Study Permit
A Study Permit is the legal authorization for foreign nationals to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Whether you're aiming to pursue undergraduate, graduate, or language programs, the study permit is a crucial document to ensure your academic journey in Canada is successful. However, the application process involves several steps and eligibility requirements that must be met, both when applying and throughout your stay in Canada.
Each year, Canada welcomes over 622,000 international students, making it one of the most popular destinations for higher education worldwide.
The Application Process and Timelines
The study permit application process can be complex and time-consuming, with processing times varying significantly depending on your country of residence. To ensure that your permit is processed before your program begins, it’s crucial to start the application well in advance. Most Canadian post-secondary programs start in September, January, or May, though there are programs with other intake dates.
A Study Permit application cannot be submitted without an acceptance letter from a DLI, so it’s essential to confirm the deadlines and application procedures for your chosen school or program. This will allow you ample time to receive the acceptance letter and prepare your study permit application.
Study Permit Requirements
There are two key sets of requirements to consider when applying for a Canadian study permit: Eligibility Requirements and Requirements While Studying in Canada. Below is a comprehensive overview of both.
Eligibility Requirements for a Study Permit
- 1. Travel Document: A valid passport (or another lawful travel document) is required to apply for a study permit.
- 2. Acceptance Letter: You must have an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. This is the first step in your application process.
- 3. Proof of Financial Support:
- Tuition Fees: Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your first year of study at a DLI.
- Living Expenses: Prove you can support your living expenses and those of any accompanying family members during your stay in Canada.
- Transportation: You must show that you can afford transportation costs for yourself and your family to and from Canada.
- Funds must be in liquid form, and can be shown in an account under your name, a family member’s name, or a close friend’s name.
- 4. Medical Exam: Depending on your country of residence, you may be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure you are fit to study in Canada. This is common for applicants from certain regions with specific health risks.
- 5. Criminal Record Check: In some cases, a police certificate may be required to verify that you do not pose a security risk to Canada.
- 6. Supporting Documents: In addition to the above, extensive supporting documentation is required. This can vary based on your country of origin. We recommend checking the official IRCC website or consulting with one of our immigration specialists for tailored guidance on required documents.
- 7. Visa Officer's Decision: The visa officer will evaluate whether you meet the study permit requirements. If they are not satisfied with your application, they may refuse it.
Requirements While Studying in Canada
Once your Study Permit is approved, you must comply with several conditions during your time in Canada:
- Enrollment: You must remain enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) throughout your stay.
- Progress Towards Completion: You need to demonstrate progress toward completing your academic program.
- Follow Conditions: You must respect all conditions listed on your study permit (e.g., work restrictions, academic requirements).
- Maintain Eligibility: If you no longer meet the requirements of your study permit (e.g., withdrawal from studies), you may be required to leave Canada.
- Exit Canada: You must leave Canada when your study permit expires or if you are no longer eligible to remain in the country.
Study Permit Exemptions
In some cases, foreign nationals are not required to apply for a study permit. The most common exemptions include:
- Short-Term Studies: If your program is six months or less, you do not need a study permit. However, if your studies exceed six months, you must apply for a study permit before the initial six months expire.
- Minor Children: Children under the age of 18 or 19 (depending on the province) who are attending kindergarten, primary, or secondary school in Canada generally do not require a study permit, provided they meet one of the following conditions:
- They are accompanying a parent who is authorized to work or study in Canada.
- Their parent is a refugee or refugee claimant in Canada.
- Members of Foreign Armed Forces: If you are a member of a foreign armed force stationed in Canada, you do not require a study permit to pursue studies. However, your family members may need to apply for study permits.
- Special Cases: There are additional exemptions and nuances for certain categories of students (e.g., diplomats, representatives of international organizations). Please contact us for further details regarding your specific situation.
Student Direct Stream
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a fast-track processing program for study permits designed to help international students from select countries who want to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. SDS aims to provide quicker processing times for eligible students by offering an expedited pathway to study permits.
