STUDY IN CANADA:

The Ultimate Guide for

International Students
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: The Journey Begins

CHAPTER 2: Why Study in Canada

CHAPTER 3: The Two-Part Process

CHAPTER 4: School Admission: The Process

CHAPTER 5: Study Permit Application: The Process

CHAPTER 6: Documentary Requirements

CHAPTER 7: How Much is Needed

CHAPTER 8: I Got Approved. What’s Next?

Chapter 1
THE JOURNEY BEGINS
Embarking on a journey to become an
international student in Canada is a thrilling
and life-transforming adventure. This vast
and diverse country, renowned for its
stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural
tapestry, and world-class education, offers
an unparalleled opportunity for those
seeking to broaden their horizons and gain
a global perspective.

In the book, I invite you to embark on this

exciting quest alongside us. It is your
comprehensive roadmap, designed to help
you navigate the intricate pathway of
international studies.

Whether you're a high school graduate

seeking a brighter future, a graduate
student in pursuit of advanced studies, or a
professional aiming to expand your skillset,
this guide will provide you with the
essential knowledge and insights to make
your dreams a reality.
But before we begin, let me introduce myself first.

My name is Treasa Pappachan, Founder and

Director of Adapt Immigration Inc & Adapt
Consultants. ​I am a Regulated Canadian
Immigration Consultant (License Credential ID
R708018​) and a seasoned International Education
Professional with over 15 years of experience​. I am
also an immigrant who has lived in India, Australia
and now settled in Canada.
As we delve into the pages of this book, you'll
discover invaluable information on the Canadian
education system, the admissions process, and visa
application.

My goal is to empower you to make informed

decisions, overcome challenges, and embrace the
opportunities that await you in the Great White
North. With practical advice, personal anecdotes,
and expert insights, this book is your trusted
companion as you set out to make your mark on
Canadian soil.

So, whether you're contemplating your options or

have already made the decision to study in Canada,
prepare to embark on a journey that will shape your
future and enrich your life in ways you could never
have imagined.

Welcome to the beginning of your adventure as an

international student in Canada. The pages that
follow are your guide to making the most of this
extraordinary experience.
Chapter 2
WHY STUDY IN CANADA
As you discover the possibility of studying abroad, t's
natural to ask, "Why Canada?" What sets this vast
and diverse nation apart from other study abroad
destinations? In this chapter, we'll delve into the
compelling reasons why so many students from
around the world choose Canada as their preferred
educational destination.
 World-Class Education:
11 Canada offers a globally recognized education system
with top-ranked universities and colleges.

Safe and Inclusive Society:

22 It's known for its safety and inclusive, multicultural
society that welcomes international students.

High Quality of Life:

33 Canada provides excellent healthcare, a clean
environment, and a high standard of living.

Global Perspective:
4
4 You'll interact with a diverse international student
community, gaining a global outlook.

Post-Study Work Opportunities:

55 Graduates can benefit from favorable immigration
policies and work opportunities.

International Recognition:
6
6 A Canadian degree is globally respected and opens
doors to a wide range of careers.

Support for International Students:

77 You'll receive comprehensive support services to help
you succeed academically and socially.

Cultural and Natural Wonders:

8
8 Canada's rich natural beauty and vibrant cities offer
endless exploration and adventure.
Those are just 8 reasons; and there are definitely
more! But aside from asking yourself why you
should study in Canada, a more important question
to ask is...

“Why study, in the first place?”

For some, it just makes sense. You may have just

graduated from Highschool or finished your degree;
and pursuing further education is your next step.

For many, it’s a pathway for an even bigger goal. You

may have considered immigrating to Canada, but
found that you do not meet the requirements for it.
So you searched for other ways to fulfill your plan
and stumbled upon the information about studying
in Canada.

And Yes! Canada’s Student Pathway is a great

option.
But that is just what it is...

It’s a pathway.

Studying in Canada does not

guarantee that you can stay
permanently after finishing your
program.

Now, you may be starting to think if

this is the right path for you.

and here’s what I can tell you...

