How to apply for a Canadian student visa

PTE Author
PTE Author
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Reading time: 6 minutes

In recent years, Canada has carved out its place on the map as a destination for international students. In fact, the number of students from abroad has tripled over the past decade - and the country is now ranked third in the world for attracting international learners.  

It’s no wonder. With top universities, multicultural cities, and incredible natural landscapes, Canada is an excellent place to call home and propel your career. So, what type of visa do you need to study in Canada? In this blog, we’ll go through Canada student visa requirements and learn what it takes to apply:  

Why study in Canada 

Want to study along the pacific coast with a mountain view? What about in a creative city close to incredible National Parks? Or a stone's throw away from the mighty Niagara Falls? Canada has it all. The country’s landscapes and cities are incredibly diverse - and people who study here will have the opportunity to explore all Canada has to offer. 

Canada was named the best country for quality of life in 2020. And according to the QS Best Student Cities 2019 ranking, three Canadian cities are listed among the top in the world - including Montreal (6), Toronto (11),and Vancouver (16). Canada is also home to a number of world-class institutions, many of which are ranked in the top 50 globally by the same QS ranking. These include:  

  • University of Toronto (25) 

  • McGill University (31)  

  • University of British Columbia (45)  

Finally, there’s a good job market for international students in Canada. Between 2009-2019, almost 1.8 million jobs were created in Canada for university graduates. What’s more, 80% of employers say hiring graduates with international experience enhances their companies.  

Canada student visa requirements 

To study in Canada, you need to apply for a study permit. This isn’t a visa, because alone, it doesn’t let you enter the country.  But if your study permit is approved, Canada will also grant you either a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization. This will allow you to travel to Canada. 

Before applying for a study permit, there are a few requirements to keep in mind. For one, you need to already be enrolled at a designated learning institution, which has been approved by the government to accept international students. Check to see if your university or college is on the list.  

You also need to prove you have enough money to pay for tuition, living expenses and travel costs associated with studying abroad. If you’re alone in Canada and aren’t settling in Quebec, you will need to have at least $10,000 per year - not including tuition. You can demonstrate this money through bank statements, loan information, or proof of a scholarship. Learn more about scholarships for international students in Canada. 

Finally, you will also need to be in good health, have no criminal record, and be able to prove you will leave Canada when your study permit is no longer valid. 

Read more in our article about the cost of living in Canada.

How do you apply?  

You can apply for your Canadian study permit online or on paper through the mail. You can also apply from outside Canada or inside Canada. You’ll have to make sure you have all your documents ready to submit.  This includes an acceptance letter from your institution, passport, and proof of funds. If you’re planning to study in Quebec, you’ll also need to apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).  

After you submit your application, you’ll need to give biometrics. You will also likely need to provide a police certificate and pass a medical exam. If you apply from outside Canada, the application process will take about eight weeks. If you apply from inside Canada, it will take about nine weeks.  

That said, there is a way to get your permit approved sooner. If you’re from Senegal, Vietnam, Pakistan, Morocco, India, China, or the Philippines, you can apply through something called the Student Direct Stream. You should get your permit in just three weeks.  

Learn more about how to apply on the Canadian government website.  

How much does it cost? 

A Canadian study permit costs $150, and this usually includes biometrics. But don’t forget to budget in the price of a police certificate or medical exams, if you need them. Depending on where you currently live, these can increase your costs by quite a lot.  

What can you do on a student permit?  

If you’re a full-time student, you can work while studying in Canada (as long as your course  lasts longer than 6 months). But first, you’ll need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) - this can be done in just a few minutes online, for free. You can work either on-campus or off-campus. If you get a job off-campus, you’ll be able to work 20 hours per week - and full-time during school breaks.  

And what about Canada’s publicly funded healthcare? Well, not all international students are eligible. Since each province administers their own healthcare, it depends on where you study.  

For example, many international students in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador have access to free healthcare. But students in Ontario don’t. So, it’s best to reach out to your university or college to see what the situation will be for you. At the same time, you can learn about the insurance options available if you aren’t covered through your province.  

