Multicultural, safe, and a pathway to permanent residency
You will need a Study Permit before entering Canada if you want to pursue academic, professional, or vocational training at a university, college, or other educational institution. When students arrive in Canada, they are given a Study Permit. To get there, you must first apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), which is issued by the Canadian High Commission through Visa Application Centers (VACs).
Students must have a Study Permit to stay in Canada. If your permit expires before you complete your studies, you must apply for a renewal at least 30 days before your current permit expires. After graduating, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years, which can be a pathway to Permanent Residency through Express Entry.
Choose the right visa category based on your study plan
The primary document allowing international students to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Issued upon arrival at the border.
For graduates of eligible Canadian institutions. Allows you to work in Canada for up to 3 years and is a strong pathway to Permanent Residency.
Some nationalities need a TRV (entry visa) in addition to the Study Permit to enter Canada. Applied simultaneously with the Study Permit.
Make sure you have all these documents ready before applying
Follow these steps to submit your student visa application
Visit the CIC (IRCC) website to check current processing times. Canada student visa can take 8–12 weeks so apply well in advance, ideally 3–4 months before your course starts.
Get your acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). For Quebec, you additionally need a CAQ (Certificat d'acceptation du Québec).
Book an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) with an empanelled doctor. The doctor will send results directly to IRCC. Book at least 1 week before starting your visa application.
Online: Create a MyCIC account on the IRCC website. You will need a scanner/camera for documents and a credit card for payment. Paper: Download and fill application kit from IRCC website.
Study Permit fee: CAD $150. Biometric fee: CAD $85 (paid separately). Both fees are non-refundable. Online payment requires credit card only.
Submit your completed application with all documents to the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC). For online applications, submit documents digitally through your MyCIC account.
After submitting your application, visit the nearest VAC to provide fingerprints and photograph for biometrics (CAD $85 fee applies).
If approved, you will receive a Letter of Introduction. Bring this to Canada along with your passport. The actual Study Permit is issued at the Canadian border port of entry.
International students can work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks and vacations. After graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows you to work full-time in Canada for up to 3 years.
Funding options to support your education in Canada
Spouses can accompany full-time students on a Dependent Visa. If their stay is for a year or more, spouses can also work full-time with an Open Work Permit. You do not need a job offer to apply for the open work permit.
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