Study Permit

What is a study permit?

The study permit is a document we issue that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. Make sure you have all the documents you need before you apply. You should apply before you travel to Canada.

Your study permit is not a visa. It doesn’t let you enter Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). If we approve your study permit, we’ll issue one to you with your study permit.

Get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream

If you’re a legal resident in certain countries, you may be able to get your study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream.

How long can you stay in Canada with a study permit?

A study permit is usually valid for the length of your study program, plus an extra 90 days. The 90 days let you prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay.

1. If you’re taking prerequisite courses

If your school asks you to take courses before they accept you into the main program (you have conditional acceptance), your study permit will be valid for the length of those courses, plus 1 year. When you get accepted into the main program, you must then apply to extend your stay as a student.

2. If you’ll finish your studies after your study permit expires

If you don’t finish your courses before the date on your permit, you must apply to extend your stay as a student. If you don’t, you’ll need to stop studying and leave Canada.

3. If you finish your studies before your study permit expires

If you finish your studies early, your permit will stop being valid 90 days after you complete your studies, no matter what day is printed on the study permit.

You’ve completed your studies on the date your school first notifies you by completion letter, transcript, degree or diploma.

You must provide proof of the date your school notifies you, or the date you get your degree, diploma or certificate. If you don’t have proof, we’ll use the earliest issue date on the document. We may confirm this date with your school.

Eligibility requirements

You can come to Canada to study if you

-qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller

If you’re under 18, you don’t have to be fully vaccinated. You do need to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan.

-are enrolled at a DLI

-prove 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

-obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)

-are in good health and get a medical exam (if required) and

-prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires

Your responsibilities

While studying in Canada you must:

-make progress towards completing your program
-respect any conditions listed on your study permit and
-stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements

Depending on your case, there may be conditions on your study permit such as

-if you’re allowed to work in Canada
-if you’re allowed to travel within Canada
-the specific date you must leave Canada
-where you can study (a specific DLI listed on your permit) and

You can’t study at a DLI other than the one listed on your permit.

-whether you need an immigration medical examination

Study permit: Get the right documents

You need these documents to apply for a study permit:

Proof of acceptance

Your school must send you a letter of acceptance. Include the original or electronic copy of your letter with your study permit application.

Conditional acceptance and prerequisite courses

If you’ve been conditionally accepted, this means you need to take prerequisite courses. For example, these might be English as a second language or French as a second language courses. You must complete these before you can start your main study program.

If this is the case, we’ll only issue your study permit for the length of those courses plus 1 year. Once you’re accepted into your main program, you’ll need to apply for a new student permit to extend your stay as a student.

Exceptions

If you’re the family member of someone who has a study permit or work permit application that’s been approved in writing before you come to Canada, you don’t need a letter of acceptance.

Proof of identity

When applying for your study permit, you and each family member who comes with you to Canada must have

-a valid passport or travel document

Online applicants: Upload a copy of the information page of your passport when you apply online.

Citizens of the United States have some options on the identification documents they can carry.

-two recent passport-size photos

The name and date of birth of the person should be written on the back of each photo.

Proof of financial support

You must prove that you can support yourself, and the family members who come with you, while you are in Canada.

You can prove your funds with:

-proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you’ve transferred money to Canada
-Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
-proof of a student or education loan from a bank
-your bank statements for the past 4 months
-a bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
-proof you paid tuition and housing fees
-a letter from the person or school giving you money, or
-proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program

Minimum funds needed to support yourself as a student (and family members who come with you):

If your country uses foreign-exchange controls, you must prove that you’ll be allowed to export funds for all of your expenses.

Letter of explanation

This letter helps the visa officer to understand you and your goals. It explains

-why you want to study in Canada and
-that you understand your responsibilities as a student

You should include this letter if you decide to apply for a study permit, even if you don’t have to get a study permit for your program.