Canada Study Permit Eligibility Requirements: Fees and Application Process

Preparing to study in Canada? You’ll need a study permit, a document that allows you to study at Designation Learning Institution (DLI). Before starting the application process, you should know the requirements, eligibility criteria, and associated fees for obtaining a Canada study permit. 

If you follow all the instructions, you’ll ensure your application is accurate and precise. But if you want to make the process easier and faster, BorderPass will help you along the way.

Let’s find everything you should know about a study permit.

What is a Canada Study Permit?

The study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to foreign nationals who want to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. The purpose of obtaining a study permit lies in academic, professional, vocational, or other education that lasts longer than six months.

To avoid confusion, right at the beginning, a study permit and a student visa are not the same thing.

The main difference between them is:

• A student visa allows you to enter Canada as an international student but not stay and study. That said, the officer at the border can deny you entry into Canada
• A study permit gives you the authority to stay and study in the country 

Requirements for Study Permit in Canada

An application process requires proof of enrollment in a designated learning institution. But, there are more requirements for everyone who needs a study permit.

To begin with, you must be in good health, have no criminal record, and have sufficient money for tuition and living expenses, such as proof of funds. Accordingly, there are documents specifically for fulfilling each of these eligibility criteria. DLI requires ceasing studies if eligibility criteria are not met.

In the following, we’ll introduce you to detailed descriptions of each requirement.

Travel Document

To be able to enter Canada in the first place, one of the documents you need is a valid travel document, such as a passport. Make sure on time that it’s valid at least six months into the future.

It's best to have a biometric passport that contains an RFID chip with more specific information beyond your name, date of birth, and country of origin, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans. It entails updating personal information with immigration authorities.

Some other documents besides the passport include a Canadian travel number, a refugee travel document, or a certificate of identity that requires compliance with Canadian immigration regulations.

Acceptance Letter

An acceptance letter or a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is official confirmation that you have been admitted to a DLI. Be aware that our application is highly likely rejected if you don’t have an LOA.

The acceptance letter from the institution must contain the following information, such as:

• Institution's full name, e-mail address and website, phone and fax numbers, and contact name and alternate contact name
• Your full name and date of birth
• Your student ID number
• Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) if DLI is in Quebec
• Type of school/institution
• Academic status
• Field/program of study
• Level of study
• Type of training program
• Estimated tuition fee
• Length of program
• Expiry date
• Name and signature of the representative of the institution
• Other relevant information to help the visa officer decide on your study permit.

Proof of Financial Support

As of January 1, 2024, the rule states that international students applying for a study permit in Canada must have proof of funds or financial support.

The amount and documentation depend on the country of origin and the family size if they come with you. Be aware that the application process involves limitations on bringing dependents. For example, there is a bit different documentation in Quebec, which also involves adhering to the terms of the study program.

The application demands a demonstration of sufficient financial resources. As stated, international students must demonstrate "sufficient and available means, without employment in Canada" to pay for tuition, support, and their family and transportation to Canada. 

Students must demonstrate financial sufficiency, essential only for the first year of study, regardless of how long the program lasts.

‍

Some of the acceptable financial documents are:

• Bank statements
• Loan applications
• Letter of sponsorship
• Scholarship

Medical Exam

The application for a study permit entails undergoing a medical examination if:

• You come from a country for which Canada requires a visa
• You will be in Canada for more than six months
• You are a medical student or will work in health care

‍

There are two types of immigration medical exams:

• The standard medical exam
• The streamlined medical exam (which is required during certain urgent operational situations, such as a humanitarian crisis)

‍

You can get a medical examination before or after registration. If it is before, it’s called a previous medical examination; if it’s after, you will receive instructions on how to perform a medical exam (medical examination compliance).

‍

To get a medical exam, you need to bring the following documentation:

1. A national identity (ID) card
2. Passport
3. An original birth certificate 
4. A refugee travel document
5. Eyeglasses or contact lenses, if you wear them
6. Medical reports or test results of your current or past medical condition
7. A list of your current medications
8. A copy of vaccine records
9. All relevant forms and letters received from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with confirmation of IME/UMI/UCI number/s (unique client identifiers that appear on any official documents)

Criminal Record

A criminal record is a record of a person's history of criminal convictions and can vary from country to country.

Canada's authorities may request a police clearance before they issue a study permit, which includes providing a clean criminal record check.

You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and pose no security risk to Canada. In this case, you may have to provide a police certificate.

A criminal record will, in most cases, disqualify you from applying for a study permit. However, convictions for minor offenses can be overcome by about five years, but in case of a serious offense, you are inadmissible for life.

Supporting Documentation

Supporting documentation can provide evidence of the applicant's intentions, ties to the home country, and ability to comply with the permit conditions. Without them, the application may be considered incomplete or without credibility.

• A provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory where you plan to study is evidence that the student has been included in a provincial or territorial allocation within the national cap. Accordingly, the application process demands compliance with provincial and federal laws
• A letter of explanation helps the visa officer know more about you and your goals
• A custodian declaration for minors only where the custodian in Canada must sign the first page, and the parents must sign the second page

Canada Student Visa Requirements

To clarify, you need a study permit and a student visa to study in Canada. However, there is a specific difference between them. With a student visa, you can enter Canada, and with a study permit, you can stay and study in Canada.

‍

Here are the basic requirements for obtaining a student visa for Canada:

• A valid travel document, such as a passport.
• You must be in good health
• You have no criminal or immigration convictions
• Convince the immigration officer that you have a job, home, financial resources, and family or spouse that will guarantee you will return to your home country.

Study Permit Application Guide 

There are two main methods of applying for a study permit. You can do it online or by visiting a visa application center in your country. We recommend you apply for a study permit when you get a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

You can choose the most suitable application method based on the circumstances, especially if you want to get your study permit faster. So, applying online through BorderPass can be a great option without much effort. 

