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Let’s look back at Express Entry 2023 and Express Entry 2024 Portraits

2023 is a year of significant changes to the Express Entry system. Let’s join Phan Immigration to summarize the recent Express Entry 2023 and Express Entry’s portrait!

Overview of Express Entry 2023

In the first half of 2023, Express Entry will still operate with the same model as previous years. Drawings take place every 2 weeks for candidates in all categories. Featured in March 2023 invited more than 21,000 candidates for all categories.

Then, in June 2023, the Ministry of Immigration introduced priority occupations in the program based on the following criteria: Language, Experience and Education. This is a major change to the entire Express Entry system and candidates.

Specific changes to Express Entry in 2023

1. Apply priority industry groups in withdrawals

From May 31, 2023, the Department of Immigration introduces priority occupations in the Express Entry Program based on the following criteria: Language, Experience, and Education. Specifically includes the following criteria:

– Good level of French or;
– Work experience in the following fields:
+ Health care
+ Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines
+ Construction trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
+ Transportation
+ Agriculture

The first draw for priority categories took place from June 28 with 500 ITAs sent out to candidates in the healthcare industry. From then until December 2023, the Department of Immigration sent out more than 16,000 ITAs to all priority industry groups.

2. Express Entry 2023 CRS score

According to IRCC data, candidates receiving ITAs from January to September 2023 all have CRS scores ranging from 451-500 (about 26,070 candidates) to 501-600 (about 11,640 candidates).

Besides, about 12,590 candidates had CRS scores from 900 to 1,200. The reason for the double score may be that the candidate has received a PNP provincial nomination (ie the candidate will have 600 points added to the current score.

*Common lottery group for all categories:

The lowest CRS score for all streams is 481 (March 29, 2023 draw) with 7,000 candidates receiving ITAs. The highest number of draws was 561 (draw on December 6, 2023) with 4,750 candidates receiving ITAs.

*General lottery group for priority industry groups

Among the priority industry groups, the lowest score when drawing candidates from the industry group, the lowest score belongs to candidates in the only draw in the agricultural sector with a score of 354 (draw on September 28, 2023). IRCC invited 600 candidates to apply for this priority group.

7,500 candidates in the STEM industry group (drawn on July 5, 2023) and 10,300 candidates in the French proficiency category (drawn on October 25, 2023) all received ITAs with a minimum score of 486.

Summary of Express Entry draws from June 2023

3. Express Entry 2023 draw frequency

From January to June, draws are held almost every two weeks, and sometimes once a week. But since the introduction of special industry groups, it seems difficult to predict when withdrawals will take place. However, according to the draws since July, there are almost 3-4 draws in a month for individual and general industry groups.

December is the month with the highest number of withdrawals – including 7 withdrawals. September also saw 5 draws in just 2 weeks and 4 draws took place in October.  During that period, draws were suspended between October 26 and October 6 twelfth.

Objectives of the Express Entry System in 2024

According to the 2024-2026 Immigration Plan recently announced by the Department of Immigration, Canada will admit 110,000 new permanent residents through Express Entry in 2024. In 2023, IRCC has targeted the enrollment of 82,880 Express Entry candidates . From the first draw of the year on January 11 to the December 21 draw, the Department issued 110,266 ITAs.

Based on the 2024 Immigration Plan and 2023 plan, it shows that the 2024 Express Entry immigration target is nearly 30,000 higher than 2023. This is a good sign and a great opportunity for current and upcoming Express Entry candidates. join this program.

However, candidates also need to pay attention when the CRS score is quite high compared to previous years. You must always be ready to maximize your CRS score and grab the opportunity when it comes. The journey to a Canadian permanent resident card will not be difficult if you prepare carefully and thoughtfully.

Register for consultation on maximizing your CRS score according to your individual route with Phan Immigration now!

—

Unit 700, 333 Bering Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M8Z 3A8, Canada

wecare@phanimmigration

Canada: +1 647 390 0912

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1 Tháng Có 7 Đợt Rút Express Entry Với Điểm Đạt Đỉnh – Cơ Hội Hay Thách Thức?

Tháng cuối cùng năm 2023 đã diễn ra 7 đợt rút liên tục dành cho tất cả các ứng viên Express Entry với hơn 15.000 ITA được gửi ra nhưng MỨC ĐIỂM RÚT CHẠM ĐỈNH. Vậy đây là cơ hội hay thách thức dành cho các ứng viên Express Entry? Hãy cùng Second Passport tìm hiểu trong bài viết hôm nay!

Bộ Di Trú tổ chức các đợt rút Express Entry nhiều GẤP ĐÔI so với cùng kỳ

Kể từ Covid-19, tháng 12/2023 là tháng đầu tiên được Bộ Di Trú tổ chức 7 đợt rút liên tiếp cho các ứng viên Express Entry chỉ trong 1 tháng. Trong khi đó, tháng 12/2022 không diễn ra bất kỳ đợt rút nào cho các ứng viên. Đặc biệt, 7 đợt rút này chia đều cho tất cả các nhóm ứng viên và các nhóm ngành được ưu tiên.

Vào 06/12/2023, IRCC đã tiến hành lượt rút thăm đầu tiên trong tháng 12 sau hơn 1 tháng chờ đợi. Lượt rút thăm này dành cho tất cả các diện Express Entry với kết quả như sau:

• Số ứng viên được mời: 4,750 ứng viên
• Điểm rút: 561 điểm

Trong tháng 10 đã diễn ra 3 đợt rút thăm liên tiếp dành cho các ứng viên trong cả 3 diện và các ứng viên thuộc các ngành nghề được ưu tiên. Tuy nhiên, Bộ Di Trú không tổ chức các đợt rút cho các ứng viên Express Entry trong tháng 11 vừa qua. Theo đó, vào ngày 14/11, Bộ Di Trú đã đăng trên Tweet thông báo rằng các ứng viên đã gặp trục trặc trong quá trình tạo hồ sơ Express Entry. 2 ngày sau đó, sự việc đã được giải quyết. Có lẽ đây là lý do dẫn đến việc tạm hoãn rút trong tháng 11.

Bảng tóm tắt các đợt rút thăm Express Entry từ tháng 6/2023

Đợt rút diễn ra liên tục với MỨC ĐIỂM CHẠM ĐỈNH – Cơ hội hay thách thức cho ứng viên Express Entry?

Phần lớn các du học sinh sau khi ra trường với 1-2 năm kinh nghiệm và tiếng Anh tương đối ổn đang có mức điểm CRS tầm 450 – 490. Trong khi đó, điểm rút chung đạt 542 (18/12/2023) và chạm đỉnh tại 561 (6/12/2023). Các ứng viên may mắn thuộc trong các nhóm ngành ưu tiên, thì mức điểm rút cũng đăng tăng nhẹ cho các ngành nghề và không có dấu hiệu giảm. Có vẻ điều này làm cho các bạn sinh viên mới ra trường “rén nhẹ” bởi độ khốc liệt và dường như đây là một thách thức lớn trong hành trình chạm tới thường trú nhân.

Tuy nhiên, khi những đợt rút diễn ra nhiều đến chóng mặt từ Bộ Di Trú, ứng viên sẽ tìm thấy cơ hội lớn dành cho mình. Trong 7 đợt rút ở tháng 12, thì có 2 đợt rút chung và 5 đợt rút riêng. Điều này cho thấy, Bộ Di Trú đang rất chú trọng đến các nhóm ngành đặc biệt và các nhóm ngành này vẫn nằm trong SỰ ƯU TIÊN của Bộ Di Trú trong vài năm tới. Vậy làm sao nắm bắt được cơ hội này?

– Đối với những bạn sắp đi du học Canada: CHỌN NGÀNH VÀ CHỌN NƠI HỌC nên là sự ưu tiên trong lúc này. Thay vì chọn ngành học đại trà, các bạn có thể tham khảo và theo đuổi học các ngành nghề đang thiếu hụt và được ưu tiên ở Canada. Nắm bắt được đúng điều Canada cần, thì con đường định cư Canada sau này sẽ mở rộng hơn đấy nhé!

– Đối với các sinh viên đang nằm trong poll Express Entry: thay vì sợ hãi và nản chí, bạn hãy nắm lấy cơ hội trong quãng thời gian chờ đợi các đợt rút, dành thời gian cả thiện các thang điểm trong CRS để có thể TỐI ĐA HOÁ điểm Express Entry nhiều nhất có thể. Ví dụ:

• Cải thiện trình độ ngôn ngữ để đạt điểm số cao nhất có thể. Bằng cấp ngôn ngữ càng cao sẽ giúp bạn tăng mức điểm CRS
• Tích lũy kinh nghiệm làm việc: kinh nghiệm làm việc càng nhiều, điểm sẽ càng tăng
• Tìm kiếm thư mời làm việc hợp lệ tại Canada: nhanh chóng tìm kiếm các vị trí tuyển dụng cung cấp Job Offer. Có job offer trong tay, bạn sẽ nhận được tối đa là 200 điểm
• Tham gia đề cử tỉnh bang (PNP): bạn có thể tìm hiểu chương trình Đề cử tỉnh bang (PNP), nhận được thư mời đề cử sẽ nhận 600 điểm và thay đổi cả cục diện.

Vậy Express Entry là gì và hoạt động như thế nào?

