Canada Study Permit
A study permit is a document that allows you to study in Canada. This guide will help you understand which documents you need and how the application process works.
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Page Contents
- What is the Study Permit?
- Eligibility Criteria for the Study Permit
- Documents Required for the Study Permit
- Study Permit Application Cost
- Processing Time for the Canadian Study Permit
- How to Apply for a Study Permit
- What Happens After You Apply?
- Study Permit Renewal Process
- Work or Live in Canada After you Graduate
- How can IAS help?
What is the Study Permit?
A study permit is an immigration document that allows a foreign national to study in Canada. The student must be accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI) and meet all the requirements for the program of study, including having adequate financial resources.
The study permit application process is different depending on whether the student is applying from inside or outside of Canada.
The duration of your stay in Canada will depend on the length of your program, but it cannot exceed the validity period of your study permit.
Note that a study permit is not a visa and does not, by itself, allow you to travel to Canada. To enter Canada, you will need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). You will receive the visa or eTA once your study permit application is approved.
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Eligibility Criteria for the Study Permit
The following are the eligibility criteria for the study permit:
- Must be fully vaccinated (not required if you’re under 18)
- Be a registered DLI (Designated Learning Institution) student
- Provide sufficient proof of your ability to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members, and your return transportation
- Have no criminal record and be able to provide a police certificate if necessary
- Be in good health, and get a medical exam (if required)
- Proof of your plans to depart from Canada after the completion of your study program
When you study in Canada, you must also meet the conditions of your study permit, continue to make satisfactory academic progress, and stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements.
There are some additional conditions attached to study permits, including the location where you can study (for example, a DLI listed on your permit), whether you can work or travel in Canada and whether or not you need an immigration medical examination.
Documents Required for the Study Permit
The following are the documents required for getting a study permit:
1. Proof of Acceptance
Your school will have to provide proof that you’ve been accepted into their program.
You’ll need to show the original document or the electronic copy of the letter when you apply online for your study permit.
If you are a family member of a person who has a study permit or work permit and his or her application has already been approved in writing, you don’t need a letter of acceptance.
2. Proof of Identity
You and each family member travelling to Canada must have a valid passport and two recent passport-sized photos.
Make sure to include your name and date of birth on the back of each photo.
3. Proof of Financial Support
You must show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself while studying in Canada.
This includes your tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs as well as health insurance coverage.
You’ll need at least CAN$10,000 to support yourself as a student (and any accompanying family members).
You can prove that by submitting bank statements for the past 4 months, a bank draft that can be exchanged for Canadian dollars, or other supporting documents such as scholarships or bursaries, etc.
Study Permit Application Cost
The cost to get your study permit is CAD 150. This fee is non-refundable, so if you do not qualify for a study permit, you will not get your money back.
This fee does not cover any other costs associated with obtaining a study permit. For example, if you need to pay for an immigration medical exam or a police certificate, those fees are separate from the application fee.
The fee to restore your status as a student is CAD 350 ($200 to restore your status and $150 to get a new study permit).
Processing Time for the Canadian Study Permit
The processing time for the Canadian study permit can vary depending on the type of application.
The current processing time for the study permits is typically 60 days. However, it may take longer in some instances, such as when you are applying at the port or if the application is not complete.
You can use the online tool to estimate your application processing time using the date you submitted your application as well as the type of application and whether you applied from outside or inside of Canada.
How to Apply for a Study Permit
You must apply for a study permit online, whether you are outside of Canada or already in Canada. In most cases, you will have to apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. In rare cases, students may be able to submit the application from within the Canada or at the port of entry also.
To begin the study permit application process, you’ll need to submit a letter of acceptance from the DLI you plan to attend, all the required documents, and a letter of explanation for any documents that are missing due to COVID-19.
After you have all the documents ready, submit the processing and biometrics fees (and any third-party fees for medical exams, police certificates, or language testing).
Once your application is received, it will be processed. You can expect to receive a decision within 60 days from Canadian Immigration Authorities.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once CIC approves your application, they will issue you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter. This letter will outline the conditions of your stay in Canada as well as any conditions that must be met before you can enter the country.
You must carry this letter with you at all times when entering or exiting Canada. If you travel outside of Canada before completing your studies, the CAS letter may be used as proof that you are enrolled and eligible for another temporary resident visa upon returning to Canada.
In case your study permit is refused, you will receive a letter explaining why. Your application can be refused if you don’t have enough money to support yourself while studying in Canada, if you need to get a medical exam and can’t pass it, if you want to stay in Canada after your study period is over, or if you’re not planning to leave Canada at the end of your study period.
Study Permit Renewal Process
A valid study permit has an expiry date that tells you when you have to stop studying and leave Canada. The date is usually the length of the study program plus 90 days. This extra time will give you the chance to plan your departure from Canada or to extend your stay.
To renew your study permit, you’ll have to apply at least 30 days before your current permit expires, if you want to continue studying in Canada.
If your study permit expires before you apply for a new one, you will lose your student status in Canada. In that case, you will need to apply for a new study permit and apply to restore your temporary resident status in Canada.
Work or Live in Canada After you Graduate
Once you have completed your studies, you may be able to work temporarily or even live permanently in Canada. For this, you will need a work permit. The experience you gain while working can help you qualify for permanent residence.
You can also apply to change your status and stay in Canada as a visitor. You’re allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months with a visitor visa.
How can IAS help?
We are a team of experienced immigration lawyers who can help you with your Canadian Study Permit application.
Our team specializes in providing immigration advice to international students seeking a Canadian study permit. We can assist you with any questions or concerns related to your study permit application.
We know that the process can be overwhelming, so we’ll walk you through every step of the way. We’ll answer all of your questions about how to apply for a Canadian study permit and what steps you need to take before arriving in Canada.
We understand that this process can be stressful, so we will do everything we can to ensure it goes smoothly for you—from the beginning until the moment you arrive on campus!
Call us at +1 844 290 6312 for immediate help and assistance with your situation. We’re here to help you in person, via the phone, or online.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on August 24th, 2023 at 9:41 am
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