Studying in Canada: Study permits

To study in Canada, you may need a study permit, and/or a temporary resident visa, though not everyone must have these documents.

Before you apply
 

Before you can apply for a study permit, you must have been accepted at a recognized school, university or college in Canada.You can find information on how to choose a school, college or university in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.

  Who can apply

In most cases, you must obtain a study permit if you want to study in Canada.

To be eligible to study in Canada

• You must have been accepted by a school, college, university or other educational institution in Canada.
• You must prove that you have enough money to pay for your:
  • tuition fees
  • living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and
  • return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada.
• You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada. You may have to provide a police certificate.
• You must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.
• You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

Arriving

When you arrive in Canada, you will be met by an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at a point of entry, such as an airport. The CBSA is responsible for border and point of entry activities in Canada.

• The documents you need to enter Canada
• Citizens or residents of the United States, Saint-Pierre et Miquelon and Greenland
• Disclosure of funds
• Understanding the terms and conditions of your study permit
• Leaving and coming back to Canada
• Health insurance

Extending your stay

If you want to extend your stay in Canada as a student, you must complete the Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada. Check the expiry date on your study permit, and make sure you apply before that date. You should apply for renewal at least 30 days before your current permit expires.

Note: Children who are less than 17 years of age and studying in Canada without a parent or legal guardian must complete and include the Custodianship declaration  with their study permit application. 

If you apply for a renewal of your study permit, and the permit expires before you receive an answer, you can continue to study in Canada under the same conditions until you receive a decision.

You should apply to renew your study permit if you intend to travel outside Canada and your permit will expire while you are travelling.

You cannot extend your study permit beyond the expiry date on your passport.

If your study permit has expired, and you have not applied for an extension, you must leave Canada.

Dual Intent

To clarify communication and operations in the study permit process with respect to the concept of “dual intent” by:

• Defining “dual intent’;
• Reaffirming that a study permit will not be refused based on “dual intent’; and
• Clarifying what steps a student must take in the application process.

For more information please visit our site Future Concern or FaceBook