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Study Permit

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Study Permit

A study permit, sometimes called a student visa, is a document that allows international students to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada, enabling them to pursue their education while experiencing Canadian culture and lifestyle.

who Can apply for a Study permit?

To be eligible for a study permit in Canada, you must meet the following requirements:

Enrollment at a DLI

You must first be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, such as a college or university, that is authorized to host international students. The institution must be on the official list of DLIs recognized by the Canadian government (IRCC).

Proof of Funds

You need to demonstrate that you have enough money to cover tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members, and return transportation for yourself and those family members.

No Criminal Record

You need to demonstrate that you will obey the law and have no criminal record, often by providing a police certificate (if required). This ensures that you will comply with Canadian law and do not pose a risk to public safety.

Be in Good Health

Applicants must be in good health to study in Canada. Depending on your home country, you might be required to undergo a medical examination (if required) to confirm that you do not have any serious health conditions.

Intent to leave Canada

You must convince a Canadian immigration officer that you plan to leave Canada, once your study permit expires. This involves showing ties to your home country, such as family, job offers, or property.

Faster Processing

If you are a legal resident of certain countries, you may qualify for faster processing of your study permit application through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). This requires meeting additional criteria, such as language proficiency and financial proof.

How to get a study permit

Here’s a 5-step process to sponsor your spouse, partner, or child to come to Canada:

Receive a Letter of Acceptance

First, apply to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada and get accepted. Once admitted, the institution will provide a Letter of Acceptance (LOA), a key document required for your study permit application. Ensure that the institution is on the DLI list, as this is essential for your study permit to be processed.

Gather Required Documents

Next, collect all the required documents to support your study permit application. This includes your Letter of Acceptance, a provincial or territorial attestation letter (if applicable), a valid passport or travel document, and proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and transportation. Depending on your situation, you may also need a police certificate, a medical exam, a statement of purpose outlining your reasons for studying in Canada, and other documents. It's important to have these documents ready to avoid delays.

Submit your Application

Once your documents are ready, submit your study permit application online via the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Ensure you pay the application fee of CAD 150, along with the biometrics fee of CAD 85 (if required). Upload all necessary documents, making sure they are complete and accurate. This is a crucial step in the process, and any missing or incorrect information may cause delays in your application.

Provide Biometrics

After submitting your application, you may need to provide biometrics, such as fingerprints and a photo, as this is a requirement for most applicants. IRCC will send you a Biometrics Collection letter with instructions, and you'll need to complete this step at a Visa Application Centre within 30 days. Once done, IRCC will proceed with processing your application. Depending on your case, you may be asked for additional information, such as a medical exam or further documentation such as a police certificate.

Receive Your Study Permit and Prepare for Travel

If your application is approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction.. You must present this letter to a Canadian Border Services Agency officer (CBSA officer) when you arrive in Canada. The officer will issue your study permit, allowing you to legally study in Canada. Make sure you understand the conditions attached to your permit, such as any work limitations or expiration dates, to remain compliant while studying.

The Canadian study permit process can be daunting, with detailed forms, proof of acceptance, and a wide range of required documents to submit. Cantrust Visa handles all the complexities for you, so you can focus on preparing for your studies and planning your future in Canada.

Study Permit FAQs

What is a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter?

A Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) is a required document for most study permit applicants in Canada to verify that your chosen program and institution are recognized by the provincial or territorial government. It must be included with your study permit application and remains valid until January 21, 2025, unless an expiry date is specified.

You don’t need a PAL/TAL if you’re applying to study in specific programs such as preschools, secondary schools, master’s or doctoral degree programs, vocational programs in Quebec, or if you’re eligible under certain exemptions like military colleges or public policies.

You must provide proof, that you meet an exception if you don’t include a PAL/TAL with your study permit application.

What are my responsibilities as a student?

As a student in Canada, you have several important responsibilities to ensure you comply with the terms of your study permit. While studying, you must:

Make progress toward completing your program.
Respect any conditions listed on your study permit.
Stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements.

Depending on your situation, there may be additional conditions, such as:

Whether you’re allowed to work in Canada.
If you’re permitted to travel within the country.
The specific date by which you must leave Canada.
Where you are allowed to study, as some permits list a specific Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
The requirement to undergo an immigration medical examination.

If you wish to study at a different DLI, you must update your DLI in your IRCC secure account before making any changes.

Who doesn't need a study permit to study in Canada?

Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada, but there are several exceptions:

Short-term students: If your program is 6 months or less, you don’t need a study permit.
Family or staff of foreign representatives: If you are a family or staff member of a foreign representative accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), you may not need a study permit.
Members of foreign armed forces: If you are a member of a foreign armed force under the Visiting Forces Act (VFA) and on official duty, you don’t need a study permit. However, your family members may need one.
Registered Indians in Canada: If you have Registered Indian status in Canada, you don’t need a study permit, even if you’re a foreign national.
Minor children in Canada: Minor children don’t need a study permit if:
- They or their parents are refugees or refugee claimants.
- Their parents are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- They attend school in Canada while their parent is authorized to study or work.
- They are in Canada unaccompanied and attend school.
Temporary residents and asylum seekers in Quebec: You don’t need a study permit to take French language and cultural integration courses.
Temporary residents taking settlement courses: If you are taking government-offered settlement and integration courses, no study permit is required.
Workers eligible to study: If you have a valid work permit issued on or before June 7, 2023, or if you have a letter authorizing you to work while your work permit is processed, you can study without a permit.

Why you may still want to get a study permit for a minor?

You may still want to get a study permit for a minor because it allows them to:

Obtain a secondary school co-op work permit.
Access certain social services in some provinces or territories such as healthcare or a drivers learner’s permit.
Move between education levels without needing a new permit.

Additionally, when minors reach the age of majority (18 or 19, depending on the province or territory), they must apply for a study permit if they wish to continue their education.

What is acceptable as proof of financial support?

Acceptable proof of financial support for a Canadian study permit includes at least one of the following:

Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you’ve transferred money to Canada
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution
Proof of a student or education loan from a bank
Bank statements for the last 4 months
A bank draft convertible to Canadian dollars
Proof of tuition and housing fee payments
A letter from the person or institution providing funding
Proof of a scholarship or Canadian-funded educational program

If foreign exchange controls apply in your country, you must also show that you can export the necessary funds.

How much money do I need to study in Canada?

To study in Canada (excluding Quebec), you need to show proof of funds to cover living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members. The amount required for one person is CAD $20,635 per year. If you bring family members, this increases as follows:

2 people: CAD 25,690
3 people: CAD 31,583
4 people: CAD 38,346
5 people: CAD 43,492
6 people: CAD 49,051
7 people: CAD 54,611

Each additional family member (if more than 7 people) requires an extra CAD $5,559 per year. These amounts do not include tuition costs. For example, if you’re coming with a spouse and child, you’ll need CAD $31,583 for living expenses.

What if a minor comes alone to study?

If a minor comes alone to study in Canada, they will need a custodian—an adult who is responsible for their care and well-being while in Canada. The custodian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident over 18 years old.

To formalize this, a Custodianship Declaration form (IMM 5646) must be completed, with one page signed by the custodian in Canada and the other by the parents or legal guardians in the minor’s home country. Both pages must be notarized and included in the minor’s study permit application.

Can I get an open work permit as a spouse of an international student?

Yes, you can get an open work permit as the spouse of an international student, but the eligibility criteria have changed. Starting April 30, 2024, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit if you, the student, meet the following criteria:

Eligible Programs:

Master’s or Doctoral degree program at a designated learning institution
Professional degree programs at a university, such as:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
- Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN)
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
- Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)

Required Documents:

To apply, your spouse or common-law partner must provide:

A valid letter of acceptance, proof of enrollment, or transcripts from your designated learning institution
Proof of your participation in an eligible pilot program (if applicable)
Proof of relationship to you, the student

The open work permit enables your spouse or common-law partner to work for any employer in Canada, helping them integrate into the community while supporting your studies. In most cases, their work permit will be valid for the same duration as your study permit.

How much is a Study Permit Application?

A Study Permit Application for Canada typically costs CAD $150 and biometrics CAD $85 (if applicable) when applied for directly through the Government of Canada.

At Cantrust Visa, we offer a comprehensive Study Permit application service for USD $1000. This fee includes expert guidance throughout the process, ensuring your application is accurate and submitted on time. Please note that government fees are not included.

What are the processing times for a Study permit Application?

The processing times for a Canadian study permit application vary based on whether the application is processed inside or outside Canada. Applications submitted outside Canada typically take between 3 to 12 weeks, depending on your country of residence. For applications processed inside Canada, times may be shorter. For the most accurate estimates, check the IRCC website or contact Cantrust Visa for personalized assistance.

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