Key Features
- Faster Processing: SDS applications are typically processed within 20 calendar days, making it one of the fastest ways to obtain a study permit for eligible students.
- Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for the SDS, applicants must meet the following criteria:
-Be a legal resident in one of the eligible countries (currently China, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Morocco, Pakistan, Senegal, and Brazil).
-Have a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.Provide proof of full tuition payment for the first year of study before applying.
-Show proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000 to cover living expenses for the first year.
-Demonstrate English language proficiency by providing a minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS (with no band less than 6.0) or equivalent test results.
- Financial Proof: In addition to the GIC, students need to demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and any accompanying family members during their stay in Canada. This can include bank statements or financial guarantees from a sponsor.
- Medical and Police Clearance: As part of the application process, students may be required to undergo a medical examination and submit police clearance certificates, depending on their country of origin and specific situation.
- Family Members: If you are applying for a study permit under the SDS program, your accompanying spouse or common-law partner can apply for an Open Work Permit, and your dependent children may apply for study permits as well.
Benefits of the Student Direct Stream
1.Quick Processing: SDS significantly reduces wait times, helping students plan their arrival and academic journey in Canada with less uncertainty.
2.Clear Requirements: The program has clear and straightforward eligibility criteria, making it easier for students to understand and meet the application requirements.
3.Financial Support: The GIC ensures that students have sufficient funds to live in Canada, promoting a more secure and stable environment for international students.
Eligible Countries for SDS
Currently, SDS is available for students from the following countries:
- China
- India
- Philippines
- Vietnam
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Senegal
- Brazil
Provincial Attestation Letter
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a document issued by a Canadian province or territory to support an international student's application for a Study Permit or for entry into a specific provincial program. This letter confirms that the student has been accepted to a program of study in that province and that the institution is designated to host international students. The PAL serves as proof that the student meets the provincial requirements to study within that specific region of Canada.
Key Information about the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
- Purpose of the PAL:
The PAL is part of the process to apply for a Study Permit under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or other provincial streams. It serves as a confirmation from the province that the institution where the student intends to study is recognized, and the program is eligible for a study permit.
- Issued by Provincial Authorities:
This letter is provided by the provincial or territorial government after verifying the student’s enrollment in a designated learning institution within that province. It plays an important role in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for international students, which allows provinces to nominate students for permanent residency after completing their studies.
- Eligibility for a PAL:
To receive a PAL, the student must:
-Be accepted into a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in the province.
-Have met the provincial or territorial requirements for study permits.
-Often demonstrate intent to study and settle in that specific province after completion of the program (if applying under certain provincial immigration streams).
- Requirement for Certain PNPs:
Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) require international students to secure a Provincial Attestation Letter before they can apply for permanent residence or be eligible for specific streams that lead to permanent residency.
- Application for PAL:
Students generally need to apply for a PAL through their provincial immigration office or the provincial educational authorities, providing proof of acceptance to the program, financial sufficiency, and any other documents as requested by the province.
- Not a Standalone Document:
While the PAL is important for certain provincial programs, it is not a standalone document for obtaining a study permit. Students still need to meet the federal requirements for obtaining a Study Permit through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
When Do You Need a PAL?
- If you are applying for a Study Permit under a specific Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- If the province requires this letter for international students applying for a post-graduation work permit or permanent residency.
- If the educational program is part of a province’s specific initiative to attract and retain international talent.
Benefits of a PAL
- Helps Secure a Study Permit: The PAL simplifies the process of applying for a Study Permit by confirming your eligibility for studying in a specific province.
- Supports Provincial Immigration Pathways: A PAL can make international students eligible for certain PNP streams that offer pathways to permanent residency.
- Supports Student Visa Process: In some cases, provinces may use the PAL to help facilitate faster processing of student visas for specific programs or regions.
