Canada is the second-largest country in the world, with a total area of approximately 10 million square kilometers. However, it's incredible to know that the country's 80% population lives within 150 kilometres of the Canadian border with the United States. If you plan to study in Canada, preparing well for the winter should be your top priority. Let's get more insights into education, working life, and how you can obtain your PR pathway.  

Education and Working Life in Canada:

Canada maintains a well-established position among the top education destinations in the world. In Canada, the number of international students grows every year due to the top-class education system and its diverse culture. A high school diploma is mandatory for obtaining higher education. Furthermore, each university and college has different eligibility criteria:  

University

Bachelor's degree (3 years) Prerequisite: High school diploma Bachelor's with Honours (4 years) Prerequisite: High school diploma Master's degree (1 to 2 years) Prerequisite: Bachelor's degree PhD or doctoral studies (3 to 5 years) Prerequisite: Master's degree  

College

Certificate (1 to 2 years) Prerequisite: high school + other requirements depending on the program Professional degree (3 years) Prerequisite: high school + other requirements depending on the program Diploma (2 to 3 years) Prerequisite: high school diploma Before starting college or university in Canada, it is essential to score a minimum 6.5 bands in IELTS. Scoring less than 6 bands in the English proficiency test makes you ineligible. You should improve your English language skills to have a successful higher education experience in the country.  

Working While Studying:

Students who want to gain financial support while studying have plenty of opportunities. As a student, you can find work on-campus, off-campus, co-op placements, or with internships jobs. Working while studying puts you in a better financial position, and the experience you gain could get considered for settling down in Canada. Wages are determined mainly by the skills you acquire and the employer you’ve worked for. The minimum wage across Canada varies by province. Minimum Wages in Canada is 15 CAD/hr.  

Pathway to PR:

You need a work permit to work in Canada after you finish your studies. Your work experience also counts when you apply for permanent residency. The country offers different immigration programs, which you can apply as per your eligibility. Each program has different eligibility requirements, which are determined based on your nationality, age, language ability, work experience, family members, education, income/net worth, or details of the job offered.  

Post-COVID Study Permits in Canada:

Temporary rules and regulations are placed for the international students to study in Canada. Currently, the government has made two mandatory requirements for students to enter Canada.  

• Study permit or a letter of introduction
• You must be attending a designated learning institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by its province or territory.
• Apply for a Study Permit online through the official Canadian Government website.

  Fully vaccinated travelers may also be requested to have a 14 days quarantine plan before arriving in Canada.  

Career Opportunities in Canada after COVID-19:

The global economy has taken a hard hit with the pandemic. However, there are several jobs available in the country as many employers have accepted the reality of COVID-19 and decided to move forward.   Several sectors are hiring people offering remote work opportunities. Even in such uncertain times, people can earn their full wages by working from home.   Farmers, distributors, retailers, and food manufacturers are also hiring candidates. The overall employment in agri-food and agriculture has remained stable throughout the pandemic and is expected to grow.   There is a high demand for professionals who are associated with essential services. From healthcare professionals to transportation and logistics workers, there are several job opportunities.   Employers are also hiring in-demand jobs, including retail sales supervisors, customer and information service representatives, food service supervisors, nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates.   Apart from these jobs, Canada's Summer Job Program has provided funding to employers to create part-time or full-time job opportunities.   Canada is one of the world's most developed countries, where students find a beautiful combination of top-class education, welcoming and friendly people, and good quality of life.  

To learn more about visa requirements, funding, and the education system in Canada, kindly visit PFEC Global, a leading educational consultancy agency based in Bangladesh. Please call us on 096 12 800 300/096 12 800 700/096 12 800 400 for more information.