Is Studying in Canada a Good Idea?: Mixed Opinions

Studying in Canada has been a dream for many Latin Americans. However, changes in immigration policy in recent years have led some visa applicants to wonder whether it’s a good idea to immigrate to the country through study.

Those of us who work in the field of international studies can say that the short answer is: yes.

Provided that the non-negotiable conditions that lead to success are taken into account.

In this blog post, I'll tell you what these conditions are and what mixed reactions they've sparked among international students who have lived in Canada. Read to the end and draw your own conclusions.

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Conditions That Lead to Successful Immigration to Canada Through Study

International students who are fluent in English and/or French, have financial stability, and possess prior work experience tend to progress more quickly in their academic studies and in their integration into the country. 

But first, they have made sure to meet these conditions for success:

• Have a clear goal: In the statement of purpose, the student explains exactly what they hope to learn, how it will benefit their career, and why it is worth making this investment rather than studying in their home country.

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• Follow the logical progression from your previous studies: The degree program you have chosen is related to your existing education or work experience. This ensures a position in a field with high demand. 

When a student chooses a different major or does not demonstrate clear goals upon graduation, it raises the immigration officer's suspicions and puts the student at high risk of being denied.

• Be realistic about the costs of studying and waiting times: Immigration authorities require you to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the first year of study, travel expenses, and the minimum cost of living, which is $22,895 CAD for a single person (and increases if you are traveling with family), as of the date of this publication.

You can't count on being able to start looking for a job right away to support yourself. In addition, you have to take into account the time it takes to obtain a visa, the provincial letter (PAL), and enrollment at the institution (DLI).

Visitor visa applications submitted from outside Canada have an estimated processing time of 31 days, calculated from the date the complete application is received until the final decision is made. 

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However, this processing time may vary depending on the volume or complexity of the case and does not include the transfer of documents between visa centers or the processing of biometric data. 

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Those who fall short on any of these points will fail in their plans to study abroad or will not have their visa approved.

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Canada isn't the place to reinvent yourself

The Canadian government, through IRCC, does not approve visas or permits based solely on a "desire to start over" in the country. 

The threshold for demonstrable financial resources has risen sharply to ensure that students can get through their first year without having to rely on finding jobs or part-time pay.

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Mixed opinions

The Student Pose with a Partner

"I traveled to Canada with my family to study. My husband found a good job, and our lives have improved so much; that's why I definitely recommend it. It all depends on how we view Canada and on coming with a clear plan," says one of our anonymous respondents.

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Note 2026: Canada allows the student’s spouse to apply for an Open Work Permit (SOWP) under certain master’s or doctoral programs. This gives the spouse the freedom to work for any employer, change jobs, and move to another province if necessary. (This is something that a Closed Work Permit does not offer.)

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The mindset of someone seeking to establish themselves

"If your real goal is to come to Canada just to get permanent residency, I wouldn't recommend it these days… Ideally, you should come with a mindset focused on professional growth and not just see it as a shortcut."

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Compelling Reasons to Study in Canada

If your profile is "well-established," you have the financial means to invest in knowledge and meet the updated funding threshold (a base amount of CAD 22,895 if you are traveling alone; the amounts increase if you are traveling with family members, such as dependents), don't hesitate to embrace the experience:

1. Value for money: Education in Canada remains more affordable than in the United States and other developed countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom.

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2. The PGWP and Canadian Experience: The Post-Graduation Work Permit allows you to gain experience to apply under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which is the government's top priority.

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3. IRCC 2026 Update: Trusted Institution Framework. The government has implemented the Trusted Institution Framework. If you choose an institution with this seal, your visa application will receive priority processing. 

These schools are selected because they provide essential services such as student housing and mental health support, facilitating a safe and orderly arrival in the country.

4. IRCC has set a cap of 155,000 new study permits with PAL for 2026: Students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees at public institutions are exempt from this cap, increasing their chances of success.

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Canada is a destination for students with clear goals. It does not grant residency simply because it "needs people," but rather rewards talent and hard work. The current system is highly demanding, not exclusionary.

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Are you interested in immigrating to Canada to pursue career opportunities? If you have any questions about the process, we at Immiland Education can assist you.

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Career Counseling Services

At Immiland Canada's Department of Studies, we provide guidance to help you become a successful professional in this country and other destinations.

Thanks to our strategic partnerships with universities and colleges in various countries, we can advise you on selecting programs that fit your academic interests and evaluate costs and requirements. 

We handle your free registration with partner institutions and send you the best options by email. 

If you'd like to explore your travel options, learn about your immigration status. 

Schedule a free appointment at this link:  Vocational Education Counseling and start planning your study abroad journey!

I hope this post helps you choose the best way to emigrate in 2026. Thank you for reading. See you in the next blog post!

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With love,

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Immiland Canada