Study Permit

Most international students require a study permit. You do not need a study permit if your program in Canada is for six months or less. In addition, minor children and other individuals may be exempt from requiring a Canadian study permit.

An applicant for a Canadian study permit may include his or her family members on the application, so that they may accompany the applicant to Canada. An accompanying spouse may be able to obtain an open work permit, enabling them to work for any Canadian employer, and minor children may be able to study at Canadian elementary and secondary schools.

How to obtain a study permit Fast-track option

It is important to apply for a study permit immediately upon receiving the letter of acceptance. Study permit processing times vary, and applicants may see delays during busy times — particularly during the summer months. To view an estimate of the study permit processing times per country, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

In order to be eligible to submit an application for a Canadian study permit, a prospective student must

• Obtain a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institutions in order to submit an application for a study permit;
• Obtain a letter of attestation from the province or territory where the DLI is located;
• Prove that he or she has sufficient financial support to cover the first year of tuition, as well as living expenses and return transportation to his or her home country;
• Obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (Quebec Acceptance Certificate, or CAQ) if he or she wishes to study in Montreal or elsewhere in the Province of Quebec;
• Have clean record. Applicants with a criminal background, or who pose a risk to Canadian security, may be refused. IRCC may request an applicant to supply a police clearance certificate. If you do have a criminal record, you will need to apply for TRP or criminal rehabilitation;
• Be in good health. IRCC may request an applicant to complete a medical examination; and
• Satisfy the immigration officer that he or she will leave Canada at the end of the stay authorized by the study permit.

The applicant may also be required to submit the following supporting documents for Study Permit

Passport for the applicant and every family member included on the application;

Two passport photos for the applicant and each family member included on the application, with the full name and date of birth written on the back;

Photocopy of marriage certificate, if applicable;

Fast-track option: Student Direct Stream (SDS)

You can get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) if you live in one of the following countries:

India

China

The Philippines

Pakistan

Vietnam

Morocco

Senegal

Brazil

Colombia

Peru

Antigua and Barbuda

Costa Rica

Trinidad and Tobago

Saint Vincent

Grenadines

IRCC’s processing standard for most SDS applications is 20 calendar days. Applications must be submitted online. Citizens of these countries must be residing in the country to be eligible for the SDS (e.g., they cannot be residing in another country if they want to apply for a study permit through the SDS).

To be eligible for the SDS, you must meet the following requirements

• Be a legal resident living in one of the above mentioned countries;
• Have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian designated learning institution;
• Have a letter of attestation from the province or territory where the DLI is located;
• Live outside of Canada when you apply for the study permit;
• Have proof that you have paid your tuition for your first year of study in Canada;
• Have proof that you can pay your travel costs;
• Have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) with a participating Canadian bank of $20,635 CAD;
• Obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (Quebec Acceptance Certificate, or CAQ) if you plan to study in Quebec;
• Obtain a medical exam before submitting your application (if you are required to get one);
• Obtain a police certificate before submitting your application (if you are required to get one);
• Have your most recent school transcripts (secondary and post-secondary);and
• Obtain a language test result of at least the following: A minimum of 6.0 in each skill on the IELTS Academic or General Training (reading, writing, speaking, and listening); A TEF score equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of a minimum of 7 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening); CELPIP General (minimum score of CLB 7); CAEL (minimum score of 60); Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic (minimum score of 60); and/or Educational Testing Service (ETS) TOEFL iBT Test (minimum score of 83).

Financial requirements for Study Permit

To apply for a study permit, you are required to prove they have enough money to cover the first year of tuition fees. You also need to have the financial resources to support yourself, and any accompanying family members, each year. Financial resources may be proven with the following information:

• Canadian bank account statements in the applicant’s name, if money has been transferred to Canada;
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating financial institution;
• Proof of a student or educational loan from a financial institution;
• The applicant’s bank statements from the past four months;
• A bank draft in convertible currency;
• Proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees;
• A letter from the person or institution providing you with money;
• Proof of a scholarship or funding paid from within Canada;
• Family or friends of the applicant may also submit letters confirming that they will support the applicant during his or her studies.

