A Study Permit in Canada is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLI) in Canada. While a study permit is not a visa, it doesn’t allow entry into Canada by itself; students may also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on their country of citizenship.
Key aspects of the Study Permit include:
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must have been accepted by a designated learning institution in Canada.
- They must prove that they have enough money to pay for their tuition fees, living expenses for themselves and any family members who come with them to Canada, and return transportation.
- They must be law-abiding and have no criminal record (a police certificate might be required).
- They must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.
- They must convince an immigration officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
- Application Process:
- Application Submission: Can be completed online or on paper.
- Documents Required: This typically includes proof of acceptance, proof of identity, proof of financial support, letter of explanation, and depending on the country, a custodian declaration (for minors).
- Fees: There is a fee for processing the study permit application.
- Duration and Renewal:
- The study permit is usually valid for the length of the study program, plus an extra 90 days which allow the student to prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend their stay.
- If a student can’t finish their courses before the date on their permit, they must apply to extend their stay as a student.
- If the study permit expires, and they haven’t applied for an extension, they must stop studying and leave Canada.
- Work as a Student:
- Study permit holders may be eligible to work on or off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or spring break. To qualify, the study permit must include a condition that says they can work on or off-campus.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
- After completing the study program, students may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, which allows them to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
The Study Permit is crucial for international students not just for the duration of their education but also as a potential pathway to permanent residency in Canada, especially through programs like the Canadian Experience Class under the Express Entry system.