Canada is one the most popular destinations for international students. It is considered as a safe country as the crime rate is lower. It offers many opportunities for people with the right skills. For instance, if you study in Canada, you will be eligible for the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). This work permit will allow you to work in Canada and it is LMIA exempt.
Requirements:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 overall and 6.0 or higher in each language skill: listening, reading, writing and speaking;
- Proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD $10,000.00 or more from any bank insured by the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC);
- Proof of full payment of tuition for the applicant’s first year of study;
- Tuition fee (per semester): CAD $7,500.00 – CAD $10,000.00 approximately.
Program Highlights:
- Up to 3 years work permit after study
- PR within 1 year after completion of studies
- Quick processing – visa within 30 days
- Special introductory fee, CAD $1,000.00 (Nihang Law Legal fees)
COMPARISON OF STUDYING IN CANADA WITH US, UK AND AUSTRALIA
Average Tuition Fees:
| UNDERGRADUATE (CAD) | POST-GRADUATE (CAD) | |
| Canada | 29,714.00 | 21,062.00 |
| US | 43,846.00 | 50,029.00 |
| UK | 25,020.00 | 38,799.00 |
| Australia | 36,035.00 | 37,080.00 |
Student Visa Cost (CAD):
| CANADA | UK | US | AUSTRALIA | |
| Cost to Apply | $191.50 | $582.00 | $204.00 | $791.50 |
Employment on Student Visa:
| EMPLOYEMNT WITH STUDENT VISA | |
| Canada | Maximum 20 work hours per week are allowed. During holidays, break or summer sessions 40 work hours are allowed. Generally allow study permit holders to take on-campus or off-campus jobs easily. |
| Australia | Maximum 40 hours per fortnight are allowed in any case. Generally allow study permit holders to take on-campus or off-campus jobs easily. |
| UK | Maximum 20 work hours per week are allowed. On and off campus jobs are allowed. |
| US | On-campus employment is the most freely available and allows 20 hours per week, whereas, off-campus employment has various categories generally allowing 40 hours per week after completion of degree and 20 hours per week before completion. |
Spousal Sponsor during Student Visa:
| SPOUSAL SPONSOR | |
| Canada | Spouses can work full time if their stay is for at least one year |
| Australia | Spouses get dependent status only if the student is pursuing Masters or PhD |
| UK | Spouse can get dependent status if the student is a full-time student on a postgraduate level course (RFQ level 7 or above) that lasts 9 months or longer |
| US | Dependents can only be in F-2 or M-2 immigration status as long as you maintain your status throughout your program of study and any authorized period of optional practical training after program completion |
Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP):
| POST GRADUATE WORK PERMIT | |
| Canada | It allows you to stay in Canada and work full time after you complete a certificate, diploma, or degree that is at least 8 months in length. With at least 1 year of work experience, you might be qualified for a permanent residency (PR) in Canada. |
| US | You can work in the USA for 1 year after your education is completed. However, if your degree is in a STEM area, you can apply to extend your OPT by 24 months. |
| UK | A Graduate visa lasts for 2 years for graduates. If you have a Ph.D. or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years. |
| Australia | If you have a Post-Study Work Stream, you can stay between 2-4 years, depending on your qualification. |
Permanent Residency
| PERMANENT RESIDENCY | |
| Canada | There is a shortage of high skilled workers in Canada so it is relatively easy. During Postgraduate work permit, you can apply for Permanent Residency under Canadian Experience Class or through the Express Entry program. PR can be obtained in as little as 1 year after education is completed. |
| US | An application for permanent residence (Form I-485) will take anywhere from 7 months to 33 months to process. The time range fluctuates. Once issued, your Green Card will be valid for 10 years. |
| UK | Getting permanent residence UK is a lengthy procedure, taking about 5 years and highly depending on which route you have taken to settlement. |
| Australia | It is a long process. Immigration officials always conduct a very thorough background check, which is also time consuming. PR status may be obtained after 5 year of working after studying is completed. |
Nationality:
| NATIONALITY | |
| Canada | Canada also offers a simple path to citizenship. To meet the residency requirement, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (two years) in every five-year period. |
| US | In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements. |
| UK | For many applicants who have to go through the UK immigration system, it will take 6 years in order to become a British citizen. After you've applied. You'll usually get a decision within 6 months. |
| Australia | The general eligibility requirements for Australian Citizenship are: Holding Australian permanent resident status for 4 years and living in Australia for at least 4 years prior to applying. Satisfying the character requirement. |
Visa Titles:
| TYPE OF VISA | |
| Canada | All international students apply for a document called study permit |
| Australia | Most students come on student visa, subclass 500 |
| US | Students come through F-1 student visa. US refused 35% of F-1 student visa applicants in 2018 alone |
| UK | Most common for students is Tier 4 general student visa |
Conclusion:
Of these 4 countries, Canada provides the easiest pathway for international students who want to stay in the country after they graduate.
Canada offers a range of PR immigration programs for international graduates, which include:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Express Entry System
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Quebec Experience Program
Canada is the only country that provides special visa called super visa. A super visa is eligible for parents or grandparents of a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident and valid for up to 2 years at a time. It is a multi-entry visa for a period up to 10 years and a good alternative for parents’ sponsorship.
So, if permanent immigration is your goal, Canada is your best option.