Changes to Study Permit program

A study permit, issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), enables international students to attend designated learning institutions in Canada. Upon receiving an acceptance letter from a designated institution, applicants must also obtain a provincial attestation letter to proceed with their study permit application through IRCC.

When applying for a Canadian study permit, you have the option to include family members on your application, allowing them to accompany you to Canada. Accompanying spouses may qualify for an open work permit, while minor children may attend Canadian elementary and secondary schools. While most international students require a study permit, exceptions exist for programs lasting six months or less, as well as for certain individuals.

Study Permit Requirements Explained

When applying for a Canadian study permit, it’s crucial to understand two sets of requirements: eligibility requirements and obligations while studying in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Travel Document: Possess a valid passport or an authorized travel document.
2. Acceptance Letter: Obtain an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to initiate the study permit application process.
3. Proof of Financial Support: Demonstrate adequate funds to cover
   • First-year tuition fees as per the DLI’s guidelines.
   • Living expenses for the first year in Canada for the student and accompanying family members.
   • Transportation costs from Canada to the home country.
4. Medical Exam: In most cases, a medical exam is required for the student and accompanying family members.
5. Criminal Record: Provide police clearance certificates if requested by the visa officer.
6. Other Supporting Documentation: Submit comprehensive supporting documents as per the specific requirements for your country. You can consult the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or seek assistance from our firm.

Upon application submission, a visa officer will review to ensure compliance. Failure to meet requirements may result in application refusal.

Requirements While Studying in Canada

1. Enrollment at DLI: Remain enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution.
2. Academic Progress: Make progress towards completing the academic program.
3. Compliance: Adhere to any conditions listed on the study permit.
4. Non-Compliance: Cease studies if no longer meeting requirements.
5. Permit Expiry: Depart Canada upon permit expiration.

Application Process

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure eligibility criteria are met, including an acceptance letter, financial support proof, and necessary documents.
2. Prepare Application: Gather all required documents and consider having your application reviewed by a qualified immigration representative.
3. Submit Application: Choose between submitting electronically through the IRCC website or via a paper-based application sent to the Visa Application Centre (VAC).
4. Arrival in Canada: Upon approval, obtain your study permit at a Canadian Port of Entry by presenting the Port of Entry Introduction Letter issued by the Canadian government.

It’s important to note that a study permit is not a visa. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may require a travel visa to enter Canada:

• Visa Exempt Countries: No visa needed to enter Canada; however, an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) may be required.
• Non-Visa Exempt Countries: A travel visa is necessary, which will be mailed to you upon study permit approval.

What is a Canada Study Permit?

A Canada study permit, also known as a student visa Canada, is an official document issued by Canadian immigration authorities, granting permission for foreign students to pursue studies in Canada. Without a valid study permit, international students are not permitted to attend educational institutions in Canada. Additionally, holders of study permits are eligible to enroll in Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), which are educational establishments authorized by provincial or territorial governments to admit international students.

Latest Updates for Canada Study Visa

January 23, 2024: Canada has introduced a two-year limit on new international student permits to address housing and social service demand. The Immigration Ministry of Canada anticipates issuing approximately 364,000 study permits in 2024, reducing the number by one-third through this temporary cap.

December 15, 2023: Beginning January 1, 2024, international applicants must demonstrate funding sources totaling CAD 20,635 annually to secure a study visa for Canada. This new requirement represents a significant increase from the previous funding threshold of CAD 10,000 per year, which was in effect in the early 2000s. Consequently, Indian students seeking Canada student visas must adhere to the revised criteria and make appropriate arrangements accordingly.

