From Visitor to Student

[nettoyant]

Hello,

a friend of mine came to Canada as a visitor to study english (since she was allowed to do so, she didn't bother getting a student visa back home). Now she wants to apply for a Study Permit within Canada to continue studying english and try to get into a University.
She's from Brazil. Is this possible?

Thank you.

 

[PMM]

Hi

Hello,

a friend of mine came to Canada as a visitor to study english (since she was allowed to do so, she didn't bother getting a student visa back home). Now she wants to apply for a Study Permit within Canada to continue studying english and try to get into a University.
She's from Brazil. Is this possible?

Thank you.

She would have to apply to Sao Paulo for a study permit.

 

[nettoyant]

Hello PMM!

Hi

She would have to apply to Sao Paulo for a study permit.

Thank you for your reply. I thought it would be like this. But the girl found a place to apply online at cic's website (that change conditions or extend stay form). This is going to be a waste of time, right?

Thank you again.

Cheers,

 

[scylla]

She can probably apply online. However her passport will have to be sent to Sao Paulo for visa stamping and if an interview is required it will be held there as well.

To be approved for a student visa she will have to prove that she is a genuine student and has no plans on remaining in Canada long term. Applying from within Canada probably won't work in her favour. Also, those who apply for a student visa to take an English course in Canada have a significantly higher rate of refusal than those applying to real college or university programs. CIC often suspects those who say they want to take an English course are really just trying to find a way to remain in Canada long term (i.e. aren't genuine students). I would encourage you to move over to the International Students section of the forum to familiarize yourself with what is required to apply and the common reasons for refusal.

 

[nettoyant]

Thank you for the reply Scylla!