FAQ
Application & general information
Where is CIRA College located?
CIRA College (Canada International Royal Arts College ) is located in the centre of Vancouver, British Columbia. The address is 896 W 8th Ave (2nd Floor) Vancouver, BC V5Z 1E2. We are conveniently close to bus and Skytrain stations.
What is the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number of CIRA College?
DLI #O142484375262.
CIRA College can issue Letters of Acceptance for our students.
How many programs does CIRA College operate?
CIRA College has the following two programs:
- Business Management Diploma (BUSI)
- Media Design & Web Development Co-op Diploma (MDWD)
What are the class sizes?
We operate small class sizes, varying from 8 to 15 students. That way, we can focus on teaching our students to grow and face the Canadian job market properly.
What are the Entry Requirements?
- Valid Passport
- A secondary school diploma or equivalent. You must provide transcripts.
- English Test. You can provide one of the following options:
- TOEFL PBT – 513; CBT – 183; iBT – 65
- TOEIC – 620
- IELTS – 5.5
- CIRA College Online Test (70%). Just ask our advisors, and they can send you our English Test.
Can I have a Scholarship and a Payment Plan?
According to our admissions periods, we have some scholarships that allow you to reduce the cost of your study program. Also, we can provide a payment plan if you need it. Ask our advisors.
How can I apply for your programs?
You can apply online anytime at: www.ciracollege.com/online-application.
If you need additional support, please contact us in admissions@ciracollege.com
What are the steps of the Registration Process?
Once you apply to CIRA College, we will review your documents and issue the following:
- Document for payment of the Application Fee: CA$ 250
- Offer Letter to pay the Security Deposit according to each program.
- Letter of Acceptance, with which you can apply for your Study Permit. If the Study Permit is rejected, our college returns this deposit except for the application fee ($ 250)
Why is a security deposit required in order to obtain a Letter of Acceptance?
This way, we make sure students are serious about taking our programs.
This deposit is not an extra fee. It’s just a part of the tuition fee before we issue the Letter of Acceptance.
How can I pay the Application Fee and the Security Deposit?
You can pay through a wire transfer or an international credit card. When we issue you the documents, we’ll explain all details to make a payment
What is the average processing time for applications?
12 to 14 working days.
Apply for the Canada Study Permit
When can I apply for my Study Permit?
After receiving your Letter of Acceptance from CIRA College, you can apply for your study permit to study in Canada.
How can I apply for my Study Permit?
You can apply from your country on the official website of the Government of Canada. To apply for your study permit, please check all requirements at this link: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp
What documents do I need to apply for the study permit?
You have to make sure that you have the correct documents, which you can find at this link:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents.html
What is the cost of applying for a study permit?
Applying for a Study Permit costs CAD 150, but you must always confirm the information on the website from the Government of Canada.
Do I need proof of financial support to apply for a study permit?
Yes. In the application for your Study Permit, you need proof of your financial support. You can find more details here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents.html#doc3
How long will my study permit process take?
The process will depend on each country. You can check your progress here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
What is the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) and how can I use it for financial proof?
The Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a financial product some Canadian banks offer to international students planning to study in Canada. The GIC program is a requirement for obtaining a study permit and is intended to help cover living expenses during the student’s first year in Canada.
Under the GIC program, students deposit the funds required into a special bank account, which is held for a fixed term (usually 12 months).
More information about the countries in the GIC program is here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html.
Preparing for your travel
What kind of accommodations can I apply to live in?
We’ll help you choose the best option for you. At CIRA College, we work with partners who help us find a room or a homestay. The cost will depend on the kind of accommodation.
What is the difference between rooms and homestays?
Rooms are spaces you can use alone or share some facilities with other students.
Homestays are family homes where you can share some facilities with other students. Homestays would include some meals if you need them.
When should I apply for my accommodation?
You should apply immediately after receiving your Study Permit approval and at least four weeks before your travel date.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes! International students must travel with health insurance from their country. It should cover at least three months while students apply for MSP (Medical Service Plan), British Columbia’s health insurance. Students can apply for MSP after they arrive in Canada.
How can I know the travel restrictions to enter Canada under COVID-19 conditions?
It’s important to check the Canadian Government website to complete all the requirements like vaccinations, Covid-19 testing and quarantine, because it could present changes. So, please check the following link permanently: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/wizard-start.
Studying and working in Vancouver
How many hours per week can I work on a study permit?
During study time, the student can only work up to 20 hours/week.
Students can work up to 40 hours per week during the Co-op period.
Who finds me a Co-Op placement?
CIRA College can help you find it for you at no extra cost. We work with partners in Vancouver to find the Co-Op placement for our students on time. These are the Co-Op placement process steps:
- Introduction of Co-Op period and student details form
- Improvements of Resume and Cover Letter
- Training for facing the future interviews
- Schedule of interviews with employers
- Confirmation of Co-Op placement.
Can I study and work at the same time?
Yes, you can. You can work while you study with a valid study permit.
When can I start to work in Canada?
You can start to work the moment you start your Diploma program. You can’t work before. If you need to level your English during this period, you may not work.
What is the Minimum Wage in British Columbia?
The minimum wage in BC is currently $15.65 per hour (as of June 1, 2022). In the last few years, it has increased each year. You can check these details if the official website of the BC Government here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/employment-standards/wages/minimum-wage.
Why is it essential to get the Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
Your study permit will state whether you can work in Canada and the employment requirements. This statement enables you to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada; obtaining a SIN is crucial before you can work while studying in Canada.
How do I get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
You can apply online here: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/apply.html
Why is it essential to get the Medical Service Plan (MSP)?
The Medical Service Plan (MSP) is the health insurance used in British Columbia. As an international student with a valid Study Permit, you should be eligible for a provincial health care card to access these services.
How do I get the Medical Service Plan (MSP)?
After you arrive to Canada you can apply here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/how-to-enrol