Canada Study Permits: Student Visas to Canada in 2021
Read the information we have provided below to learn the basic requirements for Canadian
Study Permits. Then, fill out our immigration assessment form and we will get back to you to
discuss your eligibility and options.
- Canada is still accepting study permit applications, however, delays should be expected.
- If you’re an international student who has a valid study permit or were approved for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020, you are exempt from the travel restrictions.
- International students who remain in Canada can apply to renew their study permit, and can continue to study and work while their application renewal is being processed.
- If a study permit was issued to an international student after March 18, 2020, they are currently not allowed to travel to Canada.
- If you’re traveling by air, you need to follow all airline requirements and pass a health check conducted by airlines before you’re allowed to board your flight. Anyone who shows symptoms
of COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter Canada by air.
- When you arrive in Canada, they will assess your health before you leave the port of entry. You must have a plan to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada. This is mandatory, even
if you have no symptoms. If you don’t have a plan, you should not travel to Canada.
- Only people who provide essential services, for example, truck drivers who regularly cross the
border to maintain the flow of goods, are exempt from the quarantine requirements.
What is a Canadian Study Permit?
Every year, over 130,000 students come to Canada to study. In order to do so, they must obtain a study
permit issued by the Canadian government. This permit, which is a type of Temporary Resident Visa
(TRV) allows students to study in Canada for a temporary period of time, and typically indicates the
educational institution they are attending and course of study. To qualify, an applicant must fit a certain
set of requirements.
Canadian Study Permit Requirements
In order to qualify for a study permit, you must:
- Satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies.
- Have a letter of acceptance from an educational institution.
- Prove that you have money for the duration of your stay in Canada to pay for tuition fees, and living expenses for yourself and accompanying family members.
- Be law-abiding and have no record of criminal activity
- Not be a risk to the security of Canada
- Be in good health (complete a medical examination, if required)
Note: You may need to produce any additional documents requested by the officer to establish your
admissibility.
How Long Can I Stay in Canada?
1. If you’re taking prerequisite courses
If your school asks you to take courses before they accept you into the main program, your study permit
will be valid for the length of those courses, plus 1 year. When you get accepted into the main program,
you must then apply to extend your stay as a student.
2. If you’ll finish your studies after your study permit expires
If you don’t finish your courses before the date on your permit, you must apply to extend your stay as a
student. If you don’t, you’ll need to stop studying and leave Canada.
3. If you finish your studies before your study permit expires
If you finish your studies early, your permit will stop being valid 90 days after you complete your studies,
no matter what day is printed on the study permit.
You’ve completed your studies on the date your school first notifies you by completion letter, transcript,
degree, or diploma.
How Studying in Canada Can Lead to Permanent Residence
Oftentimes, students who come to Canada to study do so with the hopes of someday becoming
Canadian permanent residents. Many also study in Canada without this initial intent, but over
time decide they would like to work and start a life in Canada. If you are a student in Canada
who wishes to become a permanent resident, there are a few pathways you may take toward
achieving this status.
Ways to Get Permanent Residence
International graduates may be eligible to obtain Canadian permanent residence through a few different pathways. In certain situations, such as with a Post-Graduation Work Permit or certain
Express Entry categories, individuals do not even require a job offer. Within Express Entry, applicants may qualify for Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program,
and the Provincial Nominee Program. Some of these will require work experience, in which case
an applicant should first obtain a PGWP, gain work experience, and apply later. However,
others allow recent graduates to apply immediately after graduation if they have the skills
desired. One program that allows for immediate permanent residence without work experience
is the Quebec Experience Class, for students who have studied in Quebec and meet
requirements. Depending on the Provincial Nominee Program, a student may or may not be
able to obtain permanent residency immediately.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
One way an international student may stay in Canada and get work experience after
graduating is by applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). An applicant is
not required to have a job offer at the time they apply, and the permit allows
international graduates to work for any employer. The length of time a PGWP is valid
depends on the length of your study program. If you studied in Canada for:
1. Less than 8 months- you are not eligible.
2. More than 8 months but less than 2 years- your PGWP may be valid for a period of time equal to that of your study.
3. 2 or more years- the PGWP may be valid for 3 years.
4. More than one program- PGWP may be valid up to 3 years.
There are a number of requirements an individual must meet in order to qualify for a
Post-Graduation Work Permit, including having a valid study permit at the time of
application, having all the documentation proving your program completion from a
designated learning institution, are 18 and older, and apply within 90 days of your
program completion being confirmed.
Why Hire Us to Help You With Your Canada Student Visa Forms
Studying in Canada is an amazing experience for any student. Canada has one of the highest standards
of education in the world. If you want to ensure your best chances at getting an approval on your
student visa application, then we recommend you consult with us before submitting. We have helped
thousands and thousands of students successfully enter Canada on a study permit, and we can help you
too!
Choosing a program and school