Before starting a particular study program in Canada, there are many requirements to consider, but the first thing that should come to your mind is the study permit. And you start from there.
It’s a permit that allows you to study at DLI (Designated learning institution). But who needs a study permit? Is anyone exempt from obtaining a study permit?
Certainly yes, and in this article, you will find exact information about eligibility criteria and groups of individuals who fall into that category and who do not.
A Study Permit gives you the authority to stay and study in Canada. As one of the primary responsibilities of an international student, you must be enrolled in a Designated learning institution (DLI), either full-time or part-time, during the semester. So, it’s necessary for those attending full-time degree or diploma programs.
You mustn’t be absent from your study program for more than 150 days and notify the authority when you change a DLI.
As for the rights, you can be eligible for part-time (up to 20 hours per week) work during your studies.
The available types of study permits are:
Let's just separate the two terms: student visa vs. study permit. Although these terms are related, it’s important to emphasise that a study visa allows you to enter Canada, and a study permit will enable you to study.
Foreign nationals who wish to study in Canada must obtain a study permit necessary for participating in academic, professional, or vocational training.
Before that, you must obtain a visitor visa to obtain a study permit in Canada.
General criteria for international students who must obtain a study permit before commencing their studies are to provide the necessary documentation, show proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses and return transportation, have no criminal record and be in good health.
Also worth mentioning when it comes to eligibility is that you get a personal reference code when you use the online eligibility tool on your IRCC account to start an online application for a visitor visa, study permit or work permit.
Categories of individuals who typically require a study permit:
As for some individuals, different rules may apply.
A study permit is not mandatory for diplomats' children certified by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. Your entry is initially granted for a period of 6 months.
Documentation or proof, which is required to validate their exemption status, contains:
Members of the armed forces, both military and certain civilian personnel, who come to Canada from a country designated under the VFA are on official duty and want to attend a specific program, so they are exempt from the study permit. An essential document they should have is a letter of acceptance from the Canadian Department of National Defense (DND).
You should have a letter of acceptance from the Canadian Department of National Defence.
Minors can study without a study permit at preschool, primary or secondary level if:
Otherwise, minor children whose parents are temporary visitors and are not authorised to work or study will need to have a study permit to study in Canada. Plus, it can be required for those transitioning from secondary to post-secondary education in Canada
In other cases, some individuals are exempt from having a study permit. Whether it is because of the circumstances that led them to come to Canada or perhaps a shorter study program, there are undoubtedly different rules that imply:
Below is a brief explanation of each exception.
If you are interested in attending a time-bound program that lasts six months or less, you are exempt from the study permit requirements. You have to finish the program within the deadline, and if you are wondering if you want to extend your visa, know that it is not possible in this case.
The conditions you must meet to qualify as a short-term student exempt from needing a study permit are:
Exemption criteria also apply to family or staff of foreign representatives in connection with study permits.
This means that if you are a family member of a foreign representative, you can study in Canada without a study permit.
As we have already stated, in this case, it is necessary to submit the following documentation
A Visiting Force Agreement (VFA) is an agreement between a country and a foreign nation in which military forces visit that country. Official bodies and courts are authorised to exercise all criminal and jurisdictional activities.
A study permit is not required for members of foreign armed forces ((as part of the military or civilian personnel) under the Visiting Forces Act
However, members of the VFA will need some documentation to verify VFA status:
Registered Indians, sometimes called Status Indians, don’t need a study permit.
The relevant legislation for Registered Indians in Canada includes:
This applies only to registered Indians and not all individuals of Indian origin.
Minors don’t need a study permit if they attend educational programs lasting six months or less, but it is necessary for those studying in Canada for more than six months, obligating them to apply for a study permit before entering Canada (does not apply to short-term courses or programs under six months).
A study permit is not needed for minor children already in Canada with parents who have legal status. However, minors whose parents are temporary visitors and are not authorised to work or study will need a study permit in Canada.
Temporary residents with a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) can travel to Canada, and it's issued for the same length as your study or work permit.
Similar to a refugee, an asylum seeker is someone who seeks protection and safety in another country because of danger in their home country.
However, they also tend to study and attend some programs in Canada,
Some of them are:
IRCC's settlement program aims to help immigrants and refugees learn and gain long-term experience to integrate into Canadian society.
Qualifying courses for temporary residents may be:
There are certain exemptions for temporary residents taking settlement and integration courses in the form of support they need to build networks in their new communities.
Ideally, you should apply as soon as you receive your acceptance letter from your DLI so your application can be documented in a timely manner.
How long will you wait for confirmation, duration-dependent assessing all applications.
Study permit processing time for applications submitted outside of Canada is twelve weeks, while applications submitted within Canada are currently four weeks. You can track the processing time of your application on the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, and it starts when they receive your application and ends when they make a decision.
Factors that might affect application timing, such as intake seasons or visa processing times, are:
Crucial steps in the study permit application process are:
Mention BorderPass
For a successful application, you will need to avoid common mistakes, such as:
When you apply for a study permit, it’s mandatory to submit the following documents:
Each of these documents must have accurate information to submit a complete application. You may be rejected if your application is incomplete for some specific reason.
To ensure documents meet the requirements, you should:
An extra tip for all those considering applying for a study permit is to research the requirements thoroughly, including all documentation. Be prepared to submit a complete application package, and consult with a qualified immigration consultant or lawyer to ensure your application goes smoothly. At BorderPass, you quickly go through all the requirements from start to finish.
Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week. But you can work full-time if you were able to work off-campus during your previous studies, have a valid study permit, have extended your study permit before it expired, or have received written confirmation from your DLI about completing your program.
The study permit lasts as long as your study program lasts, plus 90 days, in case you want to extend your studies or leave Canada. You officially stop studying when your school notifies you with a letter of completion.
If you have been considering continuing your studies, you must apply for an extension of your permit at least 30 days before it expires. In the meantime, you will continue to attend the program until you receive your confirmation of extension. The passport must be valid.
A new study permit is required for those changing institutions or programs within Canada. So, if you change your DLI, you must submit a new study permit application with a new acceptance letter and pay all new application fees.
What is very important is that you inform the immigration authorities or regulatory institutions. This doesn’t mean that you should change your study permit. After you stop attending a program-specific, you have 150 days to start a new course at another DLI. In case you want to continue your studies, a study permit must be renewed or extended as per the study program's duration.