Study Permit

What is a Study Permit?

If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and wish to study in Canada for more than six months at the post-secondary level, you will need a Canada study permit.

Processing Fees- $150

Overview

Applicants for a Canadian study permit can include family members in their application, allowing them to accompany the applicant to Canada. An accompanying spouse may obtain an open work permit, allowing them to work for any Canadian employer, and minor children may be able to study at Canadian elementary and secondary schools. For more information, click ere.

Most international students require a study permit, but a permit is not needed for programs in Canada that are six months or less. Additionally, minor children and certain other individuals may be exempt from requiring a study permit.

How to Obtain a Study Permit

Apply for a study permit immediately upon receiving a letter of acceptance, as processing times vary and can be delayed, especially during busy periods like the summer. To view estimated processing times by country.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Letter of Acceptance (LOA): Obtain from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): Required from the province or territory where the DLI is located unless exempt.
• Financial Support: Prove sufficient funds to cover the first year of tuition, living expenses, and return transportation.
• Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ): Required for studying in Montreal or elsewhere in Quebec.
• Clean Record: No criminal background or security risk. A police clearance certificate may be requested.
• Good Health: A medical examination may be required.
• Intention to Leave: Convince the immigration officer of plans to leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay.

Supporting Documents:

• Passport: For the applicant and all family members included in the application.
• Photos: Two passport photos for the applicant and each family member, with names and birthdates written on the back.
• Marriage Certificate: If applicable.
• Additional Documents: As required by specific visa offices.

Financial Support

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover the first year of tuition fees and living expenses for themselves and any accompanying family members.

Proof of Financial Resources:

• Canadian Bank Account Statements: If funds have been transferred to Canada.
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): From a participating financial institution.
• Student Loan: Proof from a financial institution.
• Bank Statements: From the past four months.
• Bank Draft: In convertible currency.
• Payment Proof: Tuition and accommodation fees.
• Support Letter: From the person or institution providing funds.
• Scholarship/Funding Proof: If paid from within Canada.

Family or friends may also submit letters confirming financial support.

If the Application is Approved

Approved applicants will receive:

• Letter of Introduction (LOI): Confirming the approval, to be presented to the immigration official upon arrival in Canada.
• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): If required, linked to the applicant's passport.
• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): If required, included in the passport with an expiry date and entry conditions (single or multiple entries).

A separate TRV application is not necessary if the study permit is approved; it will be issued along with the LOI.

Options After Graduation

Study permits expire 90 days after graduation. Graduates must update their status with IRCC within this period to avoid losing legal status in Canada.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

Eligible graduates can apply for a PGWP, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada for up to three years. Work experience gained on a PGWP can facilitate applications for Canadian permanent residence, especially through the Canadian Experience Class and certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. Click here for a list of immigration options after studying in Canada.

If not applying for a PGWP, graduates may:

• Apply to change status to a visitor.
• Obtain another work permit if eligible (e.g., employer-specific work permit).
• Apply for another study permit to pursue a different study program (e.g., a master’s degree after a Bachelor’s degree).
• Leave Canada.

Activities Not Requiring a Study Permit in Canada

A study permit is generally not required for the following activities:

• Preschool Attendance: Enrolling in preschool.
• Distance Learning Programs: Completing a program via distance learning.
• Settlement and Integration Courses: Courses offered by a provincial or territorial government through settlement and integration providers, including francization courses offered by the Government of Quebec.
• Audit Courses: Attending academic courses without earning credits.
• Tour Package Courses: Courses included in tour packages as a secondary activity for tourists.
• General Interest Courses: Courses that are not academic, professional, or vocational in nature, can be completed within the period authorized upon entry to Canada.
• Short-Term Studies: Programs or courses that are six months or less and can be completed within the authorized stay in Canada.

Additionally, certain family members or private staff accompanying a foreign representative accredited by Global Affairs Canada, and members of the armed forces from specific countries, may study for longer than six months without a study permit.

Post-Graduation Work Permit

Upon completing a study program, graduates may be eligible to obtain a post-graduation work permit.

Minimum Funds to Study in Canada

Applicants for a Canadian study permit must demonstrate they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any accompanying family members while in Canada. Proof of funds can be provided through:

• Canadian Bank Account: Proof of a bank account in your name if money has been transferred to Canada.
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): From a participating Canadian financial institution.
• Student/Education Loan: Proof of a loan from a bank.
• Bank Statements: Statements from the past four months.
• Bank Draft: A draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars.
• Payment Proof: Evidence of paid tuition and housing fees.
• Support Letter: A letter from the person or school providing financial support.
• Scholarship or Funding: Proof of funding from within Canada, such as a scholarship or participation in a Canadian-funded educational program.

Minimum Funds to Study in Canada (All Provinces Except Quebec)

• Student:
• Per Year: $20,635
• Per Month: $1,720
• First Family Member:
• Per Year: $4,000
• Per Month: $333
• Each Additional Accompanying Family Member:
• Per Year: $3,000
• Per Month: $255

How to Avoid a Study Permit Refusal

Study permits can often be refused due to the discretionary nature of their processing. Here are some tips to avoid a refusal:

Provide sufficient proof of finances

·       Ensure you have enough funds to cover your first-year tuition and living expenses. The more funds you can demonstrate as available, the higher your chances of approval.

Demonstrate intention to leave Canada

1.     As part of the application process, you must show that you intend to leave Canada after your studies. This can be demonstrated through:

·       Family ties in your home country.

·       Career prospects in your home country.

·       Any other documents that support your intention to return home after completing your studies.

2.     Note: This can be confusing for applicants, as certain international students can apply for a post-graduation work permit under certain conditions, allowing them to stay in Canada.

Choose an appropriate program of study

·       Select a program and school in Canada that aligns with your career and educational background.

·       If your chosen program seems unrelated to your previous education or career, it may raise questions about your intentions. For example, if you have a master's degree in computer science and apply for a one-year program in hospitality, the processing officer may doubt your intentions.

·       In such cases, it may be more beneficial to pursue a specialized area within your field to further your knowledge and career prospects.

Contact Visa Nexa for Immigration Assistance

Need Canadian immigration assistance for your study permit application? Visa Nexa Inc. is here to help. We can assess your eligibility and submit your application to the Canadian government. With over 10 years of expertise, Visa Nexa in Mississauga, Ontario has been helping clients achieve their dream of becoming Canadians. Our head offices are in Delhi (VISAWALK) and Chandigarh (The Mentors). Reach out to us today and file your study permit in Canada through us.

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