Do minor children need a study permit to attend primary & secondary school?

Minor children of Study or Work Permit holders do not require Study Permits to attend primary or secondary school. However, some school will insist that children have a study permits to attend. As such, it is good practice to simply apply for a study permit for any accompanying children of international students or foreign workers.

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Which colleges and universities can I study at?

Each province and territory in Canada is responsible for designating schools at the post-secondary level that may enroll international students. The designated learning institution (DLI) list includes universities, colleges, CEGEPs, vocational schools and private career colleges and language schools. You must present a letter of acceptance is from an institution that is  designated for international students in order to get a study permit.

Be careful! Not all DLIs are eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility. Make sure to check the DLI list which tells you whether the school you are interested in will allow you to apply for a work permit after graduation.

The admissions process and requirements vary from institution to institution, and the program itself within the institution. Check the institution’s website for details.

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How to apply for a Study Permit after getting admission?

An initial Study Permit application must be processed outside Canada at a Canadian Visa Office. You cannot apply for a Study Permit from inside Canada if you are here as a visitor. If you are already here on a Study Permit you can apply for an extension within Canada. If you are in Canada on a Work Permit, you can apply to change your status to a student, and apply for a Study Permit from within Canada.

You must first get admission to a DLI before applying for a Study Permit. Study Permit applications consist of a number of application forms and supporting documents, including the admissions letter, proof of funds/financial ability, a detailed study plan and anything else that will satisfy an officer that you genuinely intend to study in Canada and will return to your home country at the end of your visit. Your program of study has to make sense for your circumstances. You must demonstrate sufficient funds to afford your Canadian studies. A single student with no accompanying dependents must have sufficient funds to cover the tuition fees plus $10,000 to cover living expenses. An additional $4,000 in living expenses is required for the first accompanying family member, and $3,000 per accompanying family member thereafter.

You will need to complete biometrics. You may be required to provide a medical exam or police certificates.

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Can I study without a Study Permit?

A Study Permit is not required to complete a program of study that can be completed in its entirety in under 6 months.

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What if my Study Permit is refused?

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Are there restrictions on my Study Permit?

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Can I extend change my program, the institution I study at, or study longer than I intended?

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Can I work while studying?

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What are my options after graduation?

How long you get to stay in Canada as a visitor is determined by the port-of-entry officer. An officer may allow you to remain in Canada for up to 6 months. Sometimes, the officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and indicate in writing below the stamp the date by which you must leave Canada. You must leave Canada before that date or apply to extend your stay. If no date is written in the passport, you can assume you have been granted the full 6 months. In some instances, the officer may issue a Visitor Record, which contains the date of your entry and duration of stay.

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