Explore Canada
Canada is one of the most sought after study destinations worldwide. Every year Lakhs of students apply to study in Canada as an International Student.
Canada offers International students an academic experience that is very hard to beat. Academic excellence, affordability, work opportunities during and post- study, pathway to permanent residence, and a safe living environment are just some of the reasons why Canada is ranked amongst the top ten destinations for students looking to study abroad.
Covering an area of 9,984,670 km2, Canada is the world’s second largest country by area, and almost the same size as all of Europe combined. It is located in the northern part of North America, where it shares its southern border with the United States, while its northern peak goes all the way up to the Arctic Circle.
Its large size and low population are one of the main reasons why Canadian Government is inviting a large number of immigrants to the country. With affordable tuition fees, quality institutions, flexibility to work during study, post-study work and immigration options, and welcoming people, it is no surprise that Canada is one of the premiere destinations for International students, drawing in over 300,000 new international students annually.
According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education’s (CBIE) 2018 International Student Survey, the overwhelming majority of students (93%) say they are satisfied with their educational experience.
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Why students choose to study in Canada
Academic Excellence
One of the biggest reasons students choose to come to Canada is the quality of a Canadian education. Canadian degrees and diplomas are widely recognized as comparable to those from the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Canadian universities and colleges consistently place high on International rankings. In fact, 17 Canadian universities are ranked in the top 500 of the QS World University Rankings 2020.
Education is highly valued in Canada. The Canadian government invests heavily in the Canadian education system. Unsurprisingly, Canadian teachers, professors, and researchers are also amongst the most qualified academic professionals around the world. Canada also attracts top international faculty because of its investments in cutting-edge research in areas such as medical science, pharmaceuticals, information technology and artificial intelligence.
Affordable Costs
Not only is the quality of Canadian education amongst the best in the world, it is also one of the most cost-effective. The tuition fees, as well as the overall costs of living, are generally lower in Canada than in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.
High Quality of Life
Canada has ranked #1 in the Best Countries Ranking for Quality of Life for four years in a row now (as of 2019). It is also amongst the top 15 countries on the UN’s 2018 Human Development Index, which assesses the three basic dimensions of human development: along and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living. Surveys and research show that Canadians are generally happier and more satisfied with their life than others around the world. According to the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Canada has the seventh highest level of satisfaction globally, faring well above the USA, UK, Germany, France and Australia.
A Safe Place to Live
Another big reason why students choose to come to Canada is personal safety. In a 2019 World Education Services study, over 25% of the international students in the US showed concerns about gun violence at their institution. Prospective international students and their parents can gain comfort knowing that Canada is amongst the safest countries in the world. Canada is listed amongst the 20 safest countries in the world in the 2019 Global Finance ranking of safest countries, with over 82% of people living in Canada feeling safe walking at night. Institute for Economics and Peace’s 2019 Global Peace Index also ranks Canada as one of the 10 most peaceful countries around the world.
Multicultural Environment
Canada is a welcoming country with a unique Canadian culture that embraces diversity and celebrates multiculturalism. In fact, in 1971, Canada became the first country to make multiculturalism an official Canadian policy. According to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, “Diversity is Canada’s strength,” and Canadians’ “different backgrounds…and different stories are all part of what makes our communities and our country strong.” Immigrants are the backbone of growth in Canada. A quarter of the Canadian population is either foreign-born or were born to immigrant parents.
The ten largest visible minority groups in Canada are South Asians, Chinese, Africans, Caribbeans, Filipinos, Latin Americans, Arabs, Southeast Asians, West Asians, and Koreans. According to a census report, 10+ religions are practiced, and nearly 200+ languages are spoken in Canada. Canadian culture incorporates flavors from all over the world, and Canadians celebrate events and festivals from all around the world, such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, Caribana, Eid, and St. Patrick’s Day. Canada’s welcoming population and thriving multicultural environment makes Canada a perfect home away from home for students around the world.
Work During Study
The option to work while studying is one of the decision-making criteria for prospective international students finalizing their education destination. International students enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program at a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) can work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time (30+ hours/week) during scheduled breaks, such as the summer holidays. Most students don’t need a work permit to work while they study, whether their job is on-campus or off-campus.
Pro-Immigration Policies
When traveling abroad to study, students usually get temporary status in the country they’re studying in. That status often expires when their program ends, so they have to return home after graduation. Canada, on the other hand, has programs designed to help international students gain Canadian work experience after graduation and if they wish, subsequently transition to permanent residency and eventually citizenship. A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), for example, lets students who have graduated from a 2+ year PGWP-eligible program stays and work in Canada for up to three years. Students can also use this work experience to qualify for permanent residency in Canada.
