Studying as an international student can be a rewarding and life changing experience! Canada is a popular choice for many international students for its high education standards, beautiful cities and quality of life.
International students are an important part of our college community, and we are here to assist you every step of the way! See our other tabs for information on application documents, medical insurance, English testing and more.
To ensure your international study experience gets off to a smooth start, be sure to apply as early as possible for your Canadian study permit.
You will also require a valid visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, which will be automatically issued when your study permit is approved. However, please note that if you extended or renewed an existing study permit before May 1, 2017, you may need to apply separately for an eTA.
If you plan to travel outside of Canada during the course of your studies, before your trip, always make sure that you have the proper, valid documents to re-enter the country.
For more information, visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Brighton College's Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number is O19257044542
In most cases, you must obtain a study permit if you want to study in Canada.
To be eligible to study in Canada
In some cases, you do not require a study permit to go to school in Canada.
If you wish to study in a short-term course or program
You do not need a study permit if you plan to take a course or program in Canada that lasts six months or less. You must complete the course or program within the period authorized for your stay in Canada.
Even if you do not need a study permit, it is a good idea to apply for a permit before you come to Canada. If you decide that you want to continue your studies in another program after you complete your short-term course or program, you must apply through a Canadian visa office outside Canada for a study permit if you do not already have one.
Foreign representatives to Canada
If you are a family member or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD), you may not need a permit to study in Canada. You should contact your embassy in Canada. Your embassy can contact the Office of Protocol at DFATD to find out whether you need a study permit.
Members of foreign armed forces
If you are a member of a foreign armed force under the Visiting Forces Act, you do not need a permit to study in Canada. If your family members, including minor children, want to study in Canada, they must meet the requirements.
If you are not a citizen of the country where you submit your application, you may have to provide proof of your present immigration status in the country where you apply.
If the government that issued your passport or travel document requires a re-entry permit, you must obtain one before you apply for a Canadian visa. Other documents may also be required.
Proof of Acceptance
If you plan to attend any school (primary or secondary), college, university or other educational institution in Canada, the school must complete and send you a letter of acceptance. You must include the original letter with your study permit application. You can find a standard letter of acceptance in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
Proof of Identity
You must provide:
Proof of Financial Support
You must prove that you can support yourself and the family members who accompany you while you are in Canada. You can prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Canada by showing some of the following:
The following table shows the minimum amounts that you will need.
| Number of persons | Amount of funds required per year (not including tuition) All provinces except Quebec |
|---|---|
| Single student | CAN$20,635 |
| + one family member | CAN $25,690 |
| Example | If you and 2 family members want to come to a province or territory (other than Quebec) for a year, you’ll need $31,583 for living expenses. |
If there are foreign-exchange control measures in your country, you must provide proof that the exchange control authorities will allow you to export funds for all of your expenses.
Letter of Explanation
In some cases, you may wish to apply for a study permit even if you do not need one right away. There are benefits to having a study permit, even if you do not require one. If you have a valid study permit, you can:
If you decide that you want to continue your studies in another program after you complete your short-term course or program, you must apply through a Canadian visa office outside Canada for a study permit if you do not already have one.
If you are applying for a study permit even though you do not need one, you should include a letter that explains why you are applying. The letter will inform the visa officer that you understand your options. For example, the letter might say:
“Dear Visa Officer,
I would like a study permit for my eight-week English course because I would like to apply for a Canadian University program after I finish the English course.”
After the visa office receives your application, the visa office might request more information or documents. These may include the following:
Medical Information
In most cases, you will need a medical examination. A visa officer will send you instructions if you need one. This may add more than three months to the processing time of your application. Find more information about medical examinations.
Security information
If you want to study in Canada, you and any family members who come to Canada with you, and who are 18 years of age and over, may have to provide police certificates. Find more information about the security checks.
The length of time to process your application varies depending on the visa office where you applied. For more information, see application processing times.
A Study Permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows international students to study in Canada. It's important to check the expiry date of your study permit and be aware of the conditions you must meet as a study permit holder in Canada.
As a study permit holder, you need to meet all of the following requirements:
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air.
The eTA is electronically linked to the passport you used when applying for your study permit, so it's crucial to travel to Canada with that same passport. The eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you obtain a new passport, remember that you'll need to apply for a new eTA as well.
If you're from a country that requires a visa, you'll need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. Often called a "visitor visa," this document is placed in your passport and is necessary for entering or re-entering Canada. Although the TRV doesn't grant you any specific status within Canada, it's important to have a valid TRV to enter Canada.
