To pursue education in Canada at any level, a foreign individual is required to submit an application for a Canadian study permit and obtain approval.

However, there are specific situations where a foreign student may be exempt from this requirement. These include:

• Short-Term Study in Canada: If the duration of the study program is short-term, a foreign student may be exempt from obtaining a study permit.


• Minor Children in Canada: In the case of minor children residing in Canada, they may not need a study permit to attend elementary or secondary schools.


• Family Members and Private Staff of Diplomats: Family members and private staff members accompanying diplomats may be exempt from the study permit requirement.


• Members of Foreign Armed Forces in Canada: Foreign military personnel from countries designated under the Visiting Forces Act do not need a study permit to pursue studies in Canada.

In these specific circumstances, the foreign individual may be excluded from the usual requirement of obtaining a Canadian study permit.

Study Permit Application Refusals

Students who have been denied a study visa in Canada may find themselves in a frustrating predicament. When applicants are accepted into a Canadian educational institution and submit a study permit application, it becomes crucial for them to comprehend the reasons behind the denial of their application.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) typically provides applicants with a letter explaining the grounds for their study visa refusal. There are various factors that may lead to the rejection of a study visa application, such as the applicant's failure to:

• • Present evidence of sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their studies in Canada.
• • Pass the required medical examination, if applicable.
• • Convince the immigration officer that their primary intention of coming to Canada is for educational purposes.
• • Convince the immigration officer that they will depart Canada upon the completion of their study program.

In case of a study visa denial, it is advisable to review the Canadian Study Permit requirements. Prospective international students must meet the following criteria to study in Canada on a study permit:

• • Obtain acceptance from a designated learning institution in Canada.
• • Demonstrate adequate financial means to cover tuition fees, living expenses for themselves and any accompanying family members, as well as return transportation.
• • Have a clean criminal record and pose no security risks to Canada. This may require obtaining a police certificate(s).
• • Be in good health and be willing to undergo a medical examination if necessary.
• • Convince an immigration officer that they will depart Canada at the end of the authorized stay.

Apply for a study permit with the Student Direct Stream

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a recently introduced program aimed at expediting and streamlining the study visa application process for certain international students who wish to study in Canada.

The SDS program is available to residents of Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.

To be eligible for the Canadian study permit application through the SDS program, prospective students must fulfill the following requirements:

• • Provide a copy of their acceptance letter from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution.
• • Submit a confirmation document for the upfront medical examination.
• • Demonstrate possession of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000.
• • Provide evidence of payment for the first year's tuition fees.
• • Show proof of having completed studies at a Canadian curriculum high school or provide language test results with an IELTS score of 6 in English or NCLC 7 for French.
• • Submit the application at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

International Students in Canada

International students studying in Canada have a unique opportunity to not only enhance their education but also pave the way for a promising career and potential permanent residency in the country. By choosing to study in Canada, you are already in a favorable position.

One of the advantages of having a Canadian study permit is the ability to work while studying. During regular academic sessions, you can work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week, and during academic breaks, you can work full-time. This sets Canada apart from other countries like the United States and provides you with the chance to earn money for your studies and living expenses while establishing connections in the local job market. These connections can prove invaluable when pursuing a successful career after graduation.

Additionally, Canada values your happiness and recognizes the importance of family. You have the opportunity to bring your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children to Canada. Your spouse/partner can apply for an open work permit, granting them the freedom to work for any employer in Canada. Likewise, your children can accompany you during your studies.

Upon graduating, you can benefit from the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, which allows you to obtain a work permit valid for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program. This work permit does not require a job offer and enables you to work with any employer across Canada, giving you flexibility and the chance to gain valuable Canadian work experience. This experience is highly regarded and can greatly contribute to your journey towards obtaining permanent residence in Canada.

Overall, working in Canada provides you with the opportunity to establish meaningful professional connections that can benefit your career trajectory. The work experience gained in Canada holds significant value and can be a valuable asset in your future endeavors.

Student Health Insurance

Each province in Canada has its own unique health insurance policies.

International students who plan to study in Canada should thoroughly research the available insurance options in their chosen province. Health insurance is a requirement for international students throughout their stay in Canada. Some provinces offer free or reduced-cost provincial health care coverage to international students, and in such cases, students are typically required to apply to the province for coverage.