With the right guidance and

support, your dream of making
Canada your home is within
reach.
International studies require a huge investment, yet
it can come with a lot of advantages too.

But let's be clear, I'm not forcing you to study.

If you are eligible, you can come to Canada as a

Permanent Resident (PR) through Express Entry.

And there are other options too.

There are those who come to Canada through a job

offer; while others move to Canada with their
business.

But with tough competition, finding an employer

can be quite a challenge while outside Canada. And
other options might have stringent requirements or
just too complicated for many aspiring immigrants.

Honestly, an application to study isn't a walk in the

park as well, but it can be for anybody who is truly
determined and decided to move to Canada.
Chapter 3
THE TWO-PART-PROCESS
Becoming an international student is a
transformative journey, a step into a world of
boundless opportunities and life-altering
experiences. However, this journey, like any
significant endeavor, is best approached with a well-
defined plan and a clear understanding of the
process.

Applying to become an international student in

Canada is a two-step process. And it takes months of
planning, completing requirements, and waiting for
results. Which is why it is really important to have a
guiding hand throughout the whole process.
 11
The first step is to apply to the institution of your
choice. Most institutions require transcripts from
previous education, proof of language proficiency,
and other documents. Once your application is
approved, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance.
 22
The second step is to obtain a study permit. This is a
document issued by the Canadian government that
allows you to study in Canada. You will need to
provide your letter of acceptance, proof of financial
support, a valid passport, and other requirements.
Let’s dive deep into these two steps
in the next chapters.

The following information help if you

decide to do the process on your own.
And you will also get a glimpse of how
we strive to elevate the experience of
our clients who want to study in
Canada.
Chapter 4
ADMISSION PROCESS
Here are some important information you need to
know before you start applying for your study
program:

Requirements vary depending on the school

1 and program you are applying for.

Admission process may also vary depending

2 on the province.

Not all schools in Canada can accept

3 international students. Only Designated
Learning Institutions or DLI are allowed to
accept foreign nationals to enroll.

4 A Post-Graduation Work Permit or PGWP is

an open work permit that allows you to be
employed in Canada after you have finished
your studies. It is important to note that:
Not all DLIs will make you eligible to
apply for PGWP
The validity of your PGWP depends
on the length of your study program.
Aside from the DLI and length of
program, your eligibility for PGWP
may also depend on other factors.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN
STUDENT ADMISSION?
Student Registration

Once you have decided to hire us to assist

you with your application, the first thing
we will do is the Student Registration.

A dedicated admission specialist will

contact you to initiate this process. They
will also be your main contact person
throughout your application.

You will fill up the Student Registration

Form and submit all pertinent
documents like copy of your passport and
education credentials.
Research and Assessment

This is a crucial step in the success of

your application. A thorough research
on your choice of province, school, and
program affects not only the positive
outcome of your student journey but
also the success of your future
immigration goals.

Like what I have said earlier, many

people study in Canada with the goal of
becoming permanent residents. If that
is your goal too, do not skip this step.

You can definitely do the research on

your own or with the help of family and
friends. Team Adapt can also assist you
on this.
Program List

Next step is working with you to come

up with a program list.

What programs are you interested in?

Which province do you prefer to live?
What is your education and professional
background?
What is your study plan?
We will consider your preferences, and
will also provide you with suggestions
and insights to make sure you come up
with the best plan for your studies.

If working on your own, you have to

conduct a thorough research on schools
and programs to be certain that they
align to your study plan.
Submitting application/s
Once you have chosen which program/s
you want to apply for, we will start
working on submitting the application
to the school.

We will communicate with you if there

are other documents that the school
will require.
Letter of Acceptance

Your Offer Letter or Letter of Acceptance

(LOA) is one of the requirements in your
study permit application.

After we have completed the documents

and submitted your application, the
school will review and decide on your
admission. Depending on the school, this
process can take from a few days to a
couple of months (others even longer).
Did you know...?
We access and process applications
through a representative/agent portal
with our partner schools. With this, our
clients do not have to go through the
lengthy process of application in the
school’s website (and sometimes in the
province’s application system).
And did you know...?
Our Admissions services is FREE OF CHARGE.
We can assist you from researching, selecting
school and program, submitting your
application, and obtaining your LOA. We’ll
also guide you through your study permit
application.
Chapter 5
STUDY PERMIT APPLICATION
Here are some important information you need to
know before you start with your study permit
application

Nobody can guarantee the positive outcome

1 of your application. If anybody makes that
that promise to you, stay away from them
because they’re lying.

