A Canadian study permit issued by IRCC allows the applicant to study in Canada in order to attain their degree, diploma, or certificate.
Most international students are required to obtain a study permit, but there are exceptions to studying in Canada without one that can be found here
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify and submit an application for a study permit, the applicant must:
- Obtain a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) in Canada
- Provide they have the financial support to pay the first year of tuition, living expenses, and return transportation to their home country (as well as to support yourself and any accompanying family members, if applicable)
- If planning to study in Quebec, obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (Quebec Acceptance Certificate or CAQ)
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be in good health and willing to undergo a medical examination
- Satisfy the immigration officer that they will leave Canada once their period of authorized stay has ended (as indicated on their study permit)
Applicant may be required to submit the following documents:
- Passport for the principal applicant (and of every accompanying family member included in the application)
- Two passport photos of the applicant (and each family member, if applicable) with their full name and date of birth written on the back
- Photocopy of marriage certificate, if applicable
- Any additional documents as required
Accompanying Family Members
If the applicant is planning on bringing family members with them to Canada, the applicant must include them on his/her study permit application. Accompanying spouse or common-law partner can apply for an open work permit or study permit; minor children may be able to study in Canada at elementary or secondary schools as well.
Financial Support
As mentioned above, the applicant must provide they have sufficient financial support to cover the tuition of their first year of study, as well as to support their (and their family members, if applicable) stay here. The table below indicates the amount that the student is required to possess (in Canadian dollars).
| 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 a 12-month period (or $333 per month) |
| For each additional family member add: | $3,000 for a 12-month period per dependant child of any age (or $255 per month) |
In Quebec, the financial requirements differ. In additional to tuition fees, the student must show they have the following funds:
| Number of People | Total Amount Required |
|---|---|
| One person under age 18 | $6,377 |
| One person age 18 or older | $12,750 |
| Two people age 18 or older | $18,702 |
| One person over 18 and one under 18 | $17,137 |
| Two people over 18 and one under 18 | $20,950 |
| Two people over 18 and two under 18 | $22,611 |
Means of financial proof can be a combination of any of the following:
- Canadian bank account statement in the applicant’s name, if money has been transferred to Canada
- Applicant’s bank statements from the past four months
- Proof of a student or educational loan from a financial institution
- Bank draft in convertible cash
- Proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees
- Letter from the person/institution providing you with money
- Proof of a scholarship or funding paid within Canada
Approved Application
If your application for a study permit is approved, the student will receive:
- A Letter of Introduction (LOI) confirming the approval. Do not mistake this letter for a study permit. This letter will need to be presented to the immigration official upon arriving in Canada and the official may then issue the study permit to the student
- An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you are a citizen of a country that requires an eTA. This will be indicated on your Letter of Introduction
- A Temporary Resident Visa (clickable link) (TRV), if you are from a country that requires one
- The TRV will be in the passport and the student must enter Canada before its expiration
- As of 2014, all applicants will be automatically considered for a multiple-entry TRV
- Individuals submitting a study permit application are not required to submit a separate TRV application. If the study permit application is approved, the TRV will be issued along with the LOI