Canada is home to some of the world’s best education and immigration options. This comprehensive Canada Study Visa page provides you with everything you need to know on how you can study in Canada, work, and immigrate.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates for International Students
International students can enter Canada if they had a valid study permit by March 18, 2020, or if their designated learning institution has an approved COVID-19 readiness plan. International students may also pursue their program online at a Canadian designated learning institution and still be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) once they complete their studies.
How to Study in Canada
The following are the steps you need to take if you wish to study in Canada and transition to permanent residence.
Select a program:
Conduct research and find the education program you want to pursue in Canada.
Apply to a Canadian designated learning institution:
Once you have determined which education program to apply to, submit your application to the Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) of your choice.
Apply for a study permit:
Upon obtaining a letter of acceptance, BICAVS can help you submit an application to the Government of Canada for a study permit. The study permit is a document that most people need so they can legally remain in Canada as a student.
Explore your immigration options:
After completing your studies, BICAVS can help you remain in Canada to gain more professional work experience and pursue permanent residence.
Benefits of Studying in Canada
Canada has made it easier for international students to begin their Canadian immigration journey. Whether you wish to begin your program at a Canadian college or university, you will be able to study online in your home country and still access the same benefits of being in Canada.
The reason for this is that Canada is allowing new international students to start their Canadian educational programs online, and still be eligible to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit after they complete their program. This is a temporary policy that aims to provide more flexibility to international students due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a student can complete their entire Canadian program online and remain eligible for the PGWP.
The PGWP is important for international students that want to make their Canadian immigration applications more competitive. The combination of Canadian education and Canadian work experience gained through the PGWP will enhance a student’s chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residence.
Hence, assuming that a student is currently enrolled in a qualifying two-year program at a Canadian college or university or other designated learning institution, they can get a full, three-year PGWP after completing their program as long as they complete 50 per cent of their program in Canada.
The benefits of beginning your Canadian immigration journey include:
- Get peace of mind that you can start your Canadian program in your country even if you are unable to come to Canada in time because of a coronavirus interruption (e.g., lack of available flights).
- Canadian colleges and universities are currently offering their programs online for the 2020-21 academic year.
- If you take a qualifying program at a Canadian designated learning institution (e.g., a college or university) of at least two years in duration, you can get a full, three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). A PGWP of this length will provide you with three years to get enough qualifying Canadian work experience to become eligible for more immigration programs.
- Beginning your program online can make studying in Canada even more affordable for you. Canada is already more affordable to study in than the likes of the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia. This temporary PGWP policy enables you to save on several months of living costs in Canada while you remain in your home country.
- If you are like most study permit holders, you will be legally eligible to work in Canada for any employer as soon as you arrive in the country. Under the terms of most study permits, you can work for up to 20 hours per week during your program, and full-time during regularly scheduled breaks such as winter and summer breaks.
- Your spouse or partner is eligible to obtain an open work permit to work for any Canadian employer during and after you complete your studies. You can also bring your children with you to Canada and they can attend one of Canada’s public schools without needing their study permit.
- Once you complete your program, you will get a Canadian degree, diploma, or other credentials that will be recognized and respected by Canadian employers and government authorities. This credential will help you integrate into the Canadian labour market and gain more points under a variety of federal and provincial immigration programs.
- Pursuing Canadian studies will also help to enhance your English and/or French skills. Stronger language skills will support your economic and social integration in Canada and also help you obtain more points under Canada’s immigration programs.
About Canada’s Universities and Colleges
There are over 1,500 universities, colleges, and other educational institutions that are authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to welcome international students. These educational institutions are called designated learning institutions (DLIs) and they exist to help international students learn in Canada and stay in the country after graduation. The list of DLIs that are authorized by IRCC is constantly growing. Please verify that the university, college, or other institution you wish to enrol in is authorized by IRCC by visiting the Canadian government’s official website.
Ontario and Quebec are Canada’s largest provinces by population, and hence, they host the most number of DLIs in the country (nearly 1,000 combined).
Given a large number of DLIs across Canada, you are very likely to find an educational program that meets your needs.
If you wish to pursue undergraduate (i.e., Bachelors) or post-graduate studies (i.e., Master’s or PhD), Canada has some 100 universities, including internationally-renowned schools such as:
- Dalhousie University
- McGill University
- McMaster University
- Queen’s University
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Alberta
- University of British Columbia
- University of Calgary
- University of Montreal
- University of Ottawa
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo
Generally speaking, universities across Canada offer comparable levels of high-quality education. The reason for this is that Canada promotes equity within its education system, meaning that it strives to ensure all students get the best possible education possible, irrespective of which institution that they go to.
