Canada is a popular destination for international students and those planning to study abroad. Canadian universities are among the most prestigious in the world, and it’s also great places to explore new cultures, meet new people and engage in learning experiences away from home. To study in Canada, non-Canadian students need to apply for a study permit before entering the country.
It can be tough to get a Canadian study permit, but we make it easy for you. Follow our step-by-step instructions and you’ll have your permit in no time!
What is a Study Permit?
If you are planning on studying in Canada, you will need to apply for a Study Permit. A Study Permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study in Canada. To be eligible for a Study Permit, students must first obtain admission from a designated learning institution.
There are a few things to keep in mind when applying for a Study Permit:
-You must have been accepted by a designated learning institution in order to apply
-You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your studies
-You must be able to show that you will return home after your studies
-You may need to provide a medical exam and/or police clearance certificate
Study Permit Requirements
In order to get a Canadian study permit, it’s important to make sure that you meet two sets of requirements: Eligibility requirements and requirements While you’re studying in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to apply for a study permit, you must complete these requirements:
Acceptance Letter: You must have an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution(DLI) in Canada to apply for a Canadian study permit.
Proof of Financial Support: In order to be accepted, you must provide proof that you can cover the cost of tuition and living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members, during your first year of study. These costs will be under your name or that of a family member or close friend.
Supporting Documentation: To determine which documents are required for your study permit application, you can consult the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Alternatively, you can contact our firm, and one of our Educational Counsellors will contact you to provide assistance.
Requirements While you’re studying in Canada
If your study permit is approved and you enter Canada as an international student, there are some requirements you’ll need to maintain while you’re studying in Canada under a study permit, a foreign national must:
- Always be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Make progress toward completing your program
- Respect any conditions listed on your study permit
- Stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements and
- Leave Canada when your permit expires
The Application Process
- You must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having an acceptance letter from a DLI and providing proof of financial support. You need to provide a range of documents, which may include your country of citizenship and residence.
- A study permit application can be prepared if you are eligible. Make sure to have all the right documents if you’re applying for one in your country. Immigration officers may refuse a study permit application if they feel that you haven’t met the requirements, so it’s a good idea to have an immigration professional review your application before submitting it.
- You can submit an application in two ways: Online (Electronic application): Create a free account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website, and you can submit your application digitally using scanned or electronic copies of necessary documents. Paper-based (Paper Application): Compile your entire application without digital devices, and mail the materials to your country’s Visa Application Centre.
- Come to Canada if your study permit is approved! Please keep in mind that your Canadian study permit will not be issued until you arrive at a Canadian port of entry (POE). The Canadian government will provide you with a Port of Entry Introduction Letter if your permit is accepted. To acquire your study permit, you must save this letter and show it to an immigration official when you arrive in Canada.
Studying without a permit
If you want to study in Canada, you need to get a study permit, unless you qualify for one of the exceptions listed below. You can’t apply for a study permit from inside Canada unless you:
- Are a spouse or common-law partner of a foreign student studying in Canada,
- Have already graduated from a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary institution,
- Are taking part in an exchange program approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada,
- Are taking part in a General Agreement on the Trade in Services (GATTS) program,
- Or are enrolled in courses at the secondary level or below that are not part of a degree program.
If you plan to study in Quebec, you must apply for both a study permit and a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ).
FAQs
1. Who needs a Study Permit?
If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you will need a study permit to study in Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an eTA.
If you plan to study in Canada for more than six months, you will need a study permit. To get a study permit, you must have been accepted by a school, college, university, or other educational institution in Canada.
You can apply for a study permit from inside or outside of Canada. If you are already in Canada, you must apply for your study permit before your current status expires.
2. Why is the Study Permit Necessary?
The main reason why the study permit is necessary is that it allows international students to come to Canada and receive an education. In order to be eligible for a study permit, you must prove that you have been accepted into a DLI, have enough money to support yourself during your studies, and intend to return home after completing your studies.
3. How long does it take to get a Canadian study permit?
It can take up to eight weeks to receive your study permit. The processing time may be longer if you need an interview or if your application is incomplete. You can check the status of your application online.
4. How much does it cost to apply for a Canadian study permit?
The fee for applying for a study permit is $150 CAD. However, if you are applying from outside of Canada, you may also need to pay a processing fee of $85 CAD.
5. How long is a study permit valid?
A study permit is typically valid for the length of your studies in Canada, up to a maximum of four years. However, it is important to note that your study permit cannot be extended beyond the expiration date on your passport. Therefore, if you plan to extend your studies beyond four years, you will need to reapply for a new study permit before your current one expires.
6. Do I need insurance to apply for a study permit?
Yes, all international students studying in Canada must have health insurance coverage for the duration of their studies.
How Cougar Immigration Can Help You
Starting from the beginning of the immigration process, Cougar Immigration will help you! Our International Student Program will connect you with one of our expert Educational Counsellors to provide guidance every step of the way. We’ll help you find your ideal program of study, then prepare and submit your study permit application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Let us show you how we can make this daunting journey more simple while simultaneously preserving your cultural identity. Simply complete our free student assessment to get started, and one of our Educational Counsellors will call you to explore your immigration choices!
