Canada Study Permit
Every year, thousands of foreign students apply to study in Canada. Canadian universities are the top destination for international students from all over the world. They provide a high-quality education system focused on research, scientific publications, and international collaboration in a vibrant culture. Studying in Canada may also lead to incredible career opportunities and permanent settlement in Canada. The Canadian Student visa allows students to study in Canada either at a primary, secondary, or post-secondary level or in vocational or professional level courses.
If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and want to study in Canada for a period longer than 6 months at a post-secondary level, you will first need a Canadian study permit.
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A Canadian study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC) to foreign nationals who wants to come to Canada to study or continue ongoing studies at designated learning institutions (DLI) in Canada. A designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Canada study permit grants legal authorization for an international student to study at a DLI in Canada.
How to get your study permit faster through Student Direct Stream?
If you’re a legal resident in certain countries, you may be able to get your study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream.
Please note that the study permit is not a visa. It does not let you enter Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) depending on your country of citizenship.
Student Visa vs. Study Permit
“A Student Visa is an authorization to enter into a country,” says Hari. “[This is a] conditional authorization, which means that even if you have a student visa, the officer at the border has the authority to deny you entry into the country.”
“A Study Permit gives you the authority to stay in the country. It has the details about your purpose: what is your reason, why you are here, what course level you are studying, what is the duration, and if there are any restrictions in terms of work.”
In other words, think of the difference between Student Visa and Study Permit as follows:
Student Visa – This allows you to enter Canada
Study Permit – This allows you to stay in Canada
A study permit is usually valid for the length of your study program, plus an extra 90 days. The 90 days let you prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay.
If you have conditional acceptance and you have to take prerequisite courses, such as English or French as a second language course, before your school accepts you into the main program, your study permit will be valid for the duration of those courses, plus 1 year. When you get accepted into the main program, you must then apply to extend your study permit.
If you do not finish your courses before the date on your permit, you must apply to extend your stay as a student. If you do not, you will need to stop studying and leave Canada.
If you finish your studies early, your permit will stop being valid 90 days after you complete your studies, no matter what day is printed on the study permit.
If you leave Canada during your studies, you may need to show proof you are enrolled in your school when you return to Canada. If you have a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), it must still be valid when you return to Canada.
Check if your representative is authorized If you’re using an immigration agent (consultant, lawyer or Quebec notary), they must be licensed to represent you or give advice.
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In case you are making an online application, you would also require a credit card to pay the application fee. The Visa Application Fee for Indian students in Canada is CAD 150
What are the Minimum Financial Requirements for a Canada Study Visa?
When it comes to studying abroad, apart from your homeland, it is very important for the country accepting you, to know you can handle your finances.
To be able to get a student visa or study permit, you must have enough funds to cover your tuition fee and living costs in Canada. If you have family members accompanying you, then you will also need additional funds. There are two types of fund requirements for students:
- Students studying outside of Quebec
- Students studying in Quebec
Students studying outside of Quebec:
Students studying outside of Quebec must have these funds to prove they can cover their studies in Canada:
Students studying outside of Quebec must have these funds to prove they can cover their studies in Canada:
| Persons coming to Canada | Amount of funds required per year (in addition to the tuition) | Amount of funds required per month (in addition to the tuition) |
| You (Student) | $10,000 | $833 |
| First family member | $4,000 | $333 |
| Every additional family member accompanying you | $3,000 | $255 |
Students studying in Quebec:
Students studying in Quebec must have these funds to prove they can cover their studies in Canada:
| Persons coming to Canada | Amount of funds required per year (in addition to the tuition) | Amount of funds required per month (in addition to the tuition) |
| You (Student) | $11,000 | $917 |
| First family member (18 years old or older) | $5,100 | $425 |
| First family member (under 18 years old) | $3,800 | $317 |
| Every additional family member accompanying you (18 years or older) | $5,125 | $427 |
| Every additional family member accompanying you (under 18 years old) | $1,903 | $159 |
Requirements for Study in Canada:
When applying for a study permit, there are eligibility requirements for a foreign national which must be met when submitting the study permit application. At the very minimum, you will need to present a letter of acceptance from a DLI and minimum funds. Since a foreign national cannot apply for a study permit without an acceptance letter, s/he should check the start date and application process for his or her school and programs of interest in advance to ensure they have sufficient time to obtain the acceptance letter and complete the study permit application. Additional documentation depends on your circumstances. The Canadian study visa requirements also include the payment of student visa fees and the ability to provide proof of funds for your Canadian study permit.
