The study permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. designated learning institution (DLI) generally, a post-secondary institution that is confirmed by the institution’s provincial or territorial ministry of education to meet minimum IRCC standards; all primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically designated.
Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. Make sure you have all the documents you need before you apply. You should apply before you travel to Canada.
A study permit is usually valid for the length of your study program, plus an extra 90 days. The 90 days let you prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay.
If your school asks you to take courses before they accept you into the main program (you have conditional acceptance), your study permit will be valid for the length of those courses, plus one year. When you get accepted into the main program, you must then apply to extend your stay as a student. Or, If you don’t finish your courses before the date on your permit, you must apply to extend your stay as a student. If you don’t, you’ll need to stop studying and leave Canada. Contact us if you wish to extend your stay in Canada.
- If you finish your studies early, your permit will stop being valid 90 days after you complete your studies, no matter what day is printed on the study permit.
- You have completed your studies on the date your school first notifies you by completion letter, transcript, degree or diploma.
- You must provide proof of the date your school notifies you or the date you get your degree, diploma or certificate. If you don’t have proof, we’ll use the earliest issue date on the document. We may confirm this date with your school.
Note: For preschool, kindergarten, courses of general interest or self-improvement, distance learning courses, or audited courses attended without credit, no permit will be issued.
You may want to get a study permit even if you don’t need one if:
1- Continue studying
If you already have a study permit and your study situation changes, you can continue studying in Canada while your permit is valid.
If you’re transitioning between levels of study (primary, secondary and post-secondary), you don’t need to apply for a new study permit if your current study permit is still valid.
If you apply to extend your permit before it expires, you have maintained your status and can continue studying while you wait for your new study permit. If your study permit extension is refused, you must stop studying.
2- Work on- or off-campus
If you have a study permit and you’re registered as a full-time student at a DLI, you may be able to work on-campus or off-campus for 20 hours weekly. If so, your study permit will include a condition that says you’re allowed to work while studying.
If you don’t have a study permit, you can’t work while you’re studying in Canada. In this case, you need to apply for a work permit.
The Implied Status
Implied status is the right to legally remain in Canada and continue working or studying under the same conditions until a decision is made on a visitor’s, student’s, or foreign worker’s application for renewal, only as long as the person remains in Canada.
Eligibility requirements
Prove you have enough money to pay:
- for your tuition fees
- living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and
- return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
- obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
- are in good health and get a medical exam (if required) and
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires
Other criteria for study permit:
- Accepted for study at a designated
- Obtain letter of acceptance
- Apply for a study permit and TRV or eTA
- Pay application fee and biometric fee
- Must not be inadmissible
