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How to be an
International student in Canada
What’s it like to be an International Student in Canada? We recommend new students to go through BC’s New Comer’s Guide to learn about details on BC’s health, education, government systems and many more. This will prepare one’s arrival to BC and help one to adapt to the new environment quickly and smoothly.
Latest updates on Attestation Letter and PGWP (Updated on January 31, 2025)
- New study permit applications require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) in addition to the Letter of Acceptance (LOA). PAL will be issued together with LOA. There is no additional costs for the issuing of PAL.
- PAL can only be issued once per applicant per application.
- One can resubmit a study permit application with the same PAL as long as it is not expired.
- PAL cannot be reused for study permit application if previous attempt was refused.
- Flight school graduates are eligible for 2-3 Year’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- PGWP eligibility for flight school graduates remains unchanged after November 1, 2024 (Official Link).
Do I Need a Study Permit for Flight Training?
According to Canadian immigration laws, you must obtain a Study Permit if your training program lasts more than six months. This requires applying through your local Canadian Consulate.
However, if you are enrolling in a short-term program (six months or less), such as a Private Pilot License (PPL), a study permit is not required. You may enter Canada as a visitor. Depending on your nationality, you might need a Visitor Visa to enter Canada, while others can travel with just a valid passport.
For students planning to study at our institution for longer than six months, applying for a Study Permit in advance is necessary. The process may take some time, but as long as all required documents are in order, approval is likely, allowing you to begin your training in Canada.
- Short-term Program(Within 6 months)
- Study permit is not required
- Long-term Program(More than 6 months)
- Study permit is required
Procedure to Obtain a Study Permit
To successfully apply for a Study Permit, you must meet the requirements set by the Canadian Consulate. As part of the application process, you will need to provide the following:
If your application to train as a pilot with us is complete and meets all requirements, Sea Land Air Flight Centre will issue an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) upon request. This LOA serves as confirmation of your enrollment at our institution. This letter must be an original, either a physical or digital version. This letter requires a valid and subsisting passport indicating date of birth, date of issue, country of issue, passport number, and details of the course you intend to enroll in. This letter is essential for your Study Permit application, so ensure all details are accurate and up to date.
Obtaining a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) after receiving the LOA
After receiving your Letter of Acceptance (LOA), you must obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) as part of the Study Permit application process.
Additionally, you will need to provide:
- Proof of financial support, demonstrating that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses during your stay in Canada
- Proof of intention to return home after completing your course
- Medical examination results (if required). Students from certain countries may need to undergo a medical exam as part of the application process.
Financial Requirements for a Study Permit in Canada
To obtain a Study Permit, applicants must provide proof of financial support to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
As per IRCC guidelines, a single applicant must demonstrate they have a minimum of CAN $20,635, in addition to covering their first year of tuition fees and travel expenses. Applicants are only required to prove financial sufficiency for the first year of studies, regardless of the total duration of their program.
Study Permit Application Review and Approval
Once you submit your application, the Canadian Consulate will review your documents, conduct the necessary background checks, and may require an interview. If your application meets all requirements, you will be granted a Study Permit, allowing you to train in Canada for the duration specified on the permit.
If you need to extend your Study Permit later, you can apply for an extension. Typically, as long as you provide a valid reason and submit your request well in advance, extensions are not an issue. For more details, visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, which provides comprehensive information about studying and training in Canada.
Can International Students work in Canada?
Yes, international students can work in Canada. While studying, full-time international students are permitted to work up to 24 hours per week. If you complete your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) flight training with our school under a student visa/permit, you may also be eligible to apply for a work permit to work in Canada.
According to the Government of Canada, to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you must meet one of the following criteria:
- You completed a flight training course at a DLI training centre and now have a Canadian commercial pilot’s license or
- You have or are in the process of getting an instructor’s rating and a job offer as a flight instructor from a DLI flight training centre
Graduates from flight schools only need to meet the current eligibility criteria, even after November 1, 2024.