Study in Canada

The latest ranking by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, a provider of analytics and insight to the worldwide higher education sector, includes three Canadian Universities among the top 50 in the world. According to the organization’s annual QS Top Universities ranking, McGill University, the University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia made it into the top 50 best colleges in the world.  Another eleven Canadian institutions appeared in the top 25% of more than 1,400 universities ranked by Quacquarelli Symonds in its list, further demonstrating the strength of Canada’s university education system. The Three Canadian Universities in the World’s Top 50 Three Canadian universities are named among the top 50 in the world in the latest ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds, to the global higher education sector. They are: McGill University The University of Toronto The University of British Columbia QS World University Rankings is the largest ever, with over 1,400 institutions across 100 locations, up from 1,300 last year. McGill University has been named Canada’s best university, according to the 19th edition of the QS World University Rankings, released by global higher education analysts QS Quacquarelli Symonds. The University was ranked 31st university in the world. It marks the first time in five years that McGill is Canada’s top-ranked university on the QS list. Its place in the rankings is underpinned by consistent performances across QS indicators. In Particular, it outperforms Canada’s other two top-ranking universities in terms of research. It comes 203rd globally in Citations per Faculty while UT and the University of British Columbia come 313th and 332nd. Quacquarelli Symonds Notes, “Based in Montreal, McGill University ranks among Canada’s most prestigious universities, attracting thousands of international students from over 150 countries every year, and the highest percentage of Ph.D. students of any Canadian research university.” “Graduates are highly sought after by employers, with the following percentages of graduates in education or employment two years after graduation: 81 percent of art graduates; 95 percent of engineering graduates; 91 percent of medicine graduates; 84 percent of science graduates, and; 92 percent of all Ph.D. respondents.” McGill ranked 27th on the list with an overall score of 81.9, narrowly beating out the University of Toronto for the bragging rights to the best university in Canada. Read also: the List of the Top 50 Universities in Canada 2022 University Of Toronto Named Second-Best Canadian University The University of Toronto ranked 34th with a score of 81.5. At the master’s level, UofT offers over 280 graduate programs in a wide variety of fields, including more than 60 professional graduate programs and 76 combined programs that include professional master’s components. The university has 40 collaborative programs and three diploma programs. The Third most The University of British Columbia Notes the report from Quacquarelli Symonds, “The University of British Columbia is recognized internationally for excellence in teaching and research as well as global impact. Since 1915, UBC has been opening doors of possibility for people with the curiosity, drive, and vision to shape a better world,” Remember that The University of British Columbia, the third most highly rated Canadian university on the list, placed 47th globally with a score of 77. Most of the approximately 350,000 foreign nationals who come to study at Canadian universities must apply for study permits. You are interested to come to Canada but do not know how it is processing? Or need help coming to Canada? Well, feel free to discuss the study permit with the Canadian Immigration Specialist at Gunness & Associates. Professionally we have been helping thousands of students to come to Canada. Get a free assessment to see if you are eligible to immigrate to Canada. Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Join our free newsletter All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associates

Canada continues to reinforce its reputation as a top destination for international students by expanding PGWP Eligibility for the coveted Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Effective December 17, 2024, this update brings in new programs that meet the urgent need of Canada for teaching and early childhood education professionals. This step, on the positive side, not only opens up opportunities for international students but also meets key labor shortages in important sectors. PGWP Eligibility: What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)? A very popular program is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows an international student who has been in studies for a certain period to gain work experience in Canada after graduation. The PGWP eligibility is based on certain criteria, and thus only qualified students get to benefit from this program. Students get to take advantage of this work experience when they want to transition to permanent residency under pathways such as Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry. The benefit of the PGWP has been to attract global talent to this country, increase economic growth, and bring in cultural diversity. Get a Free Assessment New Eligible Fields of Study As part of the recent expansion, fields