Verification for Canadian education consultants is a two-tier system:
For Mandatory License Check: CICC Public Register Search
For Educational Certification: ICEF Agent Training Portal
Burlington, Ontario (Headquarters of the CICC).
6 to 12 months. This includes university application processing, arranging finances, and the official study permit application processing time by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The primary legal document is the Study Permit, which is issued upon arrival in Canada. To enter the country, students from most countries first receive a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) sticker in their passport.
The student consults with the agent. The agent performs a detailed assessment of academic transcripts, English proficiency scores, financial status, and career objectives.
Initial Documents Required: Academic transcripts (Class 10, 12, Bachelor's), Passport copy, and results from an English proficiency test like IELTS or PTE.
The consultant helps shortlist suitable programs at DLIs (Designated Learning Institutions)—schools approved by the government to host international students. They advise on program relevance, tuition fees, and post-graduation work prospects.
The consultant guides the student in preparing a strong application, including a powerful SOP (Statement of Purpose) and securing 2-3 academic or professional LORs (Letters of Recommendation).
The consultant submits applications to the chosen DLIs. Upon success, the student receives an official LOA, which is the foundational document for the study permit application.
The student pays the first semester's tuition fee deposit as per the LOA. For many students, especially those using the SDS (Student Direct Stream), they must purchase a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) of CAD $20,635 (amount as of 2024, subject to change) from a participating bank. This covers the first year of living expenses.
The student completes a medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician *before* submitting their visa application. This speeds up the processing time significantly.
The CICC-licensed consultant submits the complete Study Permit application to IRCC online. The application must be flawless and compelling.
Key Documents for Visa: Official LOA, Tuition fee payment receipt, GIC certificate, Proof of upfront medical exam, a detailed Letter of Explanation (visa SOP), academic documents, passport, and biometrics.
After submission, the student receives a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) and must visit a local Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide their fingerprints and photograph.
A formal interview is not a standard part of the Canadian study permit process. The vast majority of applications are decided based on the documents submitted. However, an IRCC officer has the discretion to request an interview if they have specific concerns about the applicant's intentions, finances, or academic plan. This is rare. The strength of the written application is therefore paramount.
The student receives notifications from IRCC. If approved, they receive a Passport Request (PPR) to submit their passport for visa stamping, and most importantly, a POE (Port of Entry) Letter of Introduction. This letter is NOT the study permit itself but is the document needed to get it.
With the visa and POE letter secured, the consultant provides a comprehensive pre-departure orientation, covering flights, arranging accommodation, what to pack, and initial settlement information.
At the first Canadian airport, the student goes to the secondary immigration area. They must present their passport, valid visa, and the POE Letter of Introduction to a CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) officer. The officer will ask a few final questions (e.g., "What will you be studying?") and, upon satisfaction, will print and issue the official Study Permit document. This document is the student's legal status to live and study in Canada.