Staying in Canada after graduation  

Can you stay in Canada after graduating to work? Yes! International students who’ve finished a course longer than 8 months can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWD). This can be valid for up to 3 years.  

Canada also has a number of streams for permanent residence, which you might be eligible for as an international student. To find out if you can apply, check out this tool on the government’s website.  

Ready to move to Canada? We’ll help you hit the ground running.  

Our computer- based language test at PTE Academic is accepted by 200 top Canadian institutions for proof of English proficiency -  including the University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Waterloo, and McMaster University. 

Learn more about PTE English tests for Canada.  

Please note: we are not immigration agents. For all up-to-date information about visa rules and regulations, see the official guidelines on the Government of Canada website.   

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    Australian student visa application guide
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    Australia is known for its beautiful landscapes, quality of life, and excellent standard of education. If you’re interested in studying in Australia, you’ll first need to understand the Australian student visa application process.  This will set the stage for the exciting new chapter in your education. 

    However, there can be a lot to remember when it comes to Australian student visa requirements. That’s why we’ve put together this informative guide, which breaks down everything you need to know. Let’s get started!  

    Australian student visa requirements 

    In order to apply for an Australian student visa – called the Subclass 500 Student visa – you must be enrolled in a course of study at an Australian institution. You’ll need to complete an application form, gather important documents, and prove to the Australian Government that you meet a list of requirements, including:  

    • The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement

    • Financial requirements

    • English proficiency requirements

    • Health and characteristic requirements

    You can also use the Document Checklist Tool to which documents need to be attached to the application. 

    The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement

    To fulfill the GTE requirement, you must prove you’re coming to Australia temporarily to receive a quality education. To do this, you’ll need to provide a personal statement in English, or translated it into English. This should include information and evidence about your:  

    • Previous studies (with academic transcripts)

    • Current employment

    • Ties to your home country 

    • Economic situation  

    • Immigration history

    Overall, Australia wants to ensure you’re entering the country to further your education, and not for other motives.

    Financial requirements

    This is an important part of the Australian student visa application process. Many applicants need to prove they have sufficient funds to pay for life in Australia, including living costs and tuition fees. There are a few options to do this; for example, you can show you’ve received government loans or scholarships. Evidence of 12-months fund or evidence that you meet the annual income requirement will also work.  The requirements range from $29,710 AUD (about $19,000 USD) to $102,500 AUD (about $65,500 USD). For detailed and most updated information, please refer to Department of Home Affairs.  

    Learn more about financial requirements.  

    English language requirements

    Australia is a very diverse country. Approximately 73% of the population in Australia speaks English at home. To meet Australian student visa requirements, applicants who aren’t from an English-speaking country need to show English language proficiency.  And, our computer-based and unbiased English language test at PTE Academic is accepted by the Australian government for every visa category.  

    To be eligible for a student visa in Australia, you must achieve:

    • At least 50 for each of the 4 components for PTE Academic 

    • At least 36 for each of the 4 test components of PTE Academic if you undertake an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) course before your main course 

    View a full breakdown of Australian study visa PTE requirements. 

    Health & characteristic requirements 

    Most visa applicants need to do a medical exam to prove that they are healthy. In addition to the medical exam, the majority of applicants must buy Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved Australian provider. 

    To get an Australian student visa, you also need to be of good character. You shouldn’t have a substantial criminal record or be a member of a criminal group, for example. To prove this, you might have to supply a police certificate.  

    Fees  

    A Subclass 500 Student visa starts at $1,600 AUD ($1,020 USD) unless you are exempt. There are also added charges for each family member who applies for the visa.  For more information on visa costs, check out the Australian government’s visa pricing estimator.  

    Processing times 

    For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application. 

    To find out if you’re eligible for an Australian student visa, be sure to review all the requirements on the government website. You can see all the documents you’ll need for your application using the government’s documents checklist tool. 

    Learn more about working in Australia on a post-study work visa.

    Last updated 20 December 2024.

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    A guide to new visa changes in the UK – and why they’re good news for students
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    The UK is an excellent place to study. It is home to a long list of renowned universities, many of which are often ranked among the top universities in the world. Recently the UK government has shown it is committed to attracting more foreign students – and making it simpler for innovative professionals from abroad to call the UK home.  

