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Common Mistakes Applying for Study Abroad Canada

You’ve decided to become a student in Canada. Don’t let the prospect of a bureaucratic maze scare you out of a great opportunity. Get to know the system and the necessary steps you must take to get your Canadian academic career started.

What to Expect

You should have a good handle of the following factors during the application process:
  • Study Permit
  • Visitor Visa
  • Documentation
    1. Legal documents (passport, visa, academic records, official forms, etc.)
    2. Health records (e.g. certificates for immunizations and vaccinations, medical and dental files) & prescriptions (e.g. medication, eyeglasses or contact lenses, etc.)
    3. Academic records
    4. Contact information (emergency contacts, both at home and in the U.S.)
  • Fees (visa application, academic application, etc.)
  • Deadlines (academic, visa-related, etc.)
Be prepared to provide additional information when requested.

Terms You Should Know

CIC (Citizenship & Immigration Canada):
Canadian federal agency entrusted with matters of residence and naturalization in Canada.

Study Permit:
Official document issued by an officer that allows someone who is not a Canadian citizen or
permanent resident of Canada to study in Canada.

Letter of Introduction:
Official letter confirming the approval of your application. This letter must be shown to the Canadian officer at the port of entry, who then determines whether you may enter Canada and how long you may stay.

Temporary Resident Visa:
Individuals from certain countries are required to obtain a visa before coming to study in Canada. Check the government site for more details and to check for exemptions.

Work Permit:
A permit that allows you to work during your study program. The terms of this permit will depend on your workload, and any work-study programs as allowed by the government and institution of learning.

Representative:
Someone who has your permission to conduct business on your behalf with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. When you appoint a representative, you also authorize CIC to share information from your case file to this person.

Dependent:
A spouse, fiancee, or child whom you will be bringing to Canada during your stay.

Accreditation:
Designation of an institution or organization as credible under Canadian laws and regulations.

Common-Law Partner:
Person of the opposite or same sex who is currently cohabiting and has cohabited in a conjugal relationship with you for a period of at least one year.

Surname:
Your last name or family name. Compare with first name. e.g.: Devendra Shankar has Devendra as his first name, and Shankar as his surname.

Crown:
The top of the head, or where the top of the head would be if it could be seen. See requirements for photographs required in the application forms.

What to Avoid

Here are some of the most common mistakes or concerns coming from international students during the application process:
  • Not submitting all required documents
  • Not using the correct forms
  • Not following the photo specifications to the letter
  • Paying the incorrect amount
  • Contacting the wrong office

Image Credit: CyboRoZ
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