Canada

Study in Canada

Overview

Why Study in Canada?

Canada is one of the most welcoming countries for international students, offering high-quality education, generous post-study work rights, and one of the most accessible permanent residency systems in the world through Express Entry.

Key advantages:

  • PGWP: Up to 3 years post-graduation work permit
  • Off-campus work: 24 hours/week (updated from 20 hrs)
  • Express Entry: CRS points-based PR system with bi-weekly draws
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): +600 CRS points = near-guaranteed PR
  • Canadian work experience qualifies for Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

[2025-2026 UPDATE] PGWP field-of-study requirement: College graduates must study in a field linked to labour market needs (November 2024). University graduates largely unaffected.

Tuition: CAD 20,000–40,000/year | Living: CAD 15,000–20,000/year

Overview Graphic

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Education System & Partner Institutions

Canada offers diverse programs at universities and colleges with strong pathways to immigration. English Council partners with top Canadian institutions.

Partner Institutions:

  • Humber College — Top College CA, Toronto ON — IT, Nursing, Healthcare — PGWP eligible
  • Seneca Polytechnic — Top Polytechnic, Toronto ON — Software Dev, Cybersecurity, Health Informatics
  • Conestoga College — Public College, Kitchener-Waterloo — Diploma IT, Health Care Aide, Practical Nursing
  • George Brown College — Public College, Toronto — Health Sciences, IT, Business Tech

PGWP Key Rules [UPDATED 2024]:

  • Study 8 months to 2 years: PGWP for same duration
  • Study 2+ years: PGWP for 3 years (maximum)
  • Master's degree less than 2 years: PGWP for 3 years (special rule)
  • Apply within 180 days of receiving final marks
  • Open work permit — any employer, anywhere in Canada
  • PGWP cannot be extended — must transition to PR before expiry

Canada Visa / Permit Types

Complete breakdown of all visa categories and pathways

Visa Type Purpose Key Features Duration
Study Permit

Full-time study at DLI

Designated Learning Institution required; 24 hrs/week off-campus work [UPDATED]
Course + 90 days
PGWP

Work after graduation

Open work permit; university grads largely unaffected by 2024 field restrictions

[2024 UPDATE] College graduates must study in field linked to labour market needs
Up to 3 years
Visa Type Purpose Key Features Duration
Express Entry (Federal)

Permanent Residency

CRS points-based; three streams: FSW/FST/CEC; draws bi-weekly
PR on grant
Provincial Nominee (PNP)

PR via province

Province nominates; +600 CRS pts = near-guaranteed PR
PR on grant
Atlantic Immigration (AIP)

Atlantic provinces

Employer-driven; designated employer + settlement plan
PR pathway
Visa Type Purpose Key Features Duration
Temporary Foreign Worker

Employer-sponsored work

LMIA required; tied to specific employer
Varies
Visitor Visa (TRV)

Tourism/family visit

Single or multiple entry; no work rights
6 months

Canada Express Entry — CRS Points

Typical invite threshold: 480-520+ points. Healthcare/STEM draws often lower.

Age (20-29 = Best)

Up to 110 points for the best age bracket (20-29). Plan your application timeline strategically.

Education

Foreign Bachelor's: 120 pts (needs Canadian ECA — WES/IQAS/ICAS). Canadian Bachelor's: 150 pts. Study in Canada is a major advantage.

Language — Most Valuable Factor

IELTS 7.0+ (CLB 9): Up to 124 pts — single most valuable factor. French ability: +16 to 30 pts — growing strategic advantage.

Canadian Work Experience

1 year: 40-80 pts. PGWP experience directly qualifies for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.

Provincial Nomination (PNP)

+600 CRS points — effectively guarantees PR invite. Research provinces actively nominating IT and Health professionals.

Additional Points

Job Offer (TEER 0/1/2/3): +50-200 pts. Canadian Sibling (PR/citizen): +15 pts.

Canada Language Requirements

IELTS and CLB requirements for study permits and immigration

Purpose IELTS Overall CLB Level Notes
Study Permit (UG) 6.0-6.5 -- Most universities require 6.0-6.5
Study Permit (Graduate) 6.5-7.0 -- Top universities: 6.5 minimum
PGWP -- -- Language met at study permit stage
Express Entry (FSW) 6.0 (CLB 7) CLB 7 Each band L/R/W/S: 6.0
Express Entry (CEC) 6.5 (CLB 7) CLB 7 TEER 0/1: CLB 7; TEER 2/3: CLB 5
French ability DELF B2 or TEF CLB 7 French +16 to 30 CRS points — growing advantage
Nursing (NCLEX-RN) 7.0 CLB 9 NNAS assessment; provincial nursing body also assesses

Canadian Immigration Pathways

Express Entry
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) — Points-based; 6.0 IELTS minimum (CLB 7)
Express Entry
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — 1 year Canadian work experience; PGWP qualifies
PNP
Provincial Nominee Program — +600 CRS points; province-specific occupation lists
Health
Nursing (NCLEX-RN) — IELTS 7.0, CLB 9; NNAS assessment required
IT
Software Development — Strong demand across all provinces; PGWP + Express Entry
IT
Cybersecurity — Growing demand; Conestoga, Seneca, Humber offer strong programs
College
Humber College — Top College CA; IT, Nursing, Healthcare — PGWP eligible
College
George Brown College — Toronto; Health Sciences, IT, Business Tech

TOP UNIVERSITIES IN Canada

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