Before you can study in Canada, you will need to apply for a study permit. It’s a simple process but is important to get right. Make sure you leave enough time to get it done and avoid disappointment.

You may also need a visa, even once you’ve completed the study permit. It depends on where you’re applying from, and what you’ll be doing in Canada.

What is a Canadian study permit

A study permit is issued by Citizen and Immigration Canada (CIC) and it allows you to study at designated learning institutions in Canada. It is similar to a student visa. It is required if:

  • Your intended course of study is six months or longer, or

  • Your course is less than six months long but you intend to study a longer program later

There are terms and conditions attached to this, just like a visa. You must:

  • Remain enrolled in the course

  • Make reasonable progress in your course

Once you’ve got your study permit, you can apply for a visa if needed, either a visitor visa, or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Things you need before applying for Canadian study permit

You need:

  • An acceptance letter from a recognized education provider.

  • A valid passport

  • Evidence you can financially support yourself/ any accompanying family for the duration of your stay in Canada. This sum includes tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation home. As at 2020, this was estimated to be CAD$10,000 every year you are in Canada plus tuition fees. Proof can include:

    • Bank statements of a Canadian or foreign bank account

    • A bank draft in convertible currency

    • A letter from institution or person providing your funding

    • Proof of funding paid from scholarship

    • Documentation of a student loan

  • You could be required to supply a medical exam to prove you are in good health

  • You may need to supply a police clearance certificate to prove you are a law-abiding citizen

  • Statement of purpose

It’s likely you will also need to attend a personal interview at the Canadian embassy/ consulate.

The Step-By-Step Study Permit Process

1. Get your acceptance letter from your institution

Once you’ve applied for your chosen course and been accepted, your institution will provide you with an acceptance letter. This letter is standardized and must be from a recognized provider.

To get this, you will need to supply your learning institution with:

  • Birth certificate

  • Passport size photos

  • Passport

  • Secondary school certificates or previous degree certificate

  • Work experience letter if needed

  • IELTS certificate

If you’re studying in Quebec, you will also need a CAQ, certificate of acceptance (Certificat d’acceptation du Québec). This can be found online or you can request it from your university.

2. Get online and start your study permit application

It’s easiest and fastest, to apply online at the CIC website. Most foreign students will need to apply for a study permit, but some can apply directly for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or visitor visa. The CIC website asks you some basic questions to determine what you need to do.

3. Get your personal checklist code

If you are eligible, you’ll be sent a personal checklist code. This is valid for 60 days. This includes a guide to your application, estimated fees, and what paperwork you’ll need to submit.

4. Get your paperwork ready

You may need to obtain:

  • A temporary residence permit

  • Biometrics

  • A medical exam

  • Police certificate

  • IELTS/English testing certificate

You’ll need to supply the following documents:

  • Your CAQ if studying in Quebec

  • Proof of acceptance from your institution

  • ID proof

  • Proof of ability to support yourself financially while in Canada

  • A letter of explanation

  • If you are a minor, you need a custodian declaration

5. Obtain your English language requirements proof

You need to prove your ability to speak English (or French) in order to apply for your student visa. There are a range of locations and places that you can take the English test.

The IELTS academic test is required, and the level of the entry requirements differ depending on the institution you are applying to. In general, the score required will be:

  • Diploma programs require an overall score of 5.5 with no score less than 5.0

  • Bachelor programs require an overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5

  • Graduate programs require an overall score of 6.5 with no score less than 6.0

  • Masters programs require an overall score of 6.5 with no score less than 6.0

6. Create your MyCIC account and apply for your visa

Log on to the MyCIC website and enter your personal checklist code. Attach all the documents they request and fill out the application form.

7. Pay for your Canadian student permit

The study permit is CAN$150

Biometrics fees are CAN$85 for one person, or CAN$170 for a family of two or more people.

8. Attend an interview

Some applicants may be required to attend an interview at their local visa office.

9. Apply to the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) for the permit

Once everything is done and your student permit application is approved, you’ll get a POE (Port of Entry) Letter of Introduction, an eTA, or a temporary visa, depending on which country you are originating from. Present this, and all other paperwork to CBSA, who will provide you with your Canadian study permit.

Canadian student visa FAQs

Can I apply for my Canadian student visa in person or by mail?

You can apply in person or by mail but the process takes longer, and doesn’t provide the immediate feedback if you need to supply more documentation. It’s highly recommended you apply online.

How long does it take for the permit to be processed?

The entire process from start to finish could take up to three months. The earliest you can apply is three months before your intended arrival date. To avoid disappointment, make sure you apply to CIC at least nine weeks before your course begins.

This timeframe does NOT include the time between VAC and CIC, the biometric processing time., or any delays due to incorrect or missing documents.

How can I track my application?

Once you have applied, CIC will send you an acknowledgement of receipt or email with your application number. If you apply online, you’ll get an automatic confirmation by email. Keep this confirmation number and use it to track your application when you sign into your account, under ‘view my submitted applications or profiles’.

Can I change my application once it’s submitted?

If you move, change your phone number, or need to add information, you need to update your application. Log on to your account and follow the prompts.

What is the Student Direct Scheme?

If you are from:

  • China

  • India

  • Morocco

  • Senegal

  • Pakistan

  • Vietnam

  • The Philippines

You can get your study permit through the student direct stream. This takes about 20 days, and expedites the process.