Canada also has some 150 community colleges that also offer good quality education. Whereas universities specialize in providing theoretical knowledge and career training in certain professions (e.g., medicine, engineering, law), community colleges offer more applied training to help students quickly integrate into the labour market. College programs are more practical, with the knowledge provided to students meant to help them find work within their area of study.
Just like universities, colleges across Canada tend to offer similar levels of education. International students should take comfort in studying at a Canadian college since the credential that they gain will support their professional and immigration ambitions upon graduation.
Study Pathways to Permanent Residence (PR)
International students who complete post-secondary education in Canada have many opportunities to extend their stay and ultimately transition to permanent residence.
Your education in Canada may put you at an advantage when it comes to pursuing Canadian permanent residence. Many federal and provincial immigration programs value candidates with Canadian education and work experience.
After completing your education in Canada, you can gain Canadian work experience by obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) which, depending on your Canadian academic program, may enable you to work in Canada for up to three years.
While holding a PGWP, you can then go ahead and pursue several federal and provincial permanent residence avenues, such as:
Express Entry
One of the most prominent ways of pursuing permanent residence is by submitting an Express Entry profile. Express Entry is the main way that Canada manages economic class immigration applications.
Express Entry candidates are assessed through the Comprehensive Ranking System. The Comprehensive Ranking System rewards young candidates, have Canadian education and work experience, and have strong English and/or French proficiency. These are characteristics that many of Canada’s international students possess.
Through Express Entry, former international students may be well-placed to be eligible for the popular Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, which enables tens of thousands of former international students and temporary foreign workers to become permanent residents each year.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories across Canada to identify immigration candidates who meet their local economic needs. Many PNP streams reward candidates who are former international students or are specifically dedicated to international students.
Quebec
Quebec is Canada’s second-largest province and the city of Montreal is a very popular destination for international students. The province operates its immigration system with programs that are different from those offered by the federal government and under the PNP. Quebec also encourages former international students to transition to permanent residence. One of the notable ways it seeks to do this is through the Quebec Experience Program.
Other Federal Programs
In addition to the three programs it manages under Express Entry, the federal government operates additional economic class immigration programs. The programs offer special streams to international students and/or exemptions from Canadian work experience requirements. These include the Atlantic International Graduate Program (which operates under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot) and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I study in Canada?
Reasons why international students choose Canada to include:
- High quality of education offered by Canadian schools
- Canada offers international students with opportunities to work during and after their studies, and transition to permanent residence
- Opportunities to study in English and/or French
- Safety and security
- Multicultural society
- Canada welcomes immigrants and international students from nearly 200 different countries each year
- Canada is affordable compared with other popular international student destinations. Consider also that the Canadian dollar is weaker than major currencies such as the USD, GBP, and EUR
How many international students are in Canada?
There were 642,480 international students in Canada as of December 2019. Due to its popularity as a great destination to study, work, and immigrate to, Canada has seen its international student population triple over the past decade.
Which countries are Canada’s international students coming from?
Canada welcomes international students from nearly 200 different countries each year.
Popular source countries of Canada’s international students include India, China, South Korea, France, Vietnam, the U.S., Iran, Brazil, Nigeria, and Mexico.
Many countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia also send large numbers of international students to Canada each year.
How can I study in Canada?
Step One: Choose an academic program.
Step Two: Apply to a Canadian designated learning institution and obtain a letter of acceptance.
Step Three: Apply for a study permit.
Can I bring my family to Canada?
Yes. You may bring your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children.
Which Canadian city is best for international students?
Canadian cities tend to offer many of the same benefits including good quality of education, an openness to all types of different cultures, and safety and security.
Choosing a city to study in depends on your preferences. Factors for you to consider include:
- Which educational program do you wish to pursue
- Job opportunities in your preferred career within the Canadian city
- Existing immigrant and international student communities within the Canadian city
- Whether you prefer to be in English and/or French-speaking environment in Canada
- Cultural activities
- Whether you prefer to be in a larger city or a smaller one
- Your budget
Can I stay in Canada after my studies?
