Getting a study permit to Canada involves several steps, including getting accepted to a DLI, gathering the required documents, applying for a study permit, providing biometric information, waiting for processing, receiving the study permit, arriving in Canada and attending school, maintaining your status, extending your study permit (if needed), and applying for a work permit (if eligible).
It is important to be aware of the requirements and procedures for each step and to follow them carefully to increase your chances of success.
In this article, we will teach you how to get Canada study permit so you can fulfil your dream of migrating to Canada for study!
What is Canada Study Permit?
A Canada study permit is a document issued by the Canadian government that allows international students to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. A study permit is not a visa, and it does not guarantee entry to Canada. However, it is an essential document that international students need to study in Canada.
The study permit typically includes information such as the student’s name, date of birth, passport number, and the dates and duration of their program of study. It also sets out the conditions that the student must follow while studying in Canada, such as attending school regularly and maintaining good academic standing.
The study permit is usually valid for the duration of the student’s program of study, plus an additional 90 days after the program ends. International students who want to study in Canada for less than 6 months do not need a study permit, but they may need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on their country of origin.
How to Get Canada Study Permit
Getting a Canada study permit involves several steps. Here is a detailed explanation of each step:
Step 1
Acceptance to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) The first step to obtaining a study permit is to get accepted to a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
You can find the list of DLIs on the Government of Canada website. Once you have been accepted to a DLI, you will receive a letter of acceptance, which you will need to include in your study permit application.
Step 2
Gather Required Documents After receiving your letter of acceptance, you will need to gather the required documents to apply for a study permit. The required documents may vary depending on your country of origin and the program you have applied for. However, the basic required documents include a valid passport, a letter of acceptance from a DLI, and proof of financial support.
Step 3
Apply for a Study Permit Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can apply for a study permit. You can apply online or on paper. If you apply online, you will need to create an account on the Government of Canada website and complete the application form.
You will also need to pay the application fee and upload the required documents. If you apply on paper, you will need to download the application form from the Government of Canada website, complete it, and submit it along with the required documents and application fee to the visa office in your country.
Step 4
Provide Biometric Information As part of the study permit application process, you will be required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph). You can provide this information at a designated Service Canada location in Canada, or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country.
Step 5
Wait for Processing After submitting your application, you will need to wait for it to be processed. The processing time may vary depending on the visa office and the complexity of your case. You can check the processing times on the Government of Canada website.
Step 6
Receive the Study Permit If your study permit application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction, which you will need to show to the border officer when you arrive in Canada. The border officer will then issue your study permit, which will be attached to your passport.
Step 7
Arrive in Canada and attend school Once you have received your study permit, you can travel to Canada and attend school. It is important to note that a study permit is not a visa, and it does not guarantee entry to Canada.
At the border, you will need to satisfy the border officer that you meet all the requirements for entry to Canada, including having a valid study permit, being enrolled in a DLI, and having enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada.
Step 8
Maintain your status While you are in Canada on a study permit, you must maintain your status as a student. This means that you must attend school regularly, make progress in your studies, and respect the conditions of your study permit. You must also keep your study permit valid by extending it before it expires, if you plan to stay in Canada longer than the expiry date.
Step 9
Extend your study permit (if needed) If you need to stay in Canada longer than the expiry date on your study permit, you must apply to extend your study permit before it expires. You should apply at least 30 days before your current permit expires.
You will need to show that you are still a student, that you have been attending school regularly, and that you have enough funds to support yourself during your extended stay in Canada.
Step 10
Apply for a work permit (if eligible) If you are a full-time student in Canada with a valid study permit, you may be eligible to work on or off campus without a work permit. However, if you want to work off campus, you will need to apply for a work permit.
To be eligible for a work permit, you must have a valid study permit, be a full-time student, and have been studying for at least 6 months. You must also have good academic standing and be enrolled in a program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
In summary, to get a Canada study permit, you need to first get accepted to a DLI, gather the required documents, apply for a study permit, provide biometric information, wait for processing, and finally receive the study permit. It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for obtaining a study permit may change over time, so it is advisable to check the Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information.