2 Although results cannot be guaranteed,

working with an expert ensures that you
submit a quality application and a high
chance of approval. An experienced
education and immigration consultant can
thoroughly guide you, review your forms and
documents, and represent you to make a
stronger case.
It’s just the beginning! Whatever happens
3 after your application, it’s just the start of
your journey. Focus on your end goals and
work on every step slowly but surely.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN
STUDY PERMIT APPLICATION?
Client Portal
Once you have decided to hire our
services for your study permit application,
you will be given access to the client
portal. In here, you will see any update
regarding your application, download
forms, and upload your documents. This
is where you can also view the retainer’s
agreement and pay your invoice.
Completing The Documents
Once you have paid your invoice and
signed the agreement, the processing of
your study application begins. You will
receive instructions on what documents
you need to provide for your application,
which typically include:
Proof of acceptance from a DLI (LOA).
Proof of identity (passport).
Proof of financial support.
Letter of explanation.
Passport-sized photographs.
Language proficiency test results (if
applicable).
Filling up the Forms
For someone who is doing a study permit
application for the first time, even filling
up of forms can be overwhelming. Our
services include assisting you in accessing
and filling up the forms correctly.

The accuracy of your documents and

forms can greatly affect the result of your
application, that is why it is important to
have an expert assist you in during this
part of the process.
3-Step Review Process
You may feel anxious when you don’t
have direct control on your application.
That’s normal.

Many people decide to do their

application on their own because they
want to be able to submit their
applications immediately and have full
control over it.

But one important part that’s missing

when you DIY your application is the
REVIEW PROCESS. Here at Adapt, every
application goes through a 3-step
process. This means, at least 3 people get
to examine your forms and documents
before we submit your study permit
application.

This ensures that we submit quality

applications for all our clients.
Submission Letter
The submission letter is an important
document prepared by a Regulated
Canadian Immigration Consultant or an
Immigration Lawyer. This letter is
essentially a cover letter that
accompanies the application and
provides additional context and
information to support the your case. The
submission letter is meant to address
specific aspects of the application and
present a compelling case for why your
study permit should be granted.

This letter effectively communicates your

qualifications, intentions, and eligibility
for a study permit making your
application stronger.

Only a licensed professional can

provide a submission letter. This means
no submission letter will be included if
you or an unlicensed representative will
work on your application.
Completing the Online Application
All study permit applications are
submitted online. Our service is designed
to assist you in creating and completing
your online account.

During this part, thoroughly reviewed

documents and forms will be uploaded in
your online account.

You will also need to pay for the

application fee and biometrics fee (if
applicable) to complete the online
application.
Biometrics, Medical, and Others
After submitting your application, IRCC
may ask other requirements from you
including biometrics, medical exam
results, and other documents related to
your application.
Application Result
Processing time for study permit
applications vary and no one can predict
how many days or weeks your application
will be processed. However, the Canadian
government website provides
information on timelines of immigration-
related applications such as study permit.
This processing time tells you how long it
took to process most complete
applications, in the past. It does not mean
your application will have similar
timeline.

If your application is approved, you will

receive a letter of introduction. Upon
arrival in Canada, this letter, along with
other required documents, will be used to
obtain your study permit.
Chapter 6
DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
This chapter aims to be your go-to
resource for information on what
documents to prepare so you can be
ready as you begin your journey on
becoming an international student in
Canada.
University/College Admissions

Every college or university has its own set of

documentary and eligibility requirements. These
requirements can also vary depending on your
chosen program.