This is a letter you receive from IRCC if your study permit application has been initially approved. Although this letter indicates initial approval, the final decision to issue a study permit and grant entry to Canada is made after examination. To obtain your study permit, you must bring this letter along with all the documents mentioned in the letter when you are traveling to Canada.
*Immigration resources on this page are not legal documents and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.
Your study permit indicates the expiry date, which is the deadline for you to stop studying and leave Canada. If you plan to continue your studies in Canada beyond your study permit's expiry date, you must apply for an extension before it expires. To ensure uninterrupted studies, it's recommended that you apply for the extension 3 to 4 months prior to the expiry date of your current study permit. Keep in mind that study permit extensions can only be processed within Canada.
You may work in Canada while studying if your study permit includes conditions that allow you to work on or off campus. However, you must meet the eligibility requirements to work. It's important to note that you can only begin working in Canada once your study program has commenced, meaning you can start working after the first day of class.
For more information on Employment rights in BC :https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/employment-standards
Eligibility requirements for working on or off campus:
As an international student, you can work on or off campus if you meet the requirements. It's essential to familiarize yourself with these eligibility requirements before starting any work, such as the permitted number of work hours and enrollment status. For more information, please refer to the IRCC website.
Complete IRCC compliance reporting regarding the enrolment status of their international students in a timely and accurate manner.
Contact information for International Student Coordinator: internationalstudents@brightoncollege.com
Life happens and as an international student in Vancouver, it is important for you to get medical insurance. You can get access to comprehensive public healthcare in the province of British Columbia, through BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). All residents of British Columbia are required to have valid medical insurance coverage in case of accident or illness. BC Medical Services Plan, or BC MSP, is the provincial healthcare provider for residents in British Columbia.
Students should be aware that:
If you have already submitted your application, you will be covered immediately after the waiting period. This works even if your Care Card hasn't arrived.
You might have to pay at the time you receive health care. Be sure to keep your receipt, and request reimbursement from MSP once your card arrives. During the waiting period for MSP, when you visit the Urgent Care, Emergency Department in a hospital or have inpatient services (lab, radiology and other procedures), you may show a copy of your study permit to receive a reduced rate.
PO Box 1600 Victoria, BC Canada V8W 2X9 | Telephone: 604 660-2421
http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoben/index.html
To get from YVR (Vancouver International Airport) to Burnaby or Vancouver, take the Canada Line SkyTrain to Waterfront Station, then transfer to the Expo Line heading eastbound toward King George or Production Way–University, depending on your destination.
Alternatively, you can drive via Highway 1 or Marine Drive, which takes about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic into the city.
Vancouver has a moderate climate and is one of the warmest cities in Canada. It can reach up to highs of 30 degrees Celsius in Summer and a low of 0 degrees Celsius during Winter. Although Vancouver and surrounding areas generally do not receive much snow, it can rain up to 150 days a year - so make sure to bring a rain coat. Click here to see the current weather.
Canada has two official languages, English and French.
Canada is known for fairness, equality, inclusiveness and social justice. It is very welcoming of all peoples, cultures and religions.
A handshake is a common way to greet a stranger.
Remember to say please when asking for help It is considered impolite to ask questions about someone's wealth, weight or age If there is a line for something, make sure to queue and wait your turn.
Tipping is a very common practice. Canadians generally tip 15-20% of their bill for waiters, taxi drivers, hairdressers, or barbers.
It is expected that you will be on time for work or school. You could lose your job or be suspended from school if you are frequently late. If you are running late, send a quick message letting the person you are meeting know why you are late.
Loud conversations, name-calling or violence is not acceptable. Hitting or threatening another person, including family members, is against the law.
Canadians are very environmentally conscious. Littering, or leaving garbage, is unacceptable and can lead to a fine.
Smoking is not permitted in any public spaces, including workplaces, restaurants, public vehicles, national parks or washrooms. Illicit drug related substances are illegal. However, should you or a friend need assistance, you can contact hospitals or police without fear of penalty. The drinking age in Canada is 19+.Please note, it is strictly prohibited to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
There are ample community resources and services for newcomers that can help you adjust to life in Canada. Below are just a few examples:
In the Greater Vancouver area, there are various housing options such as apartments, townhouses, or renting a single room within a larger house.
