Phase?1: Early Preparation (12???18?months ahead)
1. Self?assessment & goal setting
Decide on level: Undergraduate / Graduate / Certificate.
Choose subject/field aligned with your interests, academic background and career goals.
Consider the kind of institution you want (university, college, etc) and the region/province.
Set realistic budget expectations (tuition + living + other costs) for Canada.
2. Academic records & prerequisites
Ensure your transcripts (SEE/Grade?10, Grade?11, Grade?12) are complete and translated/attested if needed.
Check subject prerequisites for the programs you like.
For graduate programs: check if GRE/GMAT or work?experience is required.
For undergraduate: ensure your high school qualifications meet the Canadian equivalence.
3. English (or French) language proficiency
Most Canadian institutions require proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS Academic, TOEFL) or French (for Quebec or French?language programs).
Begin preparing for the test well in advance to meet the required band/score.
Note: Some programs may require higher language scores than the minimum required for the visa.
4. Research institutions & programs
Make a shortlist of 3?5 institutions across Canada (different provinces, cost?levels, reputations).
Check that the institution is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) ? only DLIs can host international students with study permits.
Examine program duration, tuition fees, living costs in that province, scholarship availability, post?study work permit eligibility.
5. Financial planning
Estimate total cost (tuition + living expenses + travel + insurance + other fees).
Recent update: For students applying for a Canadian study permit, you must show proof of living funds (outside Quebec) of CAD?22,895 (approx) effective 1?Sept?2025.
Also ensure you have tuition funds available (first year) and show means to cover living costs.
Start saving and keeping bank documents updated (Nepali bank statements, etc).
Explore scholarships, bursaries and part?time work opportunities (on?campus/off?campus) as part of budget planning.
Phase?2: Application to Institutions & Program Acceptance (9?12?months ahead)
1. Prepare application documents
Typical requirements:
Completed application form for each institution.
Academic transcripts/certificates (with translation if required).
Standardised test results (IELTS/TOEFL etc).
Statement of Purpose (SOP) and/or personal essay.
Letters of Recommendation (especially for graduate programs).
Resume/CV (for graduate programs).
Any portfolio (if required e.g., for design/arts).
Proof of English/French proficiency.
2. Submit applications & manage deadlines
Be aware of application deadlines ? they vary by institution and intake (Fall, Winter, Spring).
For 2026 intakes, consider applying early to secure admission and visa processing time.
Keep copies of all submissions and ensure you receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the institution.
3. Receive Letter of Acceptance (LOA) & check eligibility
Only after you receive the LOA from a DLI can you proceed with the study permit.
Some programs may still qualify or not qualify for the Post?Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) ? check.
Ensure the LOA includes correct program name, start date, duration, tuition fees.
Phase?3: Study Permit (Student Visa) Application (6?9?months ahead)
1. Understand current visa policy & key changes
Important updates for study permit applications for 2025/2026:
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) fast?track route has been discontinued as of 8?Nov?2024; now all applications go through the regular stream.
There is a cap/target on the number of new study permits: e.g., for 2025 the target is ~437,000. Students must often submit a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) in some cases, confirming the institution?s offer aligns with provincial quota.
2. Collect and prepare visa application documents
Documents typically required:
Valid passport.
LOA from DLI.
Proof of funds (tuition + living costs).
Language test results.
Academic transcripts.
Medical exam (if required). internationalstudentconnect.org
A study plan / explanation letter (why Canada, why this program, how it fits your goals).
Police certificate or any additional documentation (if required).
3. Submit application and pay fees
The visa (study permit) application fee is CAD?150 (plus CAD?85 biometrics) according to recent data.
Submit online via Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal or through Visa Application Centre.
Apply as early as possible because processing times can vary and are getting longer.
4. After approval: Prepare for travel
Once approved you will receive a ?Letter of Introduction? and possibly a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) or eTA to enter Canada. sck.ca
Book flights, arrange accommodation (on?campus or off?campus).
Attend any pre?departure orientation (sometimes offered by your institution).
Review immigration conditions: you must be enrolled full?time, maintain good standing, respect on?campus/off?campus work limits etc.
Phase?4: Arrival in Canada & While Studying
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1. Entering Canada
At the airport you will present your passport, study permit approval letter / introduction letter.
The border officer will issue your study permit ? check its validity and conditions.
Keep a copy of your LOA, acceptance letter, and proof of funds accessible.
2. During your studies
Ensure you remain a full?time student at your DLI for the duration required.
Understand your working rights: international students often can work up to 20?hours per week off?campus (during term) and full?time during regular breaks.
Maintain good academic standing; many institutions require satisfactory progress.
Use orientation and student services: academic advising, immigration workshops (some DLIs provide help) bccie.bc.ca
Budget and manage your living costs:.
Living cost proofs were updated ? CAD?22,895 (or higher) as minimum for many applications.
Consider cost of books, transport, insurance, personal expenses.
Be aware of and respect your study permit conditions ? e.g., you must leave Canada at end of permit unless you have legal status extension.
3. Work opportunities & co?ops/internships
Some programs include co?op or internship terms ? ensure your permit or the institution allows this.
On?campus work is often permitted without separate permit; off?campus work rights depend on conditions.
Work experience in Canada helps in future immigration or job market.
Phase?5: After Graduation ? Work & Immigration Pathways
1. Post?Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Graduates from eligible programs in DLIs may apply for a PGWP, which allows you to work in Canada for up to the same length as your program (maximum 3?years in many cases).
Important: Not all programs are PGWP?eligible. Some private colleges or programs under licensing agreements are excluded.
Work experience gained during PGWP can help with future immigration (e.g., through Express Entry or provincial nominee streams).
2. Moving towards Permanent Residence (PR)
After obtaining Canadian work experience, you may qualify for certain immigration pathways (Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program etc.).
Check specific provincial rules (each province may have its own nominee stream).
Stay updated: immigration rules can and do change.
3. Plan ahead
Begin looking early for work opportunities, networking, building Canadian?style CV/skills.
Keep your documents, work records, tax records, etc organized.
Maintain legal status (work permit, visa, etc) while you transition.
Phase?6: Key Challenges & Tips for Nepali Students
Challenges
Increasing competition & stricter rules: Approval rates for study permits have dropped significantly.
Higher financial proof requirement: As noted, the living funds requirement has increased.
Program eligibility for PGWP: Some cheaper/private colleges may not provide PGWP?eligible programs ? choose carefully.
Adaptation to a new environment: Culture, weather (winter in Canada), living away from home ? plan for personal and social adjustments.
Tips
Choose a DLI and program that is PGWP?eligible, reputable, and aligns with your career goals.
Prepare a strong study plan / SOP: Why this program, why Canada, how it fits your background and goals ? this strengthens your visa application.
Show genuine intention to study, not just as a backdoor for immigration (immigration officers look for this).
Arrange solid proof of funds: bank statements, fixed deposits, etc ? avoid weak financial history.
Maintain full?time enrolment and follow all conditions of your study permit once in Canada.
Use student services at your institution: many DLIs offer immigration orientation and support.
Network, build skills, and explore work/internship opportunities early so you are well?positioned after graduation.