Study Permit/Visa
Who's Eligible?
A study permit allows foreign nationals to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Before applying for a study permit, you need to already have an acceptance letter from a DLI.
To obtain a study permit, you need to:
- Be enrolled at a DLI
- Prove to an immigration officer that you will leave Canada once your study permit expires
- Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to take care of yourself and your family during your stay, to return home, and to pay your tuition
- Not be a danger to Canada’s security, obey the law, and have no record of criminal activity
- Be in good health
All primary and secondary schools (grades 1-12) are DLIs, but if you plan on enrolling in a post-secondary school (such as college or university), you need to verify whether it is a DLI here.
Many DLIs make you eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work in Canada for 3 years after graduation. It is very important to look into whether your DLI offers a PGWP – you can do this on the Government of Canada website. If your DLI does not offer a PGWP, you will not be eligible for a work permit after you graduate.
It is also important to note that a study permit is not a visa and therefore does not allow you to enter into Canada. You will also require a visitor visa (TRV) or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). However, if you successfully obtain a study permit, you will automatically be issued a TRV or an eTA.
A study permit is typically valid for the length of your study program, plus an additional 90 days to allow you to prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay.
Processing times for these applications can vary significantly, but you can obtain an estimate from the Government of Canada here. Some cases are more complex than others and need more time or information to process, especially if anything changes during your application, such as medical status, new dependants, or a marriage.
If you’re looking for more information on coming to Canada, you can schedule a professional consultation with one of our licensed consultants here. They’ll be able to provide you with all of the information you need to get your application started.