Chương trình nhập cư nhanh (Express Entry) là một hệ thống chấm điểm, hệ thống xếp hạng toàn diện (CRS)  định cư được sử dụng để quản lý các đơn ứng tuyển thường trú nhân tại Canada. Các ứng viên đạt điểm cao nhất sẽ nhận được Lời mời đăng ký (ITA) và sau đó có thể đăng ký thường trú nhân. Express Entry bao gồm 3 chương trình:

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Định cư Canada theo diện tay nghề kinh nghiệm: là chương trình dành cho ứng viên đã có kinh nghiệm làm việc tại Canada ít nhất là 12 tháng.
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – Định cư Canada diện tay nghề: là chương trình dành cho ứng viên có tay nghề và chuyên môn cao từ tất cả các quốc gia trên thế giới.
3️. Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP) – Định cư tay nghề liên bang nhóm thợ: là chương trình dành cho ứng viên đã có kinh nghiệm làm việc ít nhất 2 năm trong 5 năm gần nhất với tay nghề thợ chuyên môn theo danh sách quy định.

Unit 700, 333 Bering Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M8Z 3A8, Canada

wecare@phanimmigration

Canada: +1 647 390 0912

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PART-TIME JOB FOR CANADA STUDENTS

Finding a part-time job in Canada is always a matter of concern for international students. Can international students work part-time in Canada? What is the minimum number of hours a week for international students? Which part-time jobs are suitable for Canadian students? If you also have the same question, then let’s find out the following article with Phan Immigration!

1/ Can international students work part-time in Canada?

What work in Canada to help with family expenses, most Vietnamese students want to find a job when they come to Canada to study. However, employment policy in Canada has its own rules for international students regarding part-time work.

As for the regulations on part-time work in Canada, international students from any country are allowed to work part-time but must ensure that they are granted a part-time work permit by the government.    

Some basic conditions for part-time work in Canada:

– Expired documents and permits related to studying abroad

– Registered for a social security book

– Particularly for students who are studying a work-study program and want to work part-time, they need a study permit and a work permit.

Looking for more information:

Conditions for applying for a work permit in Canada

In some special cases your study permit does not allow you to work part-time, you need to go to di (the Department of Labor and Social Development) in Canada to get one.

2/ What is the maximum overtime for international students?

Previously, Canada stipulated that overtime work was limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week. However, this regulation has been replaced by the new rule “IRCC allows working in Canada more than 20 hours/week outside of school hours.” This is an opportunity for young people to show their abilities to employers. Along with studying in class, you can still work to gain experience. Therefore, they should not be distracted from studying in class to affect their academic results. In order to create the best conditions for international students, during the summer break, students are allowed to work full-time. Many students choose to return to Vietnam to visit their families, while many students choose to work part-time to earn income to pay for their tuition fees.

3/ Regulations on part-time work for Canadian  international student

• Out-campus work:

– The study permit is still valid and guarantees a 20-hour work week.

– Participating in extra-curricular and professional activities…at least 6 months

– Must commit that the problem of part-time work will not affect the learning problem. Learning is still a top priority.

• Part-time work in school (in-campus):

– It is somewhat easier than doing part-time work outside the school, note that it only applies to students studying at the school, no papers or permits are required, but it can still be done.

– Have a social security book

• Study while working in Canada (Co-operative study program only)

– Have a valid study permit

– Following the co-op program, you can learn more office computer certifications to help you with your future work

– There is a certificate from the institution that the position is suitable for the student’s major and specialization

4/ Suggestions Top 5 popular part-time jobs in Canada

Content creator

This job is suitable for students with a good level of English and French. The nature of the work will be suitable for you who are persistent and meticulous. Content editor salary ranges from 30 CAD/hour.

Interpreters 

Canada is a multilingual country, so interpreting is one of the jobs suitable for international students who want to work part-time. The income level of the interpreter job ranges from 15 – 55 CAD/hour, depending on the job requirements.

Website developer

Using good design software, and knowing basic coding, website design work is easy. Job earnings range from 25 CAD/hour.

Waitress

This is the job chosen by many Vietnamese students in Canada. This is a job that does not require too much experience and is easy to get started. Income ranges from 20 CAD/hour.

Kitchen assistant (vice-cook)

This job is suitable for everyone, requires no experience and is easy to get started. You can apply for a job at a restaurant or a popular restaurant. Earnings range from 20 CAD/hour.

5/ Notes when looking for part-time jobs in Canada

Phan Immigration suggests some job references: referrals from senior students, some reputable websites such as Indeed Canada, Glassdoor, Monster Canada, and CareerBuilder Canada….

Above is useful information about the job market in Canada for international students to refer to and choose the part-time job that is right for them. Hope the above information will be of value to you.

You can read more information about jobs and immigration to Canada here. If you still have questions, please contact Phan Immigration for a free consultation.

How do immigrate to Canada under Skilled Workers?

What if you still haven’t found a job in Canada? Do you want to live and work permanently in Canada? Phan Immigration is a licensed immigration consulting company, we provide Canadian immigration consulting services, help you find a job, and complete all procedures for Canadian immigration documents.

Free Consultation

Hotline: 093 719 5208

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Top 5 Best Universities in Canada in 2022

With affordable tuition fees, quality educational institutions, extensive job opportunities after graduation, and a friendly living environment, it’s no surprise that study in Canada quickly become the focus of international students.

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022, Canada has 7 universities among the top 200 in the world. Join Phan Immigration to refer to the top 5 best universities in Canada in 2022.

Why should you choose to study in Canada?

Top education in the world

Canada is a country with top-quality education and the highest standard of living in the world. Graduating in Canada means you have a degree of international value.

This is also a country with a lot of universities entering the rankings of the best universities in the world.

Affordable tuition fees

The cost of studying and living in Canada is usually lower than in other countries such as the US and UK. Besides, if you attend public schools in Canada, the cost of studying and living can be even less because the schools have been funded by the Government.

Healthy environment, multicultural

Canada is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic country. As an international student studying in Canada, you will have the opportunity to experience and explore the cultural life of the students here.

Universities in Canada make the safety of all students a top priority, especially international students. Canadians are friendly and culturally and racially friendly. Therefore, the quality and reputation of the universities here are guaranteed so that you can safely apply for a Canadian student visa.

So, with quality education, affordable study abroad costs, and career prospects, Canada is your right study abroad choice. Experiencing a high standard education in Canada will open up countless future opportunities and career benefits later.

For students who want to pursue a foundation, undergraduate, or graduate program in Canada, you can refer to the top universities to find the right school for you:

1. University of Toronto

General introduction:

The University of Toronto is located in the city of Toronto, Canada. This place is not only the largest economic and financial center of the red maple leaf country but also an extremely beautiful city. Toronto has bustling commercial and financial areas and is the dream destination of many people to study, live and work.

This is the only university in the top 20 of the world’s top university rankings in 2022. Founded in 1827 and is the oldest school in Ontario, Canada. The university is also a world leader in biomedical research and has the third largest library system in North America, behind only Harvard and Yale. More than 7,000 international students are studying on campus. Graduates currently live and work in more than 160 countries around the world.

Infrastructure:

The special thing about the University of Toronto is the facilities here. As one of the largest universities in Canada, the University of Toronto owns a system of modern facilities with a large campus.

• The campus of St. George in downtown Toronto – the headquarters of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
• Campus in Mississauga (UTM)) – the headquarters of pre-university & university programs, training professions such as arts, science, information technology, and business.

• Campus in Scarborough (UTSC)– – at the forefront of research and innovation.

Referring to the University of Toronto, it is impossible not to mention the bustling library system with about 44 different large and small libraries. There are a total of more than 22 million books stored here. The school also has 800 clubs on three main campuses. In addition to facilities for learning, the school also fully equips the dormitory system for students:

• Campus at St. George – has a total of 11 dormitories, home to more than 6,000 students.
• Campus in Mississauga – housing over 1,000 students.
• Campus in Scarborough – with residence halls for over 700 students.

University of Toronto – what to study in Canada?

To answer the question of what to study in Canada, the University of Toronto offers multi-disciplinary training. Therefore, students can be flexible in choosing their majors, or fields of interest. Specializations include:

You can also find other majors on the University of Toronto website.

At Phan Immigration, the consultants will assist in choosing the right school and course, and assist in hunting for scholarships to study in Canada from partner schools. Phan Immigration will also support students and students throughout the process from admission to Canada student visa application. Let Phan Immigration fulfill your dream of studying in Canada.

2. McGill University

General introduction:

McGill University is a public university in Montreal, Quebec. Founded in 1821, it is one of the oldest schools in Canada and is known as the “Harvard” of Canada. McGill University is also the only Canadian institution to participate in the World Economic Forum. The school has welcomed students from all over the world and has more than 250,000 alumni globally. McGill is also ranked number one in Canada for several undergraduate medical doctorate programs.

Infrastructure:

McGill’s main campus is located in the heart of Montreal. It is culturally diverse, but what is special about this city is that most people can speak both French and English. The campus of the school consists of many sophisticated Gothic buildings and has modern facilities such as Molson Stadium and the Montreal Neurological Institute. Dormitories on the south side of Pine Avenue – McGill Ghetto, home to a large number of students at McGill University. The school has a train station for students to conveniently move between buildings. Let the experts at Phan Immigration advise you to study in Canada to make your study abroad experience full of fun and excitement.

McGill University – what to study in Canada?

McGill University is known worldwide for its excellent education and impressive research, and its professors continue to work on new areas of epigenetics today. Besides, to answer the question of what to study in Canada at McGill University, you do not need to worry as the school offers more than 340 bachelors and 250 graduate programs. Therefore, students have complete flexibility in choosing the field of their interest. Some majors at McGill University:

You can also find other majors on the McGill University website. 

Contact Phan Immigration today and quickly register for a Canadian study abroad consultation and find out the necessary documents to apply for a Canadian student visa today!