    In July 2020, the UK published a Research and Development (R&D) Roadmap, which listed a number of exciting new policies and changes to support international students. 

    In this article we’ll learn more about:  

    • The UK’s new “Office for Talent” was created to make the immigration process smoother for skilled students 

    • New visa extensions for international students after graduation 

    • What this means post-Brexit

    What is the Office for Talent? 

    The UK’s new Office for Talent has been set up to make it easier for international scientists, researchers, and innovators to work and live in the UK. The team works from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office at 10 Downing Street. In the UK, the headquarters is often simply referred to as “Number 10.”  

    According to the government announcement, the Office for Talent began work right away on reviewing the UK’s current immigration rules and will focus on ensuring the immigration system is simple and quick for both students and professionals alike. “They will also help those coming to the UK better understand the opportunities on offer and break down any barriers they might face,” read the statement. 

    How long can foreign students now stay in the UK after graduation?  

    The UK has also announced some exciting new visa changes. PhD students who graduate in Summer 2021 will now be able to stay in the UK for an additional three years. International students who graduate with undergraduate or Master’s degrees can stay in the UK for two years. This news was announced back in 2019.  

    Before, foreign students could only stay in the country for four months after graduation. This made it difficult for students to find jobs or begin their working lives in the UK. 

    Now, these new changes give foreign students the freedom to nurture the connections they made while studying, build new relationships, establish themselves, and develop meaningful careers in the UK. 

    What else did the UK announce?  

    The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system, made to streamline the visa process.  According to the roadmap, people interested in studying in the UK will now have more time to make a visa application. 

    The UK also plans to get rid of study time limits for postgraduates. Previously, most students had to complete their studies in five years. Finally, students will no longer need to leave the UK to switch visas – which will help to reduce lots of stress and worry for foreign learners. 

    The UK announced it would also invest £300 million in science infrastructure at research institutes and universities. This could prove to be a plus for international scientists and researchers considering whether to study or live in the UK.

    What does this mean post-Brexit?  

    Brexit caused a lot of uncertainty for students in the UK from the European Union (EU). If you’re an EU citizen moving to the UK in 2021, you’ll now have to apply for a visa to study for longer than 6 months. If you were studying in the UK before this year, you can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme – which will let you continue living in the UK permanently.  

    Learn more about the EU settlement scheme. 

    The UK states the Research and Development Roadmap will “help to power up the economy and level out the UK.” Overall, the changes are set to help support foreign students in the UK – and particularly those in science, research, and innovation fields. 

    To conclude, here’s a concise look at how student visas have evolved:  

    What were visa rules like before? 

    • In the past, international students could only stay in the UK for four months after graduation

    • Most students had to complete their degrees in five years

    • Students had to leave the UK to apply for a new visa

    • EU citizens did not have to apply for a visa to study in the UK

    What will students be able to do now? 

    • PhD students who graduate this summer can stay in the UK for three more years. Undergraduate and Master’s students can stay for two more years (announced in 2019)

    • The UK will get rid of study limits for postgraduate students

    • Students will not need to leave the UK to switch visas

    • EU citizens must apply for a visa to study for longer than 6 months.

      EU citizens studying in the UK before 2021 can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme instead

    For more information about how to apply for a UK student visa, don’t forget to check out our complete guide.  

    Are you interested in working, studying, or living in the UK? 

    PTE Academic UKVI is approved by the UK Home Office for visa purposes. Book your test 24 hours in advance, get your results typically within 2 days –  and bring your dream a step closer to reality.  

    Learn more about PTE Academic UKVI and book your test today!

  • Image- working with laptop, 1080px
    Should you hire a migration agent to move to Australia?
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    Are you planning to move to Australia? The visa process for any country can be confusing – and it’s normal to have some unanswered questions along the way. That’s why many people turn to migration agents for help.  

    In this blog, we’ll take a look at what exactly a migration agent can do for you – and what you should keep in mind if you decide to hire one:  

    What is a migration agent? 

