Are you having trouble finding meaningful work in Canada? Canadian employers don’t always recognize foreign credentials and work experience. This is because employers may not have the capacity to assess credentials from other countries.
Recent immigrants may decide to apply to a private career college in Canada to refresh their credentials and re-start their careers. Applying to Canadian colleges is easier than you might think. Here’s how to apply to a private career college as an immigrant student.
Choose a College Program
Before you can apply to a private career college, you need to choose a program you’d like to study. Immigrant students have a lot of options. If you want to start a new career in Canada, a wide range of program offerings are available.
However, you can also choose a program that relates to your prior experience. Some immigrants worry they’ll have to start their studies from the beginning, but that’s not always the case. Some colleges will give you advance standing for your prior learning, so you may be able to get your Canadian credentials more quickly.
Post-graduate programs are another option. These programs are designed for people who already have experience in a specific field. By earning a post-graduate diploma in Canada, you can gain specialized training Canadian employers will recognize.
Contact the College Directly
Once you’ve chosen a program and gathered your documents, you can apply to a private career college. To find out how to apply, contact the college directly. Some colleges have easy-to-complete forms you can fill where they contact you with all the information required for your admissions process. The college you’re interested in will let you know what your next steps are in the application process.
Provide Supporting Documents
When you apply to a private career college, you’ll need to provide documentation that shows proof of identification. This documentation shows that you’re an immigrant, not an international student. If you are an international student, you need a study permit, and higher fees may apply to you, so it’s important to prove your status.
Colleges may also want supporting documents about your past academic history. For many college programs, you’ll need to provide your high school transcripts. For post-graduate programs, you may need to provide your college or university transcripts.
Some colleges require immigrant applicants to have their education documents assessed. If you went to a foreign high school or college, colleges need help understanding your educational background. There are approved providers of credential assessments, and your college can direct you to one. If your transcripts aren’t in English or French, the college may also ask you to have them professionally translated.
Once you’ve submitted the appropriate documents, the college will consider your application.
Apply for Financial Assistance
If you’re accepted to college, you may be worried about how to pay for it. Cost can seem like a major barrier, especially when you’re a new immigrant who has spent a lot of money coming to Canada. As an immigrant student, you may be eligible for various types of financial assistance. Financial assistance can help you pay for your college program if you qualify.
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is one option. Immigrants can apply for grants and loans from this program, provided they meet the residence and income requirements. Grants don’t need to be paid back, while loans will need to be repaid once you’re no longer a student.
If you’re not able to get OSAP funding, there are other options. Your college’s financial aid office is another place you can turn for help funding your studies. The financial aid office can discuss payment options with you. It may be able to offer a payment plan to make paying for college more affordable.
