Obtaining a Canada Study Permit is one of the primary steps international students wanting to come and study in Canada must take. It not only allows them to pursue academic programs at recognized institutions but also opens doors to work opportunities during their studies. More importantly, it could also be a potential pathway to permanent residency after graduating.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the process of applying for a Canada study permit. At Checklist Visa, we are dedicated to helping individuals realize their dreams of moving abroad, whether for a short visit or long-term opportunities like work and study.
What is a Canada Study Permit?
The Canada Study Permit is an official document issued by Canadian Immigration, legally allowing international students to proceed with their studies at any of the Designated Learning Institutions in Canada. It basically serves as permission from the Canadian government for one to pursue their studies while living in the country.
However, it should be noted that a study permit is a student visa. It is simply a permit to enable you to study, but you will need an entry visa or electronic travel authorization to allow you to enter Canada. Typically, once the study permit is approved, a visa or eTA is issued alongside it.
The study permit is an essential document because, without it, a student cannot study any course that runs for more than six months in Canada. Additionally, it allows you to work part-time on campus or off-campus, if eligible, giving you valuable work experience while still studying.
In a nutshell, the study permit allows an international student to enter Canada for education, but gives no right to enter Canada – that is the role of the visa or eTA.
Who Is Eligible for a Canada Study Permit
To be eligible for a Canada Study Permit, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Enrollment in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
To be eligible for a Canada study permit, you must be accepted and enrolled in a recognized Canadian school. These institutions are called Designated Learning Institutions (DLI). Only students of DLIs are eligible for study permits.
2. Proof of sufficient financial support for tuition, living expenses, and return transportation
You must be able to prove you have enough money to cover your tuition fees, living costs, and transportation back to your home country. This ensures you can support yourself during your stay in Canada.
3. No criminal record (police certificate)
You will also need to submit a police certificate proving you have no criminal record. This is to ensure that you do not pose a security risk while in Canada.
4. Proof of health (medical exam may be required)
Depending on your home country or how long you intend to stay, you will have to undergo a medical exam to prove that you are in good health before entering Canada.
5. Statement of intent to leave Canada after studies unless other paths are pursued
Another requirement is a statement of intent that shows you plan to leave Canada after completing your studies, except if you will apply for other opportunities, such as work or residency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Study Permit
1. Get an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
The first step is to get accepted into a recognized Canadian school, known as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Once accepted, you will receive a letter confirming your enrollment. You need to submit that letter when applying for the study permit.
2. Gather required documents
Besides the acceptance letter, you need to gather other documents. These include a valid passport and proof of financial support. You also need medical or police certificates.
3. Apply online or by paper at your home country’s visa office
Once the documents are ready, submit your study permit application either online or by paper through the Canadian visa office in your country.
4. Pay the application fee
You will have to pay a non-refundable fee of around CAD $150 when submitting your application for a study permit. This will cover the cost of processing your request.
5. Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
As part of the application process, you will have to visit a local visa office to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photo). These are necessary for security purposes.
6. Attend a visa interview, if required
In some cases, you will need to attend an interview with a visa officer to confirm and verify the details in your application and your study plans in Canada.
7. Await decision on your application
After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for the processing and decision. Processing times can vary depending on your country of residence and other factors.
What are the Rules for Working While Studying
With a Canada study permit, international students may also work on-campus or off-campus and under specific terms and conditions. On regular academic sessions, students can work 20 hours a week. This should allow them to balance work and studies. Moreover, they are allowed to work full-time during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. This helps students earn more money and gain valuable experience.
If the program includes a co-op or internship, you might need a separate work permit. Your school will inform you if this is the case.
After graduation, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. After approval, this work permit allows you to stay in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program. This experience can also apply towards an application for permanent residency if you want to stay in Canada.
FAQs on Canada Study Permit
Can I apply for a study permit from inside Canada?
Yes, you may be eligible to apply from within Canada for a study permit. You can do this if you are already in Canada as a visitor, a student at another level, or with members of your family working or studying in Canada. You can also apply from within Canada if you have just completed a short-term course or program. But then eligibility varies from one individual to another. You should always ensure that you meet the conditions set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
How much money do I need to show for a study permit?
When you apply for a study permit to enter Canada, you’ll be required to show that you have enough money to cover the tuition fees and other living expenses as well as the cost of getting back to your own country. Generally, you should have at least CAD $10,000 per year for living costs, in addition to your tuition fees. If you are studying in Quebec, the amount may vary slightly. You can use bank statements, letters of scholarship, or even documents relating to financial support from a sponsor for proof.
What should I do if my study permit expires while I am still in Canada?
When your study permit in Canada has expired and is no longer valid, there are a few options to consider. First, you can re-establish your status as a student within 90 days after your permit has become invalid. For this, you will be required to submit an application for a new study permit and pay the fees. Alternatively, you can choose to leave Canada before your permit expires. It is never a good idea to stay in Canada without a proper permit since it could affect your future applications. Always check the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada website to guide you step-by-step on how to restore your status.
