What Is A Study Permit?

The study permit application process is used when you are not classed as a Canadian Citizen or a Permanent Resident, but want to attend school temporarily in Canada. There are many different requirements and considerations that you will have to meet in order to be accepted for a Study Permit. A Study Permit is not required if you plan to finish the program within 6 months.

In order for all the forms and documents to be accepted it is very important that you fill out and sign all of them yourself, unless you are under the age of 18 and in that case your parent or legal guardian will have to. If you are bringing family along with you they will have to appropriately fill out their documents as well.

There are certain countries/territories whose citizens may also need a Temporary Resident Visa. In order to find out if your country is included in this list you can look on the Government of Canada’s website (www.cic.gc.ca)

Before you begin your application process you will need to first decide on what college/university you would like to attend. Once you have chosen the institution you will need to apply for the program that you have also picked.

After you have applied and you have heard back from the school you will need to obtain the following documents:

1. Proof of acceptance- The school that you have applied to and have been accepted at must send you a letter confirming your acceptance. You will need to attach the original copy of this letter to your study permit application.
2. Proof of your identity- This can include documents like: a valid passport or travel document as well as 2 recent passport photos of you. These photos should have your name and date of birth on the back of them both. * If there is family travelling with you, they will also need both of these documents as well*
3. Proof of financial support- You need to be able to show that you will be capable of supporting yourself (and any family members that may be coming with you). You can prove this by using some of the following: proof that you have a Canadian bank account and there has been money transferred to Canada, proof of any student loan that you have obtained from any financial institution, your last 4 months’ worth of bank statements, a bank draft in convertible currency, proof that you have already paid your tuition and your accommodation fees if necessary and if you received a scholarship or are in a Canadian funded program you will have to show that it was paid for from within Canada.
4. Letter of explanation- This letter will state why you are applying for a Study Permit, even if you don’t need one right away. By doing this you show the Visa Officer that you are aware of all your options and have done your research.

What Happens After You Complete Your Schooling?

After you have completed your program at the school you attended you may be able to apply for Permanent Residents. There are 3 steps that you will have to follow in order to do so:

• Perfect your English skills, this will help you. If you are already familiar with French then you should also try to do the same
• Try to gain as much work experience as possible. (you can work on campus with your study permit)
• Look into the program that will help you to move from the Temporary Resident to the Permanent Resident. The program is called: Express Entry Route

We have helped many students with applying for their Study Permit, so if you have any questions at all feel free to contact us and we will be more than happy to help you!