Why students choose to study in Canada
One of the biggest reasons students choose to come to Canada is the quality of a Canadian education. Canadian degrees and diplomas are widely recognized as comparable to those from the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Canadian universities and colleges consistently place high on international rankings. In fact, 17 Canadian universities are ranked in the top 500 of the QS World University Rankings 2020.
Education is highly valued in Canada. The Canadian government invests heavily in the Canadian education system. Unsurprisingly, Canadian teachers, professors, and researchers are also amongst the most qualified academic professionals around the world. Canada also attracts top international faculty because of its investments in cutting-edge research in areas such as medical science, pharmaceuticals, information technology and artificial intelligence.
Not only is the quality of Canadian education amongst the best in the world, it is also one of the most cost-effective. The tuition fees, as well as the overall costs of living, are generally lower in Canada than in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.
Canada has ranked #1 in the Best Countries Ranking for Quality of Life for four years in a row now (as of 2019). It is also amongst the top 15 countries on the UN’s 2018 Human Development Index, which assesses the three basic dimensions of human development: along and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living. Surveys and research show that Canadians are generally happier and more satisfied with their life than others around the world. According to the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Canada has the seventh highest level of satisfaction globally, faring well above the USA, UK, Germany, France and Australia.
Another big reason why students choose to come to Canada is personal safety. In a 2019 World Education Services study, over 25% of the international students in the US showed concerns about gun violence at their institution. Prospective international students and their parents can gain comfort knowing that Canada is amongst the safest countries in the world. Canada is listed amongst the 20 safest countries in the world in the 2019 Global Finance ranking of safest countries, with over 82% of people living in Canada feeling safe walking at night. Institute for Economics and Peace’s 2019 Global Peace Index also ranks Canada as one of the 10 most peaceful countries around the world.
Canada is a welcoming country with a unique Canadian culture that embraces diversity and celebrates multiculturalism. In fact, in 1971, Canada became the first country to make multiculturalism an official Canadian policy. According to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, “Diversity is Canada’s strength,” and Canadians’ “different backgrounds…and different stories are all part of what makes our communities and our country strong.” Immigrants are the backbone of growth in Canada. A quarter of the Canadian population is either foreign-born or were born to immigrant parents.
The ten largest visible minority groups in Canada are South Asians, Chinese, Africans, Caribbeans, Filipinos, Latin Americans, Arabs, Southeast Asians, West Asians, and Koreans. According to a census report, 10+ religions are practiced, and nearly 200+ languages are spoken in Canada. Canadian culture incorporates flavors from all over the world, and Canadians celebrate events and festivals from all around the world, such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, Caribana, Eid, and St. Patrick’s Day. Canada’s welcoming population and thriving multicultural environment makes Canada a perfect home away from home for students around the world.
The option to work while studying is one of the decision-making criteria for prospective international students finalizing their education destination. International students enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program at a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) can work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time (30+ hours/week) during scheduled breaks, such as the summer holidays. Most students don’t need a work permit to work while they study, whether their job is on-campus or off-campus.
When traveling abroad to study, students usually get temporary status in the country they’re studying in. That status often expires when their program ends, so they have to return home after graduation. Canada, on the other hand, has programs designed to help international students gain Canadian work experience after graduation and if they wish, subsequently transition to permanent residency and eventually citizenship. A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), for example, lets students who have graduated from a 2+ year PGWP-eligible program stays and work in Canada for up to three years. Students can also use this work experience to qualify for permanent residency in Canada.
You could spend a lifetime exploring Canada’s cities and towns, national parks, lakes, ocean shores and mountains. You’ll enjoy every minute of it! In fact, Canada is the second-largest country in the world. Discover all that Canada has to offer to International students and visitors. You’ll find plenty to see and do. The possibilities are endless.
The people and places you encounter will shape your life here. International students in Canada tend to be awestruck by the beauty of our 4 seasons. Summer, fall, winter and spring are all very distinct and each offers its own recreational activities and fun when it comes to exploring:
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In summer, you can go boating on one of our many lakes, swim in the ocean and play volleyball on the beach. It’s also a great season to see Canada as a tourist, sit out on a restaurant patio in your favorite city soaking up the sun or enjoy a bonfire with friends.