3. University of British Columbia

General introduction:

The University of British Columbia is the highest educational institution in the British Columbia region. The school is currently ranked 37th best university in the world, down 3 places from 2021. Founded in 1908 and has two main campuses in Kelowna and Vancouver – the most expensive city in Canada. The University of British Columbia impresses with its achievements such as:

• Alumni are 3 Canadian Prime Ministers
• Won 8 Nobel Prizes
• 58 Olympic medals won by Varsity athletes
• …

For parents and students who are looking for a university with a long history, good achievements, not only high-quality education but also high safety quality at a reasonable cost, the University of British Columbia is the ideal university.

Infrastructure:

The quality of the University of British Columbia’s infrastructure and facilities is recognized in many aspects – training, energy management, campus operations, ‘green’ facilities, and how the program is sustainable. The University of British Columbia has invested $1.5 billion in infrastructure and facilities. Here, students will enjoy modern, comfortable, and convenient facilities for study and research. The library at the University of British Columbia is one of Canada’s two largest research libraries, with more than 6 million titles and topics and other multimedia materials.

Besides, the theater and auditorium are one of the facilities that are valued here. University of British Columbia students can participate in exciting activities such as concerts or acoustics at the Roy Barnett Recital Hall or Chan Shun Concert Hall. Students can also easily explore the city center or tour the campus with its majestic natural landscapes.

The University of British Columbia – what to study in Canada?

The University of British Columbia has more than 200 study programs for students at different university levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D., in many fields:

You can also find other careers on the University of British Columbia website. 

Phan Immigration understands the difficulties of students and parents when preparing study abroad applications and many questions need to be answered. If you are planning to study in Canada shortly, contact our Canadian study abroad consultant who will be dedicated to answering all your questions about the study path or the application for a Canadian student visa.

4.  University of Montreal 

General introduction:

The University of Montreal is located on the northern slopes of the Mount Royal Range, immersed in a beautiful natural setting among the distinctive red maple leaves of Canada.

Some outstanding achievements of the University of Montreal:
Canada’s 2nd largest research university
Ranked 1st for research and teaching methods in Quebec.
The only French-speaking university among the top schools in Canada.

One of the reasons that Vietnamese students especially like when choosing Quebec as their study abroad destination is its diverse and thriving economy. The cost of renting here is considered lower than in both Toronto and Vancouver. Despite being the largest capital, Montreal has one of the lowest costs of living in North America.

Infrastructure:

The University of Montreal is equipped with the most modern equipment to serve the study and research of students with 18 libraries and thousands of precious books preserved and archived. In addition, the school is equipped with many multimedia art rooms, and computer rooms to help students exploit information resources most effectively.

With a large campus for indoor and outdoor activities, Montreal’s sports complex has a wide range of sports for all students such as skating, hockey, basketball, tennis, swimming, and baseball.

University of Montreal – what to study in Canada?

The University of Montreal offers more than 250 undergraduate and 350 graduate programs in fields across its 16 faculties. Therefore, students have complete flexibility in choosing the field of their interest. Some majors at the University of Montreal:

You can also find other majors on the University of Montreal website. 

At Phan Immigration, you will be consulted by experts to study in Canada, choose a major that suits your aspirations, guide you to apply for a Canadian student visa, and apply for admission. Services on accommodation, health insurance, and student welfare will also be supported by Phan Immigration with advice to study in Canada.

5. University of Alberta

General introduction:

The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s premier universities, known for its world-honored research and innovative discovery. Alberta is also home to the National Institute of Nanotechnology and offers high-quality programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and some Canadian levels of study. This is also the 2nd school in Canada in terms of employment rate after graduates.

Infrastructure:

Located in the city of Edmonton, is an affluent city in Alberta, where the local economy is very developed and has modern facilities. The Library of Alberta is also the second-largest library in Canada, with a wide range of titles and databases.

There are more than 100 students and the center fully meets the learning requirements of students. In addition, the school also has many systems of research rooms, laboratories, libraries, gyms, and fitness centers.

One of the school’s strengths is sports activities here, Alberta has won many national championship awards such in Football, Basketball, and Rugby,… That ensures students can learn. Exercise in a healthy environment.

The University of Alberta – what to study in Canada??

The University of Alberta has 18 faculties, 5 campuses, more than 500 graduate programs, and 200 undergraduate programs. Some of the majors featured here:

You can also find other majors on the University of Alberta website.

6. Support for studying abroad in Canada from Phan Immigration

As a member of the Canadian Council of Licensed Immigration Consultants (CICC), Phan Immigration has strong links with prestigious educational institutions in Canada, providing a flexible choice of schools and colleges. career.

Phan Immigration specializes in consulting immigration services according to each customer’s needs and conditions. Services will be personalized and tailored to your goals with dedicated guidance from our consultants. Phan Immigration’s team of Canadian study abroad consultants will assist in planning the most suitable study and career path for each student. Phan Immigration will always follow your Canadian student visa application closely and give you maximum support so that you can choose a school and major that suits your aspirations.

Contact Phan Immigration to start your Canada study abroad consultation today! Let Phan Immigration fulfill your dream of studying in Canada.

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What to do when you first arrive in Canada?

Author: Yan Desjardins, Founder & Executive Director

Study in Canada: your adventure begins!

Moving to a new country is no easy task. It can be intimidating when you do not know much about how life is in your newly chosen country. During the first few months of your studies in Canada, you will get to know many people, learn the languages, experience the culture, live in Canada’s different climates, and so much more. This is an exciting time for you!

As Canadians living in Vietnam, we understand the importance of settling in the new country. That is why we are bringing you our own checklist to help you settle nicely for your studies in Canada. Take a look below!

Arrange for a mobile phone plan.

The first thing you will need when arriving in Canada is to get connected. For that, we suggest you first add an international roaming short plan to your current phone plan before you leave. This will cover the first hours or days you will need to arrive and settle for your studies in Canada safely.

Many Canadian service providers offer to purchase and register a SIM card online. Take advantage of this service for a smooth transition. The card will be mailed to your address in Canada and will be ready when you arrive. 

Check out some of the major service providers such as Telus, Bell, Virgin, or Rogers. There are many more providers available, so take some time to research which option works best for you. Also, make sure to check their student plans!

Simon Fraser University, British Columbia

Get your IDs.

Student ID

Start by getting your student ID from your college or university. It will be helpful to you to obtain student discounts on transportation, food, venues and help save you money as an international student. For more information on how to get your student ID, contact your school’s registrar.

Health Card

You may be eligible for health coverage in the province in which you will study in Canada. First, check with the province or your school to see if you qualify. If you do, make an appointment to get your Health Card. You can use the card as a form of identification within Canada. 

Social Insurance Number

If you intend to work in Canada during your studies in Canada, you must apply and obtain a Social Insurance Number, commonly known in Canada as SIN. After you apply, you will receive the SIN card by mail. 

Set up your banking.

If you haven’t already done it before you applied for your Canada student visa, it is a good idea to open a bank account to facilitate your daily life. Many banks have very competitive student plans. You can apply online to open a bank account with most financial institutions. You may also qualify for a Canadian student credit card. A great way to start building your credit score if you intend to stay longer than your studies in Canada.

After you open your account, you will receive your bank cards in the mail. Simply call the number on the card to activate the card. You’ll be all set up in no time. If you plan on working in Canada during your studies in Canada, you’ll need your bank account to have your paychecks directly deposited.

Look for a job.

While we’re on the subject of working in Canada, for the time of your studies in Canada, you can work on or off-campus. You can work as many hours as you want if your work is on the school campus or a maximum of 20 hours during your school semesters if you work off-campus. During holidays and recess periods, you can work full-time. 

There are many job opportunities in Canada for students in several industries, like food and beverage or retail. Regardless of what type of jobs you get, you’ll start making valuable work experience in the Canadian labour market. This can prepare you for your future career after your studies in Canada.

There are job bank sites that you can use to help your searches. You can try Monster.ca, 

Jobbank.gc.ca or Workopolis.ca. 

The Montréal Métro

Get your public transportation pass.

When you arrive to study in Canada, it is a good idea to get set up with a monthly pass for public transportation in your new city. Also, don’t forget to bring your student ID to get considerable discounts. 

If you are going to live in cities like Montréal, Toronto, or Vancouver, you will love the underground train systems. It is easy, safe, and fast and can get all over the city in no time. Other smaller cities have comprehensive bus systems that you can take to get you from point A to point B. 

Both are great ways to start discovering your surroundings and the rest of the city! 

Connect with your surroundings.

Start with your campus and your neighbourhood. Canadian cities have many dynamic communities where there is plenty to discover. Go out and spot that coffee shop you’ll be sitting at during your studies in Canada, look up the different international foods available to you, and get oriented in your new environment. 

If you reside in the larger cities, you’ll love all there is to discover. Each city is truly unique and offers many great attractions. Once you are comfortable in your new town, try to venture further and discover other areas. There is so much to discover in Canada; make the most of it! 

Connect with people.

Canadians are notorious worldwide for being friendly and polite. You’ll find them engaging and willing to meet new friends. On-campus, there will likely be other international students, such as yourself, who came to study in Canada and are eager to meet people for the same reasons. It is also a great way to meet and share with people from different cultures. 

You can start with your school; you may find that there are groups to help connect people. But, first, find the right circle that fits you. Then, don’t be afraid to venture out and connect with Canadians, taste our food, and enjoy the Canadian folk and culture. 

We are sure that you will love Canada as much as we do! So let us accompany you there; contact us today for your Canada student visa!

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What Should I Pack to Study Abroad in Canada?

