If you’re planning to study in Canada, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to apply for a study permit from outside Canada or wait until you arrive in Canada. Both options have their own pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual circumstances. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of each approach so that you can make an informed decision about whether to apply for a study permit from outside Canada or wait until you’re in Canada.
Option 1: Apply for a study permit from outside Canada
There are several benefits to applying for a study permit from outside Canada:
- Faster processing times: In general, it takes longer to process a study permit application from within Canada than it does to process an application from outside Canada. This means that if you apply from outside Canada, you may be able to get your study permit more quickly, which could allow you to start your studies on time.
- More control over the process: When you apply for a study permit from outside Canada, you have more control over the process. You can gather all the required documents and fill out the application form at your own pace, rather than feeling rushed or pressured to complete the process quickly.
- Fewer travel restrictions: If you’re applying for a study permit from outside Canada, you’ll be able to travel freely until your permit is approved. This can be especially beneficial if you’re planning to travel before or after your studies, as you won’t have to worry about the restrictions that come with a study permit.
However, there are also some drawbacks to applying for a study permit from outside Canada:
- Higher fees: The fees for a study permit are generally higher when you apply from outside Canada than when you apply from within Canada. This can be a significant financial burden, especially if you’re already paying for tuition and other expenses related to your studies.
- More difficult to change your plans: If you change your mind about your plans after you’ve applied for a study permit from outside Canada, it can be more difficult to make changes than if you apply from within Canada. This is because you’ll have to go through the process of applying for a new permit, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Option 2: Apply for a study permit from within Canada
There are also some benefits to applying for a study permit from within Canada:
- Lower fees: As mentioned above, the fees for a study permit are generally lower when you apply from within Canada than when you apply from outside Canada. This can be a significant financial advantage, especially if you’re already dealing with the high costs of tuition and living expenses.
- More flexibility: If you apply for a study permit from within Canada, you’ll have more flexibility to change your plans if you need to. For example, if you decide to switch to a different program or extend your studies, you’ll be able to do so without having to go through the process of applying for a new permit.
- No need to travel: If you apply for a study permit from within Canada, you won’t have to worry about the hassle and expense of travelling to your home country to apply for the permit. This can be especially beneficial if you’re already in Canada and don’t want to disrupt your studies by travelling.
However, there are also some drawbacks to applying for a study permit from within Canada:
- Longer processing times: As mentioned above, it generally takes longer to process a study permit application from within Canada than it does to process an application from outside Canada. This means that you may have to wait longer to get your permit, which could affect your ability to start your studies on time.
Which option is right for you?
Ultimately, the decision of whether to apply for a Canadian study permit from outside Canada or wait until you’re in the country will depend on your individual circumstances. If you have the time and resources to apply from outside Canada, it may be the best option for you. However, if you’re eager to get started with your studies and don’t want to wait, applying from within Canada may be the better choice. Ultimately, it’s important to carefully consider your options and choose the one that’s right for you.