For Studies In Canada, American Students Need More Funding And Reliable Immigration Law Information

Thanks to the lower cost of university education in Canada—at least, when compared to the often unattainable tuition costs in the United States—many American students are coming to study in Canada. The application process for Canadian universities is also much simpler since most Canadian programs do not require entrance exams. That being said, American students in Canada still face financial and immigration hurdles when studying here. A corporate immigration law firm can help American students with immigration concerns, such as obtaining study permits.

With regards to financial aid, both the Canadian and U.S. governments need to develop more joint scholarships and funding programs that are accessible to American students studying in Canada.
A recent Universities Canada report addressed the financial and immigration concerns American students in Canada have. After interviewing focus groups across Canada that comprised American undergraduate and post-graduate students, Universities Canada found that access to funding and frustration with the immigration system were among the top concerns for American students, along with the need for more resources to help with life in Canada. The report also contained recommendations to improve students’ overall experiences in Canada.

Currently, American post-graduate students are not eligible for graduate funding in Canada. Grants and scholarships are also limited for undergraduate students. A recommendation from the report addressed the need for more joint Canada-U.S. funding programs to ease the financial burdens for American students in Canada.

The immigration system has also been a problem for American students, with many receiving inconsistent information regarding immigration policies. The report suggests streamlining the immigration process for American students.

Resources and assistance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada representatives at Canadian universities can also ease the frustration and inconsistency surrounding immigration policies for American students.

Other important recommendations from the report address the need for more information and support for students to navigate their new lives in Canada. On-campus support and matching students with mentors can help American students with tasks such as obtaining health insurance and cell phone plans. American students can also raise awareness at U.S. high schools about what to expect when studying in Canada.

As the report suggests, both Canada and the U.S. need to work together to improve American students’ experiences in Canada. In the meantime, a corporate immigration law firm can provide reliable and consistent advice on Canada’s immigration policies for American students.

Support for these important life tasks, such as obtaining a study permit and getting enough funding to pursue or continue studies will improve students’ experiences and make Canada a more welcoming and desirable study destination for international students.