Author: Nolan Clack -Guest blogger

You have researched which country you wish to study, applied for a school in Canada, received your acceptance letter from your institution, and are now preparing for your last slight stretch before embarking on a new journey to study abroad in Canada!

As Canadians living here in Vietnam, we can’t be any more excited for you to experience our country and culture. Vietnam and its people have graciously opened up their arms for us to live and share your culture; therefore, we want to be the first to welcome you and prepare you for your study abroad program in Canada. 

Firstly, if you have not secured your Canadian student visa but have your institution acceptance letter, the first thing you should prepare is your student visa. Then, take our free self-assessment to determine if you’re ready to apply for your Canadian student visa. 

Preparing to Study Abroad in Canada

Unlike packing for a beach vacation, packing to study abroad in Canada isn’t as straightforward as packing sunglasses, sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a pair of sandals. On the contrary, studying in Canada can come with difficulty given the four seasons throughout the year.

You might be asking yourself questions like, how cold does it get in Canada? How many clothes are too many clothes? What if I bring too few clothes? What should I not bring with me? Am I packing too much?

Although it might seem like a daunting task, packing to study in Canada is easier than you might think. As Canadians who have experienced every Canadian climate you can imagine, you’ve found the right place to get the inside scoop for what you need to prepare to study abroad in Canada. 

What to Pack to Study Abroad in Canada: The Essentials

Starting on the list, we should jump into the things you definitely won’t want to forget. In the essentials list below, be sure that you pack these in your carry-on bag and not your suitcase. We wouldn’t want your dreams to study in Canada to start as a nightmare should your luggage go missing!

Your essentials should include:

Passport & Canadian Student Visa

Tuck your passport away, and be sure to have it close by your side. We highly suggest you have scanned photocopies of your passport and Canadian student visa in a separate place from your original passport. Should your passport be lost or stolen, photocopying these documents beforehand will make it much easier to replace, if ever required. We hope you won’t ever have to! 

From this entire list, your passport is the most important thing while studying abroad in Canada, and be sure to always keep it in a safe place. Misplacing a passport abroad can quickly make your study in Canada a not-so-fun experience.

 Letter of Entry & School Acceptance to Canada

Along with your passport, be sure to bring a copy of your letter of entry to Canada and your letter of acceptance that your school would have provided you to apply for your Canadian student visa. Upon your arrival in Canada, Canada Border Service Officers are likely to be asked for these documents before issuing your study permit. So, like your passport, have these easily accessible to present upon arrival. 

Flight Tickets

Not a great way to start your study abroad program in Canada when you realize you forgot your flight tickets after you have reached the airport! Be sure to have saved your flight confirmation number somewhere that is easy to access to make your journey to Canada one less thing to provide stress.

Canadian Currency

While you likely will have a Canadian credit or debit card set up before your departure, it’s a good idea to bring either some Canadian currency or USD in hand just in case. Having cash on hand can help if your bank card is cancelled while trying to make purchases abroad. In addition, your bank may block your card payment from going through for fraud prevention if a purchase is made abroad, which is never a fun experience! Finally, a rule of thumb, do not to bring Vietnamese Dong into Canada. Doing so will be a challenge to exchange Vietnamese Dong at a Canadian bank.

Suppose you haven’t set up a Canadian bank account before your departure and are using your bank account registered in Vietnam. Although we highly suggest you do. In the case you have not, It’s best to inform your financial provider you are studying in Canada to avoid the bank blocking card payments when they see a payment is trying to be made in a foreign country. 

Health Insurance

If you have already applied for your Canadian student visa, ensure you grab all the necessary documents needed or save them digitally. If you don’t already have health insurance, you will need to apply for it before your departure. As an international student, you are required to secure private health insurance for the duration of your studies in Canada. International students have two options to secure health insurance:

• Acquire private health insurance from an insurance company
• Register for health insurance through your educational institution

If you wish to obtain private health insurance, there are resources available to explore health insurance options within Canada. 

Prescription Medications

If you require to bring prescription medications with you, you will only be allowed to bring upwards to 90 days worth of personal prescription medication. Bringing health products into Canada for personal use has its own set of rules and regulations. It should be researched well in advance before your departure to ensure you abide by Canadian compliances. Additionally, when studying abroad in Canada, having a copy of a medical report explaining your health condition, in either English or French, to present to a Canadian doctor is a good idea if you need to renew your prescription medication. 

Clothes to Pack to Study Abroad in Canada

We know what you’re thinking. Canada is cold during the winter months; therefore, make sure I pack lots of warm clothes! While warm clothes are essential, it’s also important to consider how much weight your baggage check-in allows. 

Cramming heavy layers of clothes can quickly increase your baggage weight and not leave room for other items you will want and need. Balance is key here, and it is tricky to decide what to bring if you have never experienced Canada’s cooler weather.

Therefore, to make things easier for you, let us break down the best way to pack clothes for your studying abroad in Canada. 

Fall and Winter Months Studying Abroad in Canada

Counterintuitive to what you might think, lighter clothes with layers will keep you warmer during the fall and winters months. Fall typically starts in September and can expect to transition to winter months by the first week of November.

If you start your studies in Canada during the fall, you should prepare longer in length clothes. Fall is when the leaves on the trees begin to turn yellow, orange, and red due to the changing weather and colder nights. Wearing jeans, pants, and a long-sleeve shirt with a windbreaker jacket will be sufficient to get around comfortably. 

In November, when the snow begins to fall, which can last as late as April, investing in a good winter jacket will make a world of difference for comfort. But, much like the fall months, wearing multiple layers of clothes with jeans or pants is still a great option. 

Prepare for your journey to study abroad in Canada during the winter months by bringing multiple pairs of pants, four or five of your favorite long-sleeve shirts, two hoodies or a sweatshirt, and two weeks’ worth of underwear and socks. 

If you plan to start your studies in Canada during the winter months, we suggest purchasing a light winter hat and gloves and placing them in your carry-on; that way, once you arrive, you can put them on before leaving the airport without rummaging through your luggage.

Once you are in Canada, many stores sell comfortable winter jackets. As an international student, be sure to take advantage of the outstanding student discounts available when purchasing winter gear like a winter jacket. To read more about students discounts, read our blog on 10 money-saving tips for international students studying in Canada.

Spring and Summer Months Studying Abroad in Canada

Although Canada has some frosty and nippy winters, Canadian spring and summer months warm up considerably, and lighter clothes will only be required. 

Canadian spring usually starts in April and goes till June. Students studying in Canada generally can wear jeans, pants, a t-shirt, and a light wind jacket during these months. If it is your first Canadian spring, it will still be considered cooler weather if coming from Vietnam. Our best suggestion if you arrive and are studying in Canada during the spring is to think and pack as if you were visiting Dalat.

If you are coming to Canada during the summer months, which lasts between June and August, the weather can go upwards to 40*C. Depending on the province and city, we suggest packing two pairs of sandals, a pair of running or walking shoes, four pairs of shorts, three t-shirts, two short sleeves shirts, a bathing suit, and for women packing three summer dresses. 

What Not to Pack to Study Abroad in Canada

Jewelry 

Although it might be tempting to bring expensive items like jewelry should be avoided. If you are considering bringing jewelry, bring one or two of your favourites. If you pack too many, you risk the chance of them getting broken or stolen.

Books

We know you are eager to study in Canada; however, it is probably best to avoid bringing books because chances are, you will read them once, and they contribute to quite a bit of unnecessary weight in your luggage.

Heavy Liquids

To avoid issues at international security at the airport, do not carry any large bottles that have liquids in them. You will be asked to dispose of them going through security. If you need to bring bottles such as hand sanitizer, purchase small travel pack sizes that are permitted and won’t cause any problems at international security. 

Food

One of the most important ones on the list is to not pack food in your luggage when going to Canada. Unlike surrounding Southeast Asian countries, Canada does not allow certain types of food, such as vegetables, fruits, animal, or fish products. Therefore, should you require food or snacks during your travels, it is best to purchase foods available after international security in the airport or airlines food till you arrive in Canada.

Are you still unsure about studying in Canada? Perhaps you wonder about the cost of studying in Canada or if you need help understanding the conditions to study in Canada? 

Make Phan Immigration your Canadian study abroad consultant partner, and let us help you ignite your dreams of studying abroad in Canada!

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10 Money Saving Tips for International Students Studying in Canada

As a Vietnamese international student studying in Canada, you can expect that the cost of living will significantly increase compared to living in Vietnam. 

Although this is true, we have great news for you! The cost of studying in Canada is considerably cheaper than any other G7 country! So not only is the cost of studying markedly more reasonable, but the cost of living is also much more affordable than in other countries.

To make the most out of your study abroad experience, we’ve compiled a list of the best ways to keep your expenses down and save money where you can while studying in Canada.

1. Apply for Scholarships to Study in Canada.

The good news for Vietnamese international students looking to study in Canada is that there are many scholarship options available! Scholarships to study in Canada come in different forms, and it’s essential to know all your options. 

Tip: Many international students who study in Canada are not aware that there are a total of 11 types of scholarships available! Applying for these scholarships to study in Canada is definitely worth the effort, considering many students are unaware of all the available options.

The way scholarships to study in Canada are awarded can be a bit confusing. To make sense of all the options of financial support available, we recommend the Canadian company ApplyBoard to support you in finding your dream educational program and find the right scholarships to study in Canada. 

2. Purchase University Coursebooks Second-Hand

Depending on your chosen program, the cost of course books can go upwards of CAD $1,000 per semester. Y With all the excitement of preparing to move abroad, arriving, and getting used to your new environment, university coursebooks are often overlooked as an expense. They can quickly increase your costs of studying in Canada.

