Admission to a university in Canada is often seen as a stepping stone in the process of acquiring Canadian citizenship. On graduating from Canadian intuitions of academics, students become eligible for post-secondary work permits. This allows the graduate to stay on in the country and earn valuable work experience that could be the crux of a permanent resident application.

On arrival, students are required to have a study permit that allows them to participate in training at academic, professional or vocational training at Canadian colleges, universities and educational intuitions. The first step in getting the permit is applying for a Temporary Resident Visa. This can be facilitated by Visa Application Centres and is provided by the Canadian High Commission.

Currently the study permit for Canada is CAD$ 150.

Please note

• Visa applications are available online and offline.
• Processing fees may be paid online via credit card, offline via demand draft if the payment is being made at the High Commission of Canada, or by cash at a Visa Application Centre.
• The fee is required to be paid when the application is submitted or when you are provided a fee receipt on online payment.
• The Visa Application Centre service charges are not included in the visa fee and need to be paid as applicable to each region.
• Receipts are provided for every payment and these should be retained as payment proof.

Acceptance letter from a designated learning institute (DLI)
Valid passport or travel document
Proof of ability to support yourself and any family members who might accompany you for the duration of your time in Canada.

Ideally applications for study permit must be made before entering the country. Based on which option applies to the individual, application can be made from within Canada, outside Canada or at the port of entry.

• Study permit application from outside Canada Students from India, China, Philippines and Vietnam can use the Student Direct Stream option to expedite the study permit. Applications must be made online.
• Study permit application from within Canada. Those who can apply for a study permit from within Canada include:
  • Primary or secondary school minor child.
  • Exchange or visiting student.
  • A student who has completed a short-term course or study program, which is a condition for being accepted at a DLI.
  • Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) holder with a validity of at least 6 months.
  • A spouse or common-law partner (and their family members) being sponsored to immigrate, who are in Canada, and have applied for permanent residence, if eligible.
  • A person who wants to keep studying and has a study permit issued before entering Canada, from a visa office abroad.
  • Family member of:
    • Athletes on a Canadian-based team
    • Media representatives
    • Members of the clergy
    • Military personnel assigned to Canada
  • Family member or private staff member of a foreign representative who is accredited (90 days before or after the student is no longer authorised to study without a study permit.)
  • A foreign national or their family member with a valid study permit who wishes to pursue further studies in Canada.
  • Please note:
    After your passport expires, you cannot stay in Canada.
    If your passport is renewed after you entered Canada, you are required to submit photocopies of new passport as well as the stamp placed in the old passport at the time of application.
• Study permit application at port of entry (POE)
  The following students can apply on arrival at Canada:
  • Citizens of the United States of America
  • Permanent residents of the United States of America
  • Person who has lawfully been admitted to the United States of America for permanent residence.
  • Resident of Greenland
  • Resident of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.

Please note:
Ensure you have all relevant document at the port of entry.
A lawful permanent resident of the United States of America, travelling to Canada must apply for and obtain an eTA before boarding the flight to Canada.