Study Visa

Eligibility for a Study Permit

To qualify for a Canadian study permit, you generally need to meet the following requirements:

• Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): You must be accepted into a program at a school approved by the Canadian government to host international students (e.g., universities, colleges, or certain technical schools).
• Proof of Funds: You need to demonstrate that you can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation. As of January 1, 2024, the financial requirement increased to CAD $20,635 for a single applicant (in addition to tuition and travel costs), up from the previous $10,000 threshold.
• No Criminal Record: You must be a law-abiding individual and may need to provide a police certificate.
• Health Requirements: In some cases, a medical exam may be required.
• Intent to Leave: You must convince immigration authorities that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires (though pursuing permanent residency later is an option).

Exceptions

You don’t need a study permit if:

• Your program is less than 6 months long.
• You’re a family or staff member of a foreign representative in Canada.
• You’re part of a foreign armed forces under specific conditions.

Application Process

1. Get Accepted: Obtain a letter of acceptance from a DLI.
2. Gather Documents: This includes your acceptance letter, proof of funds, passport, and possibly a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if applying after January 22, 2024 (required for most undergraduate programs due to the international student cap).
3. Apply: Submit your application online or via paper through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Processing times vary by country but can take several weeks to months.
4. Biometrics: If required, provide fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre.
5. Arrival: Upon approval, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. Present this at the Canadian border to get your study permit issued.

Additional Visa Requirements

• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA: Depending on your country of citizenship, you may also need a TRV (sticker in your passport) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. Visa-exempt countries (e.g., the U.S.) require an eTA if arriving by air, except for U.S. citizens.

Working While Studying

• On-Campus: You can work without a separate permit if your study permit allows it.
• Off-Campus: Eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week during the school year (increased from 20 hours as of November 15, 2024) and full-time during scheduled breaks (e.g., summer).
• Co-op/Internship: If your program includes a mandatory work placement, you’ll need a co-op work permit.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

After completing your studies, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

• Duration: Up to 3 years, depending on the length of your study program (e.g., a 2-year program may yield a 2- or 3-year PGWP, while programs under 8 months don’t qualify).
• Master’s and PhD students now qualify for a 3-year PGWP regardless of program length (updated in 2024).

This work experience can help you apply for permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.