Study in Canada
What is a Study Permit?
The study permit is a document issued to eligible applicants and allows them to pursue studies at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada.
You are considered a student if you've been given permission to enter and stay in Canada for your studies. Most individuals from other countries require a study permit to engage in studies in Canada.
Study permit is not equivalent to a visa and does not grant entry into Canada. Therefore, in addition to the study permit, you may also be required to obtain a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Interested to learn more? Click on the + buttons below and keep reading
-
As we mentioned earlier, to study in Canada, individuals are required to apply for a study permit before entering the country. However:
There are exceptions allowing certain individuals to apply for a study permit upon entry such as:
Nationals or permanent residents of the United States (U.S.).
Individuals lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence.
Residents of Greenland.
Residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon.
There are exceptions allowing certain individuals to apply for a study permit after entering under specific circumstances, such as those who:
Currently hold a study permit.
Submit the application in a timely manner before their current authorization to engage in studies expires.
Currently hold a work permit.
Are subject to an unenforceable removal order.
Hold a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) that is valid for at least six months.
Are under specific circumstances including but not limited to being an eligible member of the spouse or common-law partner class, a protected person, having applied for permanent residence with a granted exemption, or being a family member of someone falling into these categories.
Are a temporary resident who falls into one of the following categories:
Studying at the preschool, primary, or secondary level.
A visiting or exchange student studying at a designated learning institution.
Completed a prerequisite course or program of study for enrolling at a designated learning institution.
-
Some individuals can study in Canada without a study permit under the following specific circumstances:
As a member of the armed forces of a designated state under the Visiting Forces Act.
If they are a family member or private staff of a properly accredited foreign representative in Canada for diplomatic or official duties.
If the course or program lasts for six months or less and is completed within the authorized stay period.
If they are an Indian, as recognized and defined in Canadian law.
-
Studying in Quebec requires meeting certain criteria, including holding a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec, unless you are exempted. To learn more about how to apply for a study permit in the province of Quebec, visit the Quebec government website.
What are Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)?
In Canada, Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are authorized institutions to host international students and they comprise a diverse range of educational entities. These include:
Institutions administered by federal departments.
Colleges, Canadian Universities, or other educational institutions, meeting the eligibility criteria of their authorizing province or territory, to participate in IRCC's International Student Program (ISP).
All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions.
-
In the province of Quebec, DLIs extend to various educational entities, including those under the Education Act, General and Vocational Colleges Act, and private education permits. To learn more about DLIs in Quebec, visit list of designated learning institutions by province/territory List of Designated Learning Institutions by province/territory and select Quebec.
As of January 22, 2024,
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
is required for most new post-secondary international students at the college or undergraduate level from a province or territory when submitting their study permit application. Failing to provide a valid PAL, when required, will result in Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) returning the application.
Interested to learn more? Click on the + button below and keep reading
-
You are not required to obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) when applying for a study permit if any of the following conditions apply to you:
You are applying to study in a preschool, primary school, or secondary school (up to grade 12).
You are applying to study in a master’s or doctoral degree program.
You have already entered Canada and meet one of the situations outlined in subsection 215(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), which may include being the family member of a foreign national residing in Canada under specific circumstances
-
Port of Entry refers to a location where an individual may enter Canada (typically through airports, land borders, or marine crossings).
-
Maintained Status (during application processing): This refers to an official extension of residency that allows three types of temporary residents – those extending or changing the conditions of their work permit, those extending or changing the conditions of their study permit, and those extending their stay as visitors – to stay in Canada while their applications are being processed.
To be eligible, temporary residents must apply to extend their status before it expires. Formerly known as "implied status," maintained status grants individuals certain permissions while waiting for their permits or visitor status to be extended or modified.
General Eligibility Criteria
Considering some exceptions, to be eligible to study in Canada, you must meet the following criteria and apply before travelling to Canada:
Be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and hold a Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
Provide a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), if required.
Be admissible.
Hold a valid passport and appropriate visa or other valid approved document to enter the country.
Demonstrate financial capability to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and the cost of transportation to and from Canada for both yourself and your accompanying family members
Possess a clean criminal record and provide a police certificate if requested.
Maintain good health and undergo a medical examination if required
With some exceptions, commit to leave Canada upon the expiration of your study permit.
Apply for a study permit application and meet all other conditions on temporary residence, unless exempted.
Conditions for Study Permit Holders in Canada
For individuals holding a study permit in Canada, it is essential to adhere to the two following conditions:
Remain enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) until studies are completed.
Actively pursue the course or program of study.
Failure to comply with these conditions may result in the termination of your study permit.
Validity and Expiry of Study Permits
Considering some exceptions, a study permit in Canada becomes invalid on the earliest of the following days:
90 days after the permit holder completes their studies.
The day the permit is cancelled because a removal order against the person becomes enforceable.
The expiry date specified on the permit.
Study Permit Renewal
You will be eligible to apply for a renewal if:
you have submitted your application before the expiry of your current study permit, and
you have complied with all conditions imposed upon your entry into Canada.
You have established that you will continue to meet the requirements of your study permit if the officer renews it.
How We Can Help
Study Permit (excluding Quebec)
We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your unique circumstances, including an eligibility assessment, to determine if you meet the study permit criteria.
We will assist you with document preparation and help you organize and prepare required documents, if eligible.
We will assist you with completing the application, reviewing its accuracy, including a tailored submission letter, and submitting your application via respective portal, as your authorized representative.
We will keep you informed about the latest immigration updates aligned with your application.
We will act as a link between you and immigration authorities, handling inquiries that arise during the application process.
We will keep you informed about the progress of your application.
We will assist you with your pre-arrival preparations, if needed.
We will provide post-arrival support and guidance, if needed.
How We Can Help
Maintaining Study Permit Status
If your study permit is about to expire or has already expired, please contact us to assess your situation and assist you with applying to maintain your status while you wait for your new permit, if eligible.
How We Can Help
Study Permit - Past Refusals
If you applied in the past and received a refusal on your study permit application:
We assess the reasons for refusal and offer strategic recommendations, guiding and assist you in making a request for reconsideration within the required timeframe, when appropriate.
Alternatively, we assist you in reapplying with a stronger application, when appropriate.
In cases requiring referral to the Federal Court for judicial review, we provide assistance through our associated lawyers.
