Why are Japanese Students attracted to Canada?

Without a doubt, Japanese students attracted to Canada do so for various reasons. Even before Canada, there was the United States of America which was the Japanese number one study destination. About 15,075 Japanese students study in the United States. Interestingly, this is nearly five times more than the number in the United Kingdom.

Today, the battle has become fiercer with Canada bagging the second study destination for the Japanese students after the US. For four years and counting, Canada has maintained the position, as recorded by the Master Studies, while quoting the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO). Also, according to a recent study, around 20 per cent of Japanese students and 37 per cent of Japanese parents had Canada as their second study destination after the United States.

Also, the Japanese Government data has shown a 24 per cent increase in the number of Japanese students immigrating to Canada for study purposes. Finally, another survey in 2016 by the Canadian Bureau for International Education recorded that Japan is among the top ten countries or regions that is interested in Canada as a study destination.

Major Reasons Japanese immigrate to Canada for study

Primarily the first thought of studying abroad in Canada is quality education by Japanese students. Another one is internationally recognized degrees, followed by cost-effective education, a safe study destination and multiculturalism. Apart from the above, Canada has the most liberal immigration programs in the world.

This offers the Japanese the opportunity to gain entry, permanent residency and Canadian citizenship. Also, the Canadian study permit program and residency pathways play important roles in Japanese students being attracted to Canada.

Furthermore, all these factors and more have attracted thousands of immigrants to Canada, including the Japanese students. So, here are the reasons Japanese students are attracted to Canada:

#1. Quality education with internationally-recognized degrees

Over the years, Canada has worked so hard in ensuring that it maintains a high standard of education. This has attracted several students from several countries and regions to the country. With globally-recognised degrees which are highly valued in the job market, the majority of Japanese students who are capable have made this country the top destination.

#2. Different choice of schools

Canada boasts of hundreds of schools that are of global standards where anyone can obtain their degrees, diplomas and certificates. Many of the schools in Canada are major research destinations, while others are public institutions with minimal tuition for international students.

Additionally, they offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs with flexible teaching modes. So, when Japanese students come to Canada for studies, they are sure that they will receive the right value for their fees.

#3. Affordable cost of living

When compared to other top study destinations like the US and UK, Canada offers affordable cost of living to international students. With the affordable education and reduced cost of living, Japanese students find it quite easier to study in Canada.

#4. Job opportunities

Canada does not just offer affordable and quality education; it offers jobs to international students that finished in Canadian schools. Not to exaggerate, students of international origin who studied in Canada can work in the country for up to 3 years. Even if they decide to return to Japan after their studies, with a Canadian certificate, they would become hotcakes to every potential employer.

#5. Multiculturalism

Canada is a diverse and multicultural country and allows students of all backgrounds to attend their education. As such, Japanese students who are attracted to Canada can live and stud in the country as long as they wish.

#6. Canada is a high technology country

When it comes to computer and information technologies, Canada is one of the globally leading study destinations. It boasts of excellent representation in such sectors as telecommunications, animation, engineering and transportation.

Specific fields include aerospace, medical device, advanced software, hydro-electric, nuclear power, lasers, urban transport, microelectronics, lasers and biotechnology. All manner of modern technologies have been introduced to Canadian schools to make learning in the field of technology fun.

What is a study permit in Canada?

A Canadian study permit is the Canadian student visa or educational visa. It is a document that the government of Canada issues to foreign students of Japanese origin to study at designated learning institutions in Canada. If you are Japanese and want to study in Canada, you will need a study permit and you must apply for it before immigrating to Canada.

Since Canada is open to students from all over the world for international higher education, it welcomes them to live and work in the country during their studies. In many cases too, they may move on to become permanent residents and even citizens of Canada.

What are the requirements for Canadian study permit for Japanese nationals?

Below are the documents needed to apply for a Canadian study permit:

• Valid Japanese passport
• Proof of acceptance by a designated learning institute in Canada
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proof of funds in Japan
• English language proficiency exam score
• Immigration medical examination
• Statement of purpose for travel
• Credit card

Do students from Japan need a sponsor for their studies in Canada?

No, Japanese students do not need someone to sponsor their studies in Canada. As long as their proof of fund satisfies the requirements, they can move to Canada for their education.

What are the eligibility for Japanese study permit in Canada?

To be eligible for a study permit in Canada, you must:

• Be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
• Show proof of fund that you have enough money to pay for your tuition, fees, and living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada.

If you can meet the conditions in the application process, the process for a study permit for a Japanese student will be very simple.

Is there any age limit for a Canadian study visa for Japanese students?

Yes, there is an age range for any student of international origin to be granted a study permit in Canada. For you to get a study permit as a Japanese student, you must be between 18 and 35 years. In essence, the age range is between the date of your birthday and before you turn 18 and until the day before your 36th Birthday. But in some cases, you can study in Canada after 35 years, but under a special Canadian visa pathway.

Does a Japanese student need an interview to acquire a Canadian study permit application?

Japanese students do not need an interview to obtain a study permit. However, the visa officer may request an interview if they desire. In that case, they would contact the student to schedule the interview.

Is the medical examination mandatory for a Japanese student applying for a Canadian study permit?

Every student, regardless of their origin, must undergo the medical examination to ascertain their state of health before granting them admission.

When should a Japanese student apply for a Canadian study permit?

You should apply for a study permit as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance (LOA) from your designated institution in Canada.

Do Japanese students work and study in Canada with their study permit?

Two categories of visas exist for students wishing to study in Canada from Japan and they are:

• The SW-1 Visa or study permit. This is the Study Work Visa for students in Canada and is offered to students whose study program involves compulsory work, internship or co-op program.
• The S-1 Visa or study permit. This is for all other students in standard education programs with no internship, optional work or co-op program.  Equally important, the bulk part of the Japanese students studying in Canada receives the S-1 study permit.

How much can a Japanese student in Canada earn and how long can they work?

The amount a student can earn while working in Canada is not pegged to a particular amount. Hence, the total amount is up to the student to make, so long as they work for 20 hours per week and can prove that they earned the amount within the specific time limit. That means a student working in Canada can only work part-time, except during the summer holiday or any semester break where they can work for up to 40 hours per week like every other person in Canada.

Above and beyond, the average part-time salary for students from Japan is $37,050 per year or $19 per hour. This is considerable when in comparison with other study destinations in the world. You can as well start looking for jobs in Canada before you arrive.

Does one need IELTS before being granted a study permit for Canada as applicant from Japan?

Canadian Immigration does not require IELTS to issue one the study permit. Conversely, most post-secondary educational programs in Canada need every applicant to show proof of their language proficiency before being offered an admission. Also, IELTS is one of the English language tests anyone can take.  Additionally, the Japanese student will need to contact the designated school for their IELTS.

Conclusion

Just like every other nationals, Japanese students are attracted to Canada for several reasons. Expectantly, as a Japanese student planning to apply to a Canadian post-secondary institution, you will gladly do so in the next academic session. Moreover, studying in Canada gives you the option of having international experience and a means to support yourself financially, while studying.