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During the fall, you’ll love exploring the countryside to see the splendor of our autumn leaves, hiking up a mountain or through the woods on a crisp day as well as enjoying the outdoors with your friends. It’s also a great time to explore Canada’s vibrant cities and historical towns.
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Once winter comes, it’s time to grab your snow gear and join in some great Canadian fun. You can learn to ski or snowshoe, build a snowman, have a snowball fight with your friends or simply enjoy the peaceful sound of walking through the woods in winter.
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Spring is a time for renewal in Canada, as the birds return from the south and flowers bloom in the gardens. It’s also the “sugaring off” season. Discover how sap is collected and boiled to create maple syrup. The best part? Eating maple taffy poured hot on snow.
CANADA FAST FACTS
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36.3 million people
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250 ethnic origins
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6.4 million people speak an immigrant language
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60+ Aboriginal languages
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10 provinces and 3 territories
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243,000 km of coastline – the world’s longest
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3 oceans
Canadian culture includes the world
Canadian culture includes people and cultures from around the world. We are well known as one of the world’s great multicultural societies—and we’re proud of this distinction.
Canada welcomes people from everywhere. We place a high value on tolerance. Our national human rights law prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, disability and sexual orientation. Each province and territory of Canada has its own human rights code, too.
Canada welcomes people from everywhere. We place a high value on tolerance. Our national human rights law prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, disability and sexual orientation. Each province and territory of Canada has its own human rights code, too.
Canadians have a strong sense of justice. This means we care about people’s rights in the workplace, in the court system, in our democracy and in our homes. Women’s rights are equally important.
Our commitment to equality makes Canada a sought-after destination for international students and immigrants. Canada is currently ranked as the #1 best country in the world for quality of life.
Some International students dream of experiencing student life on Canada’s West Coast or studying in one of our big metropolitan cities like Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver. Others love the idea of going to college or university in a small Canadian city or town like Wolfville, Nova Scotia or Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Canada being the second largest country in the world has vast lands covering 10 million square kilometers. It occupies the northern half of North America and has the longest coastline of any country; spanning the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans. It has a wide and varied geography: rugged mountains and plateaus from British Columbia to the Alberta border, endless fields and the never-ending skies of the prairies, great lakes and seas from the Pacific coast to the Maritimes, and a majestic arctic region.
The Atlantic Region
Provinces and capital cities:
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Newfoundland and Labrador (St. John’s)
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Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown)
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Nova Scotia (Halifax)
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New Brunswick (Fredericton)
Approximately 2.3 million people live in this region. The region is known for fishing, farming, forestry, and mining. In addition to its natural coastal beauty, the area is also rich in history, with Nova Scotia known as the gateway to Canada, and Newfoundland and Labrador as the oldest colony of the British Empire. The Atlantic Ocean brings cool winters and cool, humid summers in this region.
Central Canada
Provinces and capital cities:
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Quebec (Québec City)
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Ontario (Toronto)
This is the region where more than half of the population of Canada lives. Around 18 million people live in cities and towns near the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River in Southern Quebec and Ontario. This region is the industrial and manufacturing heartland of Canada. This is also where the National Capital, Ottawa, is located (eastern portion of southern Ontario). This region has cold winters and warm humid summers.
The Prairie Provinces
Provinces and capital cities:
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Manitoba (Winnipeg)
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Saskatchewan (Regina)
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Alberta (Edmonton)
Known as Canada’s fastest growing region, the Prairies have a population of more than five million approximately. The region is known for rich energy resources and has some of the most fertile farmlands in the world. Mining and hydro-electric power generation is in large scale here. It is also considered the country’s breadbasket, with agriculture as one of its main industries. Besides wheat, grains and oilseeds from Saskatchewan, Alberta is the country’s largest producer of oil and gas, as well as one of the world’s major beef producers. The region is mostly dry, with cold winters and hot summers.
The West Coast (also called the Pacific Region)
Provinces and capital cities:
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British Columbia (Victoria)
This region is composed of one province – British Columbia (BC) on the Pacific Coast. BC is famous for its majestic mountains. It is Canada’s Pacific gateway. It has a population of four million, with most living in or near Victoria or Vancouver. It also has a large Asian population – Chinese and Punjabi are the most spoken languages after English. BC is known for its forestry products (lumber and paper products) as well as its mining, shipping, and fishing industries. It has the most extensive park system in Canada, with approximately 600 provincial parks. The West Coast has temperate weather due to the warm airstreams from the Pacific Ocean.