Luckily, there is no need to purchase all our coursebooks brand new. Many other international students finishing up their studies in Canada often sell their coursebooks to incoming students for over half the price of purchasing a brand new coursebook. 

Those CAD $1,000.00 brand new coursebooks can now easily be obtained for CAD $350.00. Often the city you choose to study in will have Facebook groups that sell second-hand books. Going this route will significantly reduce your costs of studying in Canada.

Alternatively, if you wish not to have your own coursebooks, most universities in Canada offer rental options to students. Although rental books might not be in mint condition, going this route can save you thousands of dollars over the years while studying in Canada. 

Lastly, if you don’t mind not having a hard copy coursebook in hand, all universities in Canada will offer digital copies, which sometimes will have little to no cost. 

3. Apply for a Job

While you are studying in Canada, the Canadian government permits students to work while they study. While holding a valid student visa, students are allowed to work off-campus upwards to 20 hours a week during school terms and full-time during scheduled school breaks. If students choose to work on-campus, they have no time limit for the number of hours that can be worked.

Depending on the province of residence, the hourly minimum wage starts at CAD $11.75 – $15.20. As a result, most students opt into working part-time, as it’s an effective way to reduce the cost of living while studying in Canada. 

Not only is this a great option while studying in Canada, but it also provides students the chance to enter the Canadian labor market and gain invaluable work experience. 

Upon graduation, students can apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit that can be valid for up to 3 years. Once an international student has worked in Canada for a period of 12 months in a skilled job, students may then qualify for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class. 

Provided international students are given the opportunity to qualify for permanent residence in Canada after graduation, so many international students choose to study in Canada for this reason. 

4. Accommodations Options

Where you choose to study in Canada will determine your total cost of accommodations. While not all cities are expensive, it is still a good idea to factor in your accommodation costs. 

There are three accommodation options that international students can choose from when studying in Canada. 

• Privately renting an apartment or complex.
• School dormitories
• Homestays

For the purpose of money-saving tips and lowering your costs of studying in Canada, we suggest the following options:

School Dormitories 

School dormitories are great options for students looking to make friends and settle into their new lives in Canada. Dormitories are owned and managed by the university in Canada and often come with basic furnishings such as beds, bathrooms, and a small kitchen. 

Not only is this is a great option to lower your expense and save money while studying in Canada, choosing to live in school dormitories will allow students to quickly make friends with other international students who have also recently arrived in Canada. 

This accommodation option is also great if you plan to be involved in activities happening around campus, such as sports teams or other recreational activities. Making it easy to go to and from activities without spending money on transportation will greatly help reduce your costs while studying in Canada. 

Homestays 

Choosing to stay in a homestay while studying in Canada is a fantastic option to dive deep and learn about Canadian culture. Homestays are Canadian families that welcome international students to stay with them throughout the study period. 

Families are usually contracted by universities in Canada to support their welcoming and life in Canada. To ensure safety, all families must undergo a series of checks and verifications that members of the household do not have criminal records and can provide a safe and secure environment for students while studying in Canada. 

We recommend this option if you would like to quickly advance in your language abilities. Choosing to stay with a friendly Canadian family will promptly help students sound like native speakers in no time! Not only that, homestay families are always there to support international students with any questions or concerns during their time studying in Canada.

What’s best about this option? Universities in Canada usually match international students with families that have similar interests, locations, and types of amenities. All homestays receive fully furnished rooms, Canadian home-cooked meals and are always invited and encouraged to join the family activities.

To help understand and manage your costs of studying in Canada, we have researched accommodation options and average pricing based on Canadian provinces that can be seen in the table below. 

[insert table]

5. Take Advantage of All the Great Student Discounts

Financially speaking, there is an abundance of perks of being a student studying in Canada! 

Discounts are so great that we often wish we could be students again to take advantage of them. 

Student Price Card

When purchasing a measly CAD $10.00 Student Price Card, also known as SPC Card, students will have access to discounts and deals on fashion, food, shoes, accessories, travel, and more. The SPC card provides students upwards of 30% off on over 450 brands across Canada! 

Some of your favorite brands like:

• Apple
• H&M
• Samsung
• Adidas
• Burger King
• Pizza Hut
• Booking.com

And much more! Once you receive your student card, you can purchase an SPC Card online to access all these great deals. Alternatively, most universities in Canada will also sell them on campus. 

ISIC Canada

Also known as International Student Identity Card, provide international students additional discount in Canada and internationally. 

ISIC Canada issues a yearly CAD $20.00 fee, which grants students many savings on Canadian brands, alongside other international offers. 

We highly suggest checking them out to save some money on school items to reduce your costs of studying in Canada. 

Cell Phone Plans

To stay in touch with your loved ones, it’s essential to stay connected! Canada offers many international student cell phone plans that significantly reduce your overall costs of studying in Canada. 

You can choose to opt for a yearly plan or pay as you go. Many phone companies operate in Canada allow maximum flexibility and price competitiveness. If you choose a yearly locked-in plan, you may qualify to have a brand new phone given to you. Your monthly plan will cost more than other pay-as-you-go services but at least you do not have to pay for the new device upfront. If you wish to use the other non-locked-in services, you can use your own device and input the new SIM card directly, and be connected right away. 

For cost-saving purposes, we recommend using smaller cell phone companies like Koodo and Virgin. If you require a more extensive cell phone plan and don’t mind the higher fees, we suggest Bell or Telus. 

Be sure to mention you are a student studying in Canada! Otherwise, you might just miss out on the available student plans. 

6. Apply for an International Student Bank Account and Credit Card

Saving on international money transfers as an international student studying in Canada should be one of your top priorities! Exchanging money between you and your family here in Vietnam can become expensive without the right financial partner. 

Our personal recommendation for Vietnamese students studying in Canada is to open up an account with Scotiabank. Their unlimited no-fee international money transfers are ideal for both parents and students when embarking on a journey to study in Canada. We as Canadian living here in Vietnam also choose to use Scotiabank for this exact reason.

Additionally, Canada offers student credit cards, and while they help save money, it is also important to remember that owning a credit card requires being responsible.

In Canada, any purchases made on a credit card throughout the month must be paid back within 30 days if you do not want to incur interest charges. If you decide to pay the minimum balance, you will be charged interest that is on average around 20%.

7. Save Money on Travel

No matter the city you choose to study in, Canada provides student rates for inner-city and inter-city public transportation. Depending on where you decide to study in Canada, these discounted monthly passes cover public transportation like buses, subways, trains, and light trains. 

Depending on the city and province of residence, student passes start at CAD $75.00 a month or even more discounted prices if purchased for an entire school semester. Transportation passes can be bought in large retail shops or can be purchased directly from universities in Canada. 

8. Cooking at Home

Unlike the luxury of being able to walk outside and purchase a nice bowl of cheap phở bò or bún thịt nướng, Canada, on the other hand, does not have the same luxury of ready-cooked meals at affordable prices. 

Therefore, we recommend cooking at home, as it will be far cheaper than going out to a restaurant or ordering food delivery. 

For instance:

The cost of a basic meal at a non-expensive Vietnamese restaurant in Canada ranges anywhere from CAD $12.00 – $20.00 per person! That means you can make at LEAST make 20 portions of bún thịt nướng at home if you take it upon yourself to do the cooking. 

Not only does cooking at home significantly reduce your overall costs, cooking at home provides an excellent opportunity to learn other cultural dishes from the hundreds of nationalities that come to study in Canada. Perhaps in no time, you will learn how to make a proper Italian pizza from your Italian roommate, or bake a French baguette from a fellow French classmate. In exchange, we’re sure your international friends wouldn’t mind trying some of your secret family Vietnamese recipes!

One other tip to save big on food costs is checking weekly flyers from grocery store chains. They always have coupons or specific items on special. You can opt to subscribe to their email list to receive the coupons and discounts right on your phone.

While studying in Canada, food can quickly become your most significant expense if you decide to eat out regularly. From this entire list, we believe this tip is the biggest one to consider to save money as an international student.

9. Create a Budget and Track Your Spendings

We’re not going to say budgeting is easy because it isn’t! Especially when living and studying abroad in a foreign country, you will have a new currency to learn, remember exchange rates, and understanding what is considered affordable and unaffordable for Canadian standards can quickly make your head spin.

A few basic rules we recommend to make budgeting easier include:

1. Tracking your weekly and monthly income. Once you know how much you spend each month, it will be easier to track your budget for an entire semester at a time. Doing so will significantly help identify and lower your costs of studying in Canada. 

1. Categorizing your spendings. Calculating how much you spend on food, travel, rent, utilities, and weekly outings will provide you with a sense of where you could be overspending. At the end of the month, you notice you spent CAD $150.00 takeout delivery pizza; it’s a good indicator of where to begin cutting lousy spending habits.

1. Being honest with yourself and your necessary expenses. Did you really need the CAD $150.00 on takeout delivery pizza last month? Most likely not. Remember there are other costs like rent, transportation, school fees, and books that all account for your total cost of studying in Canada that are more important. 

If you haven’t already heard of the Vietnamese fintech app Money Lover, we have found this app incredibly helpful as Canadians living here in Vietnam. The app is great to help manage exchange rates, multiple currency spendings and help manage and track personal expenses without going over personal budget. 

As an international student studying in Canada, finding ways to easily manage and plan your personal finances will make your experience living abroad much more enjoyable without the need to worry about counting each last penny. 

10. Take Advantage of Second-Hand Stores

Taking advantage of second-hand stores to purchase household items, accessories and clothes can help save you big. If you’re big into fashion, the thrift store is a jackpot full of surprises! You can quickly expect to walk out of the store with two pairs of original Guess jeans for CAD $45.00; whereas had you gone to purchase brand new from the retailer, the same two pairs of jeans would have cost over CAD $800.00!

