Canada contains many great institutions for learning. In order to attend these institutions, you will need a study permit. 

This page will illustrate what a study permit to Canada is and the process of obtaining one.

Section 9(1) of the Regulations states that a foreign national may not study in Canada without first obtaining a study permit. While a study permit authorizes a foreign national to study in Canada, it is not a visa. In order to enter and remain in Canada, a temporary resident visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is also needed, unless exempt. Temporary resident visas and eTAs are typically issued with your study permit and expire at the same time.

Your study permit is your authorization to study at a designated learning institution. There are only a few exceptions to needing a study permit in Canada, which will be discussed in another section.

Your study permit will specify which school you are authorized to study in and for how long you are authorized to stay in Canada.

There are two main conditions for being issued a study permit as mentioned in section 220.1 of the Regulations:

If an officer is of the opinion that a foreign national is not complying with the conditions of their study permit, they may request evidence from the study permit holder. They are also free to request evidence of compliance as part of a random assessment. (IRPR 220.1(4))

A study permit becomes invalid the day that it expires which is typically the length of the program of study plus 90 days according to section 222 of the Regulations. The extra 90 days can allow a foreign national to prepare their leave from Canada, receive their transcripts, apply to extend their stay or apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Foreign nationals will need to apply for a study permit before entering Canada, unless otherwise exempted by the Regulations. 

According to section 219(1) of the Regulations, in order to apply for a study permit, the foreign national requires an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution.

The basic requirements for a foreign national to be issued a study permit for Canada are:

In order to apply, the foreign national will need to gather all of their documents are make certified copies of them. A notary public in your country can make certified copies of your documents. A study permit application can be made online and the foreign national must ensure that they fill out all the necessary forms. Applicants can submit their application and documents online along with the necessary processing and biometrics fees.

The processing time for a study permit may take around 8 weeks for applications submitted outside of Canada. If your study permit is approved, you will get it when you arrive in Canada at a port of entry such as an airport or it will be mailed to you if you are already in Canada.

A great benefit of attaining a study permit is the possibility of acquiring a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon completing your studies. A foreign national could receive a PGWP up to three years in length which allows them to remain and work in Canada.  Attaining work experience in a NOC 0, A or B occupation opens up their options to becoming a permanent resident. However, not all designated learning institutions and programs are eligible for a PGWP. When you search for a designated learning institution, it will display whether it offers PGWP-eligible programs or not.

(See IRCC website for more information)

Another benefit of obtaining a study permit is that you may be authorized to work on a part-time basis (20 hours per week) during your studies and full-time during scheduled breaks of academic sessions. Additionally, if a foreign national holds a study permit, a family member of theirs may be able to apply for an open work permit after entering Canada according to section 186(v) of the Regulations. This could allow one member to gain work experience in Canada and earn money, while the other is studying.

The following people do not require a study permit for Canada:

(IRPR 188)

For more information on study permit for Canada applications, visit the Government of Canada website or book a consultation.

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