The Northern Territories
Provinces and capital cities:
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Nunavut (Iqaluit)
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Northwest Territories (Yellowknife)
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Yukon Territory (Whitehorse)
The Northern Territories covers one-third of Canada’s land mass. However, because of the cold arctic climate and its remoteness, only 100,000 people live there. The region is called the “Land of the Midnight Sun” because at the height of summer, daylight can last for 24 hours ! The region’s rich natural resources include gold, lead, copper, diamond and zinc. A chunk of the population here earn their living by hunting, fishing and trapping. The Northern Territories have long cold winters and short cool summers.
Canada is among the wealthiest and most industrialized countries in the world. It has a highly-developed market economy, with the 10th largest GDP (gross domestic product) by nominal, and the 16th largest GDP by PPP (purchasing power parity) globally. The Canadian dollar is one of the most stable currencies globally. Canada’s natural resources have an estimated value of $33.2 trillion in 2019, and it is the world’s 4th largest exporter of petroleum and natural gas. Canada’s largest trading partner is the US.
Service Industry
Canada’s service industries are incredibly dynamic and multifaceted, employing approximately ¾ of all Canadians and accounting for about 70% of GDP. The primary employer in the service sector is retail, followed by business services, which includes finance, communications, and real estate. This industry also includes Canada’s health and education systems, tech and film industries, and Canada’s tourism industry.
Manufacturing
Canadian manufacturing industries produce products sold globally, and accounts for approximately 10% of GDP. Technology such as computer hardware and aerospace technology, automotive machinery, paper products, and food are just a few examples of manufactured goods made in Canada.
Natural Resources
Canada’s natural resources industries account for around 17% of GDP and include forestry, fishing, mining and energy, and agriculture. These industries played a crucial role in Canada’s economic development in the past and continue to be the most important industry for regional economies across Canada.
So now you have decided to Study in Canada! Let us give you a brief Idea on the various stages that you need to process your application :
Application Process
TApply to your Institute with all required documents. Provide credit card details (with International Transaction) if your institute has an application fee for admission processing.
Receive your LOA
If you are granted admission you will be provided a letter of acceptance from the institute either directly to your email or it will be sent to your agent who will share it with you.
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Read and understand your Offer Letter carefully. Your Application Advisor will assist you in this regard.
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Give utmost importance to the conditions mentioned in the LOA which are to be fulfilled on an urgent basis, if any.
Pay your Tuition Fee
Based on what your LOA defines, you will have to make the tuition fee payment to your institute directly before the deadline mentioned.
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Be alert on your tuition fee payment deadline. As the next step, we strongly recommend you to deposit the tuition fees at the earliest, as Canadian Institutions will issue more Offer Letters than the number of seats available for the particular batch. Delay in Paying tuition fees at your Institution may result in losing your chance to enroll in the same batch that you have been offered the admission, as most of the batches are oversubscribed. We highly recommend you make your tuition fee payment as soon as you receive the offer letter as we can't predict or avoid the instances where your admission can be revoked due to common or other reasons of your Institution.
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It is always endorsed to pay the first year tuition fees to the institution before VISA filing.
Purchase GIC
You are required to open a GIC account and maintain
a balance of 10000 CAD
(Proof of living expense for 1 year)
Please note that the GIC amount should be transferred from the
students' account.
For further assistance in this regard, please contact your
Application Advisor.
Medical Check-up
Canada requires you to complete a medical examination prior to applying for your Study permit to Canada.
For Students from Kerala :
Take an appointment from KIMS Hospital, Trivandrum.
Please refer the below contact numbers for booking the
appointment :
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0471-3041312
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0471-2941312
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0471-2971938
For Students from Outside of Kerala please open the Link given
below to see the nearest
Medical Facility in their area :
http://www.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx?_ga=2.224493651.816082046.1519287962-153698965.1490698978
Medicals Charges : INR 7000 (Approx) for booking your slot.
Documents required :
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LOA
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Passport
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2 Photos
Validity : 1 Year
Get Police Clearance Certificate
From the Local SP office or from the Passport Office acquire a Police Clearance certificate.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED :
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Passport (Original)
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2 Photos
Validity – 3 Months
Create SOP
Statement of Purpose should be drafted by the
student.
For guidelines and Sample SOP, please get in touch with your
Application Advisor.
Study Permit Application
Get in touch with your Application Adviser who will help organize all your documents to submit your Study Permit Application. It is advisable to apply early as it takes upto 4 months for some students to receive an update on their application.