of study in early childhood education and developmental service work have been added to the list of programs that are eligible for PGWP Eligibility. The government has thereby shown commitment towards addressing labor shortages in key sectors, such as education. Under this policy change, international students who have enrolled in courses related to these fields may finally go to Canada with the assurance of finding employment after graduation. This is because efforts are now being put into courses that directly answer Canada’s societal needs, resulting in a win-win situation for both the students and the country. Programs Based on CIP Codes The expansion is guided by Canada’s use of the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes, grouping post-secondary education programs into categories. Such a systematic approach ensures the inclusion of only relevant and high-demand fields. For example, early childhood education and developmental service work have specific programs that fit the labor market to enable graduates to transition into employment seamlessly. This strategic inclusion is crucial to the need of having education policies that are responding to the needs of the labor market. This will help in attracting the best motivated and skillful individuals that can be productive to critical sectors of the economy, especially those who meet the PGWP Eligibility criteria and are given an opportunity to have work experience which further improves their contributions. Why Early Childhood Education and Developmental Services? There is a growing need for qualified teachers and early childhood educators in Canada, which has been driven by the increasing demand for quality education and care for young children. Similarly, developmental service workers are important for supporting individuals with disabilities to ensure that they are included and have access to essential services. By targeting these fields, Canada aims to: Fill critical labor gaps in education and developmental services. Improve the quality of early childhood care and education. Support inclusion and diversity practices for people across different needs. This is an amazing opportunity for international students to add value to work that matters and build a future in Canada. Benefits for International Students This expansion benefits the international student for making Canada more an attractive country for students’ education purposes. More work opportunities: The PGWP now provides opportunities for graduates in newly included fields to acquire significant Canadian work experience, an important step toward permanent residency. Pathways to permanent residency: Graduate international students having experience in one of the hot in-demand streams of employment become qualified for several immigration pathways and programs, particularly the Express Entry system. The new eligibility categories create career opportunities for education and developmental services careers that are bound to be promising with a long-term outlook. Contribution to Canadian Society: Students benefit not only personally but also play a vital role in addressing Canada’s labor shortages and enhancing social well-being. Why Choose Canada for Higher Education? Canada’s welcoming immigration policies, high-quality education, and multicultural environment make it one of the top choices for international students. Expanding PGWP eligibility further strengthens Canada’s appeal by aligning education with career opportunities. Students can enjoy a supportive learning environment, world-class institutions, and the chance to gain work experience that counts toward their permanent residency goals. A Bright Future for Graduates Including early childhood education and developmental service work programs in PGWP eligibility benefits both international students and Canada in the long run. Students have an opportunity to gain a real career, and the country can reap a consistent flow of experienced professionals for essential sectors. For those aspiring international students, this is the best time to explore these new opportunities and make plans for their academic journey. By choosing programs aligned with labor market demands, students can maximize their potential for success in Canada. PGWP-Eligible Colleges in Canada Many colleges in Canada offer programs that make international students eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to gain valuable work experience after completing their studies. To meet PGWP eligibility requirements, students need to attend a designated learning institution (DLI) recognized by the Canadian government. The length of the work permit granted is dependent on the length of the program completed, up to a maximum of three years. The minimum duration of the program should be at least eight months, and the institution must be PGWP-eligible. Considering that all international students seek an improvement in their job prospects and a stint of work experience in Canada, this decision is one of the more significant planning steps an applicant would make to move into Canada permanently. If you want to know more details about “Canada Expands PGWP Eligibility for International Students: A Gateway to New Opportunities“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates. Please Book an Appointment with a Member of Our Assessment Team! Book an Appointment Now with Pratik! Book an Appointment Now with Gurleen!

