Student Visa for Canada

Who Needs a Study Permit?

More compared to 130,000 students arrived at study in Canada each year. In addition for this number are a lot more that come to Canada to understand English or France. Foreign students provide a rich lifestyle to classrooms. Your knowledge as well as skills are welcome within our schools.

The provinces control education and colleges in Canada. For more in depth information on residing and studying inside a specific province or even territory, contact the school where you intend to study.

Most foreign students will require a Study Permit to review in Canada. There are several exceptions:

  • If you intend to study in the short-term course or even program:
    You don't a Study Permit if you're planning to have a course or plan in Canada having a duration of 6 months or less. You have to complete the program or program inside the period authorized for the stay in North america.
  • If you're a minor kid already in North america:
    You don't need a Study Permit if you're a minor kid already in North america, and your parents aren't “ visitors” within Canada.
  • Foreign reps to Canada:
    If you're a family or employee of a international representative to Canada accredited through the Department of International Affairs and Worldwide Trade, you don't need a Study Permit to review.

Benefits of Having a Study Permit

You should apply for a Study Permit before you come to Canada if you think you may wish to continue your studies in another program after you complete the short-term course or program.

If you do not have a valid Study Permit and wish to continue your studies, you will have to leave Canada in order to apply for one!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why should I get a Study Permit?

There are benefits to having a Study Permit, even if you do not require one. If you have a valid Study Permit, you can:

  • work part-time on campus at the college or university at which you are registered as a full-time student; and
  • apply to renew your Study Permit from within Canada, if you decide to continue studying in Canada.

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

Learn about:

Q. When should I apply for my Study Permit?

You should apply as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance from the educational institution. The time needed to process an application to study in Canada may vary at different visa offices.

Q. What is a Temporary Resident Visa?

A Temporary Resident Visa is an official document issued by a visa office abroad. It is placed in your passport to show that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident.

Q. Do I need a Temporary Resident Visa?

If you are from one of these countries you need a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada.

Who Needs a Study Permit?
Information for Foreign Students
Applications, Guides and Forms
Istitutions

Q. How do I Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa?

If you need a Temporary Resident Visa in addition to your Study Permit, you do not have to make a separate application or pay a separate fee. An officer will issue it at the same time as the documentation that you will need to enter Canada as a student.

Studying in another country is an adventure and a challenge. Canadian educational institutions offer a wide range of opportunities for foreign students. Please refer to the following information to guide you through the application process:

Information for Foreign Students

Studying in another country is an adventure and a challenge. Canadian educational institutions offer a wide range of opportunities for foreign students. Please refer to the following information to guide you through the application process

Choosing a School, College, or University in Canada:


There are many different types of schools and institutions in Canada. For more information and listings of schools, contact the organizations listed below for each institution type, or consult:

Primary and Secondary Schools

These are schools that teach students up to the grade 12 level. Provincial governments in Canada regulate all primary and secondary schools.

Post-Secondary Institutions (Universities and Colleges)

Post-secondary schools include colleges, universities and technical schools. Each post-secondary school has its own set of rules on how to apply, and decides what level of English or French you will need to be accepted. For more information on post-secondary schools, contact:

Private Career and Vocational Schools

Provincial governments do not necessarily regulate private schools. Make sure that the private school you apply to meets provincial education requirements. For more information on private career colleges, contact the National Association of Career Colleges.

Language Schools

There are many schools in Canada that teach English or French as a second language. Provincial governments regulate language programs at public institutions. For more information about these programs, contact:

Provincial governments do not necessarily regulate language programs at private schools. Make sure that the private school you apply to meets provincial education requirements. For more information about private language programs, contact:

How to Apply to a School, College or University

Once you have chosen a place to study you will need to apply to that school, college or university. Every school has different rules on how to apply.

Make sure you apply early for your course of study. Apply at least six months in advance to primary and secondary schools. University and college students should apply a year before they want to start their studies.

Contact the school where you want to study to learn how to apply. They will give you the right application forms and be able to tell you about:

  • the cost of applying;
  • tuition fees;
  • health insurance;
  • rent and how much it will cost to live in Canada;
  • language tests.

Fill out the application form for the school or schools of your choice, and submit it according to the instructions provided. If the school admits you as a student, they will send you a letter of acceptance. You need a letter of acceptance in order to apply for a Study Permit.

Health Insurance

The government of Canada does not pay for the medical costs of foreign students. Health coverage for foreign students varies between provinces. Contact the school at which you are applying to receive more information about medical coverage and health insurance.

How to apply for a Study Permit:

Find all the forms you need to apply for a Study Permit, along with step-by-step instructions. This includes information about:

  • medical examinations;
  • police checks;
  • application fees; and
  • financial requirements.
You know all steps involving in the application process:
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