Important Note:
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Even though you have received an Offer Letter from a College/University, we can’t assure your seat as the Colleges/Universities follow a first come first serve policy. So, once the offer is issued please make sure you have completed all the further tasks including VISA filing ASAP.
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We can’t guarantee your seat because the possibility for seat revocation is inevitable as the ultimate decision will be made by the College/Institution. Once the VISA decision is known, the students have to inform the college/University about the Visa status and get the confirmation on whether the student can start his/her education in that particular intake or not.
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The students are requested to book their flight tickets only after receiving the confirmation from the concerned institution after uploading a VISA copy and Approval Letter in the College/University portal or after sending the same to the institution officially
Due to the pandemic situation we highly instruct you to collect the information from your Application Advisor regarding the documents to be carried while traveling and only after acquiring the same shall you travel.
You must apply for a study permit if your main reason for coming to Canada is to study for more than six months. Before you can apply for a study permit, you must have been accepted at a school, university or college in Canada. You can apply for a study permit online, or by submitting your application form to the Canadian visa office that serves the country or region in which you live.
You must also have a passport that is valid for the entire duration of your studies in Canada. If the validity is shorter, you must request a study permit extension.
The Study section of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website will provide you with the required information.
Travelling to Canada
Talk to a travel agent to discover options or investigate the many online offers available. The following travel arrangements are important to consider:
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Be sure of your travel dates. Consider a flexible ticket that allows you to change your return flight.
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Travel insurance is strongly recommended. The medical insurance you will have at your Canadian educational institution may only cover your study period. Travel time before and after your studies you may not be covered.
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Make sure you know what time you need to be at the airport. International flights usually require check-in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure.
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Canadian authorities do not require a return ticket, but if you do not have one in your possession when you arrive in Canada, the officer at the port of entry must be satisfied that you will have to means to purchase one when the time comes. Some airlines may require a return ticket.
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Have a valid passport. Make sure it is valid for at least six months after your return date.
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Know where you will stay when you arrive in Canada and how you will get there from the airport.
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Carry some local currency for any transit destinations. Some countries require you to pay airline taxes in transit, which may not have been included in your ticket cost. Local currency is also useful to purchase a snack or magazine along the way.
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Have enough Canadian currency–cash or traveller’s cheques.
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Know the airline’s baggage limitations. Check how much baggage you are allowed to take with you and be mindful of weight restrictions.
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Never agree to carry another person’s bags or their items in your luggage. It may be something that is illegal, and you would be held responsible for it.
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Find out which items are restricted or prohibited for travel to Canada. There are restrictions on alcohol, tobacco, firearms, food, animal and plant products, drugs and prescription drugs that are not approved in Canada. Stiff penalties are imposed for infractions. Also, some seemingly harmless goods can be dangerous on board an aircraft and should not be packed in either checked or carry-on baggage. During your flight, you will be given a card to declare what youare bringing into Canada.
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Pack basic toiletries and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in case of travel delays. Liquids must be in containers less than 100 ml and should be kept in a separate plastic bag, which will be verified during security screening.
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Remember to clearly tag all of your baggage, noting your name and the complete address of your destination in Canada. Also, pack a card inside your luggage with your Canadian contact details.
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At airport check-in, ask whether your baggage will be checked through to your final destination in Canada, or whether you must claim and transfer at any stage. Find out if boarding passes for all connecting flights can be issued at once, or if you will need to check in at each airport en route.
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Remember to keep all important documents, medications and high value items such as cameras, jewellery, laptops, phones, credit cards and cash with you–do not pack these items in your checked baggage.
Make photocopies of important documents and pack them in your baggage, leaving additional copies at home with someone you trust. These documents can include:
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passport
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airline tickets
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travel insurance certificate
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letter of Acceptance from your Canadian institution
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key addresses and phone numbers
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a bank statement showing proof of funds
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letter of Introduction from Canadian immigration, if applicable
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prescriptions or a letter from your doctor for any medication you are carrying
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medical and immunization records, which may be useful if you need medical care while abroad
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traveller’s cheques
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academic history and university transcripts, which may be needed for credit transfers, evidence of prerequisites for exchange students, or to obtain work
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the Pre-Departure Checklist
Culture shock
It is one thing to travel as a tourist, but quite another to immerse yourself in a new culture as a full-time resident. As you adjust to your new surroundings you will experience a variety of emotions, ranging from excitement to frustration. This is completely normal and to be expected. This section will help to prepare you.
