family. Give yourself time to adjust and make friends with other international students in the same boat.

Moving to a new place, especially a new country generally accompanies an expectation to absorb new information and learn new things. There is a wide range of social and cultural practices that are possible very unique than at home, and you could also miss your loved ones or feel homesick. Give yourself time to settle and adjust. Make new friends and divert your mind.

Permanent Residency upon completion of studies- is an important aspect.

Interested in staying in Canada to work after you graduate? Apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) to get PR status. But be mindful that not all courses lead to eligibility for the Work permit. For work Permit eligibility, your program must be over eight months in length. Assuming that your program is north of eight months but under two years, you're qualified for a work permit equal to your program's length and if the program’s length is more than two years then you're qualified for a 3-year work permit.

Once you get a job and start working in Canada, upon meeting the eligibility criteria, you can apply for permanent residence and then finally citizenship. For more details and guidance on this, you may contact #NishasNet.

Most importantly in today's COVID scenario, you must check the government of Canada’s COVID related advisory and details specifically for students and foreign workers before you leave for Canada.

Relocation is easy than it is perceived!

Relocating to a new country with different cultures and values may seem a bit overwhelming, but it is easier if worked upon properly. Proper planning regarding deadlines for documents will help you ensure the application and relocation goes smoothly.

Asking the school and your consultant for help and guidance will help you manage the transition smoothly. Book an appointment today, with us to know more about the process, help and relocation transition.

Legal Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to provide information. Details provides herein are subject to change with time and It is not to be relied upon as it is. All third party sources are believed to be accurate and reliable as of the date of publication and #NishasNet does not guarantee its accuracy or reliability. For updated information consult your consultant.