Key essentials for international students starting ECE Programs in Canada
Coming to Canada for your post-secondary education can be a wonderfully rewarding experience. The Canadian education system is full of opportunity and may one day lead to a new life for your family in Canada.
However, attending school in Canada as an international student requires more preparation than domestic students. That’s why we’ve created this guide! To help you understand Canadian immigration rules for international students to get their ECE or Montessori teacher education in Canada.
Choosing a school
Before beginning the immigration process, you need to know what school you plan to attend. International students must choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). You can view a list of all Designated Learning Institutions in Canada online.
If you apply for a study permit for a school that is not a DLI, your application will be refused.
(Capital College is a DLI school (DLI #O19283932632) in Richmond, BC that welcomes international students.)
Applying for a Canadian Study Permit
A Canadian study permit permits you to immigrate to Canada to pursue your post-secondary education. To qualify for a permit, you must:
- Be enrolled in a DLI.
- Provide proof you have funds to pay for your schooling and living expenses and return transportation home upon completing your program.
- Not have a criminal record.
- Be in good health.
- Provide proof that you intend to leave Canada after your studies.
Your permit will require documentation to prove the above requirements, plus the $150 application fee.
The school you plan to attend must also provide you with a letter of acceptance (proof you are enrolled in studies) and a Provincial attestation letter (PAL) or Territorial attestation letter (TAL). This letter acts as further proof that you are enrolled in their program.
Take this online questionnaire to determine if you need a study permit.
If eligible, gather all your documents and letters and submit your application online. The approvals committee may request your fingerprints and biometrics and that you attend an interview with Canadian officials in your country. Provide any requested information as soon as possible to avoid processing delays.
Preparing for your move to Canada
Upon permit approval, you can start planning your move to Canada. Arriving early allows you to find housing, explore transportation options, and get to know your new city.
If you plan to work while studying, remember that you are only legally allowed to begin work once your studies have officially commenced. This means you should arrive with enough money to support yourself while you settle in.
What border agents will ask for
When you arrive at the airport or land border to Canada, you will be asked for documentation before entering the country. They will likely ask for the following:
- Your passport or valid travel document
- Any required visa documents
- Study permit acceptance letter
- Copy of school acceptance letter
- Successful medical exam document
- Proof that you intend to leave Canada after your studies
- Any other documents the visa office advised you to bring
Ensure the border guard stamps your passport, as you may be asked to provide proof of your entry to Canada.
Starting classes in Canada
When starting classes in Canada, you must follow all study permit rules. This includes keeping your profile updated if you choose to change schools of your documents are updated (such as receiving a new passport), or if your contact information or address changes. If you leave Canada during your permit, you must submit a new immigration medical exam to your profile.
Your study permit will be valid until the end of your program, plus 90 days. These 90 days can be used to wind down your commitments in Canada or as an application period if you intend to extend your stay.
If your classes take longer to complete than initially anticipated, you must apply for an extension to your permit. If you finish classes before your permit ends, your 90-day period begins when your courses end.
Working in Canada while attending school
If you wish to have a job while studying in Canada, you will need a Social Insurance number (SIN). Once you have that, there are several options available:
On-campus work offers a flexible employment option for international students. You can hold an on-campus job without a separate work permit if you are in full-time studies and meet all your study permit requirements. You can work unlimited hours on campus as long as you maintain your study permit eligibility.
You may be permitted to obtain off-campus work during your studies in Canada. You must:
- Be a full-time student (or part-time if it’s your last semester).
- Be attending a DLI school in an academic, vocational, or professional training program.
- Be in a program that’s six or more months and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
You can work up to 20 hours per week off campus, either in one job or split between multiple jobs. You can work unlimited hours during school breaks (winter holidays and summer).
(If you hold a job for an employer outside of Canada, you can work in this job as long as you meet your study permit requirements, and it will not count towards your 20 weekly hours.)
Many study programs (like the Montessori and ECE programs at Capital College) include internships or co-op programs in their curriculum. As an international student, you’ll need a co-op or intern work permit. This permit is given if you meet the requirements of your study permit and if this internship is required to complete your studies.
(Note: An internship permit is not granted for ESL or general interest study programs)
Where to study to become an ECE or Montessori teacher in Canada.
Capital College is a Designated Learning Institution for international students and offers accredited Montessori and ECE teacher education programs. Our academic programs have experienced instructors with unmatched resources and provide an inclusive cultural exchange for students.
For more information about attending Capital College as an international student, visit our website.