Canada, here they come.
Canada expects to receive between 800,000 to 900,000 study permit applications this year, and is on course to admit 500,000 permanent residents by 2025, Canada’s Immigration Minister Sean Fraser disclosed this at the recent Collision Conference in Toronto.
This is a significant increase from the previous years, as more international students are interested in studying in Canada.
To cope with the high demand and reduce the processing times, IRCC has introduced some measures and initiatives to facilitate the study permit application process. Some of these include:
- The Student Direct Stream (SDS): This is a fast-track option for legal residents of certain countries who apply online for a study permit.
- The Letter of Acceptance (LOA): This is a document issued by a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada that confirms that an international student has been accepted to study there. Due to COVID-19, some DLIs may not be able to issue LOAs in time for applicants to submit their study permit applications.
- The Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ): This document issued by the Quebec government confirms that an international student has been accepted to study in Quebec. Due to COVID-19, some applicants may not be able to obtain their CAQs in time for their study permit applications.
- The Biometrics: These are fingerprints and photos that applicants need to provide as part of their study permit applications. Due to COVID-19, some biometrics collection centres may be closed or have limited services.
Applying for a study permit in Canada in 2023 may seem daunting, but it is not impossible. With proper planning, preparation, and guidance, international students can successfully obtain their study permits and pursue their academic goals in Canada.
“We’re actually going to create a pool of talent that’s going to set the stage for more companies to come to Canada,” Fraser said.
“So, when I think about the next 10, 20, 30-year horizon rather than the next few months, or even the next election cycle, there’s no question in my mind having more talented tech, entrepreneurs and professionals in this country is going to be a very good thing.”