Moving to Canada in Three Easy Steps

By: Greg Long

Have you decided that you want to study and work in Canada but are unsure what to do next? Use these three easy steps as you plan to apply for a study permit, work permit and to make a successful transition to Canada.

Step 1
Once you have been accepted to a recognized Canadian post secondary institution, plan to apply for a Study Visa at the Canadian Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission in your region. Include all of the documents required by the VISA office responsible for your country: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/missions.asp 

If your Visa is approved, a border officer will present you with your Study Permit at the point of entry into Canada.

Step 2
For on campus work, you can start work right away without a work permit (you can work up to 20 hours a week). You will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and can apply for one with an on campus job contract. Service Canada issues SINs immediately to in-person applicants. For more information: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin/

For off campus work, you need a work permit in order to apply for a SIN. Under Canadian law, you are eligible to apply for an off campus work permit after six months of study.
 
Step 3

The final step is planning ahead to make a successful transition to studying, working, and living in Canada.  Find out what support and services your city and school offer to help, and take advantage of them! In Toronto, and at Centennial College:

•    Toronto Greeter program shows you what the city has to offer.
•    Centennial virtual college fairs give you a chance to ask our current international students and advisors any questions you have in Live Video Chat
•    The Peer mentoring program matches new students with a senior for guidance and general advice. Peer tutoring at the Library is available to help students make a successful academic transition.
•    Centennial International Advisors are at every campus to guide you. They can help you with your study permit, apply for an off campus work permit, post-graduate work permit and job search on and off campus.