Canada Study Guide | A Comprehensive Write-up for Aspirants

Have you been looking for a way to study in Canada? If yes, here is a complete Canada study guide for you. But, before making this great plan of studying in Canada; have you ever sit back to ask yourself about how this country is been operated?

It not just all about going to Canada, but having an insight into what the country is made up of is the key factor when it comes to traveling. You can’t just wake up and decide to travel. Making a better plan for your trip will determine how you will end it.

So, it better to plan because if you fail to plan that means you plan to fail. Always have this at the back of your mind before traveling to any destination.

In this write-up, you will be given detailed information about what you need to explore when you arrived at your preferred country of study which is Canada.

About Canada

Canada is the second-largest country in the world and it occupies most of the northern part of North America, covering the wide land area from the United States in the south to the Arctic Circle in the north.

How Much Does a Trip to Canada Cost?

Having an idea about how much to budget for your trip to Canada is a key step to planning your vacation. As a Mid-range or High-end Traveler you should make your budget up to standard, so you won’t be frustrated when you arrived in Canada.

Mid-range travelers should budget between $100 -$250 per day and high-end travelers should plan on spending at least $ 250 per day which will include a night at a suitable hostel or resort.

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Canada?

Countless Canadian cities rank among the best places to live in the world, yet the cost of living can vary significantly depending on the province, region, city or even neighborhood in which you live.

That’s why it is important to do thorough research and compare the expected costs for each province, region, the city you’re considering based on your goals and what you’re able to afford.

How Much Does a Meal Cost in Canada?

Definitely, after finding a suitable place to live in Canada, the next thing you will observe is that your stomach will start giving you some sounds which you know what that means.

And your next action is to find out how much a meal cost. So, here is an idea of the average price of a restaurant meal cost in Canada.

Breakfast = $7 to $25 (average $10) Lunch = $9 to $25 (average $14) Dinner = $12 to $50 (average $20).

After, you might have known the necessary things about Canada; the next thing is to plan for your study which was your main aim.

But, let me ask you a question, how do you plan to arrive in Canada without a Visa? I know you forgot that Visa is compulsory or do you think you will just go to the airport and enter an airplane and go to Canada without a Visa? It sounds funny because you might think it possible that way.

If it wasn’t compulsory to have a Visa without traveling to Canada or any country in the world, do you think that many people will still stay in their country till today?

I know your next plan now is to know everything about Canada visa, fees, and application method.

Before we go into the necessary Canada application method, there are things you need to understand, so that you won’t frustrate yourself doing research for anything.

What Does Canada PR Means?

Canada PR (PR – Permanent Resident) is someone who has been given permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada but is not a Canadian citizen. A person in Canada temporarily, like a student or foreign worker, is not a permanent resident.

For How Long Does it takes to Get Permanent Residency Visa in Canada?

Normally, it takes about 45 days to process PR cards for new permanent residents once IRCC receives a complete application package from individuals who have fulfilled their residency requirements. But, an application for renewed PR Cards takes 104 days to process.

What is the Age Limit for Canada PR Visa?

You need to know now that there is no maximum age limit to apply for Canada PR visa but it is mandatory to score at least 67 points.

What are the Requirements for Canada PR Visa?

Before you can get the Canada PR Visa you must meet the following requirements;

• Provide a medical certificate and criminal record check.
• Fill in and submit a permanent resident visa application.
• Pay the application fee.
• Attend interviews with immigration representatives.

How will I receive my PR Card?

If you are a new permanent resident, IRCC will mail you the PR card once you arrive in Canada. You do not need to apply for a PR card if you are a new permanent resident.

If you did not provide a mailing address when you became a permanent resident, you must send Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada your address through IRCC’s online tool within 180 days of the day on which you became a permanent resident.

How Much Does Canada PR Visa Cost?

There are some certain amounts of money that are involved when applying for Canada PR Visa.

The Canada PR visa fee for primary applicant cost CAD $550. The right of PR Fee cost CAD $490. Spouse/common-law partner or Family member fee- CAD $550.

Now, that you have an idea about the charges for Canada Permanent Resident, what do you think about the Temporary Resident? Will the charges be the same as that of permanent residents?

Continuing reading, this informative article and you will definitely find an answer to all your questions free of charge.

How Much Does Canada Visa Fee Cost for Temporary Resident?

Your visa fee will cost depending on what you are going to do in Canada. You can check the information below for better understanding. 

Permit/Visa Fees

• Study permit (including extensions) – C$150
• Work permit (including extensions) – C$155
• Work permit – maximum fee for groups of performing artists and their staff – C$100
• Visitor visa – single entry or multiple entries (including extensions) – C$100
• Visitor visa – maximum fee for a family – C$500
• Visitor record (including extensions) – C$75

If your status in Canada has expired within the last 90 days, you will need to apply for restoration and pay a restoration fee of C$200.

