WHAT IS A CANADA STUDY PERMIT?
The study permit is a document we issue 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).
DURATION OF STAY 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.
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.
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.
IF YOU'LL 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.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A STUDY PERMIT IN CANADA?
You can study in Canada if you:
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are enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
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prove you have enough money to pay for your:
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tuition fees
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living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and
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return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
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obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
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are in good health and get a medical exam (if required)
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prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires
WHO DON'T REQUIRE A PERMIT TO STUDY IN CANADA?
Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. The cases below are exceptions:
Short-term studies (6 months or less)
Due to COVID-19, the requirements to enter Canada as a student have changed, even for short-term studying. Find out from us what you will need if you want to study in Canada for 6 months or less.
Family or staff of foreign representatives
You may not need a study permit if you’re a family or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada that has been accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
Members of foreign armed forces
If you’re a member of a foreign armed force on official duties in Canada, you don’t need a study permit. If your family members, including minor children, want to study in Canada, they may need one.
Registered Indians in Canada
You don’t need a study permit if you have Registered Indian status in Canada, even if you’re a citizen of another country.
Minor children in Canada
Minor children don’t need a study permit if, they’re in kindergarten, refugees or refugee claimants, their parents are refugees or refugee claimants or
they’re in pre-school, primary or secondary school, and they’re already in Canada with a parent who has a work or study permit.
INFORMATION ON THE POST-GRADUATE WORK PERMIT PROGRAM
The Post-Graduate Work Permit Program gives international student graduates there opportunity to work in Canada up to 3 years after their studies. Skilled Canadian work experience in National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0 or skill level A or B that is gained through the PGWPP helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class within Express Entry. Due to Coronavirus this temporary policy was announced that graduates are able to apply for the PGWP even with online courses.