In situations where provincial health insurance is not accessible, students often need to obtain private health insurance. Many schools in Canada facilitate this process for their students.

In provinces that do not provide provincial health care coverage for international students, institutions may mandate health plans that students must subscribe to. On the other hand, some schools offer optional coverage plans.

Here is a breakdown of provincial coverage for international students and the basic requirements:

Alberta

• • Minimum 12-month study permit
• • Minimum 12-month residence in Alberta
• • Students under 18 must be included in a parent or guardian's insurance
• • Application must be made within 90 days of arrival in Alberta

British Columbia

• • Minimum six-month study permit
• • Coverage begins after three months
• • Students are advised to apply immediately upon arrival, as coverage begins on the first day of the third month following arrival. For instance, if a student arrives on August 25, their coverage would begin on November 1. Students should seek coverage for those initial three months.

Manitoba

• • Minimum six-month study permit
• • Minimum six-month residency per calendar year

It is important for international students to familiarize themselves with the specific requirements and guidelines for health insurance in their respective provinces. This ensures that they have the necessary coverage throughout their stay in Canada.

Compliance

Renewing Or Changing Your Study Permit

Renewing or extending your study permit may be necessary while pursuing studies in Canada, and it is crucial to maintain your legal status in the country throughout this process.

Maintaining Legal Status in Canada

It is essential not to overstay your visa in Canada without seeking a change of status first. Additionally, you must always comply with any conditions outlined in your study permit, such as restrictions on employment, maximum working hours per week, duration of study, and more. It is important to carefully read and understand the terms specified in your study permit.

If you fail to apply for a renewal or change of status before your current permit expires, you will need to leave Canada before applying to return.

However, if you submit an application for renewal or change of status before your current permit expires, you will be considered under "implied status" as a temporary resident until a decision is made on your application.

Renewing/Extending Your Study Permit

If your study permit is set to expire before you complete your study program, you must apply for a renewal.

It is recommended to apply for a new study permit before your current one expires, and it is advisable to submit your application at least 30 days before the expiration date. You can choose to apply online or by mail, depending on your preference and the available options.

After your study permit extension has been approved, you may also apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) if necessary.

Spouse and Family

Bringing a Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Family Members to Canada

If you are considering bringing your spouse, common-law partner, or other family members to join you in Canada, you can take advantage of Canada's generous immigration policy that allows certain family members of international students to work and/or study in the country.

Visitor Visas

Some countries and territories' citizens require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada as visitors. The application for a visa cannot be made at a Canadian Port of Entry, and in some cases, a medical examination may be necessary, which can prolong the processing time.

However, citizens of certain countries do not need a TRV. Instead, as of November 10, 2016, most visa-exempt individuals need to obtain an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), with the exception of U.S. citizens who require neither a TRV nor an eTA. To determine whether you and your accompanying family members need a TRV or an eTA, you can use the Visiting Canada Tool.

Work Permits for Spouses

International students with a valid study permit can assist their spouse or common-law partner in applying for an open work permit. This open work permit allows the spouse or common-law partner to work and is usually valid for the duration of the student's study permit. To be eligible, the student must be studying full-time at:

• • A public post-secondary institution
• • A private post-secondary institution operating under the same regulations as a public institution and receiving at least 50% of its overall operations budget from government grants
• • A private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees

The open work permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada and does not require a job offer or a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, certain occupations may be excluded unless a medical examination is provided.

Timing and Application Procedure for Spousal Work Permit

Canadian visa offices abroad can generally process a work permit application simultaneously with the study permit application. In such cases, in addition to the study permit processing fees, the applicant(s) must also pay the work permit processing fees.

Alternatively, the spouse or common-law partner can come to Canada as a visitor and then apply for a work permit after arrival. For citizens of countries that do not require a TRV, the work permit application can be made at a Canadian Port of Entry. In some cases, citizens of visa-required countries may also consider a Port of Entry application.

Minor Children and Canadian Study Permit Rules

If you or your spouse or common-law partner is already in Canada, your minor child can study without a study permit at the preschool, primary, or secondary level. However, once the child reaches the age of majority in their province, they must apply for a study permit to continue their studies in Canada. This application can be made from inside Canada. Please refer to the table below for more information.

