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How to move to Canada as an international student

Canada has emerged as a global leader in attracting international students, and for good reason. With high-quality education, a diverse and welcoming society, and opportunities for post-study work and immigration, Canada has become the top choice for many aspiring students worldwide. This article will guide you through the process of moving to Canada as an international student, while also analyzing key trends and what the future holds for international education in the country.

Why Canada?

Canada is part of the “Big Four” study destinations, alongside the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. However, survey results indicate that Canada outperforms its peers in several critical areas of student interest. An overwhelming 94% of future international students showed some degree of interest in studying in Canada, with only 6% expressing no interest—significantly lower than the disinterest rates for other countries.

When asked about their level of interest, more students ranked Canada higher than any of the other Big Four countries. Although the U.S. scored slightly higher in terms of students being "extremely interested," Canada claimed the top spot overall based on average levels of interest.

This growing popularity is not a coincidence. It reflects broader shifts in the priorities of international students and how Canada continues to meet their evolving expectations.

1. Choose your program and institution

Start by selecting a program and institution that best suits your academic and career goals. Make sure the institution is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)—only students enrolled at DLIs are eligible for a Canadian study permit. Key factors to consider:

• Location and climate
• Tuition fees and cost of living
• Program curriculum and outcomes
• Internship or co-op opportunities
• Institutional rankings and reputation

Popular universities include:

• University of Toronto
• McGill University
• University of Alberta
• University of Waterloo
• University of British Columbia

1. Make sure you meet the mission requirements

Each program and institution will have unique requirements, but generally, you will need:

• Passport and identification documents
• Academic transcripts
• English or French language proficiency test results (TOEFL, IELTS, or TEF)
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation

2. Apply to the university

Once you choose a school and program, submit your application. Upon acceptance, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA)—a mandatory document for your study permit application.

3. Apply for a Study Permit

With your LOA in hand, you can apply online for a study permit through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. Processing times vary by country but typically range from 1 to 3 months.

Required documents are:

• Passport
• Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
• Proof of financial support (e.g., bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses)
• Statement of intent
• Medical exam (in some cases)
• Police certificate (in some cases)

4. Consider the Student Direct Stream (SDS)

If you’re from an eligible country (e.g., India, China, Philippines, or Vietnam), you may apply through the Student Direct Stream, which offers faster processing (often within 20 days).

Requirements include:

• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD $10,000
• IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each skill
• Proof of tuition payment for the first year

5. Prepare for Arrival

After receiving your study permit approval, plan your travel. You’ll need:

• Passport
• Your study permit approval letter
• Letter of Acceptance
• Financial proof
• Any other requested documents

You must also ensure you’re vaccinated or meet any public health requirements.

Key Trends

Affordability is the top factor influencing destination choice with almost 77% of students ranked affordable tuition fees as their primary concern. 11.3% are exploring shorter programs like three-year bachelor’s degrees to cut costs. While cost concerns are leading some students to explore European countries like Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands, Canada’s value proposition remains strong, especially with its high graduate employment rate (57%) and clear career pathways post-graduation.

Interest in graduate-level education has surged. Students are increasingly seeing advanced education in Canada as a pathway to career growth, research opportunities, and long-term settlement. PhD programs experienced a 4% increase in interest. Master’s degrees saw a 7% increase year over year, with 57% of students now considering this path.

Fields with the most student interest include:

• Engineering
• Academia (Lecturer/Researcher)
• Human Resources

Canada’s demand for professionals in healthcare, STEM, and academia aligns well with these interests, making it an attractive destination for students seeking meaningful career prospects.

What PNP streams can you consider?

Many provinces offer dedicated immigration streams for international student graduates, making it easier for foreign nationals who have studied in the province to transition to permanent resident status. Currently, there are eight provinces that have at least one such stream.

To qualify for these streams, you must demonstrate a verifiable intent to reside in the province, and in most cases, sufficient settlement funds. For streams that require an EOI, to be considered you must first create a profile in the province's expression of interest pool, and then receive an invitation to apply from the province before you can submit a complete application for provincial nomination. Most PNP graduate streams require you to have graduated from a post-secondary institution within that province, but there are a few exceptions.

British Columbia’s PNP previously included two streams tailored for international student graduates, but both streams were discontinued towards the end of 2024. The BC PNP had planned to launch three new replacement streams in 2025, but put the launch on hold on account of a decreased allocation of nominations from the federal government.

The processing time for base applications through the PNP is 21 months (from the time you submit your application to IRCC, to when they make their decision).

What are the latest government policies?

Canada’s federal government recently introduced a cap on study permit applications, reducing approvals from 517,410 in 2024 to 437,000 in 2025. Surprisingly, this policy has not deterred student interest. With the stricter permit criteria, studying in Canada has become more prestigious. Moreover, a reduced number of international graduates could lead to a less saturated job market, which is beneficial for students who plan to stay and work under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

What lies ahead?

Canada’s position as a leading destination for international students is stronger than ever. With quality education, affordability, and clear post-study pathways, it continues to meet the diverse needs of students across the globe. While policy changes and rising costs pose challenges, they also signal a shift toward a more selective, higher-value educational experience.

For students considering studying abroad, moving to Canada offers not just a world-class education, but also the chance to build a life in one of the most welcoming and opportunity-rich countries in the world.

As interest in Canadian education rises and the landscape continues to evolve, those who prepare early, plan strategically, and align their goals with national trends will be best positioned to take full advantage of what Canada has to offer.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at +1 778 239 7861 or +1 647 453 7660 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.