“Culture shock” is a term used to describe the anxiety that you experience as you integrate into a new society. Often characterized by physical and emotional discomfort, culture shock occurs as a result of the absence of familiar signs and symbols of social interaction.
There are five predictable stages of cultural adaptation. Although the length and intensity of each stage varies from person to person, everyone experiences culture shock at some point in their international experience.
THE FIVE STAGES OF CULTURAL ADAPTATION
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The “honeymoon” stage
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You feel optimistic, fascinated, excited and adventurous.
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You are detached from the unfamiliar because you are still in your identity from home.
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The “hostility” stage
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You feel hostile, inadequate, disappointed, and alienated.
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As the novelty wears off, you experience withdrawal, loneliness and depression.
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Your new identity begins to emerge and the differences between your home and host culture are more noticeable.
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You feel a sense of failure and try to avoid the cultural differences.
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The “adjustment” stage
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You feel self-assured, independent and in control.
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Although you have a tendency to stereotype and make generalizations about the host culture, you can also laugh at the differences and you no longer let them get you down.
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The “interdependence” stage
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You feel comfortable and accepted.
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Differences no longer dominate your identity and you trust your new environment and those around you.
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You understand the meaning of actions in your surrounding cultural context.
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Your ultimate goal is to achieve a bicultural or multicultural identity. Note that very few people actually achieve this stage and you should not consider yourself a failure if you do not develop a bicultural or multicultural identity. The journey is what’s important.
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The “re-entry” stage
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Upon returning to your home country you will experience re-entry shock, also known as reverse culture shock.
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You are excited about your experiences and frustrated when no one understands.
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You will realize that you have changed.
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You will glamourize your time abroad.
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Tips for managing culture shock :
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Learn about Canadian culture prior to leaving home.
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Pack some mementos from home that will comfort you when you’re missing your family and friends.
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Ask questions if you are unsure of something.
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Get involved and participate in group events.
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Be open to new experiences and ideas.
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Talk to other international students about their experiences in Canada.
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Use the professional support services available to you at your institution.
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Try to relax and not take everything too seriously or worry unnecessarily.
Working in Canada
Under certain conditions, you may be able to work in Canada. Students who do not have a study permit are not eligible.
If you hold a study permit, you can work on campus for the institution you are attending if it is publicly funded and grants degrees. No separate work permit is required. The employer can be the educational institution, the faculty, a student organization, a private business or a private contractor who is providing services to the campus. You can also work as a graduate, research or teaching assistant at an off-campus site that has a formal affiliation with the institution, such as a teaching hospital, clinic or research institute.
Full-time students may also be eligible to work off-campus for any employer. These permits usually allow up to 20 hours per week during the term, and full-time during holidays.
The following students are ineligible for off-campus work:
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part-time students
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visiting or exchange student
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Students participating in a Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program or in the Government of Canada Awards Program
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Students participating in the Equal Opportunity Scholarship Program, the Canada-Chile or the Canada-China Scholars Exchanges Program or the Organization of American States Fellowships Program
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students enrolled in English as a second language or French as a second language programs
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students receiving funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
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students who have previously held an off-campus work permit and failed to maintain their eligibility or to comply with the conditions of their work or study permit
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full-time secondary (high school) students
Some university programs require work experience. International students who want to enroll in a co-op or internship program must apply for a work permit in addition to their study permit. If you would like to work in Canada after graduating, you must apply for a work permit under the Post graduation Work Permit Program.
If you would like to stay in Canada as a permanent resident after graduating, there are a number of programs available, each with its own requirements.
If you are enrolled full time in a publicly funded post-secondary institution and you have a valid study permit, your spouse or common-law partner (person with whom you have been living in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 months) can apply for an open work permit, which means that neither an offer of employment nor a Service Canada labour market option is required. Your spouse/common-law partner’s work permit will be valid for as long as your study permit is valid. More information on working in Canada is available at the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship website.
Employment
Before deciding to seek employment during your studies, carefully consider the following:
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Do not expect to finance your studies in Canada through a part-time job. This may be unrealistic, and it is wise to secure savings or other sources of financing in advance in case of difficulties.
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You may not be able to find suitable employment, or your studies and other activities may not leave you much time for a job.
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If you do look for a job, be realistic about how much time you can commit to it and consider which jobs match your skills and experience. In general, undergraduate courses require at least two hours of personal work time for every hour of class time.
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Take time to learn about the Canadian labour market, government legislation and your rights at work.
Social Insurance Number
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required to work in Canada or to receive government benefits. Obtain a SIN application form at the airport as soon as you arrive or afterward at any Canada Post outlet or Service Canada office.
