INTRODUCTION
You dreamt of a Canadian education. Then you did the hard work of finding a school and a program, gathered your documents, and put your money to work. Finally, you achieved your dream, you are now in Canada to study. What more could be required? Nothing … but something. As an international student in Canada, you need to be mindful of your rights and responsibilities. Let me share some of them with you.
RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND OBLIGATIONS OF AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN CANADA
The first thing to note is that your study permit has conditions attached to it. It is only valid for the duration of your course of study. Sometimes, a study permit is issued for a shorter duration because of the expiry date on your passport. It is your responsibility to renew your passport after your arrival in Canada and apply to extend your study permit. You must ensure that you have valid status all through your stay in the Country. If your status expires, you will have to apply for a restoration of status and an extension of your study visa.
You should also be on top of your academic work as your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) makes periodic reports to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You may transfer between schools and study programs, but don’t allow distractions to keep you from achieving your goal.
You must also ensure that you remain enrolled at a DLI and make reasonable and timely progress toward completing your program. Focusing on academic excellence is a very good idea. Try to limit distractions to a minimum. Universities have codes of conduct and different policies that students are expected to abide by. One good example is a plagiarism policy. It is your obligation to be compliant and abide by these codes to remain enrolled in your school.
Secondly, one of the grounds on which your application for a study permit was granted was the absence of criminality. Therefore, it is important that you do not engage in criminal activities while you are in Canada. Criminal actions on your part could lead to being banned from Canada and being unable to have your dreams fulfilled.
International students as well as other Canadian residents enjoy rights and freedoms under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These rights include freedom of conscience and religion, freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of association.
A third thing to be aware of is that you may be able to work if your study permit allows it. Check your permit carefully to know what you are permitted to do. Nevertheless, be mindful of the fact that you cannot start working until your classes begin. You will also need to apply for a temporary Social Insurance Number (SIN) for that purpose. There is a current extension that allows international students in Canada to work beyond 20 hours per week subject to certain conditions. Students can open a bank account and also have to report income to CRA for tax purposes. Students, including international students, may claim a federal non-refundable tax credit equal to 15% of eligible tuition fees.
Another plus is that you may apply for and get a driver’s license. You will find this useful if you intend to take up a job that requires you to drive, or if you want to be able to drive yourself around town.
Sometimes life happens and you face a financial crunch. That doesn’t have to bring your education to an end. Several private lenders offer student loans to international students at eligible schools. You can find out if your school is eligible and what the requirements of the private lenders are.
Good health is important to achieving your goals. Schools provide lots of avenues to connect with others for mental health as well as facilities to promote your physical health such as gyms etc. Canada has an abundance of food options. The Canada food guide is a document you may find useful. There is also an abundance of health facilities if required. Unfortunately, international students usually cannot benefit from provincially funded health insurance. However, medical insurance can be arranged by your school, or the school can advise students on how to get it. Many private insurers offer health insurance plans to international students.
CONCLUSION
Canada is a destination of choice for many international students. It is a privilege to be afforded this opportunity, so make the best of this opportunity. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any doubts. It is better to ask than to assume you know the legal requirements when you don’t know.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or solicitation. If you need legal advice, do not hesitate to contact us here.