While studying in Canada, you will quickly come to learn that many Canadians love going to thrift stores. Especially when it comes to seasons like Halloween, Christmas, or Tết holiday in Canada. These stores quickly become one of the favorite places to shop for great deals throughout the year. 

If you’re ready to start your new adventure and apply for your student visa to Canada. Let us accompany you in your journey to making your dreams to study in Canada become a reality! 

Ignite your dreams. Go further!

Archive Blog Detail

Study in Canada: Start Here!

Author: Yan Desjardins, Founder & Executive Director

Studying abroad is a big decision to make. There are many things to consider. Perhaps you have already decided that Canada will be your next home. If not: let us convince you why Canada should be your preferred option.

World-class and leading education system

Canada offers thousands of learning institutions for post-secondary education. With more than 15,000 programs to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the right one just for you! You can choose from college to university degrees at institutions offering top-notch learning environments and technologies.

Many universities in Canada are ranked amongst the best in the world: McGill University, University of British Columbia, Toronto University, and Queen’s University are some of the most prestigious Canadian institutions. One considerable fact about a Canadian university or college education: the cost of studying in Canada is less than in other comparable countries.

Diverse communities

Canadian cities are amongst the most diverse in the world, making Canada a multicultural destination that should not be ignored. Study in Canada and meet students just like you that come from all around the world! This is a great way to connect with people from different cultures and make your studies in Canada that much more enriching!

Benefits to study in Canada

Your studies in Canada will provide you with credentials that are recognized worldwide. But that is not the only benefit of studying in Canada!

1. We don’t mean to be repetitive, but it is worth repeating: the cost of studying in Canada is less than in other comparable countries, and you get a world-class education!
2. Your study permit and visa will be issued for the duration of your program
3. You can work in Canada while you study:
   • On-Campus with no time limit
   • Off-Campus: up to 20h/week during school terms and full-time during scheduled school breaks.
4. Gain valuable work experience after graduating. You can apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit that can be valid for up to 3 years.
5. Qualify to stay permanently in Canada. After working in Canada for a period of 12 months in a skilled job, you may qualify for a Permanent Resident Card.
6. Finally, apply for Canadian Citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Apply for a study permit

There are a few ways that you can apply to study in Canada. Have you heard about the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program? SDS is Canada’s fast-track access to your studies! Your application, once received, will be processed in 20 days.

We often get asked, what are the conditions to study in Canada?

1. To have been accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in a post-secondary program;
2. To have paid one year of tuition to the DLI
3. To have completed upfront medical examination
4. To have purchased a Guaranteed Investment Certificate of $10,000CAD from a Canadian Bank.
5. To complete your biometrics enrollment.

With your application, you will need to provide some of the following documents:

1. A valid passport: make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your program or longer.
2. Letter of Acceptance from your DLI
3. Police certificate: if you are over 18 years of age
4. Financial documents (for non-SDS study permit)

At Phan Immigration, we make it easy for you to apply for your visa to study in Canada. Contact us today.

Prepare for your arrival.

Do not book your flights until you have been approved for your study permit. But you can start preparing for your life in Canada. Here are a few tips:

Look for a place to live

If you have decided not to live on your school campus, start looking at the areas of interest for you to rent an apartment. You may need the help of an agent or broker.

Look for a bank in Canada

If you have not done so already, take a look at the different options. Most Canadian banks offer competitive banking packages for students.

Public Transport and Commutes

Canada is a vast country with cities that stretch for kilometers. Canadian cities offer public transportation, but not all cities are the same. Take a look at what is available for your city and make sure you get the student fares.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let us accompany you on your journey to study in Canada. Contact us today.

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Costs to Study in Canada: A Complete Guide.

Author: Nolan Clack,Guest blogger

Ignite Your Dreams by Studying Abroad in Canada!

Studying abroad in a foreign country is an exciting and big decision to make! There is an abundance of benefits and opportunities why you should consider studying abroad in Canada. 

For instance, Canadian cities are amongst the most diverse in the world, making it a great location for international students to learn about other cultures all within one country. Not only that, the country ranks consistently as a top destination globally for international students to study abroad in Canada. Canada’s multicultural cities are a great place to connect with people from different cultures to make your studies in Canada that much more enriching. 

It is important to ask yourself these questions to set yourself up for a path to success when looking to embark on a journey to study in Canada:

• What are the benefits of studying in Canada?
• What is the cost of studying in Canada?
• What programs are available?
• Which province should I study in?
• What are the costs of housing?
• How much will it cost for monthly living expenses?
• How do I apply for a Canadian student visa?
• What are the costs of a Canadian student visa?
• Can I work after my studies?
• Am I eligible for Permanent Residence and Canadian Citizenship after my studies?

As you can see, there are a number of things to consider beforehand. Knowing all the steps and how to proceed with them is the key to succeeding to ignite your dreams of living and studying in Canada.

To no surprise, Canada is one of the most popular countries for Vietnamese international students. There is a range of benefits for Vietnamese students to call Canada their home during their study abroad program. Canada offers a range of opportunities and experiences to develop strong foundation skills, meet new people and excel in your chosen career path.

If you are looking to embark on a new adventure as an international student in Canada, we have compiled a comprehensive list of everything you need to know about studying abroad in Canada as an international student.

Benefits of Studying in Canada

Studying in Canada has a list of benefits that will provide you with the confidence and credentials that are highly recognized worldwide to help you ignite your dream to go further. Before we get into the costs of studying in Canada and application procedures, we’ve compiled a list of benefits why you should consider Canada to be your next study destination.

1. The cost of studying in Canada is considerably cheaper than in other countries
2. Student visas are issued for the entire duration of your program
3. You can work while studying to help reduce the cost of studying in Canada
4. Gain invaluable work experience after graduating that qualifies you to apply for a work permit that allows you to work in Canada 3 years after graduation
5. Eligible to stay permanently in Canada by applying for permanent residency
6. Lastly, apply for Canadian Citizenship after meeting residency requirements

Canada’s Education System 

Canada’s public education system provides high-quality teaching from young learners to adults which is well-funded and overseen by the Federal Government. Each province in Canada manages the school board districts; therefore rules, fees and requirements vary slightly from each province. Regardless of the provincial management, the federal government ensures the highest education standard that remains consistent for international students during their study abroad program. 

Canada’s education system is broken down into three levels. Those levels being:

1. Primary: Ages 4 – 14 years of age (Kindergarten to Grade 7)
2. Secondary: Ages 14 – 18 (Grade 8 – 12)
3. Post Secondary: Ages 18 years or older (College, Undergraduate, Postgraduate Studies)

When researching study abroad programs in Canada, select the corresponding level of studies and read more in the following sections to learn about tuition fees, programs available and non-tuition expenses. 

Costs of Studying in Canada as an International Student

1.0 Study Abroad Programs While Studying in Canada

Primary School (Kindergarten – Grade 8)

Within the Canadian school system, primary schools consist of the ages between 4-14 years old. As an international student studying in a primary school, the cost of studying in Canada will vary greatly depending on the province of residence, and school district. The great news is that studying in Canada is much more affordable compared to other G7 countries! 

Primary School Calendar and Hours

The school year in the primary Canadian education system usually starts in the first week of September and goes till the end of June. Class times in Canada are scheduled from Monday to Friday with schools being closed on the weekends. Primary school hours are from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm and usually have a lunch break for an hour. Students also receive two 15 minute breaks in between classes to eat a snack and play.

Secondary School (Grade 9 -12)

Within the Canadian school system, secondary school consists of the ages between 14-18 years old. As an international student studying in secondary school, the cost of studying in Canada is based on the city school district, which is typically the same cost as primary school. Although additional tuition fees are expected to cover school textbooks and extracurricular activity expenses that occur throughout the school year. 

Secondary School Calendar and Hours

Like the Canadian Primary school system, the school year for secondary school starts in the first week of September and goes till the end of June. Class times are shorter than elementary school and are scheduled between 8:30 am to 2:30 pm from Monday to Friday with weekends off. Canada’s study abroad programs for secondary level shorten school hours to allow for extracurricular activities such as school sports. 

Available Language Programs

When selecting a primary or secondary school program, parents or guardians must consider if they wish to send their child to an English, French or dual language institution during their study abroad program. Due to Canada’s two official languages, each province will offer the choice of one or both languages based on the parent or student’s preference.

Cost of Studying in Canada – Primary and Secondary Education

In the table below can be seen the costs of studying in Canada as an international student based on provincial school boards. Fees are applicable to both primary and secondary school education. Note that medical insurance is compulsory for international students to study in Canada. Each province has its own sets of policies that either include or do not include emergency medical insurance within their annual tuition.

Additional Fees

When studying in Canada, each school may have its own set of additional fees to be paid upfront or throughout the school year. Below are some of the following items that may be applicable:

• School Books
• School Lunch
• Sports Teams
• School Field Trips
• Bus Transportation
• Travel Insurance

College and Vocational Training (2 – 3 Years)

College programs in Canada tend to be shorter in length; therefore, the cost of studying in Canada under a college or vocational program is often less expensive than studying at a Canadian university. Depending on the program chosen, a work-integrated learning environment can be included, which may provide students with an additional income to reduce the costs of studying in Canada. Some example programs that might include a paid work-integrated learning environment are:

• Welding
• Electrician
• Carpenter 
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Environmental Technician
• Fire-Fighting

High-quality education is widely available in colleges and vocational programs throughout the country. This also includes outside of the bigger cities, where students can find a lower cost of living. Regardless if you decide to study in one of the major cities, the cost of living is still affordable compared to many big cities around the world. 

