The Canadian Study Visa is known as a “Study Permit”. The Canada Study Permit allows foreign nationals to undertake their studies in Designated Learning Institutes (DLI). You might be aware of the New Rules for International Students to Study in Canada, as the government has introduced limits on study permits. It is expected that approximately 360,000 new study permits will be issued to international students in 2024. Most students will now be required to upload a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study with their study permit application.
Canada has a high standard of living and employment opportunities as well for foreign students. In fact, after completing studies they can apply for the Post Graduate Work permit. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there were over 1 Million international students in Canada in 2023. People from all over the world come to study in Canada. We have also written an article on the list of BS MS PhD Scholarships in Canada. The complete guide to the Canada study permit process, and requirements are given below.
Eligibility Requirements of a Canada Study Permit
You can apply for the Study permit and come to Canada if:
- You have received an offer letter from Designated Learning Institutes (DLI). It is an approved institute by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You can check the list of DLI Institutes.
- Proof of Financial resources that you can Pay for your tuition and living expenses. The minimum required financial proof of support has increased from $10,000 to $20,635 as of 1st January 2024.
- Get a Police Clearance Certificate
- Get a Medical Exam (if required)
- Satisfy or prove to the Visa officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires.
A List of Documents to Prepare
Make sure you have all the documents you need before you apply. You should apply before you travel to Canada.
- Proof of Acceptance Letter
- Provincial attestation letter (PAL) – not required if you are applying for a full-time master’s, or PhD degree program. Check who needs PAL
- Proof of identity such as an ID Card, Passport
- Proof of Financial Resources
- A letter of explanation
- A medical exam
- Other documents
Processing Time
On average, it takes up to 14 weeks to process the Visa application.
Faster Decision on Study Permit
You can get a Visa decision in Just 20 days through a Student Direct Stream (SDS) if you are a citizen of one of the following countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
How to Apply for the Canada Study Permit from Outside Canada?
You must apply online and submit the complete application before traveling to Canada. You can fill out the online application through the IRCC Portal.
- Make sure you have completed all of the things given above.
- Select your country.
- Read the instruction Guide.
- Prepare your answers.
- Apply.
- Give biometrics
- Medical exam
The Study Permit is not a Visa – Get ETA or TRV
When your study permit has been approved you will receive a letter of introduction that says you’re allowed to study in Canada. This letter is NOT your study permit. You need to bring this letter to Canada and show it to the immigration officer.
You will also get an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) to enter Canada. If you are from a country that needs a visitor visa then the TRV Visa will be in your passport.
As Canada Study Permit Process can change fast. Get the latest info to avoid any trouble! The best advice is to visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
