For international students aspiring to pursue their education in Canada, this comprehensive guide offers detailed insights into the process of obtaining a visa, visa requirements, and its eligibility criteria. Explore the complete pathway and essential steps required to fulfill your dream of studying in this diverse and welcoming country, Canada.
What is a Study Permit?
A study permit is a document issued by Canada that allows foreign nationals to study at a designated learning institute in Canada.
Validity of the Student Permit Canada
If the school you have applied to asks you to take courses before they accept you into the main program, your study permit will be valid for the length of courses plus 1 year. When you’re accepted into the main program, you must apply to extend your visa and stay as a student in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements to Study in Canada
To study in the Canada you are required to have:
- Enrolled at a DLI (designated learning institute).
- Prove that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and a family member who comes with you to Canada, and return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada.
- Obey the law, have no criminal record, and get a police certificate.
- Show strong ties with your home country and prove to the visa officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires.
Canadian Study Permit Process
- Get an admission letter from a designated learning institution (DLI)
- Apply for the permit online or download an application package
- Pay the fee for your application and keep the receipt
- Have a medical check-up from a panel physician registered in your country
Applying Through Student Direct Stream
You can apply faster by processing through the Student Direct stream, but for this, you have to meet certain eligibility requirements these are:
- Be a legal resident living in 1 of the following countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
- Have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution
- Live outside of Canada when you apply
- Proof that you have paid your tuition for your first year of study
- Have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000
- Have an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration
- This is only if you’re planning to study in Quebec.
- Get a Medical Exam before you apply (if you need one)
- Get a Police Certificate before you apply (if you need one)
- Have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s)
- Have the minimum score required for one of the qualifying language tests
You may also need to provide other documents depending on where you’re applying from. Ensure you include all the documents required by the visa office to process your application.
You can also Check
VISA GUIDE FOR USA | F-1 VISA GUIDE
Cost of Studying in Canada for International Students
The cost of studying in Canada for International Students will vary based on the degree you pursue and the university you decide to attend. Generally, tuition fees will range between $15,000 and $50,000 per year.
| Study program | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
| Bachelor’s degree | $15,000 to $50,000 |
| Master’s degree | $20,000 to $30,000 |
| Doctoral Degree | $12,000 to $20,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can I do if my study permit expires before I finish my course?
If your study permit expires before you complete your courses must immediately apply to extend your stay as a student. If you don’t apply, you will have to leave Canada and stop studying.
2. What If my Study is Completed before the Study Permit Expires?
No matter what date is printed on your study permit, within 90 days of completion of your study, your permit will stop being valid.
Please Note
Your studies are officially completed on the date your school first notifies you about any one of the following.
- Completion letter
- Transcript
- Degree or diploma
3. Will I be able to Work or Live in Canada after Graduation?
Yes, you may be able to work temporarily or even permanently, but you need a work permit. The work experience you gain while working helps you qualify for permanent residence.
4. Who does not need a Permit to Study in Canada?
- The ones coming for the program that lasts for 6 months or less don’t require a study permit.
- Those who are members of the foreign armed forces of a country designated under the Visiting Forces Act (VFA ) don’t require a study permit.
- If you have a registered Indian status in Canada, you don’t require a study permit.
5. What is the Cost of a Study Permit?
It cost you around $150.
6. What is the Processing Time for a Student Visa Permit?
The average processing time is 11 weeks, but note that this doesn’t include the time you need to provide biometrics.