Overcome Study Gaps for securing Canadian Study Permit.

Students and parents often wonder about the study gap acceptable by the Canadian Universities and Colleges. The Canadian Education system allows gap years, and an international student with gap years must provide valid reasons and valid explanations. The acceptable study gap for applicants for undergraduate and diploma programs is two years, and five years study gap is allowed for students who intend to apply for postgraduate programs. Work experience, volunteer work and overseas travel gap are commonly taken by youth globally, but this phenomenon is still very new in Asia.

Canadian Universities and Colleges are flexible enough in allowing students with gap years post submission of valid documents. Higher education in Canada is primarily suitable for international students as they are eligible for work during full-time studies and receive a postgraduate work permit up to 3 years after completing education from a designated learning institute (DLI). It is recommended that all students should avail the opportunity of working in Canada after completion of the program, even if they have no intention of permanently settling down in Canada.

The mere experience of working in North America will benefit the students, and they will be able to make a smooth transition from a student to valuable work not only in Canada but anywhere in the world. What is a Study Gap? Any time an applicant spends in an activity other than being an active student before enrolling in continued studies falls in the category of study gap. Students in North America and Europe utilize time after school completion or even after obtaining their first degree. During the gap period, they either travel overseas, undertake volunteer work but join not-for-profit charities or by availing an international experience year. Some students work for a year or two after completing a bachelor's degree, which is also considered a gap year.

How much is the Study Gap Acceptable in Canada? Acceptable study gap duration in Canada varies and is dependent on various factors. International students with study gap have risen post- Covid, majorly due to the shift to online education, restrictions put in place by multiple governments by closing national borders and in some cases due to economic meltdown.

Allowed Study Gap Years: -

• Diploma 2 Years
• Undergraduate 2 Years
• Postgraduate 5 Years

Reasons acceptable for Study Gap Leaners with gap years who want to study abroad face problems in justifying the reasons for their study gap; some of the reasons acceptable by Universities and Colleges include the following:

? Family Issues: Asian family structure and expectations are a bit different, and anything to do with family issues is one of the toughest to ignore over career advancement. This reason is essential for the institutions since it is not a minor issue.

? Medical Issues: Medical emergencies can crop up at any point in life; students, just like anyone else, sometimes go through medical treatment, which makes progress a bit stagnant. This gap is accepted in the colleges and universities in Canada only if the student provides proper medical records.

? Travelling: Students from all over the world take a gap year to travel and gain experience. Through travel, students gain valuable experience and also become independent.

? Work Experience: Some students prefer to work after completing of bachelor's degree. Most universities require students to have 2 to 3 years of work experience before applying for an MBA and many other professional degrees.

Supporting Study Gaps for Canadian Study Permit: The student can clarify their study gap by a statement of purpose and must include supporting documents to prove it. Some of the required documents are :

? Payslip - the applicant must attach the pay slip or offer letter from the organization they work for during the gap.

? Certificates – provide certificates of any skill development program undertaken by the applicant.

? Medical Certificates – an applicant who has gone through medical issues can attach medical certificates approved by licensed doctors or medical centers/ hospitals.

? Marksheet – associated with education completed; if they appeared in any entrance exam and could not make it, they should attach their result forms or hall tickets as proof for a study visa. Students and parents can contact us for an academic and career counselling session. Our group comprises well-travelled and culturally immersed professionals who are approachable. We have a solution for all your queries.

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