The study permit is a document Canada issues that allows foreign students to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. 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) If the study permit is approved, Canadian Immigration will issue one to you with your study permit.
Get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream:
–> If you are a legal resident in certain countries, you may be able to get your study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream.
Who can apply ?
Eligibility Criteria for Canada Student Visa :
- You must be enrolled at the educational institution.
- You must possess adequate funds to pay for living expenses and tuition fees.
- There must not be any criminal record, and candidates you must also have a police certificate.
- Must be in the best of health. If required, candidates have to get the medical exam report to prove this.
- You must prove to an officer prove that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires.
What are Your Duties as an International Student?
While studying in Canada you must:
- make progress towards completing your program
- respect any conditions listed on your study permit and
- stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements
Depending on your case, there may be conditions on your study permit such as
- if you are allowed to work in Canada
- if you are allowed to travel within Canada
- the specific date you must leave Canada
- where you can study (a specific DLI listed on your permit)
- whether you need an immigration medical examination
What are the documents needed to apply ?
Proof of Acceptance
- Letter of Acceptance from school.
- Prerequisite course if needed
Proof of Identity
- Valid passport or travel documents
- 2 passport-sized photos
Proof of Financial Support
You must prove that you can support yourself, and the family members who come with you, while you are in Canada.
You can prove your funds with:
- proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you have transferred money to Canada
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
- proof of a student or education loan from a bank
- your bank statements for the past 4 months
- a bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
- proof you paid tuition
- a letter from the person or school sponsoring you money
- proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program
Letter of Explanation (Statement of Purpose)
It is essential to submit an SOP that outlines why you have chosen the course and institution.
This letter helps the visa officer to understand you and your goals. It explains
- why you want to study in Canada and
- that you understand your responsibilities as a student
Student Visa Fees
According to the IRCC site, application fee is 150$CAD.
In addition, you must also have your biometrics (fee 85$CAD).
Processing Time: The processing time commences when the Embassy or the Visa Granting Authority receives the application. For example, the processing time for a Canadian student visa is around 10-15 business days. However, many times, it may stretch to 30 business days.
Student Visa Dependents
Individuals aspiring to study in Canada can also bring their spouses or children along during the course of their studies.
With this, one’s spouse will be authorized to be employed full-time. However, it is valid till the partner’s study permit. Then, of course, they must outline their purpose of bringing their family members along.
On the other hand, if an individual is bringing their children below the age of 18, they must be enrolled in a primary, secondary school as long as their parents are employed. Moreover, if a child is over 22 years old and cannot sustain himself financially, they will still be termed as a ‘dependent child’.
One must note that this may strike the visa immigration officer that the individual does not plan to leave the country after its expiration. You will be
Intakes in Canada
Canadian Universities enrol students three times in an academic year, much like the American Universities.
- Fall– This is also known as the September Intake because the course commences from this period. It goes till January.
- Winter– Known as the January intake and allows candidates to prepare for their study permit. It generally spans from January-May.
- Summer- It is the May intake, and fewer Universities or colleges offer this. The intake is of short duration, and few courses to choose from.
Click here for all the details on the Canadian Study Permit process.