Canada is the most popular destination for migrants who want to build careers and improve their education under a Study Permit. IRCC recently announced a policy that allows certain work permit holders to study without having a separate study permit. This new measure, which will be implemented until June 27, 2026, is geared towards simplifying opportunities for skilled workers in Canada, promoting personal and professional growth. Who Is Eligible Under This Policy for a Study Permit? This new provision affects those applicants who submitted their applications for work permits prior to June 7, 2023. As long as the work permits are still valid, they can participate in education programs across Canada. This does away with the need for a separate study permit and allows the Canadian government to focus on flexibility for its workforce while giving immigrants an opportunity to enhance their skills as they remain active participants in the economy. This now means the healthcare professional worker is able to take more skills training or skills certification in other areas and fields as well without needing a Study Permit. All the workers need is for an opportunity or a place where they get to do what they studied for; these include professionals in the areas of tech, trade, and educational sectors, and so much more. Get a Free Assessment How Long Can Work Permit Holders Study Without a Study Permit? Under this temporary public policy, eligible work permit holders can study in Canada without a study permit until one of the following occurs: Your current work permit expires, Your work permit renewal application expires or is refused or The temporary policy expires on June 27, 2026. Why Does This Policy Matters for Work Permit Holders? Before this policy, workers holding work permits, in order to access education facilities in Canada, were expected to apply for a different study permit, which, again, would mean longer processing times, more paperwork, and additional costs. To many, the whole scenario became unnecessarily complicated by attempting to balance work and studies. The IRCC has now made it easier for immigrants to: Get access to higher education and short-term training programs without delays. Improve their professional qualifications while working in Canada. Save time and resources that would otherwise be spent navigating multiple permit applications. This is a win-win for both immigrants and the Canadian economy because the former can develop new skills and improve their employability to fill gaps in high-demand sectors. Canada’s Commitment to Immigrant Success It forms part of the bigger plan in which the country would want to attract and retain more skilled immigrants. Through removing education barriers, therefore, with the new IRCC streamlined Study Permit process, the country reasserts its role in becoming an attractive immigration destination. Well-educated and well-skilled labor workers form Canada’s strong labor market. Most work fields, including health, construction, or IT, require training and continuous skill upgrading as more challenges in these fields increase its demands. With this move, Canada inspires its future, which translates into creating more strength for its workforce and even in the economy. Key Points of the New Policy Here’s a quick summary of the key details of the IRCC clarification: Eligibility: Applies to work permit holders who applied for their permits before June 7, 2023. Effective Dates: This policy is effective until June 27, 2026. Scope: Eligible persons can study in Canada without a separate study permit so long as their work permit is valid. Program Flexibility: Employees can join educational programs, such as short courses, certifications, or degree programs, that are relevant to their career objectives. This initiative not only reduces administrative burdens but also gives immigrants the freedom to pursue education that can boost their long-term success in Canada. Benefits for Canadian Employers Employers also benefit from the policy change. The fact that work permit holders access educational opportunities through a study permit means that they can update their skills and knowledge base, which they take to their workplaces. This is to the advantage of: A better trained and highly skilled workforce. Productivity improvement in high-performance sectors. Enhanced retention of skilled workers, as those with access to education are more likely to stay long-term. This policy will be a step toward filling labor shortages and sustainable growth for Canadian businesses, especially in high-demand industries. Take the Next Step Toward Your Future It’s the ICC’s new policy that allows work permit holders to invest in education and their future without having to waste unnecessary time. Be it up-skilling, career changing, or just further qualification; it is now easier to obtain a Study Permit. If you want to know more details about “IRCC Clarifies Which Work Permit Holders May Continue to Study in Canada Without a Study Permit“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates. Please Book an Appointment with a Member of Our Assessment Team! Book an Appointment Now with Hamlet! Book an Appointment Now with Pratik! Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs. For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2024 Gunness & Associates