If you have completed your studies and wish to remain in Canada to work, you may be eligible to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This temporary status will replace your study permit. There may be other temporary and permanent pathways you can also pursue to remain in Canada. For instance, after obtaining a PGWP and are interested in becoming a permanent resident, you may be eligible to submit an Express Entry profile and/or apply for other federal and provincial immigration programs.
How can I stay in Quebec after my studies?
Your options depend on your goals.
For instance, if you are interested in obtaining permanent residence within the province, you may be eligible to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Beyond that, you can apply for one of Quebec\’s immigration programs such as the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) or the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).
Can I become a permanent resident after my studies in Canada?
Yes. Tens of thousands of the over 300,000 people that become Canadian permanent residents each year are former international students.
Several programs can lead to permanent residence, including the three programs managed under Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program). There are many other options available through the likes of the Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
Some of these programs require qualifying Canadian work experience. If you want to work in Canada after you finish your studies, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
The PGWP is an open work permit issued to foreign students who have graduated from a designated learning institution.
It allows you to gain work experience in Canada and can help you become eligible for a variety of federal and provincial immigration programs (which sometimes require that candidates have qualifying Canadian work experience to become eligible for a given program).
The PGWP is valid for a period equivalent to the program of study you completed in Canada. Its duration can range from a minimum of 8 months to a maximum of 3 years.
How do I qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
To be eligible for the PGWP you must have held full-time student status at an eligible designated learning institution in Canada and you must have met all the requirements of your program of study that was at least eight months in duration.
Can international students work while studying in Canada?
You may be able to work on-campus or off-campus, provided your study permit lists that condition. You can only begin working in Canada after you have begun your Canadian study program.
You may be allowed to work on your school’s campus if you:
- are a full-time post-secondary student,
- have a valid study permit, and
- have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
If you need to work for a co-op or as an intern, you must apply for a co-op or intern work permit. You may be eligible if:
- work is required to complete your program,
- you have a valid study permit,
- you have a letter from your institution confirming that all students must work to get their degree,
- your co-op or internship is 50% or less of your program.
If you are taking English or French as a second language, general interest courses or courses to prepare for another program, you may not be eligible for a co-op work permit.
If you want to work off-campus, your study permit must say that you can work off-campus. You must also:
- be a full-time student,
- be enrolled in a post-secondary program,
- be enrolled in a study program that is at least 6 months long, and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate,
- have started studying,
- have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
If you are a part-time student, you may only work off-campus:
- if you have met all the criteria listed above, and,
- you’re only studying part-time because:
- you’re in your last semester and you don’t need to study full-time to complete your program
- you were a full-time student in Canada up until your last semester
How many hours can I work while on a study permit?
Assuming your study permit states you can work in Canada, you are allowed to work off-campus for 20 hours per week during the school year. You can also work full-time during scheduled breaks.
There are no restrictions to the number of hours you can work on campus.
Can I get a scholarship in Canada?
Yes. You may apply for a merit-based scholarship, bursary or grant through your institution or third parties.
How much money do I need to study in Canada?
Tuition fees in Canada are considered affordable compared to other popular destinations such as the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and European Union countries.
Many Canadian academic institutions offer programs with tuition fees that are under $15,000 CAD per year.
In addition to your tuition fees, you must be able to demonstrate your ability to financially support yourself and any family members.
Tuition and living expenses vary by province and territory. Generally speaking, studying in a larger city in Canada costs more than in smaller cities.
If you plan on studying outside Quebec, the following table illustrates the minimum funds you need to have access to support yourself while studying in Canada (also known as “proof of financial support”)
| Amount of funds required per year (excluding tuition fees) | |
| You | CAD $10,000 |
| First family member | CAD $4,000 |
| Any additional family members | CAD $3,000 |
If you plan on studying in Quebec, the following table illustrates the minimum funds that you need to have access to support yourself financially while studying in the province:
| Amount of funds required per year (excluding tuition fees) | |
| You | CAD $11,000 |
| First family member (18 or older) | CAD $5,100 |
| irst family member (under 18) | CAD $3,800 |
| Any additional family member (18 or older) | CAD $5,125 |
| Any additional family member (under 18) | CAD $1,903 |
What is the Student Direct Stream (SDS)?
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program that expedites the processing of study permits for candidates who meet eligibility requirements. One of the eligibility requirements is you must be a legal resident of one of the following countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Senegal
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
What is the age limit to study in Canada?