Workers’ rights and benefits
Federal and provincial laws protect workers and employers by setting minimum wage levels, health and safety standards, and hours of work. They provide for maternity leave, and annual paid vacation. There are laws to protect workers from discrimination, including protection against unfair treatment by employers based on race, religion, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation or disability.
Workers in Canada must be paid at least the minimum wage as stated by the provincial government. Your employer will legally deduct money from your paycheque for income tax, Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance and, where applicable, taxable benefits and union dues.
General tips
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You should not work for any employer without signing a contract. Without this proof of employment, your rights may be severely reduced if anything goes wrong.
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Always ask for pay stubs and keep them in a safe place.
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Check your pay stub to ensure that the necessary taxes are being deducted from your pay. Failure to deduct taxes is illegal.
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Do not accept any “under the table” jobs for paid cash, where you are not registered as an official employee. These jobs are illegal and can result in stiff penalties for you if discovered.
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Learn the basics of Canadian labour legislation to be aware of your rights and what you are legally entitled to.
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Ensure that you are paid at least the minimum wage.
Finding employment
Inquire about employment opportunities in your area at your institution’s career centre, your local municipal government, newspapers, and online job banks.
Prepare your résumé in a Canadian format. You can find sample résumés and advice on the Services for Youth website.
The following websites also provide job listings:
Scholarships
A variety of programs and funding is available to non-Canadians wanting to study in Canada. The first place to look for information is the International Scholarships website.
Postgraduate financial assistance and scholarships
The majority of Canadian universities offer some form of financial assistance for international students studying at the graduate level.
Assistance may include:
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teaching/department assistantships
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research funds
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university graduate scholarships
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external scholarships
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bursaries
The value of these awards will vary significantly by department as well as by institution. For more information, contact the institution you plan to attend.
International students may also qualify for Canadian government financial assistance or external scholarships. Some specific examples:
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Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships : Doctoral scholarships for exceptional students, valued at $50,000 per year for three years. This prestigious scholarship is on par with Rhodes and Fulbright Scholarships.
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Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships : This is a highly competitive program offering doctoral scholarships for studies in social sciences and humanities, including a limited number available to foreign students. Candidates must be nominated by their university and in their first or second year of doctoral studies.
Tourism in Canada
From coast to coast and everything in between, Canada offers many incredible sights: from the rugged shores of Vancouver Island to the Rocky Mountains in the West, the lakes and plains of the Prairies to breathtaking Niagara Falls in Ontario, the quaint fishing villages of the Maritimes to the frozen wonders of the North–each region is unique and well worth exploring.
Top things to do in Canada
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Watch the water rush over Niagara Falls, go whitewater rafting in the Northwest Territories or go sailing on the Great Lakes.
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Ski the Western Rockies, or Mont Tremblant and Mont Sainte-Anne in the East.
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Experience Carnaval, the City of Québec’s vibrant winter festival or have a peek at the world famous Ice Hotel.
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Watch “Ridin’, Ropin’ and Ranglin” at the Calgary Stampede, or visit the indoor beach at the West Edmonton Mall.
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Experience the colour of autumn leaves in a national park; go camping, canoeing, hiking or surfing in summer, snowshoeing, cross-country or alpine skiing in winter.
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Explore the prairies on horseback; go fly fishing in Manitoba or vacation on a Saskatchewan farm.
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Skate on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal, the world’s longest skating rink, or climb the CN Tower in Toronto’s downtown core.
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See the northern lights in Canada’s Arctic, go dog-sledding in the Yukon or take in iceberg alley off Newfoundland’s coast.
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Have a legendary lobster dinner in the Maritimes or watch the whales play in New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy.
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Walk the red sand beaches of Prince Edward Island and tong for oysters on its shores.
Government services
Domestic airlines
Flying is the fastest way to travel across North America. Canada’s two largest air carriers, Air Canada and WestJet, serve most Canadian cities. Regional carriers include Porter Airlines, which flies out of the Toronto Island Airport to Ottawa, Montréal, Halifax and a number of U.S. cities. All Canadian carriers provide online booking services and most offer a range of prices for one-way flights.
Rail travel in Canada
VIA Rail provides passenger rail service in Canada. This includes twiceweekly service between Montréal and Halifax and transport between Montréal and Toronto to Vancouver.
Bus travel in Canada
Bus travel in Canada includes either local transit or long-distance vehicles. Besides city-run local transit, Canadian bus-line companies offer an extensive network of reliable bus service throughout the country, which includes frequent downtown-to-downtown services between major cities.
