Study Permit: Moving to Canada as an international student
As an international destination for study, Canada provides the opportunity to gain a good education in a multi-cultural setting, making it a rewarding decision.
Thanks to Canada’s favorable immigration policies, many students all over the world see this as the first step in becoming permanent residents, and eventually, Canadian!. So if you ask if you can become a permanent resident in Canada through studying the answer is YES.
What is a study permit?
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a study permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Note that a study permit is not a visa. It doesn’t let you enter Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to be able to enter Canada. Once your study permit is approved, the Government will issue a study permit approval letter and if required, an entry visa in your passport, authorizing your travel to Canada.
How long is a study permit valid for?
A study permit is usually valid for the length of your study program, plus an extra 90 days(3months). The 90 days let you prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay.
Although, there are some exceptions to this guideline:
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Conditional acceptance: If your school asks you to take courses (such as English or French as a second language courses) before they accept you into the main program, your study permit will be valid for the length of those courses, plus one year. After getting accepted into the main program, you must then apply to extend your stay as a student.
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Early course completion: If you finish your studies early, your permit will not be valid for 90 days after you complete your studies, no matter what day is printed on the study permit.
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Delayed course completion: If you don’t finish your courses before the date on your permit, you must apply to extend your stay as a student.
One condition of your study permit is that you must be actively pursuing study in Canada. If you take leave from your program of study, your study permit will become invalid 150 days after the date your leave was granted. If you do not resume studies within 150 days, you must apply to amend your status in Canada, or leave Canada prior to this.
Preparing to apply for a student permit
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Timelines: The application process for a post-secondary program starts at least a year in advance, so be sure to research the colleges/universities and their application processes, respectively.
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Identifying a program and school: A study permit can only be issued for study at a DLI(Designated Learning Institution). Each Canadian province and territory is in charge of their own education system. Post-secondary schools in Canada are universities, colleges, private career colleges, or vocational and technical schools, each with its own set of application rules and selection criteria.
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For information on various study programs, costs, and tips about student life, you may refer to EduCanada.
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To learn more about the education system in each province and territory, you can browse the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).
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Cost of living and studying: Tuition fees are a major cost component of overseas education. And don’t forget to budget for books, housing, food, clothing, travel, and transportation. Here’s a quick overview of education costs in various Canadian provinces. Note that the Government of Canada doesn’t provide health insurance for foreign students, so you may have to budget separately for private insurance.