Cost of Studying in Canada – College and Vocational Programs

The cost of studying in Canada under these programs varies greatly depending on the program and the location you decide on. Typically, college and vocational programs can range anywhere from CAD $2,000.00 – $18,000.00 per year for tuition. Although on average, the typical cost of studying a college or vocational program is approximately CAD $12,000.00.

Undergraduate Studies (4 Years)

Choosing to study for a bachelor’s degree in Canada is a great choice! Students during their 4 years of study get to experience Canada’s beautiful landscape and build long-lasting friendships during their study period. Canada offers reputable programs in small and big cities, both of which offer high-quality education that is recognized globally.

Much like the college and vocational programs, the cost of studying in Canada for a bachelor’s degree will vary on location and the type of program. 

Therefore; we recommend that you first select a program that interests you. From there it’s much easier to explore which city and province best fit your lifestyle and cost of living. 

Average Annual Tuition Fees by Field of Undergraduate Studies

Source: Statistics Canada

Annual Average Tuition Fee for International Students by Province

Source: Statistics Canada

As it can be seen from the table above, the cost of studying in Canada varies heavily by province and field of study. This is why we recommend selecting a program, then a province to help research and identify criteria that best suits your budget.

Postgraduate Studies (1 – 4 Years)

Postgraduate studies in Canada take anywhere from 1 – 4 years to complete, depending on if you enroll in a master’s or Ph.D. program. Enrolling in a Canadian graduate studies program is a smart investment that will provide an extra edge and competitiveness in the global market. The best part? The cost of studying in Canada for a master’s or Ph.D. program is very low cost and highly recognized around the globe. Making it an appealing country for international students looking to access higher education. 

Average Cost of Studying in Canada by Tuition Fees and Field of Study in Postgraduate Studies

Source: Statistics Canada

It is important to note that most master’s programs in Canada are 12 months in length. The table below highlights the total average cost of an entire 12-month program. For international student Ph.D. enrollments, the figures below must be multiplied by four to get the average total cost of a Ph.D. program. 

Canadian Language Schools

Accredited language schools are available for international students across all major cities. Language courses are typically run anywhere from 12-24 week periods. The cost of studying in Canada for language studies is readily affordable. 

The tuition fees in the table below are based on the total cost per week, with class times averaging 6 hours per class one class a week. The below tuition fees do not include housing or meals.

Average Cost of Studying in Canadian Language Schools in Major Cities

Source: Statistics Canada

Non-Tuition Expenses For International Students

Non-tuition costs of living in Canada will greatly depend on the city you wish to study in. Housing, food, utilities, and transportation will all have a big difference in price based on your chosen city.

To minimize your expenses we’ve compiled three options that international students can choose from for living arrangements. Depending on your lifestyle and what you’re looking to get out of your study abroad program, all three options are equally great!

Accommodations When Studying in Canada

Rent

Privately renting an apartment or complex is an option available for international students; however, the price of rent can be quite high, especially when located in major cities. 

International students on their study abroad program usually tend to share accommodations with other students to reduce the overall housing costs. A whole house is generally too expensive for one person, but it is quite common for 3 or 4 students to share a house rental – making it much more affordable. These types of homes are usually anywhere from 165-200 square meters, which includes a full kitchen, two or three bathrooms, private bedrooms and often come with a fenced-in backyard. 

Some colleges or universities might offer off-campus options, which provide much more affordable pricing than private landlords. These college and university rental locations are typically only a ten to fifteen-minute walk away from the institution and have all amenities international students need during their study abroad program. However, these locations are quite competitive and require planning long-term in advance. It’s best to ask your college or university ahead of time so they can help find a place and roommates before your arrival if you wish to go with this option.

School Dormitories

School dormitories are great options for students that are looking to make friends and settle into a new life during their study abroad program in Canada. Dormitories are owned and managed by the educational institution and often come with basic furnishings such as a small kitchen and bathroom to be shared with other students. Some rooms might be shared with other students, but are always separated by gender.

Choosing to reside in a dormitory is a quick way to make friends with other international students that have resided in Canada before your arrival. School dormitories are also ideal if you plan to be involved with activities happening around campus such as sports teams and other recreational activities. 

Homestays

Homestays are also a common accommodation choice for international students during their study abroad program in Canada. Homestays are Canadian families that welcome international students to stay with them throughout the school year. These families are often contracted by the school, college, or university to support international students in their welcoming and life in Canada. Host families must undergo a series of checks and verifications to ensure that members of the household do not have criminal records and that they can provide a safe and secure environment. 

Homestays are a great option if you are not confident with your language abilities. Staying with a friendly Canadian family will quickly help you sound like a native speaker and support you with any questions or concerns you may have while residing in Canada during your study abroad program.

If this is an option that interests you, schools, colleges, and universities usually match international students with families that have similar interests, location preferences, and types of amenities. International students will receive a fully furnished room, home cooked Canadian family meals, and are always invited to activities with the rest of the family. 

Source: Statistics Canada

As an international student on a study abroad program, it is also important to consider the cost of home utilities each month. During the spring and summer months, electricity bills range anywhere from CAD $100 – $150 per month, depending on electricity and water use. In the fall and winter months, electricity costs range from CAD $175 – $300 per month to keep accommodations warm during the cold weather. For WIFI, students can expect to get student rates ranging anywhere from CAD $45.00 – $85.00 a month depending on the city of residence. Home utilities do not apply for students who choose to stay at a homestay and are included in the monthly cost.

Other Expenses

Another expense to consider during your study abroad program is the cost of food. Each province has minor cost differences, but it is good to estimate anywhere from CAD $250.00 – $400.00 a month if purchasing groceries and eating at home. The cost of a basic meal at a non-expensive restaurant ranges anywhere from CAD $15.00 – $20.00. To enjoy outings with friends, we suggest you set a monthly budget for eating at restaurants. The cost of eating out can quickly add up if you don’t plan for them beforehand.

As an international student in a study abroad program, cities provide student rates for transportation and cell phone plans. Depending on the city of residence, monthly public transport ranges from CAD $75.00 – $110.00 a month with a city transportation pass. Cell phone  student plans start at CAD $75.00 a month and go higher depending on the additional add-on features you wish to include within your yearly cell phone subscriptions.

It is highly recommended that international students should factor in all the non-tuition and tuition expenses to know your total costs to study in Canada.

2.0 How To Apply For Your Canada Student Visa

There are a few ways that you can apply for your Canada student visa. The application is completed online and processed either in Canada or at a visa office overseas. Let’s take a look at the two options. 

2.1 The Student Direct Stream

Ready to apply for your Canada student visa? Have you heard about the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program? SDS is Canada’s fast-track access to your studies! If your application meets the requirements and you do not have any inadmissibility concerns, the process is completed within 20 days in most cases. 

2.1.1 Requirements For the Study Direct Stream Program 

The SDS program is only applicable for those seeking post-secondary studies in Canada. For applicants to qualify for a Canada student visa under the program, the following requirements must be met. This means that not meeting one or more of the requirements will render the applicant ineligible for the SDS program. 

Designated Learning Institution (DLI):  You must be accepted into a postsecondary program. A DLI is a learning institution that is registered and allowed by the Canadian government to receive international students and it grants the student access to the post-graduation immigration programs. 

Tuition: To be accepted, you must have paid at least one year of tuition to the DLI. Students can choose to pay the entire tuition fees if they want but it is not necessary to qualify for the SDS program. 

Medical Examination: Students must complete an upfront medical examination. This means that the medical examination must be completed before sending the application for a Canada student visa.

Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): Applicants must purchase a GIC of at least CAD $10,000.00 from a participating Canadian bank. This certificate alleviates the need to show extensive proof of finance to study in Canada as part of your Canada student visa application. What is a GIC? It is a financial product that is secured and guaranteed by the bank and by the government of Canada. Most banks offer this product online and money can be electronically transferred to the financial institution.  

Language Tests Results: students must provide proof of language tests in either French or English to be eligible for the SDS Canada student visa.

• If you choose to study in English, your IELTS test results must show a score of at least 6.0 in each language skill: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. 
• For French, your TEF results must be equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark score of at least 7 for each band. More precisely you must have a score of at least 310 for speaking, 249 for listening, 207 for reading, and 310 for writing.

2.2 The Regular Stream

The regular stream for a Canada student visa has similar requirements to the SDS program but there are a few differences. This category applies to both primary/secondary students and post-secondary students who do not qualify for SDS. 

The most important difference is that the processing time for a Canada student visa under the regular stream will not be 20 days but will vary depending on the volume of applications received by the visa office at the time of your application. 

2.2.1 Requirements For the Regular Stream 

Designated Learning Institution (DLI):  This requirement is the same as the SDS stream. You must be accepted in a program of study regardless of the level you are applying for. In Canada, all primary and secondary schools are automatically considered DLI by default.

Tuition: To be accepted for a Canada student visa, you do not have to pay the first year of tuition to the DLI, unlike the SDS program. However, students are encouraged to do so to help establish their proof of finance to study in Canada. 

Medical Examination: Students do not have to complete an upfront medical examination. During the processing of your Canada student visa, if you are found eligible, you will be asked to complete the medical examination by a visa officer. However, students can still choose to complete the medical examination before sending a Canada student visa application to help accelerate the process.