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new rules that will change how international students transfer schools in Canada for the Winter and Spring 2025 semesters. These new rules for international students  allow them to start their studies at the new Designated Learning Institution (DLI) before receiving their new study permit, a huge relief from previous rules. This will make the transfer process much easier and more flexible for students, allowing them to spend more time on education and less time on administrative hurdles. In this article, we will go into detail concerning these new provisions, eligibility requirements, and what this means to international students in Canada. Read on as we find out how this update could impact you and why it matters for your academic journey. What Has Changed? New Rules for International Students Under the new policy of IRCC, there are New Rules for International Students who set newly updated guidelines to those who plan to transfer to another DLI for Winter or Spring 2025 semesters. Students no longer need to wait for their new study permit approval before they could start studying at their new institution, given certain conditions. This change eliminates a key bottleneck in the transfer process and ensures a smoother experience for students. Previously, students had to get approval for a new study permit listing their new DLI before transferring. Now, students can apply for a permit extension and begin their studies at the new institution while waiting for their application to be processed. However, there are still important conditions to fulfill to qualify for this benefit. Get a Free Assessment Eligibility Criteria International students must meet the following requirements to take advantage of these new rules for international students: Acceptance from the New DLI Students must have received formal acceptance from the new DLI for the Winter or Spring 2025 semester. Application for Study Permit Extension They have already submitted an application for a new study permit with a permit extension application. This allows the IRCC to know about their intent to transfer.  Valid Study Permit Students must have a valid study permit at the time of transfer. However, the current permit does not have to include the new DLI. Compliance with Study Permit Conditions All study permit conditions must be complied with by the students, such as being enrolled full-time and achieving academic progress.  What Stays the Same? Although this new policy provides some flexibility, some aspects remain the same. According to the new rules for international students, one has to update the information on their study permit that indicates the new DLI to which they have transferred, but now it can be updated after the transfer if the application for an extension has been submitted. Non-compliance may lead to a range of problems, and eventually a student’s status may be affected in Canada. Furthermore, this applies only to students who will transfer school for the Winter or Spring 2025 semesters. The rest will have different requirements that, according to the IRCC, are likely to be detailed soon before summer. Why This Matters? This update is a great leap forward for international students and the Canadian education system. New rules for international students offer many advantages, such as increased opportunities and support for those studying in Canada. Some of the benefits are: Reduced Delays Since there will be no longer a months-long wait time for obtaining a new study permit upon arrival at the new DLI, a student’s smooth transition and readiness to commence classes will improve. Simplified Process This move has allowed transfer for students to schools based on an extension application for a permit by IRCC. The New Rules for international students set forth by IRCC have managed to make Canada an attractive destination for international students as administrative complexity has reduced. Increased Flexibility This change recognizes the fluidity of the needs of students, be it for academic growth, availability of programs, or personal reasons and offers greater flexibility in responding to such changes. How to Transfer Schools Under the New Rules for International Students? If you’re planning to transfer schools for the Winter or Spring 2025 semester, follow these steps to ensure compliance: Secure Admission at the New DLI Obtain your acceptance letter from the new institution. Apply for a Study Permit Extension Submit an application for a new study permit or an extension of your current permit, including the details of your new DLI. Notify IRCC of Your Intentions Update your records with the IRCC so that you can let them know you have new academic plans. Under the New Rules for International Students, while you can begin studying, you must ensure that your new DLI is updated in your permit once it has been processed. Maintain Compliance Adhere to all study permit conditions, including remaining enrolled as a full-time student and making satisfactory academic progress. What Happens If You Don’t Comply? Failure to comply with the updated rules and conditions could result in serious consequences, including: Loss of Study Permit Status Non-compliance may lead to the cancellation of your study permit. Impact on Future Immigration Applications Violations can negatively affect future immigration applications, such as work permits or permanent residency. It is crucial to understand and follow the rules to ensure a smooth academic journey in Canada. Can international students go to trade school in Canada? The affirmative is that international students are allowed to enroll in a variety of trade schools in Canada offering exclusive training in various skilled trades such as plumbing, carpentry, automotive repair, and electrical work. Their education usually is hands-on, taking place at institutions like colleges and vocational, with many schools offering similar student permits to trade programs in order to be accessible by international students in Canada, providing a well-rewarding career path. With the New Rules for International Students, Canada is still on its quest to attract skilled workers, such as trade school graduates, who are highly in demand due to labor shortages in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance sectors.

