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Immigration Matters - Studying in Canada

April 20, 2021

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  • Robynn Farrell

When a young Albanian dental student and her husband arrived in Canada in 2002, her plan was to continue the dentistry program she had started in her home country. Anaida Deti quickly learned that the Canadian standards are quite different to the rest of the world, and her credits would not be transferable. Distraught, she nearly gave up hope. Then, like all the immigrants who have successfully made Canada their home, she made a decision. Anaida took the brave step to study in Canada and enrolled in a college. A decade later she is a qualified dental hygienist and CEO of her own company, DentalX, a full service dental clinic in Toronto with 11 full time employees working for her. However, she didn’t stop there. Anaida founded Mission KIND (Kids in Need of Dental Care) to give children from less privileged backgrounds access to proper dental care. While Canada has an incredible free public healthcare system, the cost of dental care is a burden borne by residents and citizens in their personal capacity, and so it often doesn’t top peoples list of priorities. Currently serving around 2,500 patients, DentalX is one of the most popular dental clinics in North York, Toronto. Her careful and gentle approach means children actually enjoy visiting her offices, as she doesn’t want anyone being scared off proper oral hygiene the way she was: “I was 7 when I first went to a dentist in Albania, and I didn’t go again until I was 19. I’ve never forgotten my own feelings of dental phobia and understand how stressful it can be for some people.”

Studying in Canada

beautiful stone building at the University of Toronto-Study in Canada If you want to study in Canada, there are a few things you should be aware of before you apply.
  1. It is more expensive for foreign students than for Canadians. You are allowed to work part-time jobs while you are studying (less than 30 hours per week) which will contribute significantly to your living and tuition fees, but you will need to have sufficient funds saved before you can apply for your Canada study visa
  2. When you graduate from your Canadian post-secondary school, with a valid job offer you will be eligible for a post-graduate work permit. A PGWP is valid for up to three years and will almost certainly lead to permanent resident status in Canada.
  3. University and trade school graduates in Canada make on average 42% more than those with only a high school diploma. While your studies may be expensive and require hard work in the short term (3-4 years) they will pay dividends for the rest of your comfortable and happy life in Canada.
  4. It is important to study the right course. Due to critical shortages in certain sectors of the Canadian labour market, a job offer with a very good salary could be waiting for you if you make the right choices in your studies. Another factor to consider is where you want to live after you graduate, each province has their own unique economy that comes with varying sets of labour demands.

How do I Apply to Study in Canada

If you are really interested in studying in Canada, the first thing you will need to do is get accepted to a school of your choosing. Once you have a letter of acceptance, you can apply for your Canadian study permit. Your study permit will be valid for the length of your studies. If you choose to extend your studies you will have to extend your study permit too. You can travel back to your home country for breaks while you are completing your program. Remember, a university isn’t your only option. The major part of studying a trade in Canada is the practical work. All the while that you're an apprentice you will be earning a salary, typically starting at around 40% of what a qualified tradesman makes and increasing year on year until you qualify. Then you can charge more each year for your services as you gain experience as a journeyman.

How MDC Can Help You

graduation cap and diploma in front of Canadian flag Choosing to study in Canada may be one of the smartest and most life changing decisions you will ever make. Even if your plan isn't to stay in Canada permanently, you will still get a world class education that will be accepted anywhere in the world. If you do decide you want to live and work in Canada, studying here is probably one of the best ways to go about it. The Canadian government and the IRCC loves international graduates, and each province has numerous pathways to permanent residency dedicated to foreigners who graduate from designated learning institutions. By using our accredited Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) you will not only optimize your chances of success when you apply for your Canada visa, but you will receive expert advice on which program is best for your personal needs. Our RCICs are registered with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) and are legally permitted to assist you by evaluating your eligibility, reviewing all documentation and submitting it to the Canadian government on your behalf. Let us take care of the paperwork while you plan your life in Canada. We make sure that all forms are completed correctly and sent in on time. Simply fill out our application form to receive your assessment today and take one step closer to a happy life in Canada.