How to apply for

Student Visa

How to apply for study permit?

What is a study permit?

The study permit is a document that immigration and citizenship (CIC) issue that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLI) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. Make sure you have all the documents you need before you apply. You should apply before you travel to Canada. Your study permit is not a visa. It doesn’t let you enter Canada. 

How long can you stay in Canada with a study permit?

A study permit is usually valid for the length of your study program, plus an extra 90 days. The 90 days let you prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay.

Required Documents to Apply

In order to be eligible to submit an application for a Canadian study permit, you must:

  • Obtain a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution in order to submit an application for a study permit
  • Prove that you have sufficient financial support to cover the first year of tuition, as well as living expenses and return transportation to his or her home country
  • Have no criminal background.
  • Be in good health. IRCC may request an applicant to complete a medical examination; and,
  • Satisfy the immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of the stay authorized by the study permit.
  • Your Biometric or fingerprints at one of the VAC centres.

Options after your graduation

Study permits expire 90 days after graduation, regardless of the date printed on the study permit itself. It is extremely important that international graduates update their status with IRCC within 90 days of graduation, or they risk losing status in Canada.

Many graduates are eligible to apply for a Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP allows the holder to work for any employer anywhere in Canada for up to three years after graduation. Work experience gained on a PGWP may help facilitate an application for Canadian permanent residence, especially through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. 

If an international graduate does not apply for a PGWP, he or she may do the following to maintain legal status in Canada:

  • Apply to change status to a visitor;
  • Obtain another work permit if they are eligible for one (e.g., an employer-specific work permit);
  • Apply for another study permit to continue a different study program. For example, a graduate may wish to continue on to a Master’s degree program after graduating with a Bachelor degree; or,
  • Leave Canada.