Canada is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international students coming from all over the world. Before you can come to study in Canada, there are a few simple steps you must take. It is important to know how to apply and exactly what documents to show the Canadian authorities.
If you want to come to Canada for post-secondary education, read through our five simple steps for applying for your Canadian study permit:
In order to apply for a Canadian study permit, first you must obtain an acceptance letter from a Canadian university. The acceptance letter must contain specific information and while most schools will be familiar with the requirements, you can always verify the contents of your letter by comparing it to IRCC’s sample letter of acceptance. As well, the letter must come from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This is an organization authorized by the Canadian government to host international students.
Finally, it is worth noting that not all programs of study are eligible for post-graduation work permits (PGWP). It is important to ensure that your program is eligible for a PGWP prior to applying.
Once you receive your letter of acceptance, you can begin preparing your Canadian study permit application. This application requires extensive documentation proving your intentions in Canada and your ability to support yourself. The exact documents required vary from country to country, but you can verify your individual document requirements by consulting the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Please note that if you are applying to attend a school in the province of Quebec, you must obtain a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) before you can submit a study permit application.
Generally, when you submit the study permit application you will have to provide the following documentation, in addition to those documents requested for your country:
Once you’ve checked and double-checked that you’ve included all required documents for the study permit application, you are ready to submit.
You should submit your application using the online web portal. If you are unable to submit online due to a disability or because of a problem with the online application, you can submit a paper-based application in hard copy to your designated visa application centre (VAC).
Processing times vary greatly from country to country, ranging from a few weeks to a few months, so be sure to plan in advance.
If you are living outside of Canada and your application is approved you will receive a Letter of Introduction as well as a travel visa (if required for your country of citizenship). These documents will authorize you to travel to a Canadian Port of Entry (POE) to obtain your study permit. Your study permit will not be mailed to you, you can only pick it up when you land at a Canadian POE and speak to a border official.
If you are living inside of Canada and your application is approved, then your study permit will be mailed to you.
The document allowing international students to study in Canada is called a study permit rather than a study visa. The term ‘visa’ refers to a document which allows you to enter Canada, while a ‘permit’ allows you to participate in certain activities, like working or studying.
If your study permit is approved and you enter Canada as an international student, you must meet the requirements below in order to maintain legal status in Canada:
If you’re ready to start your adventure by finding a program of study in Canada, complete our free student assessment and one of our experts will contact you to discuss study programs that interest you.
Free AssessmentImmigration Tips
CELPIP stands for the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program and is an English test that allows test takers to demonstrate their ability to function […]
Canada Permanent Residence
If your overseas Express Entry permanent residence (PR) application has been approved, you will eventually need to move to Canada. Many new confirmed PRs choose […]
Canada Work Permit
The job vacancy rate in Canada was at an all-time high in the first quarter of 2022. While various jobs are in-demand across Canada, several […]
Canada Permanent Residence
When applying for Canadian permanent residence under the Express Entry system, you must submit sufficient proof of the work experience mentioned in your profile. Immigration […]
Study-2-Immigrate
Some international graduates who are not currently eligible to extend their status may feel limited in their options to remain in Canada after their PGWP […]
Study Permit
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed education across the globe; with online learning becoming the new norm, there has been some confusion surrounding whether a permit is required to study online in Canada.
Inadmissibility
If you have a criminal record and are planning to come to Canada, it is important to understand the types of crimes that will make […]
Canada Permanent Residence
A question we are often asked is, “What is the best province in Canada for immigrants?” With Canada being the second-largest country in the world, […]
Study Permit
Looking to change from a study permit to a work permit? The process will depend on where you are at in your program.
Canada Permanent Residence
As of May 6, 2021, essential workers and international graduates currently working in Canada can apply for Canadian permanent residency under favourable new Immigration programs.
Canada Work Permit
Starting February 8th 2021, eligible Hong Kong residents can apply for a 3 year Canadian open work permit, designed to give highly educated Hong Kong residents the opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
Canada Permanent Residence
In order to finish your application process for Canadian permanent residency, you need to land in Canada. As of June 21, 2021, applicants who have […]
Canada Permanent Residence
Nigerian immigration to Canada has become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, Nigeria is one of the main source countries of Canada’s immigrant population; […]
Canada Permanent Residence
The Lebanese population in Canada is one of the fastest growing demographics. In 2001, there were nearly 144,000 Lebanese in Canada. According to the 2016 […]
Canada Permanent Residence
There are many options to immigrate to Canada from India. In fact, Indian nationals have the highest success rate when applying for Canadian immigration compared […]
Work in Canada
Many foreign nationals look to Canada as a land of opportunity, hoping to secure a comfortable life for themselves and their families. One of the […]
International Students
Most colleges and universities require international students to show they are comfortable working in English or French, but there are some exceptions. Hopeful international students […]
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
Canada’s Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) has been growing in strides since its introduction in 2017, and has quickly become a promising option for those interested […]
International Students
If you want to come study in Canada as an international student, you might be wondering which province you should study in. Are there benefits to […]
Living in Canada
Considering making the move across the border from the U.S. to Canada? You’re not alone. In 2021, close to 12,000 U.S. residents made the move […]
International Students
Speedy processing times for study permits, top-quality educational institutions, and an open and welcoming society are just some of the factors that influence international students […]
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Provincial nomination certificates have become an increasingly popular way to immigrate to Canada. There are dozens of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), each with its own […]
International Students | Study Permit
Studying in Canada is a dream come true for many international students. When you receive a letter of acceptance from a Canadian school, it might […]
Immigration Tips
To be eligible for most Canadian economic immigration programs, you need to have some work experience. For many streams, that work experience needs to be […]
International Students
There are a lot of great benefits to being an international student in Canada, including the ability to bring family with you while you study. […]
Work in Canada
Canada’s tech sector is booming and needs labour to sustain its growth; for this reason, the Canadian government offers ample immigration options for tech workers […]
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Alberta immigration made up about 10% of all immigration to Canada in 2021. Known for its beautiful scenery, low cost of living and friendly locale, […]
Canada Permanent Residence
If you are planning to immigrate to Canada as a single parent, there are few things you should know before you start the process.
Uncategorized
Canada’s low employment rate, high quality of life, and boundless opportunities make it a great country for new graduates. If you’ve just completed a foreign […]
Immigration Tips
An Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) is an official document that confirms that Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has received your application. IRCC issues an AOR […]
Discover your Canadian immigration options. Get your free assessment now!