If you are a foreign national who wishes to study in Canada, you may need a study permit. A study permit grants you the status to remain in Canada. You may also receive the following benefits:
- Attend your dream school,
- Work and earn money during your study or regular breaks,
- Your spouse/common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit,
- You may receive certain government benefits,
- You may be eligible for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), and
- Your Canadian education may be helpful for your permanent resident application.
Study in Canada with or without a study permit
There are situations where you may study in Canada without a study permit:
- The length of your study is less than 6 months,
- Your study is online or distance learning,
- If you are attending pre-school, elementary school, or secondary school (high school),
- You are a foreign government representative, or you are a family member of such a representative,
- You are a member of foreign armed forces.
In all other cases, you will likely need a study permit.
Where you may apply for a study permit
You may apply for a study permit either in or outside Canada. if you are applying while in Canada, you must have already held a valid work permit, study permit, or been a refugee claimant.
Please note that you cannot apply while in Canada as a visitor unless you are completing prerequisite courses for your intended study.
Eligibility requirements
Generally speaking, you must meet the following requirements for a study permit:
- You have enough money to pay your tuition, textbooks, flights between your country of residence and Canada, and living expenses,
- The school you are going to attend is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI),
- You have received a valid letter of admission from the school,
- You are admissible to Canada (i.e., criminal background, health, etc.), and
- You meet other country-specific requirements.
The validity of a study permit does not always cover the length of your study. In some cases, you may need to apply to extend your study permit. Remember, you shall maintain a valid status while in Canada at all times.
Dual Intent
Dual intent refers to when you apply for a study permit, you also present the desire of becoming a Canadian permanent resident.
Having dual intent does not necessarily lead to a refusal decision. However, it is problematic when you show your intent to study in Canada is not genuine.
Some people might find themselves eligible for a study permit and admissible to Canada but still receive a refusal decision. The reason could be dual intent.
Therefore, if you present dual intent, you need to address it properly.
WHAT WE CAN HELP YOU
To successfully apply for a study permit, you shall ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements and carefully address any potential inadmissibility issues. We personalize our services for you based on the information and circumstances pertaining to your application, which may include any of the followings:
- Help you determine whether you are eligible for a study permit,
- If you are not eligible at the time you retain us, we will provide you with advice as to how to meet the eligibility requirements,
- Help you identify potential inadmissibility issues and address them properly,
- Help you gather the supporting documents required for your application. If the supporting documents are not available, we will provide you with advice as to how to preserve them,
- Provide other advice and instructions as needed, and
- Complete, prepare, organize, and submit your application on your behalf.
Book an appointment for an initial assessment today or contact us directly.
Fees
Legal Fee: Please contact us to get your custom quote
Processing Fee (paid to IRCC): $155 per person for a new study permit or an extension. $355 per person for restoration
Other fees such as medical exam, language exam, biometric, criminal records may apply