We’ll go through a few methods for applying them in more detail.

‍

Applying Using a Paper Application 

Generally, you can apply for a study permit outside Canada using a paper application. 

When applying, you should submit:

1. A letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution (DLI) 
2. An attestation letter from the province or territory where you plan to study
3. Submitting documents such as a valid passport or travel document and proof of financial support

If you want to ensure a complete and accurate application, you should provide:

• Detailed personal information
• Language proficiency
• Contact information
• Passport details
• Previous education and employment history

Precise information is the key to a successful application for a study permit in Canada.

‍

Applying at the Port of Entry (Border) - ONLY U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are Eligible

You may apply for a study permit at the port of entry (border), but only if you are eligible. That means you can apply this way if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

At the border, you’ll meet a border services officer who will ensure you abide by all requirements.

These are the documents for applying at the port of entry:

• A travel document ( passport)
• Entry letter from the visa office when you have been granted a study permit
• The permit reference number is used to issue your study permit
• have a copy of a valid letter of acceptance from your school
• have letters of reference or any other documents the visa office told you to bring

Canada Study Permit Application Fees

As a part of an application process, it’s expected to pay specific fees, and that implies:

• Applying for a study permit: $150 per person
• Restoring a study permit: $350

However, there are additional fees such as biometrics, which costs $85, immigration medical examination, which costs $200, and Canadian language test, which costs $280 + taxes.

Understanding Study Permit Renewals

Canadian authorities require renewing the permit before its expiration, or they assume you wish to extend your study permit and regain your temporary resident status, usually if it involves ensuring continuous enrollment in the program.

Therefore, if the expiration date is approaching, you should renew it:

• At least 60-90 days before the expiration date
• You can’t extend your study permit after your passport has expired. It also includes the requirement to leave Canada upon permit expiration if you decide not to extend your studies.

Early application allows you to remain in Canada under the same conditions as your current study permit until a renewal decision is received

Study Permit Exemptions in Canada

A study permit is required of foreign nationals to engage in academic education and professional training at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, but there are exceptions in some instances.

See below for the case study permit exemptions.

Short-term Studies

If the study program lasts less than six months, enter Canada or stay in Canada without a study permit, which drastically helps to facilitate access to short-term courses. However, the official must accept and process the study permit application, even in the case of short-term studies.

The types of courses or programs that typically fall under this exemption are:

• Audited courses appear marked "AU" and show a potential employer that you have a high degree of interest and commitment to a particular field. As they don’t fall understudies for IRPA (Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.) purposes, you don’t need a study permit
• A general interest or self-improvement course is a course that you are taking for personal or non-academic reasons for self-improvement, such as time management courses, yoga courses, or painting courses.

Minor Children in Canada

If the program lasts seven months or less, minors don’t need a study permit, and if they want to study for six months or more, they must apply for a study permit before entering Canada.

Minor children already in Canada are eligible to study without a study permit if:

• either they are accompanying parents seeking refugee status, or they are the applicants themselves
• Their parent or adoptive parent is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Their parent or adoptive parent authorized to work or study in Canada, i.e., temporary residents who are holders of work or study permits or holders of visitor status
• Neither parent is physically in Canada.

Situations where minor children would need or would not need a study permit are:

• Applying from overseas - Visa offices should consider minors who wish to study in Canada as students and not visitors, even when accompanied by their parents.
• Applying inland - They must provide proof of their academic status in Canada 
• Applying at a port of entry (POE) - A minor must apply for and receive written approval from a visa office or apply for a study permit when entering Canada

Members of Foreign Armed Forces

If you are a member of a foreign armed force, part of the military, or certain civilian personnel, having a study permit or being on official duty in Canada is not mandatory.

Key Takeaways

• You must be in good health, have no criminal record, and have sufficient financial resources for tuition and living expenses, such as proof of funds.
• You must submit documents such as a travel document, an acceptance letter, and a medical exam, depending on the program you will attend
• You may apply using a paper application, online, or at the port of entry (only for U.S. citizens and permanent residents)
• There are study permit exemptions for short-term studies, minor children, and members of foreign armed forces

‍

We understand this can be a long process if you do everything independently. It’s a relief to know that BorderPass can do on your behalf. All you need to do is provide the required documentation to come and study in Canada.

In your case, you can consult with an immigration lawyer for personalized advice so your application process goes quickly and smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

‍

When Should I Apply to Extend My Study Permit?

You should apply three to four months before your study permit expires, and thus, from within Canada.

At BorderPass, you can get practical tips for a smooth extension. process.

‍

What If My Study Permit Expires?

If your study permit expires before you complete your program, you must apply for an extension. Otherwise, your studies will be terminated, and you must leave Canada.

Be aware that 90 days after the end of the program, study permits automatically become invalid, so if you plan to continue your education, apply for an extension of your study permit.

Also, you must know that a study permit can expire while waiting for a PGWP (Post-graduation work permit). For your information, a gap accepted for study in Canada is two years for diploma and undergraduate courses and five years for postgraduate courses in Canada.

‍

For How Long Is a Study Permit Valid?

The study permit is valid for the duration of your program plus 90 days, during which you can:

• Apply for an extension of stay
• Prepare to leave Canada (if you don't plan to stay or you’re no longer eligible)

‍

During your studies, you must update your profile information and constantly meet the requirements related to your study permit. If your program is ending, you need to know how long you can stay in Canada and if you plan to extend your stay.

How long you can stay after finishing your studies depends on whether you are taking prerequisite courses, your study permit expires before you finish your studies, or you finish your studies before your study permit expires (permit renewal necessity before expiration).