Visa Application

What is a Study Permit?

A study permit is a document issued by the Government of Canada allowing international students to study at DLIs or Designated Learning Institutions. Students should remember that all primary and secondary schools are DLIs but they should check to see if the post-secondary institution they wish to attend is a DLI. You should apply for a study permit if necessary before you plan to travel to Canada. Prior to applying for a study permit, ensure that you have all the required documents. Students should also know that their study permit is not a visa and a visa will be issued once the Government of Canada has approved your study permit. The fee to apply is 150 CAD.

Who is Eligible for a Study Permit?

Eligibility requirements for international students:
  1. You can study in Canada if you are enrolled at a DLI
  2. If you can provide evidence to show that you can pay your tuition fees, living expenses, and transportation
  3. You must obey the law and have no criminal record
  4. You must be able to get a police certificate showing that you have no criminal record if required
  5. You must be in good health and get a medical exam to prove this if required
  6. You must prove to an officer that once your study permit expires you will leave Canada

While in Canada, Your Responsibilities Are to:

  1. Complete your program of study
  2. Respect the conditions of your study permit
  3. Stop studying if you cannot meet the requirements of your program

Conditions on Study Permits Can Be As Follows:

  1. If you can work in Canada
  2. If you can travel within Canada
  3. The date on which you are required to leave Canada
  4. The Specific DLI at which you can study
  5. Whether an immigration medical examination is required

Why Students May Want to Get A Study Permit Even If It Is Not Necessary:

  1. To continue their studies
  2. To be able to work on- or off-campus

The Following Documents Are Necessary to Apply For a Study Permit:

  1. Proof of Acceptance (Letter of Acceptance from your School of Choice)
  2. Proof of Identity (Passport, Travel Document, etc.)
  3. Proof of Financial Support (Proof of Canadian Bank Account in Your Name, Student Loan from a Bank, etc.)
You may also need the following documents:
  1. A Letter of Explanation (Why you want to study in Canada)
  2. A Quebec Acceptance Certificate (Issued by the Government of Quebec)
  3. A Custodian Declaration (this is for minors only)
  4. Any other documents the Government of Canada requires from you

How to Apply for a Study Permit

When applying for a study permit, you should submit a letter of acceptance from the DLI (designated learning institution) you are attending, the documents required of you, and a letter of explanation. You must apply online for a study permit whether you are outside of Canada or already in Canada. The only circumstances in which you would be eligible to apply on paper would be if you have a disability preventing you from applying online or hold an identity for non-national residents. After applying for a study permit, you will need to book a biometrics appointment and your study permit application will be processed. The government may ask you to go to an interview with Canadian officials in your home country or send more information. A medical exam or police certificate may be required. Next, you should prepare to arrive in Canada where you will meet a border services officer who will ensure that you meet basic requirements. Once this is over, you should be set to begin your studies.