What is the Application Process for a Canadian Study Permit?

There are four stages to obtaining a Canadian study permit: 

1. Check your eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian study permit. You will need:

a) an acceptance letter from a DLI,

b) proof of financial support,

c) supporting documents (varies depending on your countries of citizenship and residence)

2. Prepare your application: If you meet all eligibility requirements then you can start to prepare your study permit application. Make sure that you have gathered all documents required for your country. If you don’t show that you meet the requirements, an immigration officer may reject your application. It is a good idea to have a qualified immigration representative review your application before you submit it.

 3. Submit your study permit application: You have two options when submitting your application:

a) Submit an electronic application: Create an account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. You can submit an application electronically using scanned or electronic copies of documents.

b) Submit a paper-based application: Gather hard copies of your documents and mail them to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) assigned to your country.

4. If your study permit is approved, come to Canada! 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 show this letter to the immigration official when you arrive in Canada to get your study permit.

Who can apply 

Eligibility requirements

You can come to Canada to study if you:

1) qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller

2) If you’re under 18, you don’t have to be fully vaccinated. You do need to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan.

a) are enrolled at a DLI

b) prove you have enough money to pay for

3) your tuition fees

4) living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and

5)return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada

a) obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)

b) are in good health and get a medical exam (if required) and

c) prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires

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. 

Your responsibilities

While studying in Canada you must:

- make progress towards completing your program

- respect any conditions listed on your study permit and

- stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements

Depending on your case, there may be conditions on your study permit such as

- if you’re allowed to work in Canada

- if you’re allowed to travel within Canada

- the specific date you must leave Canada

- where you can study (a specific DLI listed on your permit) and you can’t study at a DLI other than the one listed on your permit.

- whether you need an immigration medical examination

Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. 

Family or staff of foreign representatives

You may not need a study permit if you’re a family or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada that has been accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC). Your embassy can contact GAC to find out if you need one.

Members of foreign armed forces

If you’re a member of a foreign armed force on official duties in Canada, you don’t need a study permit. If your family members, including minor children, want to study in Canada, they may need one.

Registered Indians in Canada

You don’t need a study permit if you have Registered Indian status in Canada, even if you’re a citizen of another country.

Minor children in Canada

Minor children don’t need a study permit if:

- they’re in kindergarten

- they’re refugees or refugee claimants

- their parents are refugees or refugee claimants, or

- they’re in pre-school, primary or secondary school, and they’re already in Canada with a parent who has a work or study permit

When minor children reach the age of majority (18 or 19 years old, depending on the province or territory), they must apply for a study permit if they want to keep studying. Learn more about minors studying in Canada.

Custodian declaration (minor children)

If the minor requires a custodian, you must include the Custodianship Declaration form  with your application. It has 2 pages that must be notarized (certified by a notary) and then included with your study permit application.

The custodian in Canada must sign the first page, and the parents or legal guardians of the minor child in the child’s home country must sign the second page

Temporary residents and asylum seekers taking French language and culture courses

You don’t need a study permitto take French language and cultural integration courses in Quebec (linked page is available in French only). To be eligible for the courses, you need to be a temporary resident or asylum seeker in Canada.

Basic steps of the application process:

1. Choose a Program: Your program choice is one of the most important factors of your study permit application. You must present a strong case for studying in Canada in this particular program. We make program recommendations based on your work experience and education history. This will give you the best possible chance of submitting a successful application.

2. Apply to the School: You need to have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) before you can apply for a study permit.

3. Apply for a Study Permit: With your acceptance letter in hand, you’ll be ready to apply for your study permit. We will help you to prepare and submit your application to Canadian immigration.

International Student Document Checklist

Certain documents are necessary for the application process. Below is a list of documents that may be requested of you.

- Acceptance Letter: A letter sent by the school confirming your acceptance into your program of study.

- Proof of Financial Support: Proof that you have money to support yourself and any family members coming with you. You must show that you can cover your tuition fees as well as your cost of living (accommodation, food, etc.) for your first year in Canada.

- Identity documents: Birth certificate, marriage certificate and passport.

