Study in Canada from Sierra Leone

This article describes in detail the process of how to Study in Canada from Sierra Leone. If you require any further help or information do take the Study in Canada visa assessment for Sierra Leone Citizens available on this page.

The top reasons Sierra Leonean student study in Canada are:

• ability to work as a Sierra Leonean in Canada for the duration of the course
• Internationally recognized qualifications
• straightforward application process for Sierra Leone Nationals
• pathway to Canadian permanent residence for Sierra Leonean Citizens

Of all the reasons, the pathway to permanent residency for Sierra Leonean Citizens is why the majority of Sierra Leonean students study in Canada as opposed to at home in Sierra Leone or elsewhere. The opportunities for Sierra Leonean students studying in Canada cannot be matched globally.

International students from Sierra Leone often ask whether the can study and work in Canada. The Canadian Government allows Sierra Leonean students on a Canadian study permit to undertake paid employment in Canada.

There are two ways a Sierra Leonean student can study and work in Canada

• SW-1 Visa for Sierra Leonean students studying in Canada. The SW-1 Visa is issued to Sierra Leonean Citizens who have to complete an internship as part of their course.
• S-1 Visa for Sierra Leonean students in general programs of Canadian higher education. This is the most popular Canadian Study and Work Visa for International students form Sierra Leone. The S-1 Study permit allows Sierra Leonean students to work 20 hours a week during term time and full time during vacation periods

A student permit holder from Sierra Leone is able to work part time during semesters and full time hours being during term breaks.

If you would rather immigrate to Canada from Sierra Leone under another visa you can find out how in our guide on how to immigrate to Canada from Sierra Leone

The average earning for Sierra Leonean students in Canada is:

• $37,050 per year
• $19 per hour
• Entry level positions start at $27,300 per year
• Experienced Sierra Leonean student workers make up to $62,985 per year

You can start your work hours only after your study course commences.  If you arrive in Canada from Sierra Leone earlier than this, you cannot work during that time.

You may only work after your course has formally begun. If you are caught working beyond the allowed hours on your Canadian work and study visa your visa may be cancelled and you will have to return to Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leonean citizens do not require a study permit for courses lasting less than six months. However, the course must be completed within the six-month timeframe. If a student from Sierra Leone intends to stay for more than six months they must apply for the correct Student Visa and have it granted before they leave Sierra Leone.

Documents required to apply for a Canada Student Visa from Sierra Leone

• Sierra Leone Passport. (make sure it is valid beyond the term of the visa you seek)
• Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Educational establishment in Canada
• Proof of Funds in Sierra Leone
• Passport Size Photographs.
• An Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
• English Language Proficiency Exam Score where required
• Statement of Purpose for Travel from Sierra Leone to Canada
• Credit Card

International students from Sierra Leone do not require a sponsor for a Canadian Student Visa.

The only requirements to study in Canada from Sierra Leone are

• be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
• prove you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees
• prove enough money for living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you

Sierra Leonean students coming to Canada to study must be able to show funds available equal or greater than:

• CA$10,000 (~US$7,650) for every year of your study
• CA$11,000/~US$8,400 if you’re applying to study in Quebec
• These figures are in addition to tuition fees

What is the age limit for Canada student visa fromSierra Leone?

Sierra Leonean students must be between 18 years of age and 35 years of age.

The age is taken from the date of your birthday turning 18 and until the day before your 36th Birthday.

Is an interview required for a Canadian student visa application?

Sierra Leonean students are not required to have an interview as part of their Canada Student Visa application

Is the medical for Sierra Leonean Citizens applying for a Canada Study Visa?

The medical examination is compulsory for all Sierra Leonean students applying for a Canadian student visa.

When should I apply for my Study Permit?

Sierra Leonean applicants should apply as soon as the letter of acceptance (LOA) is received from the education provider

• The Canada Student Visa allows you to enter Canada a Citizen of Sierra Leone
• The Study Permit gives you the permission to stay in the country
• As a Citizen of Sierra Leone you will be issued with a student visa and a Canadian Study Permit

The Canadian Study Permit costs $150 Canadian per person for applicants from Sierra Leone

As a Citizen of Sierra Leone you are allowed to leave Canada during your studies. These can be trips to return to Sierra Leone or elsewhere. Your student visa allows you to travel in and out of Canada. When arriving back in Canada from a trip to Sierra Leone or anywhere else, you will need to prove you are currently enrolled in your institution.

If you are a Citizen of Sierra Leone you will usually be able to bring your partner or spouse and dependent children with you. There are no restrictions on the number of hours your partner or spouse may work in Canada for the duration of the visa.

Many students from Sierra Leone convert their Canada student visa to full Canadian Permanent residency via the Canadian Experience Class Visa. The CEC visa is the main reason why individuals study in Canada from Sierra Leone.

The Canadian Experience Class is a direct path to Canadian Citizenship and dual nationality. The Canadian Government recognizes students from Sierra Leone make great candidates to become long term Canadian residents and eventually citizens of Canada.

Students from Sierra Leone who have studied at least for two years at an accredited college or university on a full-time basis are eligible to apply for permanent residency via the CEC Visa program. Sierra Leonean students are welcomed to Canada.

The best Canadian cities for Sierra Leonean students have been voted as

1. Toronto
2. Vancouver
3. Calgary

The Canada cities with the best nightlife for students from Sierra Leone are

1. Toronto
2. Quebec
3. Vancouver

The processing time for Canadian student visa applications from Sierra Leone is 15 days.

Usually 15 days are enough as there are no Interviews for the Canadian student visa and permit. Do not book flights from Sierra Leone to Canada until the visa has been granted.

Canada Made Simple offer a number of merit based Scholarships to Sierra Leonean students studying in Canada.

Universities include:

University of Alberta

University of British Columbia

Lakehead University

University of Toronto