Expert Q&A from Arrive

Canada provides the opportunity to gain a world-class education in a multi-cultural setting, making it a rewarding decision. To study in Canada as an international student, you need to apply for a study permit:

1. Enroll at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

2. Get your documents ready, including proof of acceptance, proof of identity, and proof of financial support.

3. Apply for a student permit online or via mail.

4. Prepare for arrival once your student permit has been approved. You will need to have the following documents:

• Passport and travel documents, including a letter of introduction
• Valid eTA or temporary resident visa
• Valid letter of acceptance from a school
• Proof of funds to support yourself in Canada
• Any other letters of reference
• Proof of leaving Canada at the end of your stay

Planning to study in Canada? Check out the following resources:

• How to find student accommodation in Canada
• Tips for finding work as an international student in Canada
• An international student’s guide to permanent residency in Canada

Canada’s welcoming immigration policies offer many ways for those interested to live, work, study, and settle in Canada. These pathways are often the first step in the journey to eventually becoming Canadian.

Language points are based on your ability to communicate in one or both of Canada’s official languages. Points are based on your ability to read, write, listen and speak in both languages. Canada immigration requires you to take an approved language test to prove your language levels. The approved tests are the Canadian Language benchmarks (CLB) for English and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French.

Newcomers who speak English and French can earn up to a maximum of 28 points. If you only speak one of Canada’s official languages, you can still earn a maximum of 24 points. To qualify, you must score a level of CLB 9 or NCLC 9 in all four language areas. To earn 28 points, you must also meet the minimum level of CLB5 or NCLC5 in all four language areas.

The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) is the name of the other accepted English-language tests for Canadian immigration. The CELPIP General will test your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills in English. This test is officially designated for Permanent Resident applications by IRCC.

The difference between IELTS and CELPIP is that CELPIP is computer-based only, making it a good choice for newcomers who are comfortable with computers and proficient at typing. The test also gives you access to a timer, word counter and spell check tool. Another benefit is CELPIP uses Canadian accents for the speaking and listening portion of the test, unlike the IELTS, which uses English-speaking accents from other countries, including Australia and New Zealand.

The best way to prepare for the IELTS is to familiarize yourself with the test format, questions, and tasks for each section. Once you have done this, you can practice writing, reading, listening and speaking in English. Depending on why you are moving to Canada, newcomers can also practice answering sample test questions for both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training test. To most closely simulate the actual test, practice under timed conditions then review your answers compared to the model answers shown on the IELTS website.

Pro-tip: Review these examiner-approved tips for a maximum score on your IELTS test.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of two accepted language proficiency tests in English and the world’s most popular test. It is designed to demonstrate a newcomer’s proficiency in the English language and is one of the most widely accepted language tests for Canadian newcomers. Tens of thousands of individuals take the IELTS to come to Canada each year.

There are two forms of testing available:

• The General Training test: This test is necessary for Express Entry into Canada and other immigration needs, as determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It tests for everyday language skills to help determine if someone can effectively communicate and work in an English-speaking country.
• The Academic test: This test is designed to prove English proficiency for students who wish to enter post-secondary studies in Canada. The Academic test determines if a person can successfully study at an English-speaking university and post-secondary admittance may be conditional on achieving a high score.