Generally, a study permit is not required for:
- attending preschool;
- completing a distance learning program;
- following audit courses (where a student is permitted to attend an academic course without obtaining credits);
- taking courses included in tour packages as a secondary activity for tourists;
- taking a course that is not academic, professional, or vocational in nature that is of general interest and can be completed within the period authorized upon entry to Canada; or
- taking a course or a program of study which is 6 months or less that can be completed within the period authorized upon entry into Canada
In addition, certain family members or private staff accompanying a foreign representative accredited by Global Affairs Canada, as well as members of the armed forces from certain countries, may be able to study for longer than 6 months without a study permit.
If you have a study permit and you are registered as a full-time student at a DLI, you may be able to work on- or off-campus. If so, your study permit will include a condition that says you are allowed to work while studying. If you do not have a study permit, you cannot work while you are studying in Canada. In this case, you need to apply for a work permit. International students in Canada can work for up to 20 hours per week during the semester, and on a full-time basis during school breaks.
Upon completion of a study program, graduates may be eligible to obtain a post-graduation work permit.
An accompanying spouse or common-law partner may be able to obtain an open work permit, and minor children may be able to study at Canadian elementary and secondary schools.
How to Apply for a Study Permit in Canada?
The process for submitting your Canadian study permit application depends on the country from which you are applying. So, it is best to plan ahead to ensure your permit will be processed before your study period begins.
Generally, you must apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. Some people can apply for a study permit from within Canada. In some cases, you can apply when you arrive in Canada at the port of entry.
There are two ways to apply for a study permit: online or by going to a visa application center in your country.
You had better apply for a study permit as soon as you have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian college or university. It can take up to 3 months to get a study permit, depending on the country you are applying to.
Application Process for Canada Study Permit:
There are four stages to obtaining a Canadian study permit:
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Check your eligibility
Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian study permit. You require an acceptance letter from a DLI, proof of financial support, as well as a range of documents that varies depending on your country of citizenship and residence.
DLIs are educational institutions approved by the Canadian government to host international students. The acceptance letter confirms that you have been admitted to a recognized institution and provides information about the program you will be studying.
Canadian immigration authorities want to ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying in Canada.
By providing proof of financial support, such as bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship letters, you demonstrate your ability to finance your education and support yourself while studying in the country.
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Prepare your application
If you meet all eligibility requirements, then you can prepare your study permit application. Ensure that you have gathered all documents required for your country. Immigration officers reserve the right to refuse study permits if they feel an applicant has not met all requirements, so it is valuable to have a qualified immigration representative review your application prior to submission.
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Submit your study permit application
You have two options when submitting your application:
Submit an electronic application:
Create an account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and you can submit an application electronically using scanned or electronic copies of documents.
Electronic applications offer great convenience for both applicants and the processing authorities. Applicants can complete and submit their applications online from anywhere with internet access.
Generally, they tend to be processed faster than paper-based applications.
Online submissions are immediately received by the processing authorities, reducing processing time and allowing for quicker communication and updates on the application status.
Submit a paper-based application:
Paper-based applications often require printing, postage fees, and courier charges for international applicants.
Compile your application in hard copy and mail it to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) assigned to your country.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and processes may vary over time and depending on the country of residence.
It’s always advisable to consult the official website of the Canadian government or seek guidance from authorized sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the study permit application process.
- Come to Canada if your study permit is approved
Please note that you do not receive your Canadian study permit until you arrive at a Canadian Port of Entry (POE). If your permit is approved, the Canadian government will issue you a Port of Entry Introduction Letter. You must keep this letter and show it to the immigration official when you arrive in Canada to obtain your study permit.
After You Apply for Canada Study Permit:
In most cases, you need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).
Then, your application will be checked. You may also be required to go to an interview with our officials in your country or send us more information.
You may also need to get a medical exam and police certificate (if required).
If your application is approved, you will get your study permit at the port of entry when you arrive in Canada, or it will be mailed to you if you are already in Canada.
If you applied for your study permit from outside Canada, you will receive a port of entry letter of introduction that says you are allowed to study in Canada. This letter is not your study permit. You will also receive an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) to enter Canada.
