Study Permit - All About Students
STUDENT PERMIT
POST GRADUATE WORK PERMIT (PGWP)
RESTORATION OF STUDY PERMIT
DESIGNATED LEARNING INSTITUTIONS (DLIs)
STUDENT DIRECT STREAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Student Permit
Canada is one of the best places to pursue your higher studies and attracts thousands of students each year from around the world. International students gain valuable education credentials at a very low fees compared to other countries across the globe. A study permit leads to a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) which enables you to continue to stay in Canada to work and gain work experience. Having Canadian work experience qualifies you for permanent residencey via the Canadian Experience Class.
Benefits of studying in Canada
Canada’s education system is on par with world-class universities and colleges from the United States, Australia, United Kingdom and are renown for their research and innovation.
Lower cost of tuition: International tuition fees, living expenses and accommodation are affordable.
Work while you study: You can work upto 20 hours a week while you study and work full-time during the summer holidays.
Post-graduate work permit (PGWP): After you complete your study program, you can apply for a PGWP. This will enable you to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
Canadian Permanent Residency: Having Canadian work experience qualifies you to apply for permanent residence via the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
What is a study permit?
The study permit is a document we issue that allows foreign nationals to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada.
How long can you stay in Canada with a study permit?
A study permit is usually valid for the length of your study program, plus an extra 180 days. This extra time lets you prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay.
If you can’t finish your courses before the date on your permit, you must apply to extend your stay as a student.
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).
People who don’t need a permit to study in Canada
Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. The following are exceptions to the rule:
Short-term studies (six months or less)
you can study at any school in Canada without a study permit if:
your course or program is for six months or less
your studies aren’t part of a longer program and
you will complete all your studies within the time approved for you to stay in Canada (usually six months after you enter).
Work And Study
Studying in Canada enables you to work and study. In order to work off-campus you need to:
have a valid study permit
have enrolled for a study program at a designated learning institution (DLI)
be enrolled in a study program that is over six months and that lead to a certificate, degree or diploma
be a full-time student
Requirements for a Study permit
You need the below documents to apply for a study permit:
Proof of acceptance at a designated learning institute
Proof of identity - valid passport
Proof of financial support for your education and stay while studying
English proficiency test - either IELTS, TOFEL, CELPIP, etc.
Letter of explanation why you want to study in Canada and you will leave Canada at the completion of your studies
Medical examination
Complete a biometrics - give your fingerpints and photo
Police clearance certificate
PGWP
POST GRADUATION WORK PERMIT
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Skilled Canadian work experience in National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0 or skill level A or B that is gained through the PGWPP helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class within Express Entry.
Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility requirements
Applicants can receive only 1 post-graduation work permit in their lifetime.
To obtain a post-graduation work permit, the applicant must currently hold valid temporary status or have left Canada. They must have graduated from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI). They must also submit clear evidence that they meet all of the following criteria:
They have completed an academic, vocational or professional training program at an eligible institution in Canada that is at least 8 months in duration leading to a degree, diploma or certificate.
They have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program or programs of study they have completed and submitted as part of their post-graduation work permit application. Exceptions can be made only for the following:
leave from studies
final academic session
They have received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that they have met the requirements to complete their program of study.
Note: The transcript and official letter must be included in a post-graduation work permit application.
Within 180 days of the date of applying for the post-graduation work permit, applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:
They hold a valid study permit.
They held a study permit.
They were authorized to study in Canada without the requirement to obtain a study permit under paragraphs 188(1)(a) and (b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
Students who have completed their program of study
Students who have completed their program of study are allowed to work (under paragraph 186(w) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations [IRPR]) while they are waiting for a decision on their post-graduation work permit application, provided they meet all of the following criteria:
they are or were holders of a valid study permit at the time of the post-graduation work permit application
they were a full-time student enrolled at a DLI in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program
they were authorized to work off-campus without a work permit
they did not exceed the allowable hours of work
Restoration of Status
Restoration of Study permit - Restoraton of status
If your temporary status in Canada (e.g., your study permit) has expired and you did not apply for an extension before the expiry date, you must apply to restore your status within 90 days of the expiry date if you want to stay in Canada. This process is known as restoration of status.
YOU can apply if:
You lost your temporary resident status (e.g. as a student) because you remained in Canada longer than the period authorized for your stay, but not longer than 90 days
You continue to meet the initial requirements for your stay and have not failed to comply with any other conditions imposed
You may stay in Canada after you apply for restoration, but you are not allowed to study or work in Canada until your application for restoration has been approved.
How to apply
Apply for restoration and an extension of your study permit online
Pay the $150.00 CAD study permit extension fee and the $200.00 CAD restoration fee
On your application, you must provide full details of all the facts and circumstances why you did not renew your study permit before it expired
DLIs
DESIGNATED LEARNING INSTITUTIONS (DLI)
A designated learning institution is a college/school approved by a province to admit international students. To apply for a study permit, you need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution.
All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions.
If the length of your study is less than six months you do not need a study permit. You can register for the program and enter Canada as a visitor. You may need a TRV or an eTA to enter Canada depending on your nationality.
Designated Learning Institution (DLI) Number
To apply for a study permit you need a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution. You need to include the Designated Learning Institution number (DLI #), this number begins with the letter “O”, on your application form. Make sure your school is on the DLI list. Click here to find a list of Canadian designated learning institutions.
Schools not on DLI list
Schools not on the DLI list are not permitted to enroll international students. If the school you are studying at loses the DLI status after you get your study permit, you can:
keep studying your program until your current permit expires,
but only renew your study permit if you enrol at a designated learning institution.