You are asking yourself the basic requirements to study in Canada, but don’t let that be a problem because I will provide that at no cost.

Canada Study Requirements

You can study in Canada if you:

1. Are enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
2. Prove you have enough money to pay for your:
3. Tuition fees
4. Living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and
5. Return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
6. Obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
7. Are in good health and get a medical exam (if required)
8. Prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires.

Get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream

Do you live in China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal or Vietnam? You might be able to get your study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream.

Do you know you have responsibilities after applying for the Canada Visa?

Your responsibilities

While studying in Canada you must:

• Make progress towards completing your program
• Respect any conditions listed on your study permit
• Stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements and
• Leave Canada when your permit expires

Depending on your case, there may be conditions on your study permit such as:

• If you’re allowed to work in Canada
• If you’re allowed to travel within Canada
• The date you must stop studying

Do you know that studying in Canada is fun? There are people who don’t need a permit to study in Canada? I know it sounds like a joke to you but I will prove it to you that it isn’t a joke either.

People who don’t need a Permit to Study in Canada

Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. The cases below are exceptions.

Short-term studies (6 months or less)

You can study at any school in Canada without a study permit if:

• Your course or program lasts 6 months or less
• Your studies aren’t part of a longer program and
• You’ll complete all your studies within the time we approved you to stay in Canada (usually 6 months after you enter)

If you’re taking prerequisite courses, you should get a study permit, even if the courses are less than 6 months long. If you don’t, you’ll have to apply for a study permit before you can start your full study program. Depending on processing times, you may not get it in time to start your studies.

Family or Staff of Foreign Representatives

You may not need a study permit if you’re a family or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada that has been accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC). Your embassy can contact GAC to find out if you need one.

Members of Foreign Armed Forces

If you’re a member of a foreign armed force on official duties in Canada, you don’t need a study permit. If your family members, including minor children, want to study in Canada, they may need one.

Registered Indians in Canada

You don’t need a study permit if you have Registered Indian Status in Canada, even if you’re a citizen of another country.

Minor children in Canada

Minor children don’t need a study permit if:

• They’re in kindergarten
• They’re refugees or refugee claimants
• Their parents are refugees or refugee claimants or
• They’re in pre-school, primary or secondary school, and they’re already in Canada with a parent who has a work or study permit

When minor children reach the age of majority (18 or 19 years old, depending on the province or territory), they must apply for a study permit if they want to keep studying. Learn more about minors studying in Canada.

Now, that you have all the informative ideas about Canada, what’s your next plan? I know you would want to know the procedures on how to apply for Canada Visa both Online and Offline.

It a good idea if you know the procedures on how to apply for Canada Visa even if you are not going to Canada urgently. Information is life, so what keeps you going in life is a piece of information you gather to make your life better.

Here are the procedures below on how to apply for Canada Visa both Online and Offline.

How to Apply for Canada Visa Online

There are some processes you must undergo before you can apply for Canada Visa Online.

First, before you apply for a visa, you must have;

• Access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents to upload, and
• A valid credit card to pay with.

After that, you plan on how to create an account, which I will guide you on the procedures.

Do you know that with your account you can pay your fees and check your status for some application?

You can create and sign in to an account using:

• Your online banking login (Sign-In Partner)
• A Government of Canada login (GCKey)

What’s the difference?

Sign-in Partner (SecureKey Concierge) uses your online banking information.

GCKey is the Government of Canada credential.

FAQ about (Banking Credentials – Sign-in Partner)

1. What are Electronic Credentials?

Electronic credentials are what you use to securely sign in to online accounts. They usually include a password and:

• Your Email Address
• A Card Number
• A Username

2. What is a Sign-In Partner (SecureKey Concierge)?

This is a secure way for you to sign in to your online account using the information you already have.

Sign-In Partners are groups like banks and credit unions that partner with SecureKey Technologies (a company that provides online identity services). If you’re their customer, you can use the same login that you use to sign in to your bank or credit union, to access Government of Canada services.

RECOMMENDED: How to Prepare Yourself for the Future

3. What services do I need Sign-In Partner or GCKey for?

You need to use Sign-In Partner or GCKey to access:

• Your online account
• The Authorized Paid Representatives portal
• The Employer portal
• The provincial-territorial partner portal.

4. Who can I contact if I have questions about GCKey or Sign-In Partner (SecureKey Concierge)?

For questions about GCKey, please call 1-855-438-1102. The GCKey help desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. More information is available on the GCKey website.

