Canada Study Permits

Canada Student Visa and Study Permits

A Canada Student visa is officially referred to as a Canadian study permit. The study permit is required for foreign nationals wishing to study in Canada. The Canada student visa is specifically for students attending institutions approved by the provincial or territorial government, known as designated learning institutions (DLIs).

In addition to the standard study permit, there is also the Canadian Student Direct Stream (SDS) option. The SDS is a faster and simpler application process available to students from certain countries who meet specific criteria, allowing them to obtain their Canadian study permits more quickly.

Canada Entry Requirements

A Canadian study permit alone does not grant entry into Canada. Since Canada does not issue student visas, foreign nationals must obtain a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) depending on their country of origin. A visitor visa is necessary for individuals from visa-required countries, whereas an ETA applies to those from visa-exempt countries.

Differences Between the Canadian Study Permit and the Student Direct Stream (SDS)

There are two main routes to applying for a Canada student visa: the standard Canadian Study Permit and the Student Direct Stream (SDS). While both options enable international students to study in Canada, they differ in eligibility, processing times, and application methods.

1. Canada Student Direct Stream (SDS):

The SDS is a faster processing option for obtaining a Canada student visa, specifically designed for students from certain countries. Eligibility depends on nationality and meeting specific requirements, such as proof of sufficient funds and language proficiency.
The SDS offers a significantly shorter processing time, typically around 20 days, compared to the standard study permit process, which can take at least 12 weeks.
Applications for the SDS must be submitted online, making the process more streamlined and convenient for eligible students.

2. Canadian Study Permit:

The standard Canadian Study Permit is available to all international students, regardless of nationality, provided they are accepted into a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Applicants can apply online or via a paper application, though the online method is generally faster and more efficient.
The processing time for a Canadian standard study permit is longer, typically 12 weeks or more, depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the completeness of their application.

Eligibility Criteria for a Canadian Study Permit

To apply for a Canada study permit, you should meet the following criteria:

Be enrolled in a designated Canadian learning institution.
Have no criminal record and be admissible to Canada.
Show proof of financial ability to cover tuition, living expenses, and return transportation.

Exemptions from Canadian Study Permit

Some individuals do not require a study permit, including:

Minor children.
Family or staff of foreign representatives to Canada.
Members of foreign armed forces stationed in Canada.
Individuals with registered Indian status.
Temporary residents or asylum seekers studying French language and cultural courses in Quebec.

Limitations of the Canadian Study Permit

A Canada study permit has specific limitations:

It may not allow you to work in Canada.
Travel within Canada might be restricted.
The permit has a fixed expiry date by which you must leave Canada.
You can only study at the DLI listed on your permit.
An extension is required if the permit expires before you complete your studies in Canada.

Steps to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit

Determine Your Eligibility to Study in Canada

Check if you need a visitor visa or ETA.
Confirm your eligibility based on factors like age, education, family members, job offer, income, language proficiency, nationality, net worth, and work experience.

Research Designated Learning Institutions in Canada

Ensure the institution you wish to attend is a DLI.
Obtain an acceptance letter from the institution.

Apply to a Designated Learning Institution in Canada

Gather information on application requirements, tuition fees, health insurance, language tests, and living expenses.
Apply well in advance: six months for primary or secondary schools and one year for post-secondary programmes.

Apply for a Canadian Visitor Visa or ETA

Submit your visa application online and ensure you have a valid credit card for the $100 fee.
Obtain your study permit along with your visa or Canadian ETA.

Prepare Your Canada Study Permit Application Package

Gather necessary documents such as your acceptance letter, Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), passport, proof of financial support, and any supporting documents like a letter of explanation or a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if studying in Quebec.

Applying Online for a Canadian Study Permit

Gather Necessary Documents

Create electronic copies of all documents and ensure you have a valid credit card for fees.

Read the Instruction Guide

Follow the instructions carefully to complete your Canadian Study Permit application correctly.

Complete Online Forms

Provide accurate answers and cross-check before submission.

Pay Required Fees

Pay processing, biometrics, and other applicable fees.

Submit Biometrics

Visit a visa application centre to provide your biometrics if required.

Create or Sign in to Your Online Account

Use your account to apply, pay fees, submit forms, and track your application status.

Applying for a Study Permit In Canada

Some people can apply for a Canada Student visa (study permit) from within Canada, provided they meet specific criteria. Those eligible include:

Ukrainian Nationals and Family Members: Under special measures, Ukrainian nationals and their family members can apply for a study permit from within Canada.
Holders of a Valid Study or Work Permit: Individuals already in Canada with a valid study or work permit can apply for a new study permit.
Family Members of Permit Holders: Spouses, common-law partners, or parents of someone with a valid study or work permit can apply from within Canada.
Minor Children: Primary or high school children can apply for a study permit.
Exchange or Visiting Students: Students in Canada as part of an exchange program or as visiting students.
Completed Short-Term Studies: Individuals who have completed a short-term course or study program required for acceptance into a designated learning institution (DLI).
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) Holders: Individuals or their family members (spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child) with a valid TRP or under an unenforceable removal order.
Permanent Residence Applicants: Persons under sponsorship to immigrate and have applied for permanent residence.
Spouses, Common-Law Partners, or Dependent Children of Specific Individuals: Including accredited foreign representatives, athletes on Canadian teams, clergy, media personalities, or military officers on duty in Canada.

Applying for a Canadian Study Permit at the Port of Entry:

Some can also apply for a study permit directly at a Canadian port of entry, including:

Ukrainian Citizens or Their Relatives
U.S. Citizens
U.S. Permanent Residents
Residents of Greenland or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon

Working While Studying in Canada

International students in Canada can work without a separate work permit if their study permit allows it.

Full-time students with a valid study permit and Social Insurance Number (SIN) can work on or off-campus.

Part-time students in their final semester can also work without a permit. If your study permit does not include work conditions, you should apply for a work permit.