1. Passport. It is best to have your passport ready

before you start sending your application to your
chosen schools.
2. Educational Credentials. Prepare your
graduation certificates, marksheets, and
transcript of records. Some schools will ask you
to send a clear scanned copy of these
documents. Other schools will request that you
send your original documents to their office.
3. Proof of English Language Proficiency.
Depending on the school’s policy, they may ask
for document that can prove language ability.
This can be in the form of a language exam like
IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, etc. or certification that
English language was used ias medium of
instruction from your previous school
other requirements that your
college/university can ask include:
Letter of Intent
Resume
Referral letters (from past
instructors or employers)
Portfolio
GMAT/GRE test result
other supporting documents
Study Permit Application

The documentary requirements for a study permit

application can vary depending on the country
you're applying to and their specific immigration
policies. However, the Canadian government
website provides information on important
documents that must be present in your
application, and these are:

1. Proof of Acceptance. This is the official letter of

acceptance from the educational institution
where you have been accepted. This also
includes a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
2. Proof of Identity. This is your valid passport or
travel document.
3. Proof of Financial Capacity. Evidence that you
have enough money to cover your tuition fees,
living expenses, and other related costs. This may
include bank statements, Guaranteed
Investment Certificates (GIC), tuition fee receipts,
proof of a scholarship, or a letter of financial
support from a sponsor.
You may also be required to submit
digital photo, biometrics, medical test
result, and police clearance.

But aside from these documents, you

also need to provide documents to
convince the visa officer that you are a
genuine student.
Statement of Purpose or Study Plan
Supporting documents to support
your Study Plan
Statement of Purpose

Writing a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) is

a crucial aspect of your Canadian study permit
application. Here at Adapt, we can help you in
writing your SOP. However, the best SOPs are
written with your own thoughts and words. Here are
some guidelines to help you craft an effective SOP:

Clarity and Conciseness. Be clear and concise in

presenting your thoughts. Avoid unnecessary
information and ensure that your SOP is easy to
understand.
Professional Tone. Maintain a professional and
formal tone throughout the SOP. Avoid using
slang or overly casual language.
Proofreading. Carefully proofread your SOP to
ensure it is free of grammatical errors and typos.
Honesty. Be honest and genuine in your
statements. Avoid exaggeration or providing
misleading information.

Crafting a well-thought-out SOP is a key element in

presenting yourself as a deserving candidate for a
Canadian study permit. Tailor your statement to
reflect your unique qualities and aspirations, making
a compelling case for why you are the right fit for
your chosen program in Canada.
Here’s what you can include in your SOP:
Introduction: Open with a compelling
introduction that succinctly outlines your
academic and career background.
Educational Journey: Detail your academic
path, highlighting key achievements, courses,
and projects. Clarify your choice of the specific
field of study.
Career Aspirations: Clearly state your career
goals and explain how the Canadian program
aligns with your aspirations, emphasizing its
contribution to your professional development.
Program Choice: Showcase your knowledge of
the Canadian institution, specifying why you've
chosen it. Reference professors, research
facilities, or unique aspects of the curriculum.
Personal Influence: Share relevant personal
experiences, such as internships or volunteer
work, that have shaped your decision to study in
Canada.
Financial Capability: Briefly address your
financial capacity to cover tuition and living
expenses, providing evidence of funds or
financial support if required.
Home Ties: Reassure immigration authorities of
your commitment to return home after studies,
discussing how your Canadian education will
contribute to your home country's development.
Aside from these guidelines, Team Adapt can also
provide you with templates or draft of Statement
of Purpose which you can edit and improve.

We will also check and proofread the document

for you.
Chapter 7
HOW MUCH IS NEEDED TO BECOME AN
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN CANADA
We are almost the end of this guide and I know
this part is one of the most important aspect that
affects your decision of studying in Canada.

So, just how much do you need to become an

international student?
Most of the costs associated with your plan to study
in Canada vary depending on so many factors. But
I’ll try to break them down to you so you will have an
idea about how much you need to prepare.

