With the pandemic situation improving, students worldwide are eager to resume their studies in Canada. However, the process of obtaining a study permit is a daunting task, with approval rates being around 60%. Approval rates vary based on the country of origin, and you can find out the approval rates by country here. But regardless of your country, study permit application expectations are high, and you should not take them lightly. To increase your chances of getting approved, here are five things you should consider doing:
- Choose a Reputable University or College
Canada is home to over 1,500 Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) which are higher education institutes. These institutions are the minimum requirement to apply for a study permit, but there is more to consider than simply being on the approved DLI list.
Research is crucial in determining the reputation of the institution. Check the institution’s rankings on the best university or college lists, admission competitiveness, and graduation and graduate employment rates. It’s also important to check if the institution is highly regarded in your field and the department size. Compare your preferred school’s course with comparable courses available at other DLIs.
- Choose a Program Related to Your Previous Studies and Career
When choosing a program to pursue, it’s important to consider how it relates to your educational and career background. Your application will be reviewed, and the officer will consider whether the proposed studies are a logical next step in your career. If the program is unrelated to your previous experience, the officer may question the relevance of your studies.
It’s important to ensure that there is a logical connection between your previous studies and the program you are interested in pursuing. For example, if you have a Bachelor’s degree in Business and some work experience in a human resources department, applying for a Master’s in HR Management could be a suitable next step.
If there is no connection between your previous studies or work experience and your preferred program, you should explain how your experiences have led to your decision to pursue the program. This will demonstrate to the officer that you have a genuine interest in the program.
- Demonstrate How Your Proposed Studies Will Help You Achieve Your Career Goals
The connection between your proposed studies and your future career is equally important to a successful study permit application. You must assure the officer that the specific program you want to pursue is essential to achieving your career goals. This will prove to the officer that you have a genuine interest in the studies and reassure them that you plan to return home at the end of your studies, which is necessary since a study permit is for a temporary stay in Canada only.
Show how a comparable program back home will not provide you with the same career opportunities as studying in Canada will. This will help justify why it is essential for you to come to Canada to pursue your studies. Include in your application examples of your job prospects back home with a Canadian qualification and without one.
- Be Employed at the Time of Your Application
Being employed at the time of your application will help you in several ways. First, it will prove that you are financially established and can support yourself during your stay in Canada. Second, it shows that you have a job or employment opportunities to return to at the end of your stay in Canada.
For study permit applications, being employed in a field related to your proposed studies is especially helpful since it reinforces the relevance of studying in Canada to your background and future career plans. If you are unemployed when you submit your study permit application, make sure to explain why in your application and emphasize the relevance of any previous employment you have held.
- Prepare a Strong Study Plan
Submitting a strong study plan with your application is essential. This is where you will be able to explain everything mentioned above and demonstrate your intention to return home at the end of your studies. You can also include additional information and supporting documents relevant to your application.
A well-written study plan can make the difference between a successful and a declined application. It is crucial to work with a Canadian immigration lawyer to ensure that you appropriately articulate your genuine intention to come to Canada temporarily and don’t forget to include any key information. Therefore, we would recommend that you book a consultation to discuss your study plan further.