Canada Craze

Canadians are known world-wide for being friendly, peaceful and tolerant. Canada is rated as one of the safest countries in the world by the UN. Canada is known for providing high quality education at an affordable price. Canada holds an international reputation for high educational standards. Canadian degree's are internationally equivalent to degrees from the United States or other Commonwealth countries. Canada is consistently ranked by the UN as one of the best countries in the world to live in. The Canadian banking system is currently ranked number one in the world and the economy is extremely stable. There is no question that studying aboard is a huge financial undertaking. Apart from affordable tuition fees the cost of living in Canada is far lower than other popularly preferred countries. Canada plays host to more than 1,80,000 International students in any given year.

The major intakes for studying in Canada are September and January. Students are allowed to work part time for 20 hrs per week during the first semester on campus and thereafter off campus. As per the recent immigration rules, students graduating from an eligible 2 year program from a Canadian post secondary institutions will be eligible for an Open wok permit for 3 years and can work for any employer in any industry. They are not required to have a job offer at the time of application of this work permit. Those who have studied for 1 year, are eligible to work for 1 year on completion of the course.

Canada also offers a wealth of choices when it comes to courses and disciplines, with IT, pharmacy, hospitality, management, e-commerce, animation being the most preferred courses. Post secondary institutions in Canada offer a wealth of program types and disciplines. Colleges offer certificates, diplomas, co-op placements, apprenticeships, and graduate certificate programs. While universities offer three and four year Undergraduate Degrees, 2 year Master's programs and Doctorate or PhD programs. Several students from India prefer to study a one year PG Certificate/ Diploma program in Canada as it is low on expense and high on hands on experience.

Canada also offers a relatively easier path to permanent residence for students who graduate from Canadian institutions. The visa process is not very cumbersome. The Canadian High Commission, have launched a new visa category designed to expedite the visa process for college applicants with a view to increasing the approval rate and reducing the time. This is called the Students Partners Program (SPP). Under this Program, Students are encourage to opt for Educational Bank loans to cover 80% of their entire Educational expenses along with a good IELTS score . One can expect the full visa process to be completed in 15 working days.

Canada welcomes new immigrants as the current population is aging and an active immigration policy is essential for Canada to maintain its dynamic economy. International students with Canadian credentials and Canadian work experience may apply for permanent residency without having to leave Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Worker categories.

Since 2009 the number of students enrolling in Canada from India has doubled every year. Edwise works with several institutions in Canada that still have vacancies for Jan '12 intake thus students are advised to rush with their current documents at the earliest.

Sushil Sukhwani
Director
Edwise