Applying to schools in Canada as an international student
International students may apply to any college program that has seats available for international applicants if you meet the college’s admission and English proficiency requirements. You can find out which programs have seats available for international applicants by visiting college websites.
Click here to choose a study program and school.
Click here for Ontario colleges.
Primary and Secondary Schools
All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions. These schools offer education from grade one to grade twelve. They do not have a DLI number, and you do not need to present a DLI for them when you apply for a study permit.
Change DLI Number
If you change your college (DLI) you need to infrom IRCC to change the institution number. You do not need to get a new study permit. You need to:
Sign in to your account
Click Transfer from DLI number under the section Designated Learning Institution Student Transfer
Type your study permit application number and click Search for my application
Read more here on how to change a DLI.
Studying in Quebec
If you’re moving to a school in Quebec, you must get a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
You should contact the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) if you’re already studying in Quebec and want to change your:
educational institution
program
level of study
SDS
STUDENT DIRECT STREAM
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) started in June 2018 and is an expedited study permit processing program for international students who are applying to study in Canada at a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI).
All SDS applications are processed in 20 calendar days if the eligibility requirements are met.
Only applications submitted electronically are eligible for SDS processing. All paper applications are processed under the regular study permit application stream. International students who are eligible for SDS processing have to complete all other eligibility and admissibility requirements.
The SDS is available to legal residents who also reside in:
India
Pakistan
Morocco
China
Philippines
Senegal
Vietnam
To be eligible, applicants must meet specific requirements by providing documentation up front.
Eligibility requirments
The applicant needs to attached the following documents for processing:
proof of a valid language test result, completed within 2 years of the date the SDS application, that has either of the following:
an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or higher in each language skill: listening, reading, writing and speaking
a Test d’Evaluation de Français (TEF) score that is equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 for each ability: at least 310 for speaking, 249 for listening, 207 for reading and 310 for writing
proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000 or more from any bank insured by the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) or any bank listed on the IRCC SDS web page
The GIC needs to meet the following criteria:
When the GIC has been purchased, the bank provides a letter of attestation, the GIC certificate, the Investment Directions Confirmation or the Investment Balance Confirmation to the applicant.
The bank holds the funds in an investment account or a student account that is inaccessible for release to the applicant until the applicant’s arrival in Canada.
Upon entry to Canada, the bank must validate the client’s identity before releasing funds to the study permit holder.
The applicant receives an initial disbursement upon identifying themselves, and the remaining funds are disbursed in monthly or bimonthly installments over a period of 10 to 12 months.
proof of full payment of tuition for the applicant’s first year of study
This can be in the form of:
a receipt from the DLI
an official letter from the DLI confirming payment of tuition fees
a receipt from a bank showing that tuition fees have been paid to the DLI
proof that the tuition fee amount has been transferred into a repository account at the DLI to be applied to the tuition bill at a later date
letter of acceptance from a post-secondary DLI
most recent secondary or post-secondary educational transcripts
proof of completion of upfront medical examination from a panel physician for applicants
who have lived or travelled for 6 months in designated countries or territories during the year before coming to Canada
whose field of study requires upfront medical examination results
Family members of International Students
Family members of principal applicants who are applying under the SDS are eligible for processing their application at the same time if they apply together with the primary applicant.
Temporary residence applications: work permit, study permit and temporary resident visa applications of the accompanying family members must be submitted online as part of one complete application.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS A STUDY PERMIT NEEDED TO STUDY IN CANADA AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?
Students who want to study in Canada for more than six months need a study permit before coming to Canada. American citizens can apply for a study permit at a border crossing when they travel to Canada. There are certain exemptions to the study permit requirement.
DO I NEED A VISA ALONG WITH MY STUDY PERMIT TO TRAVEL TO CANADA?
You may require a eTA or a visa (TRV) along with your study permit.
You will receive a eTA or visa at the same time you get your initial study permit, and you don't have to pay any extra fees.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need either a eTA or a visa to travel to Canada.
CAN WORK IN CANADA WHILE I AM STUDYING?
If you have a valid study permit and you are a full time student, you can work either work on-campus or off-campus without a work permit, provided you meet certain criteria.
If you are a co-op student and work is a required part of your program, you have to apply for co-op work permit and obtain it before your co-op work term begins.
HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO STUDY IN CANADA?
Tution fees depend on the program and the college/university. You will need to reach out to the office where you are seeking admission for information.
MY STUDY PERMIT WAS REFUSED. WHAT DO I DO NOW?
You can re-apply with a new application.
IS IELTS REQUIRED FOR MY STUDY PERMIT APPLICATION?
This is a requirement of most designated learning institutions. You need to check with the intitution you are seeking admission if it is a requirement and the score they need.
WHEN CAN I APPLY TO EXTEND MY STUDY PERMIT? HOW DO I EXTEND MY STUDY PERMIT?
You can extend your study permit three months before it expires. You must keep track of the expiry date. Also, you must keep track of the expiry date of your passport and work permit.
CAN I STAY IN CANADA AFTER COMPLETING MY PROGRAM OF STUDY?
After completing your program, you can apply for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP). You have to apply with 180 days of receiving confirmation from the DLI that you have completed your study requirements. This will enable you remain in Canada and gain valuable work experience.
How can we help
We can help you by:
Conducting a free assessment and determine your eligibility for admission and for a Canadian Study Permit.
Contact various Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) on your behalf to obtain admission in the college of your preference and obtain your Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
Make sure you receive the LOA from a DLI.
Obtain your medical results.
Prepare all your documents correctly and professionally.
Process your Student Permit, Temporary Resident Visa and Work Permit.
Do you have questions? Contact us today and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
