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Study Permit - The Guide
Learn about the process of getting a permit for studying for Canada
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Most foreign students need a Study Permit in order to be allowed to join a study program in Canada. This article will let you know what are the exceptions of getting the Permit, and learn more about the application process and the processing times.
Do you need a Study Permit?
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The Study Permit is an authorization issued by the government of Canada that allows you to join a Designated Learning Institution.
Some Study Permits can impose a set of conditions, for instance if you are authorized or not to have a job in Canada. From November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, international students who are in Canada and who have off-campus work authorization on their study permit will not be restricted by the 20-hour-per-week rule. There a few exceptions to getting a Study Permit to be able to study in Canada, namely if:
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If your school asked you to take some courses (English or French classes) before accepting you (conditional acceptance), you will only be issued a permit for a duration equal to the length of these courses plus one year. When you get accepted into the main program, you can apply to extend your stay as a student from within Canada.
For studying in Quebec, you will have to apply first for a "Certificat d'Acceptation du Québec (CAQ)". After approval of the CAQ, you can then apply for the Study Permit.
If you are a resident of one of the eligible countries, you can go through the Student Direct Stream, which an option to fast-track the processing the Study Permit.
For studying in Quebec, you will have to apply first for a "Certificat d'Acceptation du Québec (CAQ)". After approval of the CAQ, you can then apply for the Study Permit.
If you are a resident of one of the eligible countries, you can go through the Student Direct Stream, which an option to fast-track the processing the Study Permit.
Designated Learning Institutions
A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs.
In order to be eligible for a Study Permit, you need an acceptance letter from one of these DLIs (the list can be found at the bottom of this page).
Graduating from a DLI does not necessarily mean you will be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). For more information on the PGWP criteria, you can check out this page.
In order to be eligible for a Study Permit, you need an acceptance letter from one of these DLIs (the list can be found at the bottom of this page).
Graduating from a DLI does not necessarily mean you will be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). For more information on the PGWP criteria, you can check out this page.
Financial Support
You are required to prove you have enough money to cover tuition fees and to support yourself and any accompanying family members for the first year of studies. You should also make sure that funding will be available for the remaining years of the program of study. The funds and financial support can come from a parent, family member or a friend, and in this case, a letter of support will be required.
There are specific amounts that need to be met and depend on if you will study in Quebec or outside Quebec (amounts below are in Canadian dollars):
There are specific amounts that need to be met and depend on if you will study in Quebec or outside Quebec (amounts below are in Canadian dollars):
- Outside Quebec:
| Number of people | Total Amount for 1 year (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| Single student | $10,000 |
| For one accompanying family member | ADD $4,000 |
| For each additional accompanying family member | ADD $3,000 per person |
- In Quebec:
| Number of people above 18 | Number of people under 18 | Total Amount for 1 year (in CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | $6,742 |
| 2 | $10,114 | |
| For each additional person | ADD $3,372 | |
| 1 | 0 | $13,481 |
| 1 | $18,118 | |
| 2 | $20,451 | |
| For each additional person | ADD $2,333 | |
| 2 | 0 | $19,773 |
| 1 | $22,149 | |
| 2 | $23,905 | |
| For each additional person | ADD $1,757 | |
| For each additional person | - | ADD $6,286 |
Validity of the Study Permit
The validity of the Study Permit is generally equal to the program of studies' duration, plus an additional 3 months. This additional time is given to allow you, either (i) to prepare an application for another permit or visa (Post-Graduate Work Permit, or Visitor for example), or (ii) to prepare your departure to your home country.
In case you want to continue studying in Canada after the expiration of your Study Permit, you need to apply for an extension of your permit.
If you finish your studies earlier than expected, the Study Permit will expire on whichever date comes first : either (i) the expiration date on your Study Permit, or (i) 90 days following the completion of your study program (either the date you receive a communication from your institution that you completed the program, or the date you receive your credential).
In case you want to continue studying in Canada after the expiration of your Study Permit, you need to apply for an extension of your permit.
If you finish your studies earlier than expected, the Study Permit will expire on whichever date comes first : either (i) the expiration date on your Study Permit, or (i) 90 days following the completion of your study program (either the date you receive a communication from your institution that you completed the program, or the date you receive your credential).
What's the Difference between Study Permit and Visa?
It is important that you understand that your Study Permit is not a visa. You will not be allowed entry to Canada without an eTA or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), and your Permit.
