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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?
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. 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 (except if you can request your Study Permit at the Port of Entry - in this case, you can request the CAQ after obtaining 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.
Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an Open Work Permit if you:
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 (except if you can request your Study Permit at the Port of Entry - in this case, you can request the CAQ after obtaining 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.
Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an Open Work Permit if you:
- have a valid Study Permit,
- are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and
- are a full-time student at one of these types of schools:
- a public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec,
- a private college-level school in Quebec, or
- a Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law.
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 Requirements
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):
Before January 1, 2024:
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:
Before January 1, 2024:
Number of people | Total Amount for 1 year (in CAD) |
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Single student | $10,000 |
For one accompanying family member | ADD $4,000 |
For each additional accompanying family member | ADD $3,000 per person |