The United States issues 17% fewer student visas, called F-1s, last year, down 40% from 2015, according to The Wall Street Journal. U.S. President Trump made tightening immigration laws and preserving jobs for Americans two of his major election platforms. According to U.S. immigration officials and colleges and universities, it is becoming more difficult for foreign students to pass the visa application process.
- Indian visas are down 28%. Indian students are the 2nd largest group of foreign students at U.S. colleges.
- Chinese students are down 24% and are the largest group of U.S. foreign students.
Canada is viewed as safe and immigrant-friendly and is attracting international students due to the U.S.'s anti-immigrant policies under President Trump and England's decision to leave the European Union. Other countries including Canada are actively recruiting intellectual talent who cannot get into U.S. schools:
The University of Toronto enrolled 4,592 students from outside Canada this fall, up nearly 14% from the prior year.
How To Move to Canada to Study
In order to study in Canada, international students usually require a study permit. This is a document available only after a college, university, or other accredited educational institution has accepted you. Study permits are only available for those accepted to schools designated to accept international students. Not all students technically require a study permit, if the program is less than 6 months, you will not require a study permit.
The most basic document list required by the visa office for a study permit includes:
- Proof of acceptance into a designated institution
- Proof of identity
- Proof of financial support
- Letter of explanation (a letter explaining why you are requesting a study permit)
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How to Get A Study Permit to Attend University in Canada