When you first apply for your Permit, you will be issued, either an eTA or a TRV depending on your situation, and you will not have to pay additional fees. However, you will need to check the validity of your eTA and TRV (which could be different that the one in your Study Permit), and if they are single-entry or multiple-entry, so you can renew it if you want to leave Canada and re-enter during your studies.
United States citizens and permanent residents, as well as residents of Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon do not need an eTA or a TRV and are allowed to apply for the Study Permit directly at a Canadian Port of Entry.
When you first apply for your Permit, you will be issued, either an eTA or a TRV depending on your situation, and you will not have to pay additional fees. However, you will need to check the validity of your eTA and TRV (which could be different that the one in your Study Permit), and if they are single-entry or multiple-entry, so you can renew it if you want to leave Canada and re-enter during your studies.
United States citizens and permanent residents, as well as residents of Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon do not need an eTA or a TRV and are allowed to apply for the Study Permit directly at a Canadian Port of Entry.
How to Apply for the Study Permit
Until March 31, 2023, all applications for a Study Permit submitted by foreign nationals who are outside Canada at the time of application must be submitted online.
There are two available possibilities for applying for the Study Permit:
In regards to this Permit, a paper application is simpler than an online application because:
There are two available possibilities for applying for the Study Permit:
- Applying online: you must have a debit/credit card and a camera/scanner. You will have to set up a GCKey account (remember to memorize the 4 questions & answers you pick, as any time you open your account, you will be requested to answer 1 of the 4 questions you previously chose). You then have to fill out, sign, scan and upload the required forms, and also scan and add in the system all the necessary documents supporting your application.
- Applying on paper: you have to download, fill out, print and sign the required forms. Bring them to the closest Visa Application Center along with all the necessary documents supporting your application.
In regards to this Permit, a paper application is simpler than an online application because:
- Visa Application Centers (VACs) may respond to your queries in your native tongue and advise in case the application is incomplete,
- VACs can provide application photographs for a fee, so you can be sure that their format is the right one,
- VACs usually allow the payment of fees in cash, and
- If you applied online or on paper, you will, either way, have to drop off your passport to the closest VAC.
Supporting Documents for a Study Permit
The following list of documents supporting your application is not exhaustive and will help you have a better idea of what you will need:
- Proof of fee payment. Make ensure to include the application processing fee and, if applicable, the biometric fees.
- Photocopy of the information page(s) of your valid passport or travel document which includes: passport number, issuance and expiry dates, photo, name, date and place of birth.
- Photograph(s) meeting the requirements.
- Letter of acceptance from where you intend to study, it must be issued by the Canadian institution on official letterhead, showing the exact amount of tuition fees you are required to pay, the anticipated starting and finishing dates, and the date by which you need to register.
- "Certificat d'acceptation du Québec" (CAQ) if enrolled in an institution in Quebec.
- Proof of financial support. Examples of supporting documents:
- Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you've transferred money to Canada,
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution,
- Proof of a student or education loan from a bank,
- Bank statements for the past 4 months,
- Bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars,
- Proof you paid tuition and housing fees,
- Letter from the person or school giving you money, and/or
- Proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program.
- Photocopy of your Marriage License/Certificate if married.
- Photocopy of your current immigration status if your country of residence differs from the country of citizenship listed on your passport.
- Your medical exam report, if applicable.
Biometrics Requirements
You may be required to provide your biometrics (fingerprints scanning and photograph) to a VAC. The fee is $85 per applicant and maximum $170 for a family. For more information on biometrics (if you have to provide them or not), check this page.
Medical Examination Requirements
Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to undergo a Medical Exam. For more information, check our medical exams section.
Police Certificate Requirements
You may need to supply police certificates for any country you have resided in for a minimum of 6 consecutive months. Wait until you are invited to supply any police certificate before submitting it.
There are specifications for each country, use this link and choose your country for detailed information.
There are specifications for each country, use this link and choose your country for detailed information.
Application Fees
The application fees for a Study Permit are $150.
Processing Times
Depending on your country (from where you will apply), processing times for a Study Permit can vary tremendously.
The processing times from your country can be found here. Select "Visiting, studying, working temporarily", then "Study Permit", then the country from where you will apply.
The processing times from your country can be found here. Select "Visiting, studying, working temporarily", then "Study Permit", then the country from where you will apply.
