Canadian Study permit

Gateway to Education

A study permit is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows international students to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada for the duration of their program of study. It is a type of temporary resident visa that is required for most international students who plan to study in Canada for more than six months.

A study permit is not a visa, and it does not guarantee entry into Canada. Students may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, depending on their country of origin.

What are the requirements for a study permit?

The specific requirements for a study permit in Canada may vary depending on the student’s country of origin, the program of study, and the designated learning institution (DLI) where they plan to study. However, some general requirements for a study permit include:

1. Letter of acceptance: You must provide proof of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
2. Proof of financial support: You must show that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
3. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada.
4. Police clearance certificate: Depending on your country of origin, you may need to provide a police clearance certificate.
5. Medical exam: Depending on your country of origin, you may need to undergo a medical exam before you can apply for a study permit.
6. English or French proficiency: You may need to provide proof of proficiency in English or French, depending on the language of instruction at your DLI.
7. Proof of Financial Support: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation to your home country. The amount of money required may vary depending on the duration of your program of study and the location of your chosen designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Acceptable proof of funds may include bank statements, scholarship letters, or a letter from a financial sponsor.
8. Biometrics: You must provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo) as part of your application.

It’s important to note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee that your study permit application will be approved. The Canadian government will also assess factors such as your intention to leave Canada at the end of your studies and your ability to comply with the conditions of your study permit.

How to maintain your study permit?

To maintain your study permit in Canada, you must comply with the conditions of your permit, which include the following:

1. Enroll in and actively pursue your program of study: You must remain enrolled in a full-time program of study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
2. Keep your study permit valid: You must ensure that your study permit remains valid at all times. This may involve extending your permit or renewing it before it expires.
3. Comply with any work restrictions: If your study permit allows you to work while in Canada, you must comply with any restrictions on the number of hours you can work and the type of work you can do.
4. Report any changes: You must report any changes to your contact information, program of study, or living arrangements to the Canadian government.
5. Abide by Canadian laws: You must abide by Canadian laws, including immigration laws, and respect the rights of others while in Canada.

If you fail to comply with the conditions of your study permit, it may be revoked or canceled.

What is the Application Process to obtain a study permit?

The application process for a Canadian study permit involves several steps which may vary depending on your country of origin and individual circumstances.

1. Determine your eligibility: Before applying for a study permit, you must determine if you are eligible to study in Canada. This may involve checking if you need a study permit, ensuring that you have been accepted to a designated learning institution (DLI), and confirming that you have the necessary funds to support yourself while studying in Canada.
2. Gather the required documents: You will need to gather all the necessary documents for your study permit application. This may include your letter of acceptance from a DLI, proof of funds, passport, police clearance certificate (if required), and medical exam (if required), etc.
3. Apply for a study permit: You can apply for a study permit online or by mail. If applying online, you will need to create an account on the Canadian government’s immigration website and complete the application form. If applying by mail, you will need to download and fill out the paper application form and submit it to the appropriate visa office. However, you can apply on paper only in specific circumstances.
4. Pay the application fee: You will need to pay the application fee of $150 when you submit your study permit application.
5. Provide biometric information: You will need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo) as part of your study permit application. This can be done at a designated biometric collection site.
6. Wait for processing: After submitting your study permit application, you will need to wait for it to be processed. The processing time may vary depending on the volume of applications and your country of origin.
7. Receive your study permit: If your study permit application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction confirming that your study permit has been granted. You will need to present this letter to a border services officer when you arrive in Canada, along with your passport and any other required documents.

Who is exempt from the requirement for a study permit?

There are certain situations in which individuals may be exempt from the requirement to obtain a study permit to study in Canada. Some of the common study permit exemptions are:

1. Study programs with a duration of six months or less: If you are enrolled in a program of study in Canada that is six months or less in duration, you may be exempt from the requirement to obtain a study permit. However, you may still need a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
2. Minor children in Canada: Minor children who are already in Canada accompanying a parent who is authorized to work or study in Canada may be exempt from the requirement to obtain a study permit. However, they may need to enroll in a school while in Canada. If the Temporary residence application is made outside Canada, the minor child will have to obtain a study permit to study in Canada.
3. Foreign representatives and their family members: Foreign representatives and their family members who are accredited by Global Affairs Canada may be exempt from the requirement to obtain a study permit.
4. Registered Indians in Canada: Indians registered under the Indian Act in Canada do not require a study permit to study in Canada.
5. Family or staff of foreign representatives: Family members or domestic staff of foreign representatives may be exempt from the requirement to obtain a study permit.
6. Military personnel: Members of foreign armed forces who are in Canada on official duties or training may be exempt from the requirement to obtain a study permit.

It’s important to note that study permit exemptions may vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific program of study.

Special requirements when studying in Quebec

If an individual is interested in studying in the Province of Quebec, they must first obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the government of Quebec. The CAQ is a document that confirms that you have been accepted to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Quebec.