STUDY IN CANADA

Study Permit

Apply to study in Canada as an international student, extend your study permit and find out about working while you study or after you graduate.

 The true value of an education is in providing a wisdom tool to each and every student to make a good life than merely making a living out of the acquired knowledge from the school. 


study in Canada

Table of Contents

What is a study permit?

The study permit is a document Canada issues that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLI) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. Make sure you have all the documents you need before you apply. You should apply before you travel to Canada.

Your study permit is not a visa. It doesn’t let you enter Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). If your study permit is approved, Canada will issue one to you with your study permit.

What is DLI?

To apply for a study permit, you need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution. A designated learning institution(DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions.

How to apply for a study permit

Before you apply for a study permit, you need:

  • an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI)
  • a valid passport or travel document
  • proof you can support yourself, and any family members who come with you, while you’re in Canada

 

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.

You are encouraged to apply online because:

  • No courier fees or mail delivery time – we get your application instantly.
  • Your applications may be processed more quickly.
  • It helps you make sure your application is complete before you submit it.
  • You can quickly submit more documents online.
  • You get updates on the status of your application directly in your online account.

Student Direct Stream

To be eligible for faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must:

  • be a legal resident living in 1 of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal,  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam
  • have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution
  • live outside of Canada when you apply
  • have proof you have paid your tuition for your first year of study
  • have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000
  • have a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration
    • This is only if you’re planning to study in Quebec
  • get a medical exam before you apply (if you need one)
  • get a police certificate before you apply (if you need one)
  • have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s)
  • have a language test result that shows either:
    • an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic or general training score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening), or
    • a Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)  score that is equal to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening)

 

Depending on where you’re applying from, you may also need to provide other documents. Make sure you include all the documents required by the visa office that processes your application.

How long can you stay in Canada with a study permit?

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.

1. If you’re taking prerequisite courses

If your school asks you to take courses before they accept you into the main program (you have conditional acceptance), your study permit will be valid for the length of those courses, plus 1 year. When you get accepted into the main program, you must then apply to extend your stay as a student.

2. If you’ll finish your studies after your study permit expires

If you don’t finish your courses before the date on your permit, you must apply to extend your stay as a student. If you don’t, you’ll need to stop studying and leave Canada.

3. If you finish your studies before your study permit expires

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.

You’ve completed your studies on the date your school first notifies you by completion letter, transcript, degree or diploma.

You must provide proof of the date your school notifies you, or the date you get your degree, diploma or certificate. If you don’t have proof, we’ll use the earliest issue date on the document. We may confirm this date with your school.

Work while studying

As a international student, you can work while you study, either part time or full time, and help your spouse or common-law partner get a work permit while you study, work temporarily. You may also stay permanently in Canada after you graduate. You are authorized work in the way such as:

  • Work on campus
  • Work off campus
  • Work as a co–op student or intern
  • Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada
  • Work in Canada after graduation: Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) 

Study in Quebec

If you plan to study in Quebec, you will need to get a CAQ before your study permit application.

Extend Study Permit

Study permit renewal in Canada is the process of extending a study permit before it expires to continue studying in the country. This involves submitting an application to IRCC with supporting documents and meeting eligibility requirements such as enrollment in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), a valid letter of acceptance, financial capacity, and compliance with study permit conditions.
 
Study permit restoration, on the other hand, is the process of regaining legal status as a student in Canada for those whose study permit has already expired and who have not applied for renewal in time. This requires submitting a restoration application within 90 days of the study permit expiry date, meeting certain conditions such as continuing to meet study permit requirements and paying the restoration fee. Failure to restore status in time may result in loss of legal status and ineligibility to study or work in Canada, potentially requiring leaving Canada and applying for a new study permit from the home country.

Path to Worker and Permanent Resident for Students

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Graduates from specific designated learning institutions may qualify for an open work permit of at least 8 months. Those who have completed a two-year program are eligible for a 3-year work permit. Through the work experience gained under this permit, individuals may become eligible for the Express Entry immigration program, with the Canadian Experience Class being the most common pathway.

Other types of work permits

As a student, you may also qualify to work on campus, work off campus, or work as a co-op student. 

Express Entry

Express Entry is an online system that we use to manage applications for permanent residence for 3 programs:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • Canadian Experience Class

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is for workers who:

  1. have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory
  2. want to live in that province, and
  3. want to become permanent residents of Canada

Each province and territory has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target certain groups) and requirements.

How much do I need to study in Canada?

Preparing to study in Canada as an international student involves several financial considerations. Here are the key factors to consider:

  1. Tuition Fees: Minimum tuition fees can range from $15,000 for college programs to significantly more for university programs. Higher education institutions usually have different fee structures based on the level of study and the program.

  2. Living Expenses: The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the city and lifestyle. For example, the GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) requires $10,000 for living expenses, a mandatory requirement for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program.

  3. Health Insurance: International students in Canada typically need health insurance. Some provinces offer their own health plans for international students, while others require students to purchase private health insurance.

  4. Additional Expenses: Consider expenses for books, transportation, and other personal costs.

Overall Recommendations

  1. Financial Planning: Budgeting beyond tuition fees, living expenses and unexpected costs is essential.

  2. Research and Preparation: Understanding the specific requirements of the chosen institution and program, as well as visa regulations, can help streamline the process.

  3. Communication and Support: Utilize resources provided by educational institutions, international student offices, and online forums to seek guidance and support during the preparation phase.

  4. Early Planning: Starting the preparation process early, including researching institutions, program requirements, and visa procedures, can alleviate stress and ensure a smoother transition.

Studying in Canada can be a rewarding experience, but thorough preparation, especially regarding finances, academic prerequisites, and visa procedures, is crucial for a successful journey.

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