Study & Work Visas
How to Apply for a Canadian Student Visa
To study in Canada, you'll need to apply for a student visa, also known as a study permit. Before you can apply, you must first be accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. You'll need to include a copy of your acceptance letter with your application.
Additionally, you'll need to meet the following requirements:
Have enough money to cover your tuition, living expenses, and return transportation for yourself and any family members you bring with you.
Be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and pose no security risk to Canada. A police certificate may be required.
Be in good health and willing to undergo a medical exam if needed.
Satisfy an immigration officer that you'll leave Canada once your authorized stay is over.
Who Doesn't Need a Student Visa?
You may not need a student visa if you fall under one of these categories:
Short-term courses: You don't need a study permit if your course or program is six months or shorter.
Family member of a foreign representative or armed forces member: You may not need a study permit if you're a family member of a foreign representative or foreign armed forces member. You should contact your embassy for more information.
Registered Indian status: If you have Registered Indian status in Canada, you do not need a study permit.
Extending Your Stay, Changing Schools, or Restoring Your Status
Extend your stay: If you want to extend your stay as a student, you must apply to do so before your current permit expires. It's recommended to apply at least 30 days in advance.
Change schools or programs: You'll need to submit an application to change the conditions of your study permit.
Restore your status: If you lose your student status, you may apply to restore it within 90 days. You must continue to meet all the original requirements and conditions of your permit. You can stay in Canada while your application is processed, but you cannot study until your status is restored.
Working While Studying
As a full-time student, you may be able to work on or off campus without a separate work permit. The specific conditions depend on your program and the work's location.
Bringing Your Family to Canada
You can bring your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children with you to Canada. Your spouse or partner may be eligible for an Open Work Permit for the duration of your studies, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada.
Post-Graduation Opportunities
Post-Graduation Work Permit: Once you graduate from an eligible program, you may be able to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP can be valid for up to three years and allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience. You must apply within 90 days of receiving written confirmation of your graduation and while your study permit is still valid.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): If you gain a certain amount of work experience in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class program.
International graduates can now apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) from outside Canada. This permit allows you to gain valuable work experience in the country after completing your studies. Depending on the visa office, you might be asked to provide additional documents.
