The event held by CCBC provided information about the necessary procedures to obtain a visa to study in the North American country
By Pedro Augusto
The Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC) hosted Canada Day 2024, aimed at providing opportunities for young Brazilians who wish to do an exchange program, study, and explore the Canadian job market. The event featured representatives from the Consulate General of Canada in Brazil, who highlighted the efficiency of visa processing, allowing students to begin their studies in the country.
During the event, experts from various universities and educational institutions in Canada shared information and provided clarifications for students, offering a comprehensive view of the available opportunities.
Canada leads the list of the most sought-after destinations by Brazilians for studying abroad. According to the 2023 Belta Survey released by the Brazilian Association of Exchange Agencies, the number of Brazilian students seeking to study abroad grew by 18% in 2022 compared to the pre-pandemic period. This is because the region offers excellent quality of life, safety, and academic options, as well as work opportunities during and after studies, and the possibility of obtaining permanent residency in Canada.
The institutions
Canada Day had the participation of eight institutions during the two-day event, where students and those interested in expanding their knowledge in Canada were able to meet these entities and ask questions about the processes.
For those interested in areas such as Technology and Business, opportunities are distributed among several renowned institutions, such as Algonquin College, located in Ottawa, Sault College, in Sault Ste. Marie, and NorQuest College, in Edmonton.
NAIT, also located in Edmonton, in addition to offering innovative programs in Technology, offers great opportunities in the areas of Health and Natural Resources.
Niagara College, located in the Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland region, presented its Hospitality and Tourism courses. For those looking for a specialization in Agriculture, Environment and Business, Lankeland College, in Vermilion and Lloydminster, is one of the options.
The Lester B. Pearson School Board in Montreal provides bilingual higher education. There is also Languages Canada, a national non-profit association, which promotes the teaching of English and French in several schools in Canada.
“We are talking about a Canadian population that studies a lot, whether in college, undergraduate, master’s or doctoral studies. The longer you study, this will be reflected in your salary. Canada knows how to teach people who speak another language,” highlights Diego Sanchez, director of International Affairs at Languages Canada.
Travel preparation and necessary documentation
For those who are thinking about studying in Canada, it is essential to pay attention to the registration deadlines offered by the institutions and to prepare the documentation, such as sending transcripts, English test results and necessary proof of income. The institutions present at the event highlighted the importance of starting the application process in advance, as soon as each university opens its applications.
Furthermore, to obtain a student visa for Canada it is necessary to follow a series of steps after receiving the acceptance letter from the educational institution and the scholarship. There are different types of visa, each suited to specific situations: the SX-1, for short-term courses (up to 24 weeks), which requires an acceptance letter; the V-1, a tourist visa that can also be used for courses of up to 24 weeks; and the S-1 Study Permit, required for courses longer than 24 weeks.
To speed up the process, it is recommended to seek help from an exchange agency that offers guidance and support during all stages. In addition to the acceptance letter, you must have a passport valid for at least six months, demonstrate family ties in your country of origin, prove your financial capacity to support yourself in Canada during the study period and send all the necessary documentation, detailing your plans. on a trip. For courses lasting more than six months, a medical examination is also required.
Air Canada
To help students have more flight options to the North American country, Air Canada will offer, from December onwards, daily flights from Brazil to Montreal, increasing convenience and facilitating trip planning.
According to Hugo Silva Franco, Sales Account Manager at Air Canada, the company offers special rates for students in partnership with educational institutions. “In addition to the offers, night flights allow passengers to arrive at their destination early, facilitating connection with different provinces and cities”, he explains.
To watch the event, simply access each institution’s video playlist on their YouTube channel.