In an era where education forms careers and global opportunities, the University of Waterloo stands as a beacon of success for international graduates. A pioneering study on earnings comparison has brought forth the fact that international graduates of this esteemed institution are paid more than their Canadian-born peers, underlining the importance of quality education and proper career planning. This insightful research analyzed records spanning student achievements, immigration statuses, and tax returns, drawing attention to the financial advantage held by international graduates from the University of Waterloo. With these revelations, we explore the factors behind this success and its broader implications for international students aspiring to build prosperous futures in Canada. Earnings Advantage: The Numbers Speak in Earnings Comparison The study examined graduates from 2017 to 2019, focusing on their income one year after completing their programs. The findings were jarring: analyzing earnings comparison, international graduates earned an average of $57,500 as opposed to the $42,000 average for Canadian-born graduates. This 37% earning gap demonstrates the professional value international students gain during their academic journey at the University of Waterloo. But the success doesn’t stop there.  Over time, this earnings advantage grows, with international graduates achieving annual salaries between $100,000 and $120,000 after 13 years of working in Canada. For earnings comparison, Canadian-born graduates averaged around $100,000 during the same period. Such numbers underscore the long-term financial benefits of pursuing higher education at a globally recognized institution like the University of Waterloo. Get a Free Assessment Why do International Graduates Excel? Several factors contribute to the outstanding performance of international graduates from the University of Waterloo. 1. Emphasis on Technology and Engineering Programs The University of Waterloo is globally known for its strength in the areas of technology, engineering, and innovative programs. These disciplines happen to correspond to the requirements of the contemporary workplace and attract higher salaries, according to the pay gap earnings comparison between the foreign-born and the Canadian-born graduates. Foreign students commonly pursue these in-demand majors that impart leading-edge education but also present well-compensated job opportunities within Canada and around the world. 2. Co-op Programs and Industry Partnerships The co-op programs at Waterloo have been instrumental in preparing students for the workforce. Through experiential learning through internships and industry collaborations, it is possible for domestic and international students to earn hands-on experience even before graduation. International graduates take advantage of these opportunities to get high-paid jobs in software development, data analytics, and engineering, as demand is always greater than supply. 3. Adaptability and Determination Most international students come with a high level of motivation and drive to succeed, since they know the stakes involved in studying abroad. They embrace challenges, adapt to new environments, and maximize resources offered by the university. This usually translates into better academic performance and professional outcomes. Permanent Residency: A Key Milestone Beyond financial success, the research finds that 70% of international graduates from the University of Waterloo eventually become permanent residents (PRs), much higher than the national average. This is a wonderful statistic to show how these graduates blend into the Canadian society, therefore, working and contributing to the economy. Permanent residency not only guarantees stability but also opens doors to further career advancement and personal growth in Canada. This is testimony for immigration consultants and aspiring students, to the opportunities available for skilled people who choose Canada as their destination for education and career. Is the University of Waterloo worth it for international students? Yes, the University of Waterloo is surely worth it for international students. It is known for the excellent academic programs that Waterloo provides, especially in technology, engineering, and business. It’s unique for its high-quality education along with practical work experience. For prospective international students, the University of Waterloo exemplifies what an education-focused institution can achieve. Strong emphasis on employability, innovation, and industry connections ensure that students graduate as more competent professionals in the Canadian job market. This, in fact, adds to the academic’s record of supporting students towards permanent residency, thus increasing the appeal of this university as a choice for education. Key Takeaways for Employers and Policy Makers The success of international graduates at the University of Waterloo provides critical insights for Canadian employers and policymakers: International graduates should therefore be recognized by employers as being highly potential as skilful, adaptive, and high-performing professionals. Immigration programs can be further fine-tuned to attract and retain global talent, making Canada a more attractive destination for international education and skilled workers. Why is Waterloo so prestigious? One of the most respected universities in Canada, due to innovative approaches to education, strong emphasis on experiential learning, and global research and technology, is the University of Waterloo. Renowned for co-operative education (co-op) programs, Waterloo provides students with the opportunity to alternate academic studies with paid work placements, giving students unparalleled hands-on experience and industry exposure. This unique approach also contributes to the earnings comparison, where Waterloo graduates, especially international students, consistently outperform their peers in salary outcomes. This distinct model makes the students not only ready for careers but also greatly contributes to the fantastic comparison regarding the earnings between its graduates and their peers from other institutions. The strong presence in engineering, computer science, and business draws the best and brightest students and faculty from around the world. Moreover, Waterloo’s powerful partnerships with global tech companies, startups, and research organizations have secured its place as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, making it a top destination for students looking to succeed in highly competitive and in-demand fields. International students, through choosing the right institution and making optimum use of resources, can bring about outstanding financial and professional achievements. Meanwhile, the country continues to reap the rewards of those skilled and motivated people that make up a successful and inclusive society. If you want to know more details about “Earnings Comparison: International Graduates at the University of Waterloo Outperform Canadian-Born Peers“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates. Please Book an Appointment with a Member of