Begin your Application
Once you’ve selected an institution and program, the application process begins. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through it and make it as easy as possible! Ready to begin? Here goes!
Read moreGet a Study Permit
Applying for a Study Permit isn’t as hard as it seems! Find information on what study permits are, on how to apply, and the documents you will need.
Read morePrepare: Thinking Ahead
Once you receive your study permit and get accepted by the institution of your choice, here is what has to be done before you leave for Canada.
Read moreArrival
You’ve reached Canada! Over here, checkout the procedure from landing into Canada to finding accommodation locally.
Read moreSettle down & Explore
There’s so much to do and see, but first let’s gets you settled into your life as a student! Here’s a list of things you should take care of.
Read moreBegin Application
What about deadlines?
Applications should typically be completed at least 4 months before the start of the semester.Do you want to join for the summer, fall or winter intake? For instance, for a Fall/September intake, a student should apply by February. The same goes for January and May intakes. Make sure you look up your institution’s calendar of deadlines.
What documents do you usually need?
- Passport (make sure your passport is valid) and passport copies
- Academic documents/mark sheets
- EPT (English Proficiency Test): Universities expect a pre-requisite IELTS/ TOEFL English test at the time of application or before an officialoffer is made
- Application fees of CAD 100-150 (depending on country you are applying from and the college/university you are applying to)
- Additional documents may vary depending on institutions and courses: Statement of Purpose (SOPs), resumes, and recommendations
Tip: Turnaround time (TAT) for receipt of offer letter takes up to 5 weeks.
Receiving your Offer Letter
Your offer letter may be conditional or unconditional. In this second stage, Universities can also ask for verification of marks. For this you need to send the log in details or/and your marksheets through an electronically generated code.Some colleges ask you to secure your position by paying a deposit of CAD 200.
Apply for a Study Permit
This procedure is stringent so make sure you are ready with the required documents for a quick processing time, be it your passport, transcripts, fee payments, offer letter etc. Study Permits may take any time from 2 to 8 weeks to come through.
What is a study permit?
A study permit is an official document that allows you to study in Canada. It is issued by the IRCC- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Before applying for a study permit, you need to obtain a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This letter is issued by a Canadian Institution on their letterhead and specifies the anticipated registration date, start and finish dates of study, and the exact tuition fee for the program.
You need a permit to study in any program that is longer than 6 months. If the program is under 6 months but you plan to study further, then you must still apply for a permit.
How do you apply?
You can apply for a study permit online or through a paper application at visa application centers. Refer to visa application centers and online application for more information.
How long are study permits issued for?
A study permit is usually issued for a duration no longer than the validity of your passport. You must ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months longer than the duration of your stay in Canada.
What documents are needed?
Generally, document submissions include:
- A letter of acceptance from a DLI
- Financial statements to show sufficient funds for study
- Important Forms (Application for study permit made outside of Canada IMM1294, Family information IMM5645 or IMM5707)
- Letter of intent/explanation (Why study in Canada?)
- Photos
- Passport
There are additional requirements for minors. Refer to the Document Checklist IMM5483 for more details. Requirements for those applying to study in Quebec may vary.
Where can you find additional information?
Always refer to IRCC guide 5269 (Instruction Guide), and check any updated forms and additional country-specific requirements before submitting your application.
More information can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
(Disclaimer: Content for Study Permits provided by Sushil Khatter: director@canglobaleducation.com)
Indian applicants: In case you are an Indian applicant you need to arrange for:
- GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) is much like a fixed deposit certification and can be obtained from ICICI or Scotiabank. This is usually compulsory only for Canadians colleges.
- Booking and undergoing a medical examination with doctors. The doctor’s report is sent to the visa office directly.
The application can be made through:
- SDS: The Student Direct Study is a streamlined process for the application of study permits for students with English language abilities who will enter directly into their program of study at an eligible Canadian college or university. It serves as an “Express Entry” for International Students, and is currently being implemented in China and Philippines.e
- SPP: Student Partners Program is an arrangement between selected Canadian educational institutions and the Canadian High Commission in India for a quick and easy study visa process for prospective students of participating institutions in Canada, who are the members of the ACCC – Association of Canadian Community Colleges.