There is no age limit to study in Canada.
Do I need to take a language test to study in Canada?
You do not need a language test to apply for a study permit, but you may be asked for one by the institution you are applying to. For more details, please review the policies of the academic institutions you are interested in applying to.
What are my responsibilities as an international student in Canada?
Once you have been approved for a study permit, you must fulfil the following conditions established by the Canadian government:
- Remain enrolled at your designated learning institution
- Work towards completing your program
- Fulfil all conditions listed on your study permit
- Stop studying if you no longer meet your study permit requirements
- Leave Canada when your study permit expires (unless you have obtained another temporary permit or permanent residence)
Your study permit will become automatically invalid if you violate any of the conditions listed on your study permit.
How long does it take to get a study permit?
Processing times depend on each visa office. CanadaVisa’s Immigration Processing Times Tool contains more information.
What are the differences in study levels, and between colleges, universities, and other designated learning institutions in Canada?
- Universities: They offer undergraduate, professional, and postgraduate degrees, in addition to certificates and diplomas.
- Community colleges: They offer certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, undergraduate degrees, and postgraduate diplomas.
- Career and technical colleges: They offer certificates and diplomas for technical training meant to help adults advance in their careers.
| Credential | Average Length | Overview |
| Certificates and Diplomas | 1-2 years | Career-oriented programs to help adults find work related to credentials. |
| Associate degrees | 2 years | Similar to the first two levels of study of a 4-year Bachelor’s degree. |
| Bachelor\’s degrees | 3-4 years | Usually, 4 years in length except can be as short as 3 years in provinces such as Quebec. Offered at universities and tend to be more theoretical than college programs. |
| Postgraduate diplomas | 1-2 years | A specialized qualification after completing a Bachelor’s degree. |
| Master\’s degrees | 1-2 years | Can either include a research thesis or no thesis submission? |
| PhDs | 4-8 years | Usually involves a combination of course work at the beginning of the PhD, followed by the completion of a dissertation that is successfully defended before an academic panel. |
| Post-Doctoral Programs | No time limit | Specialized research program after completing a PhD. |
What is the application deadline for DLIs in Canada?
All DLIs in Canada will have their deadlines, which may also vary depending on the program, department or faculty to which you may be applying. You will find the most up to date information on the Website of the school where you plan to apply.
How many international students gain Canadian permanent residence (PR) each year?
More international students are transitioning to become immigrants of Canada each year since many of Canada’s federal and provincial immigration programs reward international students with extra points and/or provide them with dedicated application streams. According to the most recent federal government statistics, over 50,000 international students become permanent residents each year.
How can I convince my parents to study in Canada?
The questions and concerns of parents vary by each country and region of the world, however, you can share the following information with your parents:
- Canada is a very safe, secure, and stable country that is open and welcoming to people from all over the world. No matter what your nationality, ethnicity, or religion is, you will find people of the same background as you in Canada.
- Canada offers some of the highest-rated educational institutions in the world, several of which are ranked among the top 100 globally.
- Canada is more affordable than countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, and also enables you to work during and after your studies so you can support yourself financially while in the country. Scholarships are also available to international students.
- International students have promising career prospects in Canada. Canada is always looking for talent that is motivated, ambitious, educated, multilingual, and that offers diverse and global perspectives.
- Canada seeks to help international students remain in the country as permanent residents.
- According to international surveys, parents rate Canada as having better study permit requirements than other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Obtaining a Canadian study permit can also be very quick under the likes of the Student Direct Stream and for international students from certain source countries.
What is the procedure to study in Canada?
The first step is to get admission to a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) recognized by the government of Canada. Once an individual receives a letter of acceptance from a DLI, he or she may be able to apply for a study permit. Applications may be made online or by mail.
All-new study permits are issued at a Canadian port of entry. An applicant who has applied to a foreign Canadian Visa Office will be issued a letter of approval advising him or her to travel to a Canadian port of entry to have the study permit issued. A study permit is generally issued for the duration of the person’s studies.
How much does it cost to study in Canada?
Tuition fees vary based on institution. Please contact the administration where you intend to study for more information.
Do I need to show proof of funds when applying for a study permit?
