Almost 130,000 students come to Canada each year to study. Most foreign nationals must apply for a study permit to study at a Canadian educational institution. A study permit, once issued, allows a foreign national to study in Canada, at an approved institute for the duration of the specified course or program.

REQUIREMENT FOR STUDENTS
  • Possesses the required level of language proficiency in English or French;
  • Acceptance into an Educational Institution in Canada
  • Obtain an offer letter from an Educational Institution in Canada.
  • Provide proof of finances to cover: tuition fees, living expenses, return transportation for the applicant and any family member accompanying the applicant.
  • Must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada. (i.e. a police certificate)
  • Must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.
  • Intend to leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) may also be required if the student is a citizen of a country from which Temporary Resident Visas are required for entry into Canada.

WORKING IN CANADA AS A STUDENT

A student may  work in Canada under any CIC work program during the course of their study under the following categories:

  • On campus without a work permit;
  • Off campus with a work permit;
  • In Co-op and Internship programs, where work experience is part of the curriculum, with a work permit.
  • In addition to this, spouses or common-law partners of foreign students are eligible for a work permit for the duration of the applicant’s study permit.
  • After completing graduation, a foreign student may apply for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. Under this program, the work permit may be issued for the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years.
  • Foreign nationals may get an extension or obtain new study permits for enrolling in a new program
  • Foreign nationals may get an extension for work permits upon approval from an employer.