Temporary Residence - Study Permit​

Why Study in Canada?

Canada is renowned for its high-quality education system, welcoming environment, and vibrant multicultural society. From prestigious universities and colleges to innovative research institutions, studying in Canada offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and academic growth. Additionally, Canada’s emphasis on inclusivity and diversity makes it an ideal destination for international students seeking a rich and varied cultural experience.

Study Permits

A study permit is a document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. This permit is essential for anyone who intends to enroll in a program that lasts more than six months. It is typically best to apply for a study permit before arriving in Canada, although there are exceptions.

To be eligible for a study permit in Canada, applicants must receive an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), which is an institution approved by the Government of Canada. In addition, study permit applicants will need to obtain a Provincial Authorization Letter (PAL) as part of their application process. This requirement ensures that the province in which the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is located has authorized the applicant to study there. The PAL serves to confirm that the educational program and the institution meet provincial standards and that the applicant is eligible to pursue their studies in that province. In addition, aplicants must demonstrate sufficient financial support to cover tuition, living expenses, and return transportation, and provide a police certificate if required to prove they have no criminal record. Additionally, a medical examination may be necessary depending on the country of residence and length of stay, and applicants must convince an immigration officer of their intent to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.

For your study permit to remain valid, you must actively pursue your studies in Canada; if not, you will lose status 90 days after you stop attending school. While on a study permit, you may work part-time during the school session and full-time during scheduled breaks, and you may travel in and out of Canada. International students with a valid study permit enrolled full-time at a DLI can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. Upon completing their studies, they are typically eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allowing them to work in Canada for up to three years, which can lead to permanent residency through various programs. As Canada’s permanent residence requirements are constantly changing, it is important to understand various programs to determine whether permanent residence is reasonably available to the particular applicant, given their age, background, language skills and potential job offer in Canada.

The processing times for a study permit vary greatly depending on the country you are applying from, so it is important to be aware of your timeline to ensure you can travel to Canada in time for the start of your program. Those applying from Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam may be eligible for faster processing times through the Student Direct Stream. 

Applications for study permits can be challenging and applicants are often shocked to receive a refusal. To avoid delays in your educational goals, you should work with a professional to ensure the best chance of success on your application. Our experienced immigration consultants can assist with every step of this process, from selecting the right educational institution to preparing and submitting the application, ensuring compliance with all regulations to make your study permit application successful. Contact us today to start your educational journey in Canada.