The following documents are necessary for applying for a Canada Student Visa

• Valid Passport

A valid Passport is essential for applying for a Canada Study Visa. According to the Canadian High Commission, your passport must remain valid for the duration of your intended stay in Canada. For instance, if you plan to arrive in September 2022 for a two-year course, your passport should be valid until at least September 2024.

• Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution

You will need the acceptance letter from the university or institute you plan to attend. A Designated Learning Institute is recognized by the Immigration Department. Additionally, if applying for Quebec, you will require a CAQ (Québec Acceptance Certificate) issued by the Quebec Government. However, if your studies are less than 6 months, a CAQ is not necessary.

• Financial Documentation

When applying for your Study Permit, you will need to provide proof of funds. According to current requirements, you must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses. Canadian Immigration stipulates that students need at least CAD 20,635 for each year of their stay. Additionally, you must prove you have funds for return fare. Various forms of proof of funds are accepted, including:

• Canadian bank account statements
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
• Student or education loans
• Bank statements from the past 4 months
• Convertible bank drafts
• Receipts for paid tuition and housing fees
• Letters from sponsors or educational institutions providing funds
• Evidence of funding from within Canada, such as scholarships or Canadian-funded educational programs

The minimum required bank balance for a Canada student visa depends on whether you will be staying in Quebec or outside of Quebec, as well as the number of accompanying individuals during your stay in Canada.

Question & Answer:

Question: What are the requirements for a Canada student visa?

Answer: The requirements for a Canada student visa include:

• Admission to a course at a designated learning institute
• Financial evidence demonstrating the ability to cover tuition fees for the Canadian institution
• Funds for living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members
• Clean background with no criminal record
• Medical examination results
• English language proficiency test scores
• Letter of explanation
• Payment proof of embassy fees for the Canada study visa application fee, etc.

It’s crucial for students to fulfill these requirements to minimize the risk of rejection. The processing time for a Canada study visa is approximately six weeks, provided all documents are submitted correctly and all conditions set by the IRCC are met.

Question: What are the requirements for obtaining a Canada student visa?

Answer: The requirements for a Canada student visa are as follows:

• Acceptance into a program offered by a designated learning institution
• Financial evidence demonstrating the ability to cover tuition fees at the Canadian institution
• Adequate funds to cover living expenses for both yourself and any accompanying family members
• Clean criminal record with no prior convictions
• Results of a medical examination
• Proof of proficiency in the English language
• A letter explaining the purpose of your studies in Canada
• Confirmation of payment for embassy fees related to the Canada study visa application

Meeting these Canada student visa requirements is crucial to minimize the risk of application rejection. The processing time for a Canada study visa is typically around six weeks, provided that all required documents are submitted correctly and all conditions set by the IRCC are met.

Question: Is it possible to enroll in studies in Canada without obtaining a student visa?

Answer: To pursue academic studies in Canada, obtaining a student visa is mandatory. No Canadian university can admit international students without a valid Canadian student visa. It is recommended that students initiate their study abroad application well in advance to allow ample time for processing the Canadian study visa, as it entails a considerable processing period.

Question: What are the options for staying in Canada after completing my studies?

Answer: After completing your education, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada. The duration of this permit is contingent upon the length of your program. To qualify for a work permit, your course must span at least 8 months. For programs between 8 months and 2 years, the PGWP duration matches the length of the course. If the program is 2 years or longer, the PGWP may extend up to 3 years. Once you have accumulated sufficient work experience in Canada, you can pursue Permanent Residency (PR). Indian students can easily access information about PR requirements for Canada and associated costs.

Question: Do I need to submit evidence of English language proficiency to acquire a Canadian student visa?

Answer: If you originate from a non-English-speaking nation, it is mandatory to furnish proof of English language proficiency for obtaining a Canadian study visa. Applicants can undertake English proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. It is essential to achieve a minimum score of 6.0 on the IELTS for undergraduate programs and 6.5 for postgraduate programs.