Canada study permit applicants need to prove they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, and financial capacity to support living expenses for the first year of study. This table shows the minimum funds required to support yourself as a student and family members who come with you to Canada:
| Number of people | All provinces except Quebec |
| Single student | Tuition plus $10,000 for a 12-month period (or $833 per month) |
| For one accompanying family member add: | $4,000 for 12 months (or $333 per month) |
| For each additional family member, add: | $3,000 for 12 months per dependent child of any age (or $255 per month) |
In Quebec, the financial requirements for prospective students are different. In addition to tuition fees, a prospective international student is required to show that he or she has the following funds, dependent on his or her situation.
| Number of people | Total amount required |
| One person under age 18 | $6,377 |
| One person age 18 or older | $12,750 |
| Two persons age 18 or older | $18,702 |
| One person over age 18 and one under age 18 | $17,137 |
| Two persons over age 18 and one under age 18 | $20,950 |
| Two persons over age 18 and two under age 18 | $22,611 |
What’s the difference between a Study Permit and a Temporary Resident Visa?
While a study permit authorizes international students to pursue their studies while in Canada, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) allows a person to enter Canada. Depending on the country of citizenship, an international student may need a TRV for entry.
For overseas applications, applicants from countries whose citizens require TRV to enter Canada will be issued a TRV automatically if the application for a study permit is approved. These applicants do not need to submit a separate application for a TRV and there is no separate fee. The same applies to applicants from countries whose citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada by air.
Are scholarships available to international students in Canada?
Scholarships may be available to international students from private, government or public institutions in Canada. There may be scholarships available to international students from the study institution of choice.
Are IELTS or CELPIP required to submit a study permit application?
Please note that most Canadian Universities and colleges may require IELTS or proof of language proficiency to gain admission. However, please note that this is an admission requirement and not a requirement for a Canadian Study Permit unless applying through the Student Partner Program. Therefore, you should verify with the academic institution you wish to attend to determine if IELTS is required and the scores needed.
What is biometric identification and do I need it for a study permit?
Canada requires citizens of certain countries to have their biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) provided.
What are the processing times for a study permit?
Processing times for study permits vary by the visa office.
What is the procedure to apply to study in Quebec?
Applicants interested in studying in Quebec need to first apply for a Certificat d’acceptation de Quebec (Certificate of Acceptance for Quebec, or CAQ) and then apply for a study permit.
Is a study permit required for short courses?
An applicant is not required to obtain a study permit for a program, which is less than six months in duration. However, if a course is longer than six months, the prospective student will need to apply for a study permit.
There are benefits to applying for a study permit even if you are applying to a program that is less than six months. Even if you do not need a study permit, it may be beneficial to apply for one. If you decide to continue studying in a new program after completing your short-term studies, without a study permit, you may be required to leave the country and apply through a Canadian visa office outside Canada. To apply for a permit for a short-term course or program, your studies must be at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
What happens next if a study permit application is refused?
If an application is refused, the individual may be able to re-apply with a new application.
Is it possible to work during my studies?
An international student may be eligible to work while studying in Canada. A student must have a valid study permit and be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Study permit holders may be allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full time during scheduled breaks.
To work “off-campus”, a study permit must be authorized for off-campus work by a visa officer. If you are enrolled in a full-time academic, the professional or vocational training program at a designated learning institution, you may be eligible to work “off-campus” without a work permit. However, it should be printed on the study permit that you are authorized to work off-campus.
An international student must stop working the day they no longer meet the eligibility requirements. There is an important exemption to this regulation: students enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) program are not authorized to work with a study permit.
Is it possible to stay in Canada after graduation?
Canadian immigration policy offers international students many ways to stay and settle in the country after graduation. A popular option available to international students after graduation is the possibility of an open work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP). Under the PGWPP, an individual who has studied full-time at a participating Designated Learning Institution (DLI) may be eligible to apply for a PGWP.
Gaining work experience in Canada after graduation may help you qualify for permanent residence in Canada through a variety of immigration available immigration programs. For more information on PGWP eligibility criteria, please visit this page. Generally, if a PGWP is issued, it is for the same duration as the applicant’s studies for a minimum of eight months and a maximum of three years.
Is a medical exam required for a study permit?
An applicant may be required to undergo a medical examination based on the discretion of the visa officer.
Are police clearance certificates required for a study permit application?
An applicant may need a criminal record check if he or she intends to come to Canada as a student. If required, he or she will have to obtain a police certificate from each country or territory where he or she has lived for six or more months consecutively since the age of 18. Police certificates are required to determine if applicants have a criminal record. They also help visa officers make sure applicants are not a security risk to Canada.
