Student Visa

The visitor visa or the temporary resident visa is one of the most sought-after official documents that help you set foot on Canadian soil. It is a piece of a formal paper that is stuck on your passport by the Canadian authorities. The paper proves that you fulfill all the necessary needs to enter Canada.

Every year, thousands of international students enter Canada to pursue further studies in most of the highly acclaimed educational institutions of the country. The study permit also indicates the educational institution where you will be attending classes and the course of study. To qualify for this permit, you need to fulfill specific requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

For all international students looking to study further in Canada, you need to be qualified to apply for the study permit. Eligibility criteria for the permit include you:

  1. To be ready with a letter of acceptance from your designated Canadian educational institution
  2. To have your background and criminal record certificate cleared from the police
  3. To get your medical exam cleared
  4. To prove your intention of leaving Canada if your study permit expires or, if eligible, apply for a post-graduate work permit
  5. Prove sufficient funds in your bank account that will cover your stay and tuition fees for the first year and also support your return transportation to your origin country.

Documents Required

There are some specific documents you will need to qualify for a study permit and the application form. These documents include:

  • Proof of acceptance from your educational institution where you intend to study
  • Evidence of your financial support that will prove sufficient funds in your bank account to support you and those who accompany you to Canada
  • Proof of your identity such as your valid passport or any other travel documents
  • Letter of explanation that will explain your reason to stay in Canada and your clear understanding of your responsibilities as a student
  • A custodian declaration in case of minors, which is the Custodianship Declaration form
  • Other documents that may be required

Duration of Study Permit

The Canada study permit is generally valid for the entire period of your specific study program, plus an additional 90 days. These additional 90 days is for you to prepare to leave the country or, if needed, extend your stay.

If You Take Prerequisite Courses

If your designated learning institution asks you to take courses before getting accepted in their mainstream program, your study permit will be valid for the entire duration of those courses plus a whole year. Once you get accepted into their mainstream educational program, you will have to apply for an extension of your stay in Canada as a student.

If You Finish Your Education after the Expiry of Your Study Permit

If your education course fails to finish before the expiration date of your permit, you will have to apply for an extension of your stay in the country as a student. If you fail to do so, you will have to stop your education midway and prepare the leave Canada.

If You Finish Your Education before the Expiration of Your Study Permit

If your education in Canada is finished before the expiration date of your study permit, the permit’s validity will cease 90 days from the day you complete your education, irrespective of whatever day is printed on it.

You will have to provide proof of the date you receive your diploma, degree or certificate or the date your school notifies you about the completion of the course you were pursuing. If you do not have sufficient proof, the authorities will use the earliest issue date on your study permit. The authorities can also confirm the date with your educational institution.

Application for a Study Permit

Under normal circumstances, you need to apply for a study permit in Canada before entering the country. However, some students can apply for the document from within Canada. There are also situations wherein you can apply for the study permit the moment you arrive in Canada at one of the airports. You need to understand very clearly the option that applies to you.

Requirements to Apply From Within Canada

If you wish to apply for a study permit from within Canada, you need to fulfill specific requirements:

  1. Have a proper Letter of Acceptance from one of the DLIs or Designated Learning Institutions in Canada
  2. Proof of your current status in the country
  3. Evidence of sufficient financial support for your living and education in Canada for the entire duration of the course

Requirements to Apply From Outside Canada

You also need to fulfill specific requirements if you wish to apply for a study permit from outside Canada. These include:

  • Successfully getting accepted at one of the DLIs or Designated Learning Institutions of Canada
  • Providing proper proof of sufficient funds to support your stay and education in the country for the entire duration of the course
  • English proficiency tests such as TOEFL and IELTS
  • Providing police clearance certificate
  • Providing medical proofs stating you to be physically fit
  • Providing evidence of leaving the country upon completion of your course

Canada Student Visa Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, You are allowed to do so. However, when you leave Canada during your studies, you will have to prove that you are enrolled in your educational institution when you decide to return to Canada.

It is also essential for you to note that your eTA or visitor visa needs to be valid upon your return to Canada.

There are two reasons for you to opt for a study permit even if you do not require one:

  • You will be allowed to continue with your education in Canada, as long as you fulfill all the requirements.
  • You will be allowed to work off-campus or on-campus.

You do not require a study permit if you fulfill either one or both of the below criteria.

  1. You undertake an English or French language training course, which will last a maximum of three months.
  2. You are a consular officer or a diplomatic, a dependent child or the spouse, a representative of a foreign country, or a representative of any intergovernmental organization of which Canada is a member, such as the United Nations.

Our team of well-qualified professionals is one of the finest in the country when it comes to study permits in Canada. We can easily guide you through the whole application process for a study permit and keep you posted from time to time with all the latest changes to the policies in this matter.