-Proof of acceptance

Your school must send you a letter of acceptance. Include the original or electronic copy of your letter with your study permit application.

- Conditional acceptance and prerequisite courses

If you’ve been conditionally accepted, this means you need to take prerequisite courses. For example, these might be English as a second language or French as a second language courses. You must complete these before you can start your main study program.

If this is the case, we’ll only issue your study permit for the length of those courses plus 1 year. Once you’re accepted into your main program, you’ll need to apply for a new student permit to extend your stay as a student.

- Exceptions

If you’re the family member of someone who has a study permit or work permit application that’s been approved in writing before you come to Canada, you don’t need a letter of acceptance.

- Proof of identity

When applying for your study permit, you and each family member who comes with you to Canada must have:

- a valid passport or travel document

- Online applicants: Upload a copy of the information page of your passport when you apply online.

- If you’re approved, you must then send us your original passport.

- Citizens of the United States have some options on the identification documents they can carry.

- Lawful permanent residents of the United States must travel with a valid green card (or equivalent official proof of status in the U.S.) and a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent document).

- two recent passport-size photos. The name and date of birth of the person should be written on the back of each photo.

- Proof of financial support. You must prove that you can support yourself, and the family members who come with you, while you are in Canada.

You can prove your funds with:

a)proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you've transferred money to Canada

b) Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution

c)proof of a student or education loan from a bank

d) your bank statements for the past 4 months

e) a bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars

f) proof you paid tuition and housing fees

g) a letter from the person or school giving you money, or

h) proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program

Other documents:

Check the visa office instructions for your country or region for local requirements.

- If you aren't currently in your home country, you may have to prove your immigration status in the country you apply from.

- If the government that issued your passport or travel document needs you to have a re-entry permit, you must get one before you apply for a Canadian visa. You may also need other documents.

If government request documents from you for an application in progress

They will contact you to request the supporting documents.

This will happen in the next few months.

You’ll have 30 days from the date they contact you to submit the information.

Start collecting your documents.

Do this before government  contact you. It can take time to get certain documents.

Check the last email to confirm what you need to submit.

How to apply for study permit

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. Make sure you understand which option is available to you.

Get your documents ready

If you plan to study in Quebec, you must provide a valid Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) or your letter of approval for your CAQ.

Apply online

If you’re applying for a study permit, you must apply online, whether you’re outside of Canada or already in Canada.

You’re only eligible to apply on paper if you:

- have a disability that prevents you from applying online

- hold an identity or travel document for non-national residents, refugees or stateless person

For applying use following link.

Can I Bring My Family With Me While I Study?

International students who are married or have kids may wish to bring their family with them.

Canadian visa officers will consider study permit applications which include accompanying family members. You should note that including family members on a study permit application may influence the visa officer’s decision.

If you are approved as a family, your spouse will be able to work full time while in Canada. Any accompanying children will be able to study for free.

Can I Study in Quebec?

Studying in Quebec gives you the option to study in English, French, or both. However, Quebec student visa requirements are a little different from the rest of Canada.

What Are the Requirements to Study in Quebec?

In order to study in Quebec, you will need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). This document is issued by the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) . It confirms that Quebec has accepted you as an international student. You need a CAQ before you can apply for a study permit if your program of study is in Québec.

To be eligible to apply for a CAQ, you need to meet the following requirements.

- Be accepted into a Québec designated learning institution

- Pay the fees associated with a CAQ application

- Agree to comply with the conditions for issuing a CAQ for studies

- You do not need a CAQ or a study permit if you intend to study a program that is less than 6 months in duration.

- Once you have a CAQ, you have to apply for a study permit from the Government of Canada. When you receive your study permit, you’re ready to start studying in Canada!

