Canada Student Visa

Want to study in Canada? The Canadian Study Permitallows international students to pursue education at designated learning institutions (DLIs). This guide covers eligibility, application steps, work rights, and pathways to permanent residency (PR).

Canada Study Permit Overview

Key Features:

Study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)

Work on- and off-campus(up to 20 hours/week during studies)

Bring spouse/common-law partner & children

Eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Potential pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency (PR)

Eligible Programs:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
• Diploma/Certificate programs (6+ months)
• Language courses (if combined with academic program)

Study Permit Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Letter of Acceptancefrom a Canadian DLI
• Proof of previous education (transcripts, diplomas)
• Meet program-specific prerequisites

Financial Proof

• Minimum funds required:
  • CAD $20,635/year(outside Quebec)
  • CAD $15,078/year (Quebec)
  • tuition fees(varies by institution)
• Accepted proof: Bank statements, scholarships, sponsor letters

Language Proficiency

• IELTS (6.0+) / TOEFL (80+) / PTE (58+)
• French tests (TEF/TCF) if applying for Quebec

Medical Exam & Police Clearance

• Required for stays longer than 6 months
• Must be crime-free & medically admissible

Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Ties to Home Country

• Explain study plans, career goals, and intent to leave Canada after studies

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Get admission from a DLI
• Prepare financial documents
• Complete medical exam (if required)
• Apply online via IRCC portal
• Submit biometrics (fingerprints & photo)
• Wait for approval

Processing Time:

• 4-12 weeks(varies by country)

Work Rights on a Study Permit

On-campus work:

• Unlimited hours

Off-campus work:

• 20 hours/week(full-time during breaks)

Co-op work permit:

• Required for internships (if part of program)
• Spouse can apply for an open work permit

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Pathway

After graduation, you may qualify for:

Program Length	PGWP Duration
Less than 8 months	Not eligible
8 months - 2 years	Same as study duration
2+ years	Up to 3 years

Leads to PR via:

• Express Entry (CEC/FSW)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Bringing Family Members

Spouse/common-law partner:

• Eligible for open work permit

Children:

• Can study without a separate permit

Study Permit Refusal Reasons

• Insufficient funds
• Weak ties to home country
• Unclear study plan (SOP issues)
• Past visa violations