For questions about Sign-In Partner (SecureKey Concierge), please call:

• 1-855-433-5397 (in North America)
• TTY/TDD: 1-855-224-1714
• 1-800-7328-7358 (outside of North America)

5. Which banks are participating in Sign-In Partner (SecureKey Concierge)?

 The following financial institutions have partnered with SecureKey Technologies:

• Affinity Credit Union
• Alberta Treasury Branches
• BMO Financial Group
• CHOICE REWARDS MasterCard
• CIBC Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
• Desjardins Group
• National Bank of Canada
• RBC Royal Bank
• Scotiabank
• Tangerine
• TD Bank Group

It is expected that other Sign-In Partners will be added in the future. Keep checking the list of Sign-In Partners when you log in to access Government of Canada services.

6. What do you mean by Authentication?

It is a secure means to recognize a user when accessing government services online. The user remains anonymous, and the authentication process just confirms that the credential is valid and is in the hands of the owner of the credential.

Credential authentication does not reveal or confirm identity to the government website. It receives only a message confirming that your credential (username/password) was successfully validated by your bank or by the government.

7. Why is the Government of Canada offering users the option to use banking credentials?

By offering a choice of credentials, the government is making its online services more convenient for clients to access.

Many individuals use their online banking credentials regularly, so being able to use the same credential to access government services online means that you will have one less User ID and password to remember.

8. Are the Banking Credentials as secure as the Government Credentials?

Yes, the banking credentials are just as secure as the Government credential. The same authentication process and security requirements are used whether you choose to use your banking credential through SecureKey Concierge or the government-issued credential service called GCKey.

The authentication process does not carry any personally identifiable information such as name, birth date, etc. It relies on strong technology, built using industry best practices.

By offering you the choice of using a banking credential, the Government of Canada is leveraging the investments made by financial institutions in secure online environments.

9. Is any of my banking information shared if I use Sign-In Partner (SecureKey Concierge)?

No, your banking information is not shared when you use a Sign-In Partner. The technology is designed in such a way that the Government of Canada will not know which Sign-In Partner (or financial institution) you have used.

Similarly, the bank will not know which government department or agency its customer contacted. Also, the credential broker who facilitates this interaction will not know the identity of the individual or business.

The participating financial institutions and departments and agencies will not share any information that identifies individuals, as directed under privacy legislation.

10. I don’t bank with any of the financial institutions listed. What alternative do I have when I want to access government services online?

If you don’t have a credential with one of the Sign-In Partners, you can use the government-issued credential, GCKey.

It is expected that other Sign-In Partners will be added in the future, so keep checking the list of Sign-In Partners when you log in to access Government of Canada services.

11. Will the bank charge me for using my banking credentials to access government services?

No. This is part of the service your bank offers its customers.

FAQ about (GCKey)

1. Why has the Government of Canada introduced GCKey?

The GCKey service was introduced as one of two options to replace the Access Key service. GCKey is a Government of Canada managed service that uses electronic credentials (usernames and passwords) so you can access federal government services online.

The GCKey service can be used for those who do not have or choose not to use their online banking credentials with a Sign-in Partner (SecureKey Concierge).

2. How do I get a GCKey?

To register for a GCKey, go to the sign-in page and click the “Continue to GCKey” button. Then, choose a user name and a password. It’ll ask you to create security questions. Keep a copy of this in a safe place in case you forget.

3. Who has access to the information I submit when I register for a GCKey?

The GCKey service does not share your registration information with any third party. The information you provide is held by the Government of Canada and is protected under the Federal Privacy Act.

4. What do I do if I lost my GCKey username or password?

If you lost your GCKey password, you can create a new password. Go to the sign-in page for GCKey and you’ll be able to create a new password after you answer the password recovery questions you previously set up while registering for a GCKey.

If you lost your GCKey username, you will have to create a new GCKey. If you create a new GCKey you can access an application by linking the application to your new account.

5. I recently reset my account, but I don’t see my application. How can I get it back?

If you have just reset your account because you lost your username and/or password, as a security measure we need to ask you questions about the application you submitted before we give you access to it.

To link an application you have in progress to your account, sign in to your account and click on “Link application to this account” under the heading “What would you like to do today?”

You will have to tell us specific information about the application you would like to access. Have a copy of your application form on hand as you will have to enter the information exactly as you did on your application form.

6. How do I change my GCKey password?

You can change your password after you sign in using GCKey. To change your password, you need to enter your current password and then create and confirm a new password.

Your password must:

1. Be between 8 and 16 characters

2. Have at least

• 1 upper case letter
• 1 lower case letter
• 1 number

3. Not have 3 or more consecutive characters from your username

You can also change your password if you forgot it.