For more information on SPPs, see here.
PREPARE: Thinking Ahead
Your study permit has been approved. Congratulations! You are this close to Canada! But before you leave, let’s sort out some details…
Plan your departure
- Arrange for accommodation as soon as your visa and permit come through- some universities give guaranteed accommodation for first years only (Link to Accommodation page under LIVE HERE)
- Arrange transportation from the airport to your destination in Canada (More information in the next section)
- Sign up for orientation
- Carry enough Canadian currency (CAD or Canadian dollars) to tide you over before you open a bank account. This can be in the form of cash or traveller’s cheques. Make sure you also have some local currency for any transit destinations- this comes in handy if you need to purchase anything at the transit airport.
Travel Arrangements
- Book your air tickets and make sure your airline has student baggage allowance
- Obtain travel insurance- this is in case of any misplaced or lost baggage when travelling
- Remember to clearly tag all of your baggage, noting your name and any contact information
- Check if your baggage will be checked through to your final destination in Canada, or whether you must claim and transfer at any stage.
- Carry all necessary documents to show at immigration, as well as soft copies
Ready for the Climate
- While we all know how cold Canada can be, no one is quite prepared for the actual temperatures during winters! So here’s what you can do:
- Speak to some locals or the international office to get a sense of the weather
- Research on the Internet in advance: What are the seasons in the city or province you’re living in?
- Check your institution’s Twitter handle or Facebook group to connect with other students and locals
- Carry suitable clothing but consider this- you may find more appropriate winter clothing in Canada yourself, so don’t bulk up your bags unnecessarily.
ARRIVAL
You’re here!
You’ve hopefully had a restful journey and are eager to get started…
First things first, you will need to go through immigration.
The immigration officer will ask for your:
- Passport
- Study Permit
- Letter of acceptance from the college/university
- Financials showing you can afford to live in Canada
- Return ticket in some cases
- Any other document the visa office has requested you to carry
Once you’re through, you can collect your baggage and head out.
Transit from the airport to your campus:
Free transits are usually provided for international students.There is a ‘meet and greet’ service provided by colleges and universities for which you need to register in advance and provide necessary information like flight details and timings.
Shuttle services operate from 8.00am-9.00pm (Some may not operate on weekends so do check ahead before booking tickets).
If you are unable to procure transportation from the airport, make your own safe arrangements after consulting your institution.
Accommodation:
Find your accommodation and see how far it is from your campus. Buy any essentials for your room, such as bedding or linens, and check for Wi-Fi, laundry and kitchen provisions.
More information on accommodations under LIVE HERE.
Explore & Settle
You might be itching to explore the city, but before you do, you need to get acquainted with your university or college and settle in before classes begin.
These tasks may take up to 3 weeks to complete so make sure you reach your study destination on time:
- Attend your campus tour and Orientation– these are usually very informative for international students
- Enrollment takes place in the first week- this is when you get your student ID
- Once you have the ID, you can apply for health services
- Banking-The ID also helps you in setting up your bank account
- Classes– Get your schedule, course books and timetable ready- check out the building where you’ll be studying and walk around the campus to get a feel of the place
- Necessities– Where is the closest grocery shop and mall for buying things? What about course books? Check out your campus bookstore.
- Mobile– Get a local SIM and a good data plan catered to international students
- Travel– What is the best way to travel around town? Check if you need to apply for a bus pass- these are usually discounted for students; some institutes also offer bikes on hire.
- In case you wish to work while studying, you will need to apply for SIN. For this, you need a Residence Proof, which can be in the form of your campus accommodation confirmation letter or off-campus lease. (More information available under WORK HERE)
- Visit student support services or the international office for any more queries
Now let go and enjoy student life in Canada! You’ve earned it!
For details on living in Canada, explore LIVE HERE

1.Begin: Application
Once you’ve selected an institution and program, the application process begins. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through it and make it as easy as possible! Ready to begin? Here goes!
