Coming to Canada as a student can be an effective way to transition to Canadian permanent residency. If you are from a country other than Canada and want to study in Canada, you will likely need a study permit.
A Canadian study permit allows qualified non-Canadians to study in Canada at what’s generally referred to as a Designated Learning Institution. In order to be approved for a study permit, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set out by the Canadian immigration authorities. After you’ve been approved, you will need to follow certain conditions that will be outlined on the study permit.
Taking your family with you
You may be able to take your immediate family with you to Canada while on a study permit. If you’re taking your family with you, your spouse will be eligible for an open work permit allowing them to work in Canada while you study. Your minor children will be able to study at a Canadian public school.
Please note that including your immediate family members as dependants could impact the approval or disapproval of your study permit application. Contact us for guidance on this.
Eligibility Requirements
You will need to meet these requirements in order to apply for a study permit:
- Acceptance Letter: This a requirement for all study permit applications. The Acceptance Letter must come from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). DLIs are those schools that have been authorized by a province or a territory to offer education to international students. You can find the name of each eligible DLI and their accompanying DLI number on the list of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) provided by the Government of Canada. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs. Please note that not all programs offered by DLIs qualify you to immigrate to Canada.
- Proof of Financial Support: You will be required to prove that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for at least one year for both you and any family member who will be accompanying you to Canada.
- Supporting Documentation: The type of documentation you will need to submit will vary depending on the country you’re applying from. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website provides a detailed listing.
Note: If you intend to study in the province of Quebec, you must first apply for a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) before applying for a study permit.
Study permit versus Canadian visa
You may require a Canadian visa in addition to your study permit – depending on where you’re applying from. If you’re from a country whose nationals do not require a visa to enter Canada, you may fly to Canada and receive a study permit upon arrival at the airport or other port of entry. On the other hand, if you’re from a country must have a visa to enter Canada, you will need to first apply for and be approved for a Canadian visa before travelling to Canada and receiving your study permit.
Let us help you
Coming to Canada as a student can be an effective way to transition to Canadian permanent residency. Let us help you find a program of study, obtain a letter of acceptance, and prepare and submit your study permit application. Book a free 15 minute call with us now!