Canada Study Permit

A Canada Study Permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLI) in Canada. This permit is not a visa and it does not let you enter Canada. Instead, it is a document issued by visa-issuing authorities that permits you to study in Canada for a specific period of time.

If you are an international student who wants to study in Canada, you may need to apply for a study permit in addition to a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) depending on your country of origin. An eTA is an electronic document that allows visa-exempt foreign nationals to enter Canada for short stays.

To apply for a study permit, you will need to first obtain a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution in Canada. Once you have this letter, you can apply for a study permit online or through a paper application. You will need to provide supporting documents, such as proof of financial support, your letter of acceptance, and a valid passport.

If your study permit application is approved, you will receive a document that includes your study permit. You must have this document with you when you enter Canada, along with any other required travel documents. You will also need to comply with any conditions set out on your study permit, such as maintaining full-time status and making satisfactory progress in your studies.

It is important to note that a study permit does not guarantee entry into Canada. When you arrive in Canada, you will still need to meet the border services officer's requirements to enter the country. You should also be aware that a study permit may not allow you to work in Canada. If you want to work while you study, you may need to obtain a separate work permit.

Eligibility criteria for Canada Study Permit

To be eligible to study in Canada, you must be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI) and be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members, and return transportation costs. Additionally, you must comply with Canadian law, have no criminal record, and provide a police certificate if requested. You must also be in good health and pass a medical exam if required. It is also important to prove to an immigration officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires.

However, if your course or program lasts for six months or less, and your studies are not part of a longer program, you may be able to study at any school in Canada without a study permit. You must be able to complete all your studies within the authorized stay period, which is usually six months after entering Canada.

It is important to note that even if you do not require a study permit, you may still need a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, depending on your country of origin. If you plan to work while studying, you will also need to obtain a work permit.

Overall, studying in Canada can be a great opportunity for international students, but it is important to ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements and obtain the necessary permits before beginning your studies.

How Long Can You Stay in Canada with a Study Permit?

A Canada Study Permit is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows international students to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. The permit is usually valid for the duration of the study program, plus an additional 90 days after the completion of studies, during which students can prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend their stay.

It is important to note that a Study Permit is not a visa and does not allow international students to enter Canada. Students may also require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. The validity of a TRV or eTA should be checked to ensure that it does not expire before the end of the study program.

Required documents for Canada Study Permit application

To apply for a Canada Study Permit, you will need the following documents:

Proof of Acceptance

Your school must provide you with a letter of acceptance. You should include the original or electronic copy of your acceptance letter with your study permit application.

Original Passport

Your passport should be signed by you and valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival date in Canada. It should not be older than ten years and should have at least two free "visa pages."

Two Recent Photos

Your photos should be no older than six months and show a frontal view of your face, covering 70-80% of the photo. The background should be uniform and white, and your facial features and eyes should be clear and visible.

Proof of Financial Support

You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your tuition and living expenses while in Canada. This can be proved by showing:

• A Canadian bank account in your name
• A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
• A student or education loan from a bank
• Bank statements for the past four months
• A bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
• Proof of payment for tuition and housing fees
• A letter from the person or school providing you with financial support
• Proof of funding paid from within Canada, such as a scholarship or Canadian-funded educational program.

Letter of Explanation

This letter should explain why you want to study in Canada and that you understand your responsibilities as a student. Even if you do not need a study permit for your program, it is recommended to include this letter if you decide to apply for a study permit.

Where to Apply for a Canada Study Permit?

When applying for a Canada Study permit, it is important to note that biometric data is a requirement for most applicants. If you are applying online, you will need to select a center where you can provide your biometric data after completing your application. This center will be the Canada Visa Application Centre located in your country of residence.

On the other hand, if you are applying for a Canada Study permit on paper, you will need to find a Canada visa application center, embassy, or consulate in your country of residence that accepts visa applications. Once you have located a center, you can submit your application along with the required documents, including proof of acceptance, original passport, recent photos, proof of financial support, and a letter of explanation.

It is important to note that the processing time for a Canada Study permit varies depending on the country of application, and it is recommended that you apply at least three months before your intended date of travel. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that all the required documents are submitted and that your application is complete to avoid any delays or rejections.

How to Apply for a Canada Study Permit?

To apply for a Canada study permit, you need to follow the steps mentioned below:

Obtain acceptance to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada: You need to get a letter of acceptance from a DLI before you apply for a study permit.