Read More
BEGIN: Application
Let’s begin the application process!
- Your first step is to put together an application yourself or through an agent
Universities and colleges usually ask for paper applications, but now applications are being accepted online as well. Please check the requirements for international students of your preferred institution.
What about deadlines?
Applications should typically be completed at least 4 months before the start of the semester. Do you want to join for the summer, fall or winter intake? For instance, for a Fall/September intake, a student should apply by February. The same goes for January and May intakes. Make sure you look up your institution’s calendar of deadlines.
What documents do you usually need?
- Passport (make sure your passport is valid) and passport copies
- Academic documents/mark sheets
- EPT (English Proficiency Test): Universities expect a pre-requisite IELTS/ TOEFL English test at the time of application or before an officialoffer is made
- Application fees of CAD 100-150 (depending on the country you are applying from and the college/university you are applying to)
- Additional documents may vary depending on institutions and courses: Statement of Purpose (SOPs), resumes, and recommendations
In the next stage, your Offer Letter arrives.
Your offer letter may be conditional or unconditional. In this second stage, universities can also ask for verification of marks. For this you need to send the log in details or/and your mark sheets through an electronically generated code. Some colleges ask you to secure your position by paying a deposit of CAD 200.

2. Study permit
Applying for a Study Permit isn’t as hard as it seems! Find information on what study permits are, on how to apply, and the documents you will need.
Read More
Apply for a Study Permit
This procedure is stringent so make sure you are ready with the required documents for a quick processing time, be it your passport, transcripts, fee payments, offer letter etc. Study Permits may take any time from 2 to 8 weeks to come through.
What is a study permit?
A study permit is an official document that allows you to study in Canada. It is issued by the IRCC- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Before applying for a study permit, you need to obtain a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This letter is issued by a Canadian Institution on their letterhead and specifies the anticipated registration date, start and finish dates of study, and the exact tuition fee for the program.
You need a permit to study in any program that is longer than 6 months. If the program is under 6 months but you plan to study further, then you must still apply for a permit.
How do you apply?
You can apply for a study permit online or through a paper application at visa application centers. Refer to visa application centers and online application for more information.
How long are study permits issued for?
A study permit is usually issued for a duration no longer than the validity of your passport. You must ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months longer than the duration of your stay in Canada.
What documents are needed?
Generally, document submissions include:
- A letter of acceptance from a DLI
- Financial statements to show sufficient funds for study
- Important Forms (Application for study permit made outside of Canada IMM1294, Family information IMM5645 or IMM5707)
- Letter of intent/explanation (Why study in Canada?)
- Photos
- Passport
There are additional requirements for minors. Refer to the Document Checklist IMM5483 for more details. Requirements for those applying to study in Quebec may vary.
Where can you find additional information?
Always refer to IRCC guide 5269 (Instruction Guide), and check any updated forms and additional country-specific requirements before submitting your application.
More information can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
(Disclaimer: Content for Study Permits provided by Sushil Khatter: director@canglobaleducation.com)
Indian applicants: In case you are an Indian applicant you need to arrange for:
- GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) is much like a fixed deposit certification and can be obtained from ICICI or Scotiabank. This is usually compulsory only for Canadians colleges.
- Booking and undergoing a medical examination with doctors. The doctor’s report is sent to the visa office directly.
The application can be made through:
- SDS: The Student Direct Study is a streamlined process for the application of study permits for students with English language abilities who will enter directly into their program of study at an eligible Canadian college or university. It serves as an “Express Entry” for International Students, and is currently being implemented in China and Philippines.e
- SPP: Student Partners Program is an arrangement between selected Canadian educational institutions and the Canadian High Commission in India for a quick and easy study visa process for prospective students of participating institutions in Canada, who are the members of the ACCC – Association of Canadian Community Colleges.
For more information:https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/archives/backgrounders-2010/canada-india-student-partners-program.html and http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5961E.pdf

3. Prepare to live
Once you receive your study permit and get accepted by the institution of your choice, here is what has to be done before you leave for Canada.
