Canadian Study Permits

Canada is well known for its education system, providing excellent opportunities to students from around the world. Persons wishing to study full time in Canada must demonstrate that they have an offer of acceptance to a full time program at a recognized educational institution, the financial resources to fully support themselves throughout their study, and the intention to depart Canada upon completion of their studies.

Do I Qualify for a Canadian Study Permit?

There are a number of criteria that must be met to qualify for a Canadian Study Permit:

• You need an offer of acceptance from a recognized Canadian educational institution. The offer of acceptance must be in the form of a letter from the school and clearly indicate the name and length of the full-time program of study
• You have sufficient funds to pay the school's tuition and to cover the costs of general living expenses during your course of study up to one year
• You maintain ties outside of Canada, showing your intention to return after your studies

Transferring to a New School or Program?

Study permits are typically granted for the same length of time as the program of study. Transfers to another program of study or even to another educational institution are permitted without having to apply for a new permit, provided that the program/institution is recognized by Canada.

Studying Without a Canadian Study Permit

In some circumstances, a foreign national may study in Canada without requiring a study permit. Below are some examples of when you may study without a permit:

• Short-term course or program



You do not need a study permit if you plan to take a course or program in Canada that lasts six months or less. You must complete the course or program within the period authorized for your stay in Canada.

• Foreign representatives to Canada



If you are a family member or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), you may not need a permit to study in Canada.

• Members of foreign armed forces



If you are a member of a foreign armed force under the Visiting Forces Act, you do not need a permit to study in Canada. If your family members, including minor children, want to study in Canada, they must meet the requirements outlined above.

Working while on a Canadian Study Permit

Citizenship and Immigration Canada recognizes that sometimes, foreign students need to work during and immediately after their studies. For those studying at a qualifying institution, foreign students may work without having to obtain a work permit provided that they maintain full-time student status and their work is on the campus of the institution where they are studying. In most cases, however, you will need to apply for one of the student-related work permits, which are required if you want to work in a co-op/internship placement, off campus, or post-graduation. These are the Canadian Off-Campus Work Permit and the Canadian Post-Graduate Work Permit.

Contact Us

For further information with respect to Canadian Student Visas or to find out if you are eligible for a Canadian Student Visa, we invite you to contact our experienced Canadian immigration lawyers by calling the Bomza Law Group at 1-800-993-9971 or by clicking on the “Contact US” button.