Gather your documents: You need to collect all the necessary documents required for your study permit application, including proof of acceptance, original passport, recent photos, proof of financial support, and a letter of explanation.

Apply online or on paper: You can apply for a study permit either online or on paper. Applying online is generally faster and recommended. You need to create an account on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and complete the application form.

Pay the application fee: You need to pay the non-refundable study permit application fee, which is currently CAD 150.

Provide biometrics: You may need to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, which can be done at a Visa Application Centre in your country.

Wait for processing: The processing time for a study permit application may vary depending on your country of residence and other factors. You can check the application status online.

Receive a decision: If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction, which you need to show to the border services officer when you arrive in Canada. You may also receive a temporary resident visa (TRV), which allows you to enter Canada.

Canada Study Permit processing time and fees

The processing time and fees for a Canada Study Permit can vary depending on several factors, such as the applicant's country of origin and the type of program they plan to study.

Generally, the processing time for a study permit can range from a few weeks to several months. Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible to ensure they have enough time to obtain their permit before their program begins.

In addition to the application fee, which is currently CAD 150, applicants may also need to pay biometrics fees, which are currently CAD 85 for most applicants. These fees cover the cost of collecting the applicant's fingerprints and photograph, which are used to create a biometric identity record.

Applicants from certain countries may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as proof of financial support or a medical exam, which can add to the overall cost of the application.

It is important to note that fees and processing times are subject to change, so applicants should always check the most up-to-date information before submitting their application.

Can you work while studying in Canada on a Study Permit?

Yes, you can work while studying in Canada on a Study Permit, but you will need to meet certain requirements and obtain the necessary authorization.

Full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus or off-campus without a separate work permit, as long as they meet certain conditions. They must be enrolled in a qualifying program of study at a designated learning institution and have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). They can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter or summer holidays.

Students who wish to participate in co-op or internship programs as part of their studies will need to apply for a co-op work permit. This permit is only available to students who have a valid study permit and whose co-op or internship placement is an essential part of their program.

Students who have completed their studies and wish to remain in Canada to work may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This permit allows them to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies. The eligibility for the PGWP depends on the length of the program of study, the institution attended, and other factors.

How to extend your stay on a Canada Study Permit?

If you wish to extend your stay in Canada on a Study Permit, you must apply before your current permit expires. To be eligible for an extension, you must still be enrolled in a program at a designated learning institution and continue to meet the requirements of your initial study permit.

To apply for a Study Permit extension, you will need to:

• Submit your application online or on paper.
• Pay the application fee, which is currently CAD 150.
• Provide a letter of explanation explaining why you need to extend your stay and proof that you can support yourself financially during your extended stay.
• Submit proof of enrolment at a designated learning institution.
• If your program requires a co-op or internship, you must provide proof that the co-op or internship is integral to your program of study.
• If you are applying for an extension from within Canada, you may also need to undergo a medical examination.

It is important to note that processing times for Study Permit extensions can vary, and it is advisable to apply as early as possible to avoid any gaps in your study permit status. If your study permit expires before you receive a decision on your extension application, you may be eligible for a visitor record to maintain your status while you wait for a decision.

Overall, extending your stay on a Study Permit in Canada requires careful planning and attention to the application requirements and deadlines.

Can you apply for a Canada Study Permit from within Canada?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a Canada Study Permit from within Canada if you meet certain requirements. You may apply for a study permit extension from within Canada if:

• You currently have a valid study permit
• You are continuing your studies at the same school
• You have a letter of acceptance from your school for the upcoming academic year or semester
• You have not violated the conditions of your current study permit
• You are not in a program that is on the list of ineligible programs.
• If you meet these requirements, you can submit your application for a study permit extension online or by mail to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You must apply before your current study permit expires.

It is important to note that applying for a study permit extension from within Canada does not guarantee approval. IRCC will consider various factors such as your academic progress, financial stability, and intention to leave Canada at the end of your studies.

Also, if you are from a country that requires a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada, you must apply for a new TRV if your current one has expired or is about to expire while your study permit extension application is being processed.

In summary, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a study permit extension from within Canada, but it is important to do so before your current study permit expires to maintain your status as a student in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who needs a Study Permit to study in Canada? 2. How do I apply for a Canada Study Permit? 3. How long does it take to process a Canada Study Permit application? 4. Can I work while studying in Canada on a Study Permit? 5. Can I extend my Study Permit? 6. Can I apply for permanent residence after studying in Canada? 7. Can I travel outside of Canada while on a Study Permit?