When applying from outside Canada, you will need to apply for your child's study permit at a Canadian overseas visa office.

Applying Together

If you plan to bring your family to Canada at the same time as you study and arrive together, you may consider submitting one application for the entire family. However, if you have different permit applications, such as a study permit for yourself and a work permit for your spouse or common-law partner, additional documentation and fees will be required.

Extensions

If you want to extend or change your conditions while in Canada, you will need to submit a separate application. Make sure to check the expiry date on your study permit and apply at least 30 days before that date if you wish to extend your stay.

Does a child need a study permit?

Children accompanying an adult who is in Canada on a work or study permit can study at the pre-school, primary, and secondary levels without a study permit.

Can I bring my parents while on a study permit?

While studying in Canada, international students can invite their parents to visit on a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which allows the parents to travel to Canada.

Working While Studying

It may be possible for international students studying in Canada to find employment without a work permit.

International students who choose Canada as their study destination can take advantage of the country's immigration laws, which provide opportunities for gaining valuable work experience.

Working off-campus

International students with a valid Canadian Study Permit may have the option to work for an employer outside of their educational institution.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for off-campus work during their studies, international students must:

• • Hold a valid study permit.
• • Be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI).
• • Have started their studies and maintain satisfactory academic standing as determined by their institution.
• • Be enrolled in an academic, vocational, or professional training program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• • Possess a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Working on-campus

Under certain circumstances, international students may be authorized to work within the campus where they are enrolled without a work permit.

To work on-campus without a work permit, an international student must:

• • Hold a valid Study Permit.
• • Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• • Be registered as a full-time post-secondary student at one of the following:
  • • A public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or a CEGEP in Quebec.
  • • A private college-level school in Quebec that operates under the same rules as public schools and receives at least 50% of its funding from government grants.
  • • A Canadian private school that is legally authorized to award degrees under provincial law.

Post-Graduate Work Permits

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada implemented exceptional measures to enable international students studying in the country to complete their studies while remaining eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Furthermore, current PGWP holders in Canada have the opportunity to apply for a new open work permit with a duration of up to 18 months.

Overview

Canada offers the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) as part of its efforts to attract international students and facilitate their transition to permanent residency.

The PGWP allows international graduates to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the duration of their Canadian educational program.

This open work permit enables international graduates to seek employment with any employer in Canada without the need for a job offer.

Obtaining professional work experience in Canada through the PGWP is highly advantageous for international graduates, especially when they apply for Canadian immigration. Many of Canada's immigration programs value applicants who have studied and/or worked in the country. Generally, PGWP holders are required to gain at least one year of professional work experience in a NOC code of 0, A, or B before applying for a Canadian permanent residence program.

Eligibility Requirements for the PGWP

To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, international students must:

• • Have completed a program of study that lasted a minimum of eight months at an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• • The study program must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• • Have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program or programs of study completed and included in their PGWP application.

Note: During the pandemic, Canada has waived this requirement for certain international students. Exemptions may apply to those who started or will start a program between spring 2020 and fall 2021, or those whose program was already in progress in March 2020. Additionally, exceptions may apply for those who took a leave from their studies in their final academic session.

Obtain a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that they have fulfilled the requirements to complete their program of study. These documents must be included in the PGWP application.

Have graduated from one of the following:

• • A public post-secondary institution, such as a college, trade or technical school, university, or CEGEP (in Quebec).
• • A private post-secondary school (in Quebec) that operates under the same rules as public schools in Quebec.
• • A private secondary or post-secondary school (in Quebec) that offers qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer and results in the issuance of a diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) or an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP).
• • A Canadian private school authorized to award degrees under provincial law (e.g., Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree), provided that the student was enrolled in a study program leading to a degree as authorized by the province.

Immigrate after Studying

Several Provincial Nomination Initiatives (PNPs) and other immigration programs actively promote the retention of international students in Canada following the completion of their education.

Canada has implemented measures to incentivize international students and graduates to remain in the country, gain valuable work experience, and contribute to its economy and culture.

Typically, graduates pursue a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) before applying for permanent residency.

Highlighted below are some of the highly sought-after immigration programs in Canada designed specifically for former international students.