To get a Canadian study permit, you must first apply to a designated learning institute. Once accepted, you may proceed to apply for a study permit. Along with the application itself, you will be required to submit certain documentation, as well as meet all requirements set by the Canadian government.
Common Canada Study Permit Questions
What Is the Processing Time for a Canada Study Permit?
Canadian Study Permit Processing Times depend mostly on the applicant’s country of residence. Typically a Canadian study permit can be processed between 1-16 weeks. Visit our page on Canada Visa Processing Times for 20241 to learn more.
What is my Responsibility as a Student in Canada?
You must make sure to do the following while studying in Canada:
- consistently take steps toward the completion of your program
- abide by any terms specified in your study permit
- if you no longer meet the requirements, you will no longer be allowed to study in Canada Depending on your circumstances, your study permit may include conditions such as
- if you are permitted to work in Canada
- if you are permitted to travel within Canada the precise date by which you must depart Canada
- where you can learn (a specific DLI listed on your permit)
- before you can study at a different DLI, you must change your DLI in your IRCC secure account.
- whether an immigration medical examination is required
Study Permit to Permanent Residency
Many international students in Canada finish their studies with the hopes of obtaining work and remaining in Canada permanently.
In certain Express Entry categories, students may be eligible for permanent residence without any work experience. Often though, students will apply for work and then a work visa to stay temporarily. After having gained academic and work experience in Canada, they may have more options to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
Applying for the Student Direct Stream (SDS)
Those foreign nationals from a specific list of countries have the ability to apply for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) which is ultimately for faster, more efficient study permit processing.
Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
The Post Graduate Work Permit Program permits students who have graduated from qualifying Canadian designated learning institutions to get an open work permit and gain important Canadian job experience through the Post Graduate Work Permit Program. Skilled Canadian work experience obtained through the PGWPP in NOC skill type 0 or skill level A or B helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class within Express Entry. Graduates with a post-graduation work permit can work full-time, part-time, or independently.
How Long Can I Stay in Canada?
1. If you’re taking prerequisite courses If your school asks you to take courses before they accept you into the main program, 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. 2. 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. 3. If you 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 a completion letter, transcript, degree, or diploma.
Turning a Visitor Visa to a Student Visa
If you are in Canada visiting, you can apply for a student visa while you’re in Canada. You can qualify to apply if you’re currently in Canada and one of these applies:
- you have a valid study or work permit
- your spouse, common-law partner or parent has a valid study or work permit
- you’re a minor child in primary or secondary school
- you’re an exchange student or visiting student
- you completed a short-term course or study program required to be accepted at a DLI
- you or your spouse, common-law partner or dependent child has a temporary resident permit (TRP) valid for 6 months or more
- you’re being sponsored to immigrate and you already applied for permanent residence (if you’re eligible)
- you or your spouse, common-law partner or dependent child are subject to an unenforceable removal order
- you’re the spouse, common-law partner or dependent child of:
- an athlete on a team based in Canada
- a member of the media
- a member of the clergy
- military personnel on duty in Canada or
- an accredited foreign representative
- you’re a refugee claimant in Canada or a family member of a refugee claimant in Canada.
Learn more about Canada Tourist Visa Requirements.
Why Study in Canada?
Canada is one of the greatest country destinations for international students. The educational standard and quality of living in Canada is one of the best. We’ve written several articles on why you should study in Canada.
- 5 Reasons Students Choose to Study in Canada
- Top 10 Reasons to Choose Canada for Higher Education
- What and Where to Study in Canada to Get a Job
- Life in Canada as an International Student
- Things You Should Know Before Studying in Canada
- International Students: Studying in the US or Canada
*Visit our Canada Student Visa News page to learn more about new rules for international students in Canada in 2024.*
Resources for Prospective Students in Canada
If you are interested in studying in Canada, you will first need a letter of acceptance from an educational institution, meaning you will need to apply to the university directly. Canada offers great opportunities for higher learning at a number of institutions. Here we have highlighted some options to serve as a starting point in deciding where to apply.
Why Hire Us to Help You With Your Canada Student Visa Forms
Studying in Canada is an amazing experience for any student. Canada has one of the highest standards of education in the world. If you want to ensure your best chances at getting an approval on your student visa application, then we recommend you consult with us before submitting. We have helped thousands and thousands of students successfully enter Canada on a study permit, and we can help you too!
We Can Help Your Canada Study Permit Application!
The first step towards your studying in Canada is getting an assessment of your case. Fill out our immigration assessment form and we will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility and options. Call us today at +1.5146320839 for an assessment to see if you are eligible to move to Canada, or fill out our online assessment form.