Accommodation near Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey city centers tend to fill up quickly. It's recommended students arrive early to secure housing. Rent for a one-bedroom in Burnaby ranges from $1200-$1900 CAD per month. Some popular websites for apartment rentals include:
Rental prices in Metro Vancouver vary based on factors like location, type of accommodation, and amenities offered. For instance, renting a high-rise apartments or neighborhoods such as West Vancouver or North Vancouver generally costs more than options like house basements or locations in other cities.
To provide an overview of current market trends, we’ve summarized data from above three rental websites for October 2024, focusing on Burnaby and Vancouver rental markets:
| Source | Burnaby (Samples) | Vancouver (Samples) |
|---|---|---|
| liv.rent | $2,281 for 1-bedroom $3,143 for 2-bedroom |
$2,850 for 1-bedroom $3,595 for 2-bedroom |
| Rentals | $2,398 for 1-bedroom $3,062 for 2-bedroom |
$2,610 for 1-bedroom $3,430 for 2-bedroom |
| Zumper | $2,380 for 1-bedroom $3,050 for 2-bedroom |
$2,600 for 1-bedroom $3,600 for 2-bedroom |
Rates listed above subject to change. Refer to the sources for most updated information.
For more information on rental data, you can also explore resources provided by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), a federal Crown corporation of the Government of Canada. Monitoring these sites regularly will help you stay informed and find accommodation that aligns with your budget and preferences, especially as rental prices are subject to change.
Canada is a relatively safe country, and your chances of being the victim of a scam are low. However, it’s crucial to be aware of potential rental scams that target international students when searching for accommodation.
One of the most common scams involves fraudulent property adverts. In this scenario, a scammer posts a fake property listing online.
When a student inquires about the property, the scammer asks for a holding deposit or a bank statement as proof of financial capability, taking the deposit and then disappearing.
To avoid falling victim to such scams, follow these tips:
At the start of a tenancy agreement (contract for your apartment), a landlord can ask for a security deposit (or damage deposit). This is usually paid in cash, by cheque or e-transfer at the time of signing the lease. The security deposit can be no more than half of the first month’s rent.
In B.C., rent is paid on the 1st of every month. Your rent may include heat, hot water, internet, or other utilities as stated on your lease agreement. For more information on lease agreements, rental laws, and tips for renters in Vancouver, visit the B.C. Government –Residential tenancies - Province of British Columbia.
As a tenant in British Columbia, it’s important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities under local laws. Understanding your tenancy rights can help ensure a fair and positive rental experience. For detailed information on tenant rights in BC, please refer to the Government of British Columbia’s Tenancy Rights page.
If you encounter tenancy issues, such as disputes with landlords or questions about your rental agreement, various resources are available to assist you. Brighton College can offer guidance and connect you with the appropriate resources. Feel free to reach out to us for suggestions or to discuss your concerns.
Additionally, the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC), a non-profit organization, offers free legal education, advocacy, and representation on tenancy matters. Furthermore, the BC Residential Tenancy Branch also provides guidance and dispute resolution services to support tenants and landlords with tenancy concerns.
Understanding Lease Terms
Carefully review the lease agreement, including terms, conditions, and any additional fees. Clarify the lease duration, renewal options, and notice period required for moving out.
Budgeting
Consider all costs associated with renting, including rent, utilities, internet, and any other additional fees. Factor in living expenses, transportation costs, and potential unforeseen expenses.
Transportation
Identify the campus where your course is held and consider the travel distance from potential rentals. Use Google Maps to assess distances, accounting for potential weather-related delays in commuting. Allocate ample time for travel to the campus.
Move-in and Move-out
Move-in dates for off-campus housing typically coincide with the first day of each month. Plan accordingly, as providing a full month’s notice is often required for moving out. Landlords may also request a damage deposit, usually half a month’s rent, refundable upon move-out if the property is well-maintained.
Rental Insurance
Check whether rental insurance is required or recommended. This can help protect personal belongings in case of theft, damage, or other unforeseen events.
Communication with Landlords
Establish clear communication with your landlord or property management team. Report any maintenance issues promptly and document communications for future reference.
Neighborhood Safety
Research the safety of the neighborhood where you plan to rent. Explore local amenities, public transportation options, and proximity to essential services.
Brighton College is conveniently located in the heart of Burnaby, within the lower mainland near Vancouver.
Metropointe: We are conveniently located on the corner of Kingsway and McKay. We are one block away from the Metrotown SkyTrain station.
Crystal Mall: In the Crystal Mall office tower above the HSBC Bank, on the corner of Kingsway and Willingdon Avenue in Burnaby. We are one block away from the Metrotown SkyTrain station.