Read More
PREPARE: Thinking Ahead
Your study permit has been approved. Congratulations! You are this close to Canada! But before you leave, let’s sort out some details…
What needs to be done before you leave?
Organise
- Arrange for accommodation as soon as your visa and permit come through- some universities give guaranteed accommodation for first years only (Check out: LIVE HERE)
- Arrange transportation from the airport to your destination in Canada (More information on this in the next section)
- Sign up for Orientation
- Carry enough Canadian currency (CAD or Canadian dollars) to tide you over before you open a bank account. This can be in the form of cash or traveller’s cheques. Make sure you also have some local currency for any transit destinations- this comes in handy if you need to purchase anything at the transit airport.
Plan your travel
- Book your air tickets and make sure your airline has student baggage allowance
- Obtain travel insurance – this is in case of any misplaced or lost baggage when travelling
- Remember to clearly tag all of your baggage, noting your name and any contact information
- Check if your baggage will be checked through to your final destination in Canada, or whether you must claim and transfer at any stage
- Carry all necessary documents to show at immigration, as well as soft copies
Prepare for the climate
While we all know how cold Canada can be, no one is quite prepared for the actual temperatures during winters!
Here’s what you can do:
- Speak to some locals or the international office to get a sense of the weather
- Research on the Internet in advance: What are the seasons in the city or province you’re living in? Check out Canada’s weather website here
- Check your institution’s Twitter handle or Facebook group to connect with other students and locals
Maple Assist Top Tip: Carry suitable clothing but consider this- you may find more appropriate winter clothing in Canada yourself, so don’t bulk up your bags unnecessarily!

4. Arrival
You’ve reached Canada! Over here, checkout the procedure from landing into Canada to finding accommodation locally.
Read More
ARRIVAL
You’re here!
You’ve hopefully had a restful journey and are eager to get started…
First things first, you will need to go through immigration.
The immigration officer will ask for your:
- Passport
- Study Permit
- Letter of acceptance from the college/university
- Financials showing you can afford to live in Canada
- Return ticket in some cases
- Any other document the visa office has requested you to carry
Once you’re through, you can collect your baggage and head out.
Transit from the airport to your campus:
Free transits are usually provided for international students.There is a ‘meet and greet’ service provided by colleges and universities for which you need to register in advance and provide necessary information like flight details and timings.
Shuttle services operate from 8.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m. (Some may not operate on weekends so check ahead of booking tickets). If you are unable to procure transportation from the airport, make your own safe arrangements after consulting your institution.
Accommodation:
Find your accommodation and see how far it is from your campus. Buy any essentials for your room, such as bedding or linens, and check for Wi-Fi, laundry and kitchen provisions.
More information at LIVE HERE.

5. Explore
There’s so much to do and see, but first let’s gets you settled into your life as a student! Here’s a list of things you should take care of.
Read More
Explore & Settle
You might be itching to explore the city, but before you do, you need to get acquainted with your university or college and settle in before classes begin.
These tasks may take up to 3 weeks to complete so make sure you reach on time:
- Attend your campus tour and Orientation– they usually are very informative for international students and may be a big help
- Enrolment takes place in the first week- this is when you get your student ID
- Once you have the ID, you can apply for health services
- Banking-The ID also helps you in setting up your bank account
- Classes– Get your schedule, course books and timetable ready- check out the building where you’ll be studying and walk around the campus to get a feel of the place
- Necessities– Where is the closest grocery shop and mall for buying things? What about course books? Check out your campus bookstore
- Mobile– Get a local SIM and a good data plan catered to international students
- Travel– What is the best way to travel around town? Check if you need to apply for a bus pass- these are usually discounted for students; some institutes also offer bikes on hire.
- In case you wish to work while studying, you will need to apply for SIN. For this, you need a Residence Proof, which can be in the form of your campus accommodation confirmation letter or off-campus lease. (More information available under WORK HERE)
- Visit student support services or the international office for any more queries
Now let go and enjoy student life in Canada! You’ve earned it!