- Minimum funds needed to support yourself as a student (and family members who come with you):

Outside Quebec

Example:

If you and 2 family members want to come to a province (other than Quebec) for a year, you will need:

1) living expenses: $10,000 (for the student per year) CAN$833-per month

2) living expenses: $4,000 (for the first family member per year)CAN$333-per month

3) living expenses: $3,000 (for the second family member per year)CAN$255

Total: $17,000

In Quebec

1) 1 person under the age of 18: CAN$6,569 per year and CAN$547 per month

2) 1 person aged 18 or over: CAN$13,134 per year and CAN$1,095 per month

3) 2 people aged 18 or over: CAN$19,264 per year and CAN$1,605 per month

4) 2 people aged 18 or over and 1 person under the age of 18: CAN$21,579 per year and CAN$1,798 per month

5) 2 people aged 18 or over and 2 people under the age of 18: CAN$23,290 and CAN$1,941per month

If your country uses foreign-exchange controls, you must prove that you'll be allowed to export funds for all of your expenses.

How Long Does it Take to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit?

Processing times for study permits vary greatly. The amount of time it takes depends on your country of residence.

The shortest processing time is 1-2 weeks, but some applicants can expect to wait as long as 16 weeks. Processing times depend on the volume of applications received. If you’re applying close to the beginning of Canada’s academic year you may experience delays.

Find out if you are eligible for the Study Direct Stream (SDS).

What Are the Conditions of a Canadian Study Permit?

There are certain terms and conditions attached to a Canadian study permit. You must respect these conditions:

- in order to retain all the benefits of your study experience.

- You must be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)

- You must be enrolled as a part-time student, or a full-time student if studying in Quebec

- You must not take any authorized leaves longer than 150 days from your program of study

- It is important to understand and respect the terms of your study permit. In doing so, you will get the most out of your study abroad experience in Canada. Students who respect the terms of their study permits also have a better chance of being granted a post-graduate work permit. 

Health Insurance

All international students in Canada must have healthcare coverage. Certain provinces automatically give international students access to Canada’s public healthcare system, but others do not. Students in provinces that do not offer health coverage to international students must purchase private health insurance. Schools in these provinces generally offer health insurance plans for international students which may be added to your tuition and student fees.

What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?

A designated learning institution (DLI) is any school that is allowed to admit international students.

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs and can admit students from foreign countries.

Not all post-secondary schools are DLIs, so you must check the Canadian government’s list of DLIs before applying.

What are the Different Types of Canadian Post-Secondary Schools?

Canada has a reputation for providing accessible, quality education for international students. To understand which program is right for you, first you must understand Canada’s levels of study.

Any educational program beyond the twelfth grade in Canada is considered post-secondary education. There are a few different types of post-secondary education, each with a different purpose.

Certain programs may have specific admissions requirements.

Our mandate is to ensure that you meet the basic admissions requirements for any program that you are applying for

Do I Need to Take the IELTS to Study in Canada?

To study at a Canadian school you will need to be proficient in English or French.

Canadian post-secondary schools set their own conditions for language skills of international students. Language skill requirements vary from one school to the next.

While preparing your application, you should research the specific requirements for your program. Some schools even allow you to complete English courses after you begin your studies.

Some international students do not need to provide proof of their language skills. If you are from an English-speaking country or have studied in English, then you may not have to take the IELTS.

Each school set its own language requirements. It is important to check the specific requirements of the school where you want to apply.

Do I Need to Submit a Letter of Intent to Study in Canada?

Your letter of intent is a critical part of your study permit application. It should explain your plans to study in the country and your goals. You should acknowledge the conditions of being a Canadian study permit-holder.

The purpose of the letter of intent is to assure the Canadian government that you will respect the conditions of your permit. You must agree to leave the country once your permit has expired.

Can I Change Schools or Programs While on a Study Permit?

With a Canadian study permit, you can change your school or program at any time. To do so, you will want to make sure you are following the right procedure and staying within the conditions of your study permit.

Can My Spouse Work While I am Studying in Canada?

If your family does accompany you, your spouse will be eligible for an open work permit, authorizing them to work full-time in Canada while you are studying.

Can I Stay in Canada After I Graduate?

Canada makes it easy for international students to become permanent residents if they want to remain in the country.

The Post-Graduate Work Permit allows international students to stay in Canada and work for up to three years after graduating. After working in Canada for one year, international graduates may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. 

To apply for a PGWP, you need to prove that you have respected all the conditions of your study permit. Studying must have been your primary activity during your time in Canada.

A PGWP is typically granted for the same duration as your studies in Canada.