5 steps to becoming an international student in Manitoba

Image  by Mimi Thian from Unsplash.  CC0

Manitoba has many things to offer international students. Aside from the top-notch education system, the province has lower tuition costs compared to other provinces, and a diverse economy at the heart of Canada.

Whether you want to pursue your career here or back in your home country, a degree from a Manitoba institution will open many doors for you. But to be admitted, you’ll need to be aware of the following steps:

1. Prepare

   The best way to prepare is to know and understand the requirements. Follow all steps from start to end so you do not miss important information. Submit all the necessary documents and fill out all forms completely. This will increase the likelihood of acceptance and reduce your processing time. Two main points:

   • Know all the requirements.
   • Have all documentation completed following all specifications from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

   Find out the complete steps and requirements here: Study in Canada as an International Student

2. Know the eligibility requirements

   You may be eligible to study in Manitoba as an international student if you:

   • Are enrolled at a designated learning institution. A designated learning institution is “a school in Canada that a student must be accepted at before they can qualify for a study permit (as of June 1, 2014)”. You can find these schools at the post-secondary level from this list: Designated Learning Institutions (DLI)
   • Can prove that you have enough money to pay for your tuition, living expenses, and return transportation
   • Have no criminal record. You may be required to get a police certificate
   • Are in good health and can get a medical exam (if needed)
   • Have valid travel documents, i.e., passport

3. Gather documents and resources

   You will need a study permit to be an international student. A study permit is a document issued by IRCC that allows foreign nationals to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Manitoba. IRCC recommends that you apply for a study permit before you travel to Canada. You will need:

   • proof of acceptance from the DLI
   • proof of identity documents with your photos and full names on government-issued IDs, for example, a passport.
   • proof of financial support. This could be a bank statement
   • Study Permit Fees: (CN) $150 – (2021 rate)

   Processing time varies per country of origin: Check processing times

4. Apply

   After meeting all the eligibility requirements, submit a completed application along with the necessary documentation to IRCC. You can submit it by mail or online. However, applying online is recommended by IRCC because you:

   • Save courier fees and reduce processing time – The application is received instantly by IRCC. Therefore, your application may be processed more quickly.
   • It’s easier to check and make sure your application is complete before you submit it.
   • You can submit additional documents online (if IRCC asks you to).
   • You can check the status of your application directly from your online account.

   If you choose to mail your application, you can find the updated address listed here: Case Processing Centre: Sydney, Nova Scotia

5. After You Apply

   Once you submit your completed application, monitor your email and other contact methods that you have supplied. It is important to reply to any requests from IRCC within the deadline given to you. IRCC may ask you for a few more things, such as your fingerprints and photo (biometrics). Find out what you need to do for your biometrics.

   After IRCC processes your application, they will notify you about their decision via your chosen method of communication. If your application is incomplete, they may return it without processing it or request for the missing documents. So make sure your application is complete as per IRCC requirements.

 
by Bedel Shafea

 
Source: Study permit: About the process – Canada.ca