How Can Students Enhance Their Chances of Obtaining a Canadian Visa?
The Canadian government has implemented a Zero Net Growth policy for allocating study permits this year, meaning that for every student who departs the country, another student can enter. To maximize your chances of obtaining a student visa in Canada, it’s essential to understand how the process works and how to navigate the system effectively.
New Caps on Study Permits
In January, Canada placed a cap on the number of visas it will issue to international students. Recently, it revised the final allocation of attestation letters, which are mandatory documents for the issuance of study permits for international students from a specific province or territory.
Some provinces have been allocated more attestation letters than others, offering an advantage to students who choose their study destination carefully. This means that while Canada has a cap on visas, strategic decisions can improve your odds of receiving one.
Understanding the Zero Net Growth Model
Under the Zero Net Growth model for allocating study permits, the policy of one-for-one replacement is in effect—one student leaves, and one student enters. Canada aims to issue around 291,914 study permits in 2024, which is a 28% decrease from the previous year. Additionally, 20% of students under the current national cap will be applying for an extension of their study permit each year.
Some categories of students, such as those attending primary and secondary schools and master’s or doctoral degree students, may receive exemptions. The number of students in these categories was around 140,000 in 2023, and this is expected to remain stable this year.
Consider Provincial Allocations
Traditionally, students have preferred studying in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta provinces, particularly in Ontario’s Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and British Columbia’s Surrey and Vancouver. However, provincial allocations of attestation letters have changed, affecting the chances of obtaining a visa.
Alberta: Received an allocation of 40,894 attestation letters, leading to a projected approval of 24,537 study permits (SPs), marking a 10% increase from the previous year.
Quebec: Allocated 117,917 attestation letters compared to 72,716 earlier, resulting in a 10% increase in projected SP approvals (43,629).
Saskatchewan: Allocated 15,054 attestation letters, representing a 10% increase, with a projected 7,226 SP approvals.
Newfoundland: Allocated 3,153 letters, a 10% increase from last year, with projected approval of 1,419 SPs.
Nunavut and Northwest Territories: Both received 333 allocations, showing a substantial increase from the previous year, each projecting 200 SP approvals.
Other provinces, such as Nova Scotia and Yukon, also experienced increases in attestation letter allocations, potentially providing better opportunities for students.
Exploring Beyond Popular Destinations
While Ontario remains a popular choice due to its large allocation, exploring less traditional provinces might offer better opportunities. Ontario was allocated 235,000 attestation letters, projecting roughly 141,000 SP approvals—a 41% decrease from the previous year. The large volume of applications to Ontario may lead to higher rejection rates.
British Columbia also saw an 18% decrease in allocations. Therefore, considering alternative provinces might improve your chances of obtaining a visa.
Get Expert Advice
When planning your study abroad experience in Canada, making informed decisions can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a visa. For personalized advice, you can consult with our expert visa consultants in Jalandhar. With a 100% success rate, they can guide you through the process, ensuring you have the best chance of securing a visa.
For more information, visit our contact page or call us at 62849 35142. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for updates and additional resources. Let us help you navigate your journey to study in Canada!
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