Proof of finance to study in Canada: Applicants must be able to prove that they have sufficient funds to pay for the tuition fees and support themselves during their stay in Canada. Therefore, you will have to provide more extensive proof of finance to demonstrate that you can study in Canada. Here are some examples of the type of proof you may choose to submit:

1. Business Documents
2. Tax declaration
3. Bank statements
4. Employment contracts

Language Tests Results: Language test results are not mandatory for this stream. Students are still encouraged to complete a language test since most institutions will most likely require one either to be accepted in the program or to assess whether the student will require language training in Canada. The language test results can still be included to substantiate the Canada student visa application.

2.3 Other Requirements 

For your application for a Canadian student visa to be complete, you will be required to submit a few more very important documents. These requirements apply to both the SDS and regular streams. 

Valid Passport: Without a passport, you will not be able to secure a Canadian student visa. We highly recommend that your passport be valid for at least the duration of your studies in Canada. Why? Because if your passport does not cover the length of studies in Canada, your Canadian student visa will be issued to the validity of your passport and will need to apply not only for a new passport while you’re in Canada but also for a new Canadian student visa.

Police certificate: If you are over 18 years of age you will have to provide a police certificate for every country you have lived in for more than 6 months. The police certificate is meant to satisfy visa officers that you are not inadmissible to Canada due to a criminal record. In Vietnam, you must provide Judicial Certificate #2 or Criminal Record Certificate #2 (Phieu Ly Lich Tu Phap So 2). You can find more information on how to obtain a police certificate for other countries on the IRCC website. 

Biometrics Enrollment: After your application for a Canada student visa is received at the processing office, you will receive a ‘Biometrics Instruction Letter’. You will then need to make an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Center to complete the collection of your biometrics. There are two locations in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Once your biometrics collection is complete, the results will be sent electronically to the processing office. The results of your biometrics enrollment are valid for 10 years and can be reused for other types of visa applications or in case of a subsequent Canada student visa following a refusal.  

2.4 Cost Associated to a Canadian Student Visa

Here is the list of the fees you can expect to pay for your application. 

1. CAD $150.00 per person for each Canadian student visa.
2. CAD $85.00 for the biometrics enrollment per person.

As mentioned above, your biometrics results are valid for 10 years. Therefore, you can expect not to have to pay this fee if you apply for a new visa within that period. 

3.0 Post Graduation Immigration Programs

Once you have completed your studies in Canada, a few immigration programs are available and very attractive for international students to stay in Canada. Here are 3 high-value programs.

3.1 Post Graduation Work Permit 

If you have studied at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you are therefore eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit, more commonly known as a PGWP. The PGWP is issued to students who have graduated from a post-secondary institution only. 

To qualify, your program of studies had to be of at least 8 months. The PGWP validity is based on the length of the program of studies taken while in Canada. PGWP can be valid for up to 3 years! Let’s look at some examples.

• If your program was for 8 months, your PGWP will be valid for 8 months.
• If your program was for 1 year, the PGWP will be valid for 1 year.
• If your program was for 2 or 3 years, your PGWP will most likely be valid for 3 years. 

Students who come to Canada to study English or French as a second language are not eligible for the PGWP. 

3.2 The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a permanent residence program that allows graduating international students to apply for a visa to stay in Canada. Let’s take a quick overview of the program.

To qualify under the CEC program, applicants must demonstrate that they have held full-time skilled employment of at least 12 months, or a combination of part-time employment of a maximum of 24 months, in the past 3 years. Effectively, this means that students who obtain a PGWP can apply for permanent residence after 1 year of skilled employment. 

3.2.1 What is skilled employment?

Canada has categorized employment in different skill sets. For instance, there are many levels of skilled jobs. The National Occupation Classification (NOC) list divides into 5 categories:

Skill type 0 = Management jobs

Skill type A = Professional jobs with university/college degrees

Skill type B = Technical jobs, skilled trades 

Skill type C = Intermediate jobs requiring high school degree

Skill type D = Labor jobs

Only skill types 0, A or B can qualify you for permanent residence in Canada so choose your employment wisely. 

3.3 Canadian Citizenship

Ultimately the most prestigious immigration status in Canada. Permanent residents living in Canada are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport allows you to travel visa-free to more than 180 countries around the world. 

To qualify for citizenship, the applicant must: 

• Be a permanent resident;
• Have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years (1,095 days) preceding the application;
• Have filed taxes during the period of their residence in Canada;
• Take and pass a Canadian citizenship test;
• Be able to speak English or French. 

If Canada sounds like the right country for you, let Phan Immigration immigration help you with applying for your Canadian student visa. 

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Overcoming Culture Shock When Studying in Canada

Overcoming Culture Shock When Studying in Canada

Author: Nolan Clack, Guest Blogger.

Many students who choose to study in Canada will experience at some point what is referred to as “culture shock.”

When you first arrive in Canada, everything will be pretty lively and exciting. From the new smells, new sceneries, new food, and coming from Vietnam to study in Canada – much quieter than you are used to. The first stage is often so overwhelming with joy that culture shock has not yet set in.

In the second stage, which in this case is “culture shock,” it is possible that you begin to feel out of place or uneasy about your new environment. In many cases, international students who come to study in Canada will go through the same experience as you, and it is part of the exciting journey of living abroad.

However, don’t let this dissuade you from considering studying in Canada! In fact, there are many great reasons to experience culture shock as it is a stepping stone to your own personal growth journey.

11 Tips for Coping With Culture Shock When Studying in Canada

To prepare you for your exciting new journey to study in Canada, we’ve compiled a list that we believe will help make the transition to a Canadian culture feel closer to home.

Ask Questions

Be sure to ask questions! Canadians are incredibly friendly people and welcome international students from all around the world. Yes, it might be a bit daunting to do at first, but as Canadians, we can guarantee that you will be surprised at how much people are willing to help you. As time goes by during your studies in Canada, you will come to notice that helping people is deeply ingrained in Canadian culture.

Learn the Rules of Living in Canada

While this tip might be a bit more complex to comprehend, it’s essential to try to understand how and why Canadians act the way we do. Our behaviors and customs of life are quite different from yours, but remember that neither Canadian nor Vietnamese culture is better or worse than what you are used to.

Get Involved

When studying in Canada, it’s important that you get involved with some sort of aspect of Canadian culture. It could be joining a university sports team, learning to cook Canadian foods, or joining a weekly hiking group to the many mountains surrounding the cities. Being a curious student will make a world of difference in transitioning into your new life in Canada.

Learn the Language

While you will already have a good understanding of either English or French before embarking on a journey to study in Canada, immersing yourself in either language will help the transition. As you already know, English and French have many accents. The Canadian accent might be one you have not been exposed to as much as other English or French-speaking nationalities.

A fun tip for you that will keep you busy. Canada has a unique English and French dictionary of words and phrases not used elsewhere in the world. Be sure to ask your Canadian friends, and they will gladly teach you!

Make Friends and Establish Connections

Making friends once you arrive in Canada will ease the discomfort of culture shock. As a student studying in Canada, your school will have a mixture of local Canadian and international students. Establishing these connections with other students who recently arrived in Canada, you can go through culture shock together. Taking the initiative to make friends right away will make it easier for you to adapt to Canadian culture and improve your social skills that will only benefit you throughout your university experience.

Travel

Taking the time to be a tourist in Canada will provide needed insights. Although we don’t suggest you travel extensively once you first arrive, it is good to explore the city you reside in and take part in tourist attractions. While studying, it’s worth considering visiting a local museum that could potentially help you understand Canadian culture. Be sure to show your student ID at any museum or tourist attractions as one of our suggested money-saving tips for international students studying in Canada!

Take Care of Yourself

Remember to always take care of yourself. By this, we mean ensure you eat well, take some time to exercise, get enough sleep and perhaps meditate. Taking the extra time for yourself when things might feel overwhelming can go a long way.

Stay Open-Minded

Keeping an open mind while studying in Canada will make things easier. Don’t set expectations of what Canadian culture will be like, as this could quickly lead you to spiral into severe culture shock. Instead of setting expectations, treat everything that you encounter as a chance to gain new insights into Canadian culture. Not only will this make it easier for you, but you might just happen to find certain things Canadians do that you may like. Keeping an open mind and turning ‘shock’ into a learning experience will put you ahead of the game when adapting to a new culture.

Stay Connected with Friends and Family Back Home

Ensure to schedule weekly calls with friends and family back home. Talking to loved ones about the experiences or challenges you may be facing can help you get through them. It might even be worth journaling your feelings and thoughts while studying in Canada. Not only does this help you reflect on what you’re currently experiencing, but it acts as a great tool to read back on once you have adapted to a new culture.

Avoid Idealizing

As much as it’s easy to idealize what your past routines and life back home were like, part of the journey while studying in Canada is to also take the opportunity to learn about yourself. Make the most out of your time living abroad and stay consciously open-minded to learning new ways of doing things. It will only build your character to allow you to grow as a person!

Embrace Your Own Culture

Lastly, always remember to embrace your own culture. The university you will attend during your studies will be filled with many different cultural backgrounds and perspectives. In some cases, you might be surprised to see some cultures have similarities to yours. Therefore be proud of your own culture! Others will notice this, and it will only spark interest to discuss hobbies, cultural foods, languages, and much more. Learning to adjust to a new culture is a big step in your life, and the best way to do this is to be yourself at every step of the way.

Everyone deals with culture shock differently. Some adapt more effortlessly than others. But remember, you are not going through this alone. There are over 530,000 international students currently in Canada that have jumped through the culture shock hoop. With these tips, we hope it helps make your transition to studying in Canada an exciting and memorable time in your life!

If you’re ready to start your new adventure and apply for your student visa to Canada. Let us accompany you in your journey to making your dreams to study in Canada become a reality!

Ignite your dreams. Go further!