Study in Canada

Canada is climbing the ladder when it comes to international students with a staggering number of 642,000 international students as of 2019. The figure brings Canada to number 3 in the chart of international students. Quite impressive, and the ranking will keep on improving. The process of getting into Canada for that education requires meticulous planning. We are here to help you get into your dream school by providing you with all the information on Canada’s study permits.

Canada study permit

A Canadian study permit is an immigration document that allows international students to stay and study in Canada. It is important to note that the student permit only allows studying in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). These are institutions that have the authority from the territorial or the provincial government to allow international students to study at their campuses. While all primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLI’s, not all post-secondary institutions are DLI. If you are enrolling for any post-secondary education, you must confirm your institution of choice is on the list of Designated Learning Institutions. It will also allow you to work on or off-campus. If your study permit expires then you will be out of status.

How to apply for the Canada study permit?

You can apply for a study permit online or by paper. You can apply for a study permit before going to Canada, which is the most recommended option. However, some individuals apply for the permit when at the port or when already in the country. Whichever option you choose, ensure you understand if it applies to you.

If you opt to use the paper application, then you need to drop the application at the Canada Visa Application Centers in your country – VFS Global .

The online application process has the below advantages:

• It is cheaper since there are no courier charges
• It is faster since your application is received instantly compared to sending via mail
• Ensures your application is fully complete before submitting
• It is easier and quicker to submit any more documents that are needed
• The processing time might be faster
• You receive status updates of your application online

Who is eligible for the study permit?

The Canadian study permit is available for anyone who meets the below requirements:

• Have an acceptance letter from a DLI
• Have proof of financial stability to cater to your tuition, living expenses and return ticket to your home country
• Have no criminal record and a police abstract as proof (if needed)
• Are healthy and results of medical examination as proof (if required)
• Can convince the immigration offices that you will return home when your permit expires

There are a few exemptions on who needs a study permit. These exemptions apply to the below situations:

• A program of 6 months and less
• Completion of one’s education within the period approved by immigration
• If you are a member of a foreign armed force on official duty
• Anyone with an Indian Registration Status
• A staff or family member of an international representative with accreditations by Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
• A minor child in kindergarten, a refugee, with refugee parents or are in high school, primary school, or pre-school and the parent already have a study or work permit

Study permit processing timeline

The processing time varies and it is dependent on:

• Your home country or residence country
• The number of applications received by the processing office
• The office that is processing your request

You can check how long it takes to process for here. The time is an estimate and not guaranteed.

Responsibilities of a student with a study permit

Staying in the country once you have the study permit will solely depend on you meeting the below responsibilities:

• Meeting all the conditions in your study permit
• Making an effort and progress into completing your studies or program
• Stop studying if you do not meet the requirements
• Leave the country upon expiry of your study’s permit or extend it before it expires

How long you can stay in Canada with a study permit

The period you are in Canada on a study permit will depend on how long your program runs. However, you have 90 days to be in the country after your graduation, regardless of the date on your study permit. The 90 days is a grace period within which you can decide whether you want to remain in the country or do your final preparations of leaving the country.

If you want to extend your stay in the country, you must request an extension before the permit expires. You must apply for the extension at least 30 days before your study permit expiry date to avoid any delays. You can also change your status from a study permit to a visitor visa or a work permit.

Traveling home when still studying in Canada

Yes, you can still go home when studying in Canada. However, you need to prove to the immigration officers that you are still enrolled at the institution when you get back. Also, if you have an eTA or a visitor’s visa, it must be valid when you travel back to Canada.

Our expert strives hard to provide tailored solutions to each client and their unique situations. A strong statement of purpose/study plan and a submission letter detailing study permit regulations and federal court case laws can increase your chances for an approval. Contact us today for a free study permit assessment and to renew your student visa in Canada online!