Study Permit

In Canada, there’s a distinction in the enrollment of international students between universities and colleges. The overall count of international students across all education levels, including higher education, stands at 807,750 (study permit holders).

Specifically, 373,599 international students are exclusively enrolled in tertiary education in Canada. Out of the total study permit holders, 551,405 were granted permits in 2022. Notably, India leads with the highest number of study permit holders in Canada for 2022, boasting 226,450 students.

In terms of provinces, British Columbia claims the highest number of international students holding study permits for 2022 at 164,875, closely trailed by Ontario with 411,985 permit holders.

Annually, over 373,000 students choose Canada for their academic pursuits, and a multitude more arrive seeking mastery in English or French. Embracing foreign students, our classrooms and campuses transform into a melting pot of cultures. If your educational journey in Canada spans less than six months, the need for a Study Permit is waived. However, any endeavor exceeding this time frame mandates a Study Permit, along with a Temporary Resident Visa for those from non-exempt visa countries.

Canada is proud to host some of the best universities and colleges in the world, captivating international students with the promise of quality education. As an ever-evolving epicenter of learning, Canada continues to attract those seeking knowledge and growth.

Canada’s Academic Prestige and Opportunities

Canada is proud to be home to some of the best universities and colleges in the world, making it a magnet for international students seeking educational excellence.

Our comprehensive network encompasses partnerships with universities, colleges, language schools, and high schools across the nation. We stand ready to guide you through these myriad options, tailoring the best fit based on your budget, desired location, and chosen field of study.

One of the notable perks for international students studying in Canada is permission to take up employment inside and outside campus boundaries. If you are enrolled in a qualifying full-time program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you have the privilege of working for any employer. While juggling between your courses, part-time work, up to (20h per week but after Covid-19 currently 40 hours per week), is authorized. Also, during summer vacation or off-semester, you can get into a full-time job. This essential practical experience acquired during your educational journey could be a valuable asset when you embark on the search for permanent residence after the end of your studies.

A distinct advantage lies in the fact that international students, while pursuing qualifying full-time programs at designated educational institutions, possess the privilege to work both on and off-campus for any employer. This invaluable experience, attained during your academic journey, holds particular significance for those eyeing permanent residency upon graduation.

The Canadian government recognizes the central role of international students in propelling the country’s economic growth. This commitment is reflected in various immigration programs scattered across Canada, which provide unprecedented pathways for students who aspire to stay in the country and apply for permanent residency.

We can assist extends throughout your student journey, orchestrating a smooth path to permanent residency (S2PR). This comprehensive support encompasses the complex steps of selecting the right educational institution and programs, facilitating enrollment, guiding study permit applications, and ultimately developing a strategic plan to obtain permanent residency in the heart of Canada.

Assess Your Eligibility for Studying in Canada

Who needs a study permit to study in Canada?

Determining your need for a study permit The need for a study permit depends on the following criteria. You must apply for a study permit before arriving in Canada if you:

• Qualify as an international student,
• Enroll in an academic, vocational, professional, or training program,
• Plan to study for a duration exceeding 6 months, or if your program, though under 6 months, mandates work in Canada as an integral aspect of your study agenda,
• Choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for your educational pursuits. A DLI signifies an educational entity sanctioned to accommodate international students.

However, certain circumstances warrant an exemption from a study permit. If you’re participating in an exchange program, engaging in a short-term English or French course spanning less than 6 months, embarking on a general interest or self-improvement course, enrolling in a distance learning program, or auditing a course, a study permit isn’t obligatory. The same holds true for pre-school (pre-kindergarten) students. In these cases, entry into Canada might necessitate a visitor visa, but only if you’re from a non-visa-exempt country.

What’s Needed for a Canadian Study Visa Application?

You are eligible to apply for studying in Canada if you:

• Have secured admission at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to pursue an academic, professional, vocational, or training program, and the institution has furnished a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
• Present evidence of adequate financial resources to sustain yourself and, if applicable, your family members during the initial year in Canada, encompassing tuition fees, living