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The updated list of priority occupations for skilled immigration in 2025 added teaacher's assistants, early childhood educators and cooks to the list while removing transport sector and many STEM-related jobs. Under the "category-based selection" system introduced in June 2023, priority was given to key sectors like healthcare, STEM, trades and agriculture.
In February this year, IRCC announced changes to the Express Entry Categories for 2025. A new category for Education was announced while Transport was removed from the list. The current Express Entry categories are: French-language proficiency, Healthcare and Social Services, Agriculture and Agr-food occupations, Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM), Trades and Education.These categories wil be prioritized in the draws.
According to new rules introduced earlier this year, Immigration officials can cancel temporary resident documents of individuals currently in the country. This includes the authority to cancel Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA's) and temporary resident visas on a case-by-case basis. Students may face cancellation of their immigration documents if they are refused a work or study permit after applying for it.
In February this year, new conditions were announced for the PGWP. Once international students complete their studies in Canada, they will be required to take the IELTS General Testing exam and achieve a minimum band score of 6 in each section or CLB 7 in order to apply for the PGWP.
Over 55% of international students in Canada have reported difficulties in finding suitable accommodation. The study was conducted by Thompson Rivers University which found that financial struggles were prevalent among foreign students with many indicating insufficient financial support or uncertainty about their financial situation. The report highlighted major challenges faced by international students especially in housing and finances. On a positive note, fewer students reported experiencing racism on campus in 2024 than in 2016. Another area of concern for students was the darth of co-op programs, work-integrated learning and experiential opportunities for their future success.
In February this year, Canada announced the launch of two new immigration programs- the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) which are designed to attract talent to rural areas and the Francophone minority communities outside Quebec. These policies aim to fill key job shortages in 18 communities and offer a direct pathway to permanent residency.
The effects of the cap on international study permits in 2024 has started showing its effects. While there has been a sharp decline in the number of permits issued, this policy change has drastically impacted Canadian colleges an universities which had become heavily reliant on international students. As a result of the decline in international students, colleges have had to resort to layoffs, suspension of programs and some institutions could also face closure. It is believed that institutions have incurred losses of close to $1 billion.
Some of the colleges that have been hit hard by this policy decision include Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario which has suspended 16 programs for this year. The college has seen a 23% drop in international student applications. Northern College in Timmins is also facing similar financial difficulties. They received a large proportion of students from India. Sheridan College has suspended 40 programs while Seneca College has closed its Markham campus. Centennial College has suspended 49 programs. While some provincial governments are stepping up with financial support, it may not be enough to sustain the colleges. The Ontario post-secondary institutions had become highly dependent on international students, accounting for 43% of enrollment, with Indian students making up 67% of that figure.
Services
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All Canadian Institutes require proficiency in the English Language. We can help you with preparing for any of the accepted tests.
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STUDY IN CANADA
CURRENT STATISTICS
According to the Canadian Bureau of International Education, Canada hosted 997,820 international students in 2024 — a 4% decrease compared to 2023. The impact of the recently introduced cap on study permits is expected to be reflected in the 2025 data. Indian students accounted for the largest share, representing 39% of all international students in Canada. However, significant declines were observed from several countries, including India (-32%), Nigeria (-29%), and the Philippines (-27%).
In terms of location, Ontario attracts the maximum number of international students with 482,435 students (49%) followed by British Columbia with 203,965 (21%) students.
The report also highlighted that 70% of international students intend to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, while 57% plan to pursue permanent residency. In addition to offering high-quality education, Canada provides international students the opportunity to work for up to three years after graduation, along with a streamlined pathway to permanent residency.
THE BENEFITS OF STUDYING IN CANADA
Affordable Cost of Studies
Choice of World-Class Universities
No 3 Best Country for Quality of Life
(US News & World 2023)
High Standard of Living
Opportunities for work experience
No 4 Best Country for Education
(US News & World 2023)
Canadian Universities offer some of the lowest tuition fees for international students. With affordable cost of living in many cities across the country, it is no wonder that Canada is a top choice for many international students. Other reasons for choosing Canada include the fact that it is considered a safe and stable country, it has a strong reputation for quality education and a society that is generally tolerant and non-discriminatory. Canada also offers the opportunity for students to gain work experience for up to 3 years after graduating.
Our career counselors are at hand to guide you on the various options available in terms of Universities and Colleges in Canada based on your course preference, budget and locational preference.
Selecting the Institute
DESIGNATED LEARNING INSTITUTES
While all primary and secondary schools are Designated Learning Institutes (DLI), all post-secondary institutes are not DLI's.
Designated Learning Institutes are institutes which are approved by a provincial or territorial government to accept international students. While the top-ranked Universities and Colleges are all DLI's, many private universities, colleges and vocational institutes may not be approved or only some programs may be approved for international students.
It is important to check this before applying for admission to any institute.
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
The quality of education offered in Canadian Universities can be gauged by the number of Canadian Universities that feature in the World Ranking of Universities.
While University of Toronto, University of British Columbia and McGill University consistently top the rankings for Canadian Universities, there are 30 Universities which feature in the top 1000 Universities.
For a complete subject-wise list of top ranking universities in Canada, click on the button below.
THE ADMISSION PROCESS
While most institutes accept admissions for the Fall Session in September, some Universities also accept applications for the Winter semester and the Summer semester.
As a first step, it is important to check on whether the institute is approved as a DLI before proceeding with the rest of the admissions process.
Visit the Admissions Procedure page to understand the application process and the documentation that you need to complete as well as the process to apply for a study permit
Top Institutes in Victoria, British Columbia
Camosun College
Victoria is also home to Camosun College, one of the largest public colleges in British Columbia.
Providing an exceptional educational experience, the college offers programs with an experiential learning and applied learning opportunities. Camosun College also offers vocational courses and upgrading opportunities.
Located in the Greater Victoria area of Saanich, Camosun College is just 15 minutes from downtown Victoria.
Royal Roads University
Located in Greater Victoria, the Royal Roads University offers a great experience to international students.
With a history dating back to the 1940's when it was a training institute for military officers, the Royal Roads University is a heritage site which is also located on land belonging to the indigenous people of Canada.
An ideal weather throughout the year along with a variety of entertainment and sporting opportunities nearby makes this university an ideal institute.
University of Victoria
While most international students mainly apply to institutes in Vancouver, Victoria has equally good institutes that can be considered.
The University of Victoria is ranked 349 on the QS World Rankings List and also features amongst the top Canadian Universities for research.
Victoria is not just the capital of British Columbia. The location of the city is close to Vancouver and Seattle, Washington. The garden city is one of the oldest cities in Canada.
Visitor Visa
A Visitor's Visa or Temporary Resident Visa is required to enter Canada as a tourist. The Visitor Visa is valid for up to 6 months. The application form is online. An appointment needs to be made to provide the Biometrics, if required. The visa processing can take up to 90 days. The cost of the tourist visa starts from Rs. 11,500 (approx). One can apply online for the visa or go through an Authorized Visa Agent (AVA). Should you require any assistance with visa services, flight bookings or hotel accommodation, our Travel Concierge would be happy to assist you!