If a student changes institution, is a new study permit required?
If a student is transferring from one Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to another, even if it is at the same level of study, he or she must notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) by updating his or her online account and ensuring that the school is a DLI.
The same applies to post-secondary students changing their level of study (i.e. from a bachelor’s to master’s program). Please check the conditions listed on the study permit to verify whether the permit restricts the holder from studying at a particular institution or program.
If a student transfers to a school, college, or university in Quebec, he or she will need to apply for a Certificate of Acceptance to Quebec (CAQ) and, if necessary, a new study permit. Primary students who are entering high school, as well as high school students who will move on to post-secondary education, must apply to modify their study permit.
Can a spouse be included in the application?
A spouse or common-law partner of a valid study permit holder, who is enrolled full-time at a qualified post-secondary institution, may be eligible to apply for an open work permit. The open work permit for a spouse or common-law partner may be valid for the same time as the study permit, and as long as the study permit remains valid. In the study permit application, the applicant should indicate that the spouse will accompany him or her to Canada. If a spouse later decides to study in Canada, he or she should submit his or her study permit application.
For an accompanying spouse to be considered eligible for an open work permit, the study permit holder must be enrolled full-time at a degree-granting postsecondary institution. Eligible post-secondary institutions include:
- public post-secondary institution, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec;
- private college-level school in Quebec; and
- Canadian private schools can legally award degrees under provincial law.
Can dependent children accompany an international student to Canada?
An applicant’s dependent children may accompany him or her to Canada. However, an application for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) may be required for the accompanying dependent.
Does a dependent child who will be studying in Canada need a separate study permit application?
If an individual is already in Canada on a study or work permit, his or her accompanying minor child may be eligible to study without a study permit. A study permit applicant must indicate that his or her minor children will also study in Canada.
A letter of acceptance from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) will not be required for accompanying children. Once the is no longer under the age of majority, he or she must apply for a study permit to continue studies in Canada.
The age of the majority is different in each province and territory, although it is usually 18 or 19 years of age. Anyone under the age of majority is considered a minor.
Is it possible to come to Canada for a pre-study visit?
Yes, a potential international student can explore Canada as a visitor before studies begin. Individuals should verify whether they need a Temporary Resident Visas (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
Citizens of certain countries require a visa to visit Canada.
Is it possible to submit an application without all the required documents, and update the application later?
A study permit application should be complete upon submission. A visa officer may make a decision based on the documents submitted with the initial application without giving the applicant a chance to submit the missing document.
Can a minor child study in Canada if he or she is under the age of majority? What is custodianship?
Each province and territory in Canada decides the age when a person is considered an adult, also known as the age of majority. The age of majority is usually 18 or 19 years of age depending on the province or territory. There are special requirements for a minor to be to study in Canada if he or she is under the age of majority. A minor child must either come with a parent or legal guardian or have a custodian in Canada.
A custodian is a responsible adult who is also a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is appointed to take care of and support the minor child in Canada. An immigration officer must be convinced that once the minor child travels to Canada to study he or she will have the proper care and support they need.
Unaccompanied minors wishing to obtain a study permit must appoint a custodian who will care for and support them while in Canada. To appoint a custodian, a Custodianship declaration form must be submitted with an application for a study permit. The declaration form needs to be signed by the custodian and the parents or legal guardians in the home country and certified by a lawyer or notary wherever signed.
Is it possible to apply for a study permit for a distance learning program?
Distance learning may be conducted through e-learning, correspondence, or online courses. Distance learning is a process that often involves a learning process by which technology is used so that the student does not need to be physically present where the teaching is taking place. A study permit cannot be issued for a distance learning course.
However, if a distance learning program includes an in-Canada portion, and the length of the program is longer than six months then the student may receive a study permit for the in-Canada portion of the program. The duration of the study permit, however, is restricted to the duration of the in-Canada portion only.
What immigration programs are available to international students interested in permanently settling in Canada?
Education in Canada may offer international students a route to Canadian permanent residence. There is a range of federal and provincial programs available for international students to apply for immigration, and in some cases, this can be done without a job offer. Canadian education and work experience award those who are eligible additional points in the federal Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System.
What is the Student Partners Program?
The Student Partners Program (SPP) is an administrative framework developed between Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to streamline the visa application process for international students studying in Canada from India and China.