    A migration agent provides immigration advice and assistance. In Australia, they’re registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), which is part of the Department of Home Affairs. All qualified agents are authorized by the Australian government to provide their services.  

    While you don’t need to work with a migration agent to apply for an Australian visa, they can help make the process a little less stressful. Migration agents can:  

    • Complete your visa application 

    • Help you understand the dos and don’ts of the visa application process 

    • Prepare all required documents 

    • Contact the Department of Home Affairs about your application

    To find one, you can search the Register of Migration Agents on the OMARA website. If you haven’t moved to Australia yet, keep in mind that there are registered Australian migration agents based around the world. You can check if there’s an agent working close to you using the search tool.

    You might be interested in our Australian student visa application guide.

    The advantages of hiring a migration agent 

    Now that you know what exactly a migration agent does, what are some advantages of hiring one? 

    They’re experts in their field  

    For some people, working on a visa application alone can be overwhelming. There are detailed instructions to keep in mind, and you want to make sure everything is done perfectly. Hiring a migration agent can lessen a lot of the burden. They’re experts in their field, have up-to-date knowledge on Australian migration law, and have helped numerous other people with successful visa applications.  

    Since migration agents follow a Code of Conduct, they’re also obliged to act in your best interest. This means they’ll provide you with professional immigration advice throughout the whole visa process, and should be just a phone call away whenever you have any questions.  

    They could help streamline the process 

    Migration agents know which documents are required and how to best prepare them. And according to OMARA, submitting an application that’s properly prepared can make it easier to get a faster decision on your visa.  

    If you hire a migration agent, you’ll also have someone to represent you in your dealings with the Australian government. Migration agents can reach out to the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf – for example, if your situation has changed or to ask about processing delays. This can save applicants a huge amount of time.   

    They can provide support in English  

    Understanding immigration paperwork can get complicated, even if you’re fluent in English. So if you’re an English learner, working with a migration agent to complete your application can be incredibly helpful.  

    Keep in mind that migration agents aren’t there to translate or interpret documents for you. But working with someone who speaks English fluently to prepare your application can help ensure you don’t miss anything.  

    The challenges of hiring a migration agent 

    Of course, choosing to work with a migration agent is a big decision. There are a few things to keep in mind before you decide to hire an agent – or rather, work on your own.  

    Migration agents can be expensive 

    Working with a migration agent is expensive; their services can sometimes cost thousands of dollars. Each migration agent can set their own price. But the fee will usually depend on what visa you’re applying to, how much help you need, and how much experience your migration agent has. Before signing on with an agent, OMARA recommends speaking with at least three professionals to compare how much they charge. 

    Overall, moving to Australia is a big investment. So if you’ve researched the visa application and are confident you understand all that’s required, you might decide it’s better to complete the visa process yourself. 

    Watch out for unregistered agents  

    In most cases, only registered agents can legally give you immigration advice. However, there are people who pretend to be registered agents, which opens the door to immigration fraud. There are also unregistered agents who might not have knowledge of immigration law, could give bad advice, or could lose important files.  

    On the other hand, as we mentioned above, registered migration agents have to follow a Code of Conduct – which offers you a range of protections. If for some reason you’re unhappy with your agent, OMARA can also help you to resolve disputes.  

    Learn more about the risks of working with an unregistered agent on the OMARA website.  

    There’s no guarantees  

    It’s important to remember that simply hiring a migration agent does not guarantee your application will be successful. There are many factors that influence a successful application, some of which may be outside even the best agent’s control.  

    Overall, it’s important to do lots of research before deciding to hire a migration agent. Once you understand what’s required in the visa process, ask yourself: do I feel confident completing the application on my own? Will I be able to invest the time needed to prepare the application well?  

    And do I have friends who can recommend a good migration agent, if I choose to work with one?  

    Don’t forget… 

    Many Australian visa applicants will also have to prove their English language proficiency. At PTE Academic, we’ve got you covered. Our English language tests are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for all visa categories.  

    Learn more about how our English exams can help you move to Australia. 

    We are not immigration agents. For all up-to-date information about visa rules and regulations, see the official guidelines on the Australia Department of Home Affairs website.