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Updated on October 17, 2024
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Explore this page, as well as our other study in Canada resources, to learn more about the process of coming to Canada to study on a study permit.
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Do you prefer to learn by video? Check out this comprehensive webinar on studying in Canada which we produced in partnership with Doherty Fultz Immigration:
A document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) to someone who wants to come to Canada to study, or continue ongoing studies in Canada.
At the very minimum, you will need to present with your application a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) and minimum funds (see below) along with a provincial attestation, as Marc Miller announced on January 22, 2024. Additional documentation depends on your circumstances. The Canadian study visa requirements also includes the payment of student visa fees and the ability to provide proof of funds for your Canadian study permit. More information on proof of funds and general requirements for a study permit in Canada can be found below.
Generally, a study permit is not required for:
In addition, certain family members or private staff accompanying a foreign representative accredited by Global Affairs Canada, as well as members of the armed forces from certain countries, may be able to study for longer than six months without a study permit.
Upon completion of a study program, graduates may be eligible to obtain a post-graduation work permit.
An accompanying spouse or common-law partner may be able to obtain an open work permit if their partner is completing a Masters or Ph.D. degree or is part of a medicine or law program. Minor children may be able to study at Canadian elementary and secondary schools.
The process for submitting your Canadian study permit application depends on the country from which you’re applying. Consult the Canadian government’s official page to find out your requirements.
On submitting the study permit application, the applicant will need to pay government processing’s fees of $150 CAD.
This depends on which processing office will be processing your study permit application. when planning your studies in Canada, you should have a rough idea on how long your local office is taking to process files. Make sure you give your application enough time to be processed.
Your study permit should be valid for the duration of your studies. If not, you will need to apply to extend your study permit prior to its expiry to ensure you can continue studying in Canada.
This depends on the situation. In any event, in order to change either programs or schools, the student must be enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI) and be actively studying in Canada.
If students are changing their level of studies and they have a valid study permit, they do not need a new study permit to do this. You should still advise IRCC of this change.
For post- secondary students, any school you plan on changing to, should be a DLI. In addition to this, they need to advise IRCC of this intended change, before the proceed to change schools.
Post- secondary students include any student studying at the following types of institutes:
In order to be eligible for a Canada study permit, prospective students must:
There may be additional requirements, depending on the applicant’s circumstances, including submitting a Statement of Purpose. A Statement of Purpose is required for some study permit applicants (check your IRCC checklist for your country), but it is recommended that you submit one even if it is not mandatory. You can learn more about writing a strong statement of purpose.
Canadian study permit applicants must prove they can support themselves and accompanying family members, if applicable, while in Canada.
Proof of funds for a study permit can be proven with:
Check out our analysis on which bank provides the best option for a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
The minimum funds requirements are outlined below. The requirements for students destined for the province of Quebec are different, and follow this first table.
As the section above suggests, there are separate requirements in place for students who wish to attend one of the many universities and colleges in Montreal, or any other location in Quebec.
In almost all cases, individuals who wish to study in Quebec also need to apply for and obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (certificat d’acceptation du Quebec, or CAQ) before they apply for a study permit. This entails additional fees and processing times compared to the regular Canadian student visa processing times.
The CAQ is generally valid for the duration of the study program, up to a maximum of 49 months.
The government of Canada does not pay for the medical costs of international students. Health coverage for international students is different, depending on where you live. For details about your province, consult our guide to health insurance for your first months in Canada.
Prospective international students, as well as new arrivals in Canada who remain uncertain, are encouraged to contact the institution they are applying to / have applied to / are attending for more information about health insurance.
We also encourage you to read our guide which will help you figure out if you need health insurance as an international student.
Unfortunately, study permits have a high rate of refusal due to the discretionary nature of their processing. There are some tips to avoid a refusal:
Moving2Canada works with experienced, regulated Canadian immigration consultants who provide consultations. The consultants we work with will get to know you and your family, if applicable, and provide the kind of expert one-on-one advice that many newcomers to Canada have found highly valuable. If you choose to retain the services of a consultant all the way to obtaining your new status in Canada, the cost of the consultation will be deducted from the balance of fees.
Learn more about our recommended regulated Canadian immigration consultants.
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