Canada has now become the third-largest destination for international students in the world, with over 642,000 foreign students. International student enrollment in Canada has tripled over the past decade. With a long history of maple and ice hockey in Canada, the country is drawing a growing number of international Bachelor’s students. You will fall in love with its top-ranked universities as well as the high-quality Bachelor’s programs, affordable tuition, and reasonable living costs.
Here is a detailed guide to Canada’s study permits to get you started on your journey to Canada.
What is a Canadian Study Permit?
Students who want to study in Canada need a study permit from the government of Canada. The permit helps to obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) to study in Canada.
Study Permit Eligibility Requirements
The applicant for a study permit must meet specific requirements when applying. Furthermore, there are certain requirements the student must adhere to while in Canada. An applicant must meet these criteria to qualify for a study permit:
Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
Make sure you have a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in order to submit an application for a study permit.
Proof of Financial Support
In addition to proving your financial capacity, you must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover first-year tuition and living costs (housing, food, etc.) for you and any accompanying family members.
Detailed Documentation
Applicants must submit extensive documentation to get approval for their study permit application. This documentation varies according to the country. Consult the immigration, refugees, and citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to find out which documents you need in a particular location.
Minimum funds
Applicants for a study permit in Canada must demonstrate that they can support themselves and any accompanying family members while in the country. Proof of finances for a study permit can be demonstrated using the following methods:
- A Canadian bank account, to show that you have transferred money to Canada
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
- Statements of bank account for the past four months
- You need the documents that prove you have paid the required tuition fees
- Documents of funding If you have got any scholarships from Canada
- Document proving you have received funding from within Canada, in the case of scholarships or programs funded by Canada.
Application Process
Make Sure You’re Eligible
You must meet the eligibility requirements to obtain a Canadian study permit. In addition to an acceptance letter from a DLI, proof of financial support, and a range of documents based on your citizenship and residence, you may also need to fulfill specific requirements depending on which country you live in.
Prepare your application
The study permit application can be submitted if all eligibility requirements are met. Please ensure that all required documentation for your country is collected. Having a qualified immigration representative review your application before submission is vital.
Apply for a Study Permit
To submit your application, you can use either electronic or scanned copies of the documents. To apply for a study permit. You can create an account on the immigration, refugees, and citizenship Canada (IRCC) website then apply electronically. Applicants can also submit paper applications by mailing their application to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) assigned to their country.
Fast-Track Study Permit Processing: Student Direct Stream (SDS)
If you live in one of the following countries, you can receive your study permit faster using the Student Direct Stream (SDS):
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
What Happens After Application Is Approved
If your study permit is approved, then you are eligible to move to Canada. You will receive a port of entry Letter of Introduction (LOI) from the Canadian government if your permit is approved. When you arrive in Canada on your study permit, you must show this letter to the immigration official.
Having a study permit does not mean that you have got a visa. Accordingly, depending on your country of citizenship, you may need a temporary resident visa (TRV) to come to Canada.
You will receive a letter once your application has been approved. The application for a student permit takes 90 days to process. The result comes much sooner in most cases.
Working while attending a course of post-secondary education in Canada
With a study permit, international students can work part-time (less than 20 hours a week) without a work permit. While studying, you’ll need a work permit if you want to work full-time or participate in a work placement. Don’t forget to get an electronic travel authorization (eTA) if you want to travel through the air.
Activities That Are Not Required For Canadian Study Permit
These are the things that are not required for a study permit in Canada.
- Taking part in preschool
- The completion of a distance learning program
- A student to attend an audit course
- Taking a tour package course as an extra activity
- If you are in the country for a shorter period, you don’t need to take a non-academic, non-vocational, non-professional course of general interest in Canada
- The study of one course or program that allows completion within the six-month authorization period
Study Permit Renewal
It is essential to know when your study permit expires so that you can leave Canada after finishing your studies. Your permit’s expiration date can be found in the top right corner. The date is usually 90 days plus the duration of your program. These additional 90 days allow you to prepare for your departure or to extend your stay in Canada.
Student Permit Extension
At least 30 days prior to the expiration of your study permit, you must apply for an extension
Expiration of Your Student Permit: What Should You Do?
If you want to study in Canada after your study permit expires, you’ll need to apply for a new student permit. In addition, you have to restore your temporary residency.
What To Do If You Are No Longer A Student But Still Want To Remain In Canada?
- If you have completed your studies, you can apply for a work permit. A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is available to you once you have completed your studies. Your study permit must have a validity of 180 days at the time of application for this program.
- You can change your status as a visitor to Canada and apply for permanent residency to stay in Canada.
Keep in mind that if you have not requested an extension of your study permit before it expires, you will have to leave Canada.
Immigrate to Canada through the Study-Work-PR Pathway
Get a Canadian Study Permit
Expedite your Study Permit Application through SDS
Work in Canada after your Studies through the PGWP