Immigrate to Canada. Nick Noorani
December 2012, CIC introduced the bridging work permit to allow applicants for permanent residence in certain classes to be eligible for a bridging work permit. This is good news for IEC workers who have applied for permanent residence status, been found eligible to make that application, but are reaching the expiration date of their IEC work permit. This new bridging work permit will allow you to obtain a further work permit to remain in Canada while your permanent residence application is finalized. In order to qualify for a bridging work permit, you must meet the following criteria:
• Be in Canada.
• Have a valid work permit due to expire within four months from the time of application.
• Have received a positive eligibility decision on your permanent residence application.
• Make an application for an open work permit — submit form IMM 5710: Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/extend-worker.asp).
4. Studying in Canada
Canada is a very popular destination for international students who want to obtain a North American education. Canadian colleges and universities are very welcoming of foreign students as they enrich the campus experience for Canadian students.
Once your decision to come is made, the next steps may not be as simple. There are many issues to consider, starting in your country of origin before you leave, considerations in Canada after you arrive, and the application process itself.
4.1 How to get your study permit
Before applying to a college or university, students should first take a language test such as the International English Language Testing System for English (IELTS) or Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) for French, in order to determine if you have sufficient English or French proficiency to meet the school’s requirements. These test results may be useful later on in applying for permanent residence status. It is important to check with the school to see what type of language test it requires. Language test requirements may vary for study purposes and immigration purposes. Make sure you take the test necessary to obtain a letter of acceptance from the school. Most universities and colleges have an international studies department that can provide all the information you will need to be accepted at the school.
After the language test, the next step is to obtain a study permit. In order to do that, you must first apply to a Canadian school, generally a college (Colleges and Institutes Canada: www.accc.ca) or university (Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada: www.aucc.ca), and obtain a letter of acceptance.
Once you are issued a letter of acceptance from the school, it is necessary for you to make an application to a visa post abroad for a study permit and further demonstrate that you or your family have sufficient funds to cover the cost of the tuition as well as living expenses for the duration of your studies in Canada.
In addition, it is advisable to include a study plan, which is an explanation of the reason you want to obtain an education in Canada and what your long-term objectives are in obtaining this education. The study permit application process can often take several months so it is advisable that you complete the application at least four or five months before your courses are due to commence.
4.2 Choosing a postsecondary school
Canada’s schools are as diverse as its population, from internationally recognized universities such as the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill University, to medium-sized colleges and universities as well as private technical and language institutes, including English as a Second Language (ESL) schools.
Universities focus on the development of critical thinking and research skills as students work toward a bachelor’s (undergraduate) degree, a Master’s (graduate) degree, or a PhD (doctorate) degree. Class sizes tend to be large, with some lecture halls counting hundreds of students although attending smaller tutorials or labs may also be part of the class requirement. Many universities also offer student housing, and lots of extracurricular and sport activities. Tuition costs are highest at universities.
Colleges and technical institutes offer a range of applied programs that are typically focused on preparing you for a career. At one of these types of schools, you will probably be working toward a diploma, a certificate, an applied degree, or transfer credits toward a university program. Some colleges also offer apprenticeship training for the trades (e.g., carpentry, electrical). The hybrid “university college” may also offer undergraduate degrees. Classes range in size, but are typically smaller than in universities. Tuition rates are also less expensive than universities.
Private career colleges are private businesses that could be either for-profit or nonprofit. They do not receive government funding like publicly funded colleges and universities, so fees may be quite high. They offer certificate and diploma programs in many fields such as business, electronics, and health services, with flexible learning schedules, enrolment at many different times during the year, and compressed programs that deliver training over a short time. Some private institutions, including some English language schools, are not regulated by the government so be sure to do plenty of research before you pay. You want to ensure that the school you are attending is recognized by CIC so that you can obtain valuable work experience both while you are attending classes as well as after graduation.
Canada Immigration has recently introduced a list of designated learning institutions. In order to be able to study in Canada, you must have a letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution. A list of these designated learning institutions at the postsecondary level is available on CIC’s website (www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-institutions-list.asp).
4.3 When and how to apply
Each educational institution has its own deadlines and rules for admission. Some schools run on a three-semester basis, and accept students at the beginning of each semester, while others run on a yearly schedule, with application deadlines in early spring. Note there is also generally a non-refundable admissions fee you must pay when submitting your application.
Contact the admissions department at your school of interest for more information. You can also obtain more information about what programs the school offers and requirements for admission in its calendar or on its website. Generally, there is a minimum level of language proficiency in order to be accepted.
Each school will have its own criteria for recognizing international academic qualifications. It may have certain requirements for the translation and authentication of your academic credentials. You may be required to have your academic credentials assessed through one of the following credential evaluation services:
• Ontario: World Education Services (www.wes.org/ca)
• Alberta: International Qualifications Assessment Service (http://work.alberta.ca/immigration/international-qualifications-assessment-service.html)
• British Columbia: International Credential Evaluation Service (www.bcit.ca/ices/)
• Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (www.cicic.ca)
• Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (www.canalliance.org/brochure.en.stm)
Such agencies charge a fee so make sure the school will accept an assessment done by one of these independent agencies. As of May 4, 2013, all skilled worker applicants for permanent residence will have to have their education credentials assessed by an independent education credential evaluation service. New evaluation centers have been designated by the federal government and can be found on the Government of Canada’s website (www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/assessment.asp). This may also affect the credentials evaluation process for postsecondary educational facilities.
4.4 Taking ESL courses while attending other programs
If you came to study