Study Permit

Applying for a Canadian student visa? Here’s your complete guide to the Canadian study visa application requirements, fees and process.

Overview

Determined about studying in Canada? Canada has a high standard of living and elite educational institutions, which is why many international students from all over the world flock to study in Canada each year.

In Canada, a student visa is often referred to as a “study permit”. It is important that you make sure you have the correct study permit for your international studies before you leave for Canada.

As Canadian study permit conditions can change quickly, you will need to make sure you follow up-to-date advice. The best place to find this advice is the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Who can apply for a study visa to Canada?

You can come to Canada to study if you:

• Are enrolled at a DLI
• Prove that you have the resources to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for you and any family members travelling with you to Canada, as well as their return transportation
• Obey the law, have no criminal record and can get a police certificate (If required)
• Are in good health and can get a medical exam (If required)
• Have a proof to support leaving Canada when your study permit expires

Canada student visa requirements

The most important document you’ll need as an international student before you arrive in Canada is a study permit.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, international students wishing to travel to Canada should regularly consult Canada’s Travel requirements and restrictions for international students. This website is maintained by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in coordination with provincial, territorial and other federal partners, and is updated frequently.
• Before you can apply for a study permit, you need to have a letter of acceptance from a school, university or college in Canada.
• This means you need to find a school or program, apply to your program(s) of choice and receive an acceptance letter from a school, college or university in Canada.

How to apply for a study permit in Canada?

You can apply for a study permit in Canada in two ways: Online or by going to a visa application centre in your country.

As soon as you receive an acceptance letter from a Canadian institution or university, we advise you to apply for a study permit. Depending on the country where you are applying, it may take up to three months to obtain a study permit.

Typically, a study permit must be requested before travelling to Canada. A study permit application can sometimes be made from within Canada.  In some circumstances, you may be able to apply at the port of entry to Canada. Make sure you understand which option is available to you.

Processing time

Once we receive your biometrics, we’ll be able to process your study permit application. We process most Student Direct Stream applications within 20 calendar days after we receive your biometrics if you meet the eligibility.

If your application doesn’t meet the eligibility for the Student Direct Stream, we’ll review it as a regular study permit. You won’t get faster processing if this happens.

Find out how long it takes to process a regular study permit application.

Work while studying

As an international student, you can work in Canada while you are studying, assist your spouse or common-law partner in obtaining a work permit, or work temporarily or permanently in Canada after you graduate.

You may be eligible to work more than 20 hours per week off campus under a temporary public policy. Find out if you meet the requirements.