At the end of 2019, there were more than 642,000 foreign students in Canada with India the top country of origin for foreign students in Canada. With Canada's border closed to non-essential travel and immediate families through at least July 21, 2020, due to COVID travel restrictions, in Fall 2020 there will be fewer foreign students at Canadian universities, although many are still admitting international students for the fall semester and offering distance or remote learning.
The government temporarily stopped issuing student visas while shutdown restrictions remain in effect. That means any foreign student accepted into a Canadian education program will have to remain in their home country until further notice.
International Students Vital to Canada's Economy
Canada remains an attractive destination for foreign students and has increased international student enrollment in recent years, primarily due to the changes to the United States immigration system. Statistics Canada reports that temporary resident arrivals are nearly 80% fewer YTD compared to 2019 mainly due to a decline in new international students. International students pay higher tuition fees at Canada’s higher educational institutions, and are a source of future Canadian permanent resident to help build Canada's economy and continue to strengthen the educational system.
Canada immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah says foreign students who want to study in Canada should start their study permit application now:
Canada's IRCC is open and processing applications now, but at a much slower rate and prioritizing essential worker applications. At Ackah Law we recommend if you want to study in Canada you should submit your student visa application now, and beat the backlog that will occur when travel restrictions ease and IRCC is fully operational.
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How to Get A Study Permit to Attend University in Canada
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. Designated learning institutions appear on the official Designated Learning Institutions list, but only at the post-secondary level. Primary and secondary schools throughout the country are automatically deemed as designated institutions.
For more information on applying to study in Canada as an international student or to find out about working while you study or after you graduate contact us today at (403) 452-9515 Ext. 100 or 1-800-932-1190 or email us directly.
