Immigration and Studies in Canada: What Changes for Maghreb Applicants in 2026

Researching a move to Canada means sorting facts from personal stories and online rumors. Podcasts and guides from groups like Immigrant Québec offer helpful insights on daily life, weather, or finding a first apartment in Montreal or Moncton. Still, listening to personal accounts cannot replace a strict grasp of the eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

At AMRI Consulting, a private consulting firm specializing in Canadian immigration and studies with offices in Montreal and Rabat, we see avoidable mistakes every week. Applications get refused because a candidate submitted the wrong language test, showed insufficient proof of funds, or mixed up Quebec rules with those of other provinces. This article breaks down the current rules so you can build a strong application.

The Study and Immigration Programs We Handle

Canadian immigration rules change often. To maintain high standards, we deliberately focus our work on three specific areas:

• Study Permits: complete assistance with university admissions and the IRCC permit application.
• Express Entry: full management of your profile and permanent residence application for skilled workers.
• Family Sponsorship: bringing your spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children to Canada.

We do not handle closed work permits, job searches, visitor visas, or Provincial Nominee Programs (unless they are aligned with Express Entry). If your project falls outside our scope, take our free eligibility assessment or contact us directly to discuss your options.

Studying in Canada: Université de Moncton and the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP)

For applicants from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, or Mauritania, your choice of province and school directly affects your overall budget and your chances of success.

While you can ask for our support with other designated Canadian universities, we primarily recommend the Université de Moncton in New Brunswick. Note that this is not a business partner or an official affiliate of our firm, but rather an institution we recommend for its practical advantages:

• Programs taught entirely in French within a welcoming, bilingual community.
• Tuition fees that are lower than in major urban centers across Ontario or British Columbia.
• Access to the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP).

The FMCSP is open to citizens of International Organisation of La Francophonie member countries. This federal program lowers the standard financial proof threshold and offers a direct pathway to permanent residence after graduation. Keep language requirements in mind: IRCC sets the minimum at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5, but Université de Moncton requires CLB 7 for direct admission into its faculties. In addition, the number of spots each year is capped by government quotas.

Regarding degree levels: high school graduates must start in an undergraduate program (a Canadian bachelor's degree, taking 3 to 4 years). To enter a master's program (second cycle), you must hold a recognized university bachelor's degree or license. Doctoral studies (third cycle) require an academic master's degree with a research thesis.

At AMRI Consulting, our technical help with preparing and submitting your university admission application is included at no extra charge in our service agreement. However, university application fees and your tuition costs remain your responsibility and are paid directly to the school.

Proof of Funds: Required Amounts

Financial issues are the primary reason IRCC officers refuse study permit applications. Your bank statements must prove where the money came from over several months and confirm that the funds are readily available without restrictions.

For all Canadian provinces outside Quebec, IRCC requires $23,448 CAD for a single applicant's living expenses, based on official figures published on Canada.ca. This amount covers only your first year of living costs. You must add:

• Full tuition fees for your first academic year.
• A set amount to cover your return airfare.

If you choose to study in Quebec, the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) requires $24,617 CAD in living costs for a single adult. You must also obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) before applying for your federal study permit.

Language Tests: Avoid the DELF and DALF Trap

This is a common point of confusion for applicants across the Maghreb. While the DELF and DALF prove strong French proficiency in university settings, IRCC does not accept them for direct study permit streams or permanent immigration programs.

To have your application evaluated, you must take an approved test:

• For French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
• For English: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, or PTE Core.

No other versions (such as IELTS Academic for Express Entry) will be accepted when setting up your federal profile.

How Our Services Work at AMRI Consulting

AMRI Consulting is an independent consulting firm. We are not an IRCC office, and no private company can guarantee a visa or speed up processing times. Immigration files are supervised, in partnership, by Mr. Mohammed El Habib Cherdoud, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (CICC license #R532955, Quebec license #11852), verifiable on the public register of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.

To maintain full transparency, our professional fees are fixed and billed in stages as your file moves forward. You pay for each milestone by credit card through your client portal:

Our Fee Schedule

• Study Permit ($5,000 CAD): Initial consultation of $100 CAD, followed by $2,400 CAD when opening your file, then $2,500 CAD upon receipt of the final decision. To learn more about our student services, visit our university and studies section.
• Express Entry ($5,000 CAD for single applicants / $8,000 CAD for couples with children): Initial consultation of $100 CAD, then $900 CAD at opening, $2,000 CAD when you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), and $2,000 CAD upon final submission of your permanent residence application. Learn more on our Express Entry page.
• Family Sponsorship ($3,500 CAD): Initial consultation of $100 CAD, followed by $1,650 CAD at opening, then $1,750 CAD once the final decision is issued.

Full details are available on our pricing page. Official Canadian government processing fees (biometrics, medical exams, government visa fees) are not included in our rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Canada during my university studies?

International students with a valid study permit enrolled at a designated learning institution can work on or off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions. You may work full-time during scheduled school breaks, as long as you comply with the conditions on your permit.

Are degrees from Morocco, Algeria, or Tunisia recognized for Express Entry?

You must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) through an IRCC-designated organization, such as WES (World Education Services) or ICES. This report confirms how your degree compares to Canadian educational credentials.

How far in advance should I prepare a study application?

We suggest starting 8 to 10 months before your intended start date. This timeline gives you enough room to take your language tests, receive your university acceptance letter, collect the required bank statements, and submit your study permit application without rushing.

Evaluate Your Options

Before spending money on tests or applications, make sure your profile fits Canadian program requirements. Start by completing our free online eligibility assessment to review your options. You can then book a $100 CAD initial consultation with our team, which will be credited toward your service agreement if you choose to work with us.