Study Permit
What is a study permit?
This is the official permit issued by the immigration department which allows one to undertake study in the country.
Who requires a study permit?
Anyone who is not a citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or a family member of a foreign representative accredited to Canada or a member of the armed forces of a country that is a designated state for the purpose of the Visiting Forces Act, you must obtain a study permit to study in Canada. The Protocol Division of Foreign Affairs issues an acceptance to everyone who has diplomatic, consular, or official status in Canada and their family members. If you have this approval, you do not need a study permit to take courses in Canada.
What courses do not require a study permit?
A study permit is not needed for:
- Any program of study that is six months or less which can be completed within the period authorized upon entry into Canada;
- Courses those are not academic, professional or vocational in nature;
- Courses included in tour packages as a secondary activity for tourists and
- Nursery schools or kindergartens.
*What are the requirements one must meet
You must show the officer that you meet the requirements of the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations and that you will be in Canada for a temporary stay.
You must also:
- Satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies
- Have been accepted by an educational institution
- Prove that you have enough money to support your stay in Canada and to pay for tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members, and return airfare for yourself and any accompanying family members.
- If your course of study is six months or less but you intend to continue your studies in another course you should apply for a study permit before entering into Canada. This will allow you to apply to extend your stay as a student from within Canada. You are not able to extend your student permit in Canada if you extend your course of study to more than six months.
- Not have a record of criminal activity (you may be asked to provide a Police Clearance Certificate)
- Produce any additional documents requested by the officer to establish your admissibility.
- Complete a medical examination, if required.
What documents do I need to apply for a study permit?
Duly signed and completed the application form and all the documents listed below.
Proof of acceptance at a university, college or technical institution, a letter from the educational institution to show
- The name of the institution
- Confirmation of your acceptance and/or registration as a student.
- The course of study.
- The duration of the course.
Proof of identity
- A valid passport.
- Two recent passport size photographs for you and each accompanying family member.
Evidence of financial support for yourself and any accompanying family members while your stay in Canada. Such evidence may include
- Proof of funds in a Canadian bank account
- A bank draft in convertible currency
- Proof of payment of tuition and residence fees
- For those with a scholarship or those with a Canadian funded educational program, proof of funding paid in Canada
Important: Although the documents listed above are normally needed in support of the application, other requirements may also apply. You must also satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of the course of study.
Are there any conditions on my study permit?
An officer may impose, vary, or cancel conditions on your study permit. These may include one or more of the following:
- The course of study you may undertake
- The educational institution you may attend
- The location of your institution
- The time and period of your studies
- The time and place at which you shall report for medical examination or observation
- The conditions for employment
- The duration of your stay in Canada
Children under 19 years of age who are traveling alone must have information (name, address, phone number) about the person and school that will be responsible for them. If the child is the subject of a custody order, proof of custody and the other parent’s consent must also be provided. Minors traveling without their parents require a letter of permission from the non-accompanying parent(s) and a letter from their custodian in Canada.
Working in Canada while you study
Generally, overseas students are not allowed to work while studying in Canada. However, there are some exceptions for full-time students at publicly funded or degree granting institutions who may apply for work permits.
A work permit is issued under the following circumstances:
- The intended employment is an essential and integral part of your course of study (this does not apply to accounting students, medical interns or medical residents) or
- The intended employment is related to an approved research or training program or
- You hold a study permit and have become temporarily needy through circumstances beyond your control or beyond the control of any person whom you are dependent on for financial support to complete your term of study.
- You have successfully completed a community college or university program in Canada and wish to work for a maximum of one year in employment related to your course of study.
Applications must be submitted within 90 days of the completion of your course and you must hold a valid study permit before you start working
Note: Spouses and common-law/de facto partners of full-time students at publicly funded or degree/diploma granting institutions can apply for an open work permit.
Note: Some study permits are arranged with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). These students must obtain an approval letter from CIDA to be eligible for a work permit related to their course of study.
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