7. What are the rules for creating a username or password?

Your username must:

1. Be between 8 and 16 characters

2. Have letters and numbers

3. Not have

• More than 7 numbers
• Any special characters (for example: %, #, @)

Your password must:

1. Be between 8 and 16 characters

2. Have at least

• 1 upper case letter
• 1 lower case letter
• 1 number

3. Not have 3 or more consecutive characters from your username

8. What if I no longer want to use my GCKey?

If you no longer want to use your GCKey, you can revoke it:

1. Sign in to your account
2. Choose the “Revoke your GCKey” button in the options menu
3. Enter your current password to confirm that you want to revoke your GCKey

Note: When you revoke your GCKey, you will not be able to use it for any Government of Canada service.

I know you still have some questions to ask which you have read all through but you can’t find it on the content.

Don’t worry, some of the questions are listed below with detailed information which will give you an answer to your question.

Answers to Other Useful Questions.

1. My documents are too large to upload. How do I reduce the file size?

Here are some tips for reducing the size of your file:

PDF format

• Recreate the PDF using the “lowest file size” option available.
• If you have images, save them with a resolution of 96 DPI (dots per inch).
• Remove all unnecessary images.
• You may find file size and image options under the advanced settings section of the software you are using.

JPG format

• Scan your document at a lower resolution (96 DPI).
• Remove all empty space around the image.
• Shrink the image.
• Reduce the JPG image quality.

TIFF and PNG format

• Scan your document at a lower resolution (96 DPI).
• Crop the image to remove any empty space around it.
• Shrink the image.
• Save the file in JPG format instead.

DOC and DOCX format

• Remove unnecessary images, formatting, and macros.
• Save the file as a recent Word version.
• Reduce the file size of the images before they are added to the document.
• If it is still too large, save the file as a PDF.

2. How can I change or review my answers in my online application?

To change or review your answers click on “Modify my answers” in the top right corner.

Click on “Modify” beside the answer you would like to update. When you’re done, click the “Return to your online application link at the bottom left of the page.

If you do change an answer, you may need to update other answers or answer more questions based on your changes.

Don’t use your browser’s “Back” and “Forward” buttons (the arrows in the top left corner of the screen). Using these buttons may cause you to lose answers. You may need to start over.

3. Can I send a new document after I apply for a visa online?

You can only send more documents to support your application if we ask for them.

It’s important to include all the information asked for when you apply. You can give more details in the “Add letter of explanation” row when you’re uploading your documents.

If we need more documents from you, we’ll send you a message asking you to submit them.

4. How can I update or ask about an IRCC application in progress?

Follow these tips to track, update or change information about an application in progress.

Check the status of your Application

Find out how to check if we received your application.

We’ll send you your application number by mail or email when:

• We made sure your application is complete
• We begin processing your application

Once you have your application number, you can check the status of your application. There are a few ways you can do that, depending on if you applied online or on paper.

If the normal processing time for your application has passed, ask us about your application through our Web form.

Update your Application

If we need more information to process your application, we’ll contact you by mail, email or through your account.

If you have a question about our request, you can:

• Send us your question through our Web form, or
• Ask your question through your online account (if you have one). Upload a document with your question in place of the document we asked for

Make sure you keep your contact information updated. This way, we can contact you if we need to.

Change your Mailing Address

There are different ways of changing your address depending on your type of application and where you applied.

Find out how to change your address.

Change other Information

You must use our Web form to tell us about changes to your situation, even if you applied online.

Examples of changes include:

1. Marriage or divorce

2. Birth or adoption of a child

3. Death of an applicant or dependent

4. Changes that could affect your eligibility for the program you’re applying for, including changes in your:

• Job situation
• Education
• Language skills

5. Contact information updates, including:

• Email
• Phone number

If you change your contact information, make sure you check your old contact information until we update your application.

Don’t mail us changes for your contact or application information. If you do, we won’t acknowledge your request and we won’t update your application. This could lead to a delay in processing your application.

5. What if I cannot attend my appointment with IRCC? Can I reschedule it?

Yes. If you are not available on the date and time of your appointment, write us a letter of explanation. Send this letter to the IRCC office that scheduled your original appointment.

You can send this letter by mail, or online, using this Web form. We will reschedule your appointment on a different date.

If you do not attend your appointment, you must contact us within a certain amount of time. The notice we sent you inviting you to the appointment will tell you when you must contact us.

Use this Web form and tell us why you missed your appointment. If you do not contact us in time, we will close your application. You will have to apply again and pay the required fees.

After, you might have gathered all the required information about the Canada Study Guide; I know you still have a lot of things that are still bothering you. In that case, if you have any questions or contribution you are free to drop it in the comment section.