I want my son to study in Canada

Immigration corner - I want my son to study in Canada - News - Jamaica Gleaner - Wednesday | November 20, 2013

Dear Ms Powell,

I have a brilliant son and believe the education system here is holding him back. I've allowed him to sit his examinations privately and he already has five subjects. He is only in fourth form. Someone recommended that I let him do the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), but I don't want him to study in the United States. Could you, please, give me some information on how I can get my son to study in Canada?

- GB

Dear GB,

Congratulations to you and your son on his achievements. You should speak to your son's principal and teachers if you have concerns about his advancement.

I'm not sure if you are thinking that you would like him to complete high school in Canada or Jamaica, then attend university in Canada. In any event, there are some fundamentals that you should think about.

Canada is an excellent choice for educational advancement. However, before you apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for a student permit, you will need to first be accepted in a school of your choice.

You will be required to submit an original letter of acceptance from any school, be it secondary, college, university or another educational institution in Canada.

You may apply to both public and private schools in Canada as long as you are able to afford the tuition fees. The key is to ensure that the school selected is one that is accredited or recognised by the province.

You should check the Ministry of Education for the province in which you would like your son to study, to get this information. You may find the information on useful websites such as www.cmec.ca, www.nacc.caand www.educationau-incanada.ca.

If you are thinking about a university you should first check to ensure that the school provides the required courses. Don't forget to evaluate the school's accreditation and ranking. See the Association of University and College's website for additional information (www.aucc.ca).

You should also check to see if preliminary examinations, such as the MCAT, are required. Many universities in Canada do not require these examinations, but you will need to contact the specific university to find out what is needed in order to matriculate.

There are some schools and international organisations that provide scholarships, grants and accommodation to international students, based on their performance.

If you have access to funding, you should present proof with your application, as this is a critical part of the application process.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

You will need to be able to show that you are able to financially support your son while he is Canada. So you must submit proof that you have the resources for tuition, boarding, living expenses, and return ticket, at the end of the study period.

So you should be able to show proof that you have or will be able to fund tuition fees, plus approximately CDN$10,000, for a minimum of a 12-month period, which is approximately CDN$833 per month.

Be prepared to present the following types of proof:

Bank statements for at least the four months preceding the application.

Proof that you qualify for, or have, access to student loans or scholarships.

A letter from a person, organisation or institution that will be providing you with funding.

Any other proof of source of funding.

Your son will need to pass the medical and security checks (if over 18 years) before he is granted a study permit. He will also require the following:

1. Presentation of biometrics data;

2. Valid passport;

3. Two recent photographs taken in accordance with the specifications;

4. Completion of all the supporting forms;

5. Payment of the required application fees.

If you have relatives living in Canada, who can act as custodian of your son, you should provide their particulars as well.

If you have other issues or concerns, or would like more information and personal assistance with the application process, contact an immigration lawyer directly.

Best of luck to you and your son.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public who is a member of the Jamaican and Ontario, Canada bars, with office located in Ottawa, Ontario. Her areas of practice are in immigration, commercial, real estate, personal injury, family and administration of estates. She is on the roster of mediators for Ottawa, Toronto, and the Dispute Resolution Foundation of Jamaica. Email: info@deidrepowell.com. Subject line: Immigration Twitter: deidrespowell; Facebook: jamaicanlawyer

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