1.Proof of Funds. The Canadian government

provides information on the amount of funds
required per year.
Number of family Amount of funds required per
members (including the year (not including tuition)
applicant)

1 CAN$20,635

2 CAN$25,690

3 CAN$31,583

4 CAN$38,346

5 CAN$43,492

6 CAN$49,051

These are not fees that you need to pay to the

Canadian government. But you have to show proof
that you have this amount of funds whether in the
form of bank statement, Guaranteed Investment
Certificate, and others. These are funds that the
government expects you to use for your daily
expenses (food, clothing, transportation, etc.) while
you stay in Canada.
2. Application Fee and Biometrics Fee. The study
permit fee is $150 and biometrics fee is $85. They are
paid online when you submit your application. These
fees can change if you are applying together with
your spouse and/or children.

3. Medical Exam. The fees associated with your

medical examination vary on the hospital or clinic.
Visit the Canadian government website to see the
list of approved panel physicians in your country and
inquire about their rates.

4. Fees to process and send documents. You will

also have to set aside budget for fees you will incur
as you process various requirements like transcript
of records from your school, police clearance, courier
fees, etc.

5. Airfare. This can be a big chunk of your budget

depending on which country you’ll be travelling
from once you got your approval. Check the rates in
advance and set aside funds for this.

6. Health Insurance. Insurance is essential for

international students in Canada. The Canadian
healthcare system does not cover all your medical
expenses, so having private health insurance is
crucial to ensure that you have access to necessary
healthcare services.
7. Tuition and other school fees. Fees vary
depending on your choice of school and program,
and of course, the length of your program. Tuition
can range between $9,000 to $40,000 per year.
Aside from the tuition fee, you might also need to
pay for books, supplies, facilities fee, etc. Here are
some examples:
8. Our Professional Fees. As I have mentioned
earlier, we offer our admission services for FREE
through Adapt Consultants. This means we will help
you research, decide, and apply to your school and
program.

If you already have your Letter of Acceptance from

your chosen school and would like to hire us for your
study permit application, our fee is $2,000 for study
permit application.

You can get a discount of 50% on our fees if you got

your Letter of Acceptance through Adapt
Consultants. Yes! You will only need to pay $1,000!

Additional fees will apply if you are applying with

dependents, have previous visa refusal, or have
other complex cases.
Chapter 8
I GOT APPROVED. WHAT’S NEXT?
Got your study permit application approved?

Congratulations!

Here’s what you should do next:

You will receive a letter of introduction and
further instructions to get your Canadian visa
stamped. Check the documents to ensure that
all important details are correct. These
documents along with other requirements you
have presented in your study permit application,
will be used to obtain your study permit.
Create a checklist of essential items you need to
bring and tasks to complete upon arrival. This
may include important documents, such as your
acceptance letter, study permit, passport, and
any additional paperwork required by your
educational institution.
Conduct your research. Familiarize yourself with
your destination city and the campus
environment. Understand the local culture,
climate, and amenities. Explore housing options
and transportation systems to ensure a seamless
transition upon arrival.
Upon your arrival in Canada, you will need to
pass through the Canada Border Services
Agency (CBSA), where your study permit will be
issued. Check the document thoroughly.
Secure your living arrangements well in advance.
Many universities offer on-campus housing
options for international students, while others
may prefer off-campus living. Communicate with
your accommodation provider and finalize
arrangements before your arrival.
Familiarize yourself with Canada's healthcare
system and ensure you have the necessary
coverage. International students may be eligible
for provincial healthcare plans, or you may need
to arrange private health insurance.
Open a Canadian Bank Account. Setting up a
local bank account is essential for managing
your finances efficiently. Research the various
banking options available to students and gather
the necessary documentation to open an
account upon arrival.
Obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to legally
work in Canada, if applicable.
Familiarize yourself with the local transportation
system. Whether it's buses, trains, or other
modes of transit, understanding the routes and
schedules will help you navigate your new
surroundings with ease.
Keep yourself updated on important information,
events, and opportunities within the community
as well as news and updates that may affect your
immigration journey.
Set the stage for a positive and successful academic
journey in Canada. Embrace the unique
opportunities that come with studying in a new
country, and don't hesitate to reach out for support
when needed.

Your adventure awaits – welcome to Canada!

elevating immigration journeys

21, Duke Street, Suite 143, St Catharines, ON L2R 5W1

+1 (647) 836-0456 www.adaptimmigration.com