Canada Study Permit Requirements
Note that prospective students must familiarize themselves with the study permit requirements imposed by the Canadian government.
Understanding the study permit requirements is crucial to successfully navigate the application process and securing permission to study in Canada.
Whether you are interested in pursuing a degree, diploma, or certificate program in Canada, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the necessary knowledge to navigate the study permit application process with confidence.
By adhering to the requirements outlined by the Canadian government, you can ensure a smooth and successful transition into the Canadian education system.
There are 2 sets of requirements you must consider when applying for a Canadian study permit: eligibility requirements, and requirements while studying in Canada.
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Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for a Canadian study permit, prospective students must:
- obtain a letter of acceptance from a DLI;
- a valid passport or travel document;
- prove enough funds to cover the first year of tuition, as well as his or her living expenses (housing, food, etc.) and any accompanying family members, and return transportation;
- satisfy Canadian immigration authorities that they will leave Canada at the end of the period authorized by the study permit, and
- be admissible to Canada (police background checks and/or a medical may be requested)
There may be additional requirements, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and location. In order to determine the documents required for a specific location, you can consult the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
When you apply for your permit, the visa officer will confirm to ensure you meet the requirements. If the visa officer is not satisfied, they will refuse your application.
If you live in China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal, or Vietnam, you might be able to get your study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream.
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Requirements while Studying in Canada
If your study permit is approved and you enter Canada as an international student, you must meet the requirements below in order to maintain the validity of your study permit. While studying in Canada under a study permit, foreign nationals must:
- always be enrolled at a DLI;
- make progress towards completing their program;
- respect any conditions listed on their study permit;
- stop studying if they no longer meet the requirements; and
- leave Canada when their permit expires
Minimum funds for Study Permit in Canada:
Canadian study permit applicants must prove they can support themselves and accompanying family members, if applicable, while in Canada.
Proof of funds for a study permit can be proven with:
- proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you have transferred money to Canada;
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution;
- proof of a student/education loan from a bank;
- bank statements for the past 4 months;
- a bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars;
- proof you paid tuition and housing fees;
- a letter from the person or school giving you money; and/or
- proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program
The minimum funds’ requirements are outlined below. The requirements for students destined for the province of Quebec are different and follow this first table.
| Persons coming to Canada | Amount of funds required per year (additional to the tuition) | Amount of funds required per month (additional to the tuition) |
| You (the student) | $10,000 | $833 |
| First family member | $4,000 | $333 |
| For each additional accompanying family member | $3,000 | $255 |
| Persons coming to Canada | Amount of funds required per year (additional to the tuition) | Amount of funds required per month (additional to the tuition) |
| You (the student) | $11,000 | $917 |
| First family member (18 years or older) | $5,100 | $425 |
| First family member (under the age of 18) | $3,800 | $317 |
| Every additional accompanying family member (18 years or older) | $5,125 | $427 |
| Every additional accompanying family member (under the age of 18) | $1,903 | 159 |
How to Studying in Quebec:
As the section above suggests, there are separate requirements in place for students who wish to attend one of the many universities and colleges in Montreal or any other location in Quebec.
In almost all cases, individuals who are interested in pursuing an educational program in the province of Quebec also need to apply for and obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec, or CAQ) before applying for a study permit. This entails additional fees and processing times compared to the regular Canadian student visa processing times.
The CAQ is generally valid for the duration of the study program, up to a maximum of 49 months.
Health care in Canada:
Health care for students in Canada is crucial for several reasons:
The availability of publicly funded health care ensures that students can receive medical services without incurring significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Access to health care services ensures that students can address their physical health concerns promptly. This includes managing chronic conditions, receiving timely treatment for illnesses or injuries, and preventive measures such as vaccinations and screenings.
Having access to mental health services allows them to seek support when needed, reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues and promoting overall well-being.
Ensuring that students have access to health care contributes to the overall health of the population.
Early detection and treatment of illnesses among students can prevent the spread of diseases and support public health efforts.
The government of Canada does not pay for the medical costs of international students. Health coverage for international students is different, depending on where you live in Canada. Contact your school in Canada for information about health insurance.
Healthcare services in Canada are generally accessible and provided on the basis of need rather than the ability to pay.
This means that students can receive necessary medical attention without facing financial barriers.
However, wait times for non-emergency procedures and specialist consultations can sometimes be lengthy.
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