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Banff Airporter – Calgary-Banff
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Brewster Transportation & Tours – Rockies
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Coach Canada – Toronto/Montreal
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DRL Coach Lines – Newfoundland
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Greyhound – Canada and USA
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Orléans Express – Quebec
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Pacific Coach Lines – BC
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Quick Shuttle – Vancouver-Seattle
Canadian currency and banking
Canada’s currency is the Canadian dollar. There are one hundred cents to one dollar.
The Canadian dollar is available in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes. Canadian coins come in denominations of five cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter), $1 (loonie) and $2 (toonie). You will rarely see a 50-cent piece, although these are minted for special occasions. For further information visit:
Banking
Canadian banks are quite similar to their American or European counterparts in many respects. Most charge a fee for customer service and offer a variety of packages. A basic bank account will cost approximately CAD 5 per month. Opening a Canadian bank account is optional, however, Canada’s major banks offer great student accounts and services that may save you international transaction charges and make managing your money easier. Ask about student account options at any Canadian bank or inquire whether your current bank has established partnerships in Canada.
Most stores accept multiple payment methods, including cash, credit card and debit cards. Cheques are used frequently for large amounts, such as rent and bill payments. Your bank will issue personalized cheques when you open an account. Internet banking is common and is a widely accepted method to pay bills and complete other transactions. Many universities offer online banking options for tuition and account payments.
Credit cards
Visa and MasterCard are the two main credit cards accepted by most major businesses. American Express is accepted, although not as widely. Your existing Visa or MasterCard may be accepted in Canada, but be sure to check with your bank beforehand and be aware of exchange rates and any foreign transaction fees.
ABMs
In Canada, automatic banking machines (ABMs) are numerous and easy to find. They are located in most shopping centres, tourist attractions and banks, as well as in some convenience stores and gas stations. Most ABMs are operated by a major bank. You can withdraw cash from ABMs not operated by your own bank, but a small fee will be charged for withdrawal from a local account, more from a foreign bank. Inquire about international withdrawal fees from your home bank before attempting to use your ABM card in Canada.
All ABMs can be used for cash withdrawals. To access other banking functions like deposits, paying bills, printing account statements and transfers between accounts, you must use an ABM associated with your own banks.
Check with your bank whether your card will be accepted at Canadian ABMs, and whether the networks used by both banks–such as Cirrus, Plus, Interac–are compatible. Your bank can inform you about networks and international withdrawal fees. Some banks have agreements with Canadian bank.
You can also make cash advances from your credit card at Canadian ABMs, but fees and interest rates can be high. Inquire about fees directly at your credit card company before you depart and advise them of your overseas plans. Failure to inform them may flag your card as stolen once used in Canada, and may result in a frozen account.
Bank hours of business
Most banks are open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. Some branches close later, at 7 p.m. one day a week, and some are open for reduced hours on Saturday. Most banks are closed on Sunday.
Money transfers to Canada
Traveller’s cheques are an easy way to transfer money to Canada. They can be purchased at most banks and come in a variety of denominations. They are secure and can be immediately cashed at any Canadian bank or currency converter. Do not forget to make photocopies of your traveller’s cheques in case they get lost or stolen. You can also transfer money using a bank draft from another country, but it can take up to eight weeks for clearance at the Canadian bank and a service fee is likely.
Some banks can transfer money electronically into your Canadian account. Fees vary by institution.
Canada’s major banks include:
Health and travel insurance
Canada’s universal health-care system is well developed due to joint federal and provincial government efforts.
Each province/territory manages health care for its region, covering all citizens for hospital and physician care. Virtually all Canadian post secondary institutions have medical-insurance plans available to international students. Contact the Canadian educational institution you plan to attend for information about health insurance coverage for you.
Whether or not you plan to purchase coverage from a Canadian institution, it is highly recommended that you purchase travel health insurance. Contact your travel agent for more information.
Tipping
In Canada, it is customary to tip service providers such as bartenders, waiters, hairdressers, concierges and cab drivers. A tip is a sign of appreciation for service provided and is not automatically included on the bill. Ask peers what tip is customary for various services in your area
Opportunity to work during Stay
Do you want to work while you study in Canada? Do you have a spouse or common-law partner who would like to work during your time here? Both of you can work while you study in Canada. Working in Canada can help you develop business contacts and gain practical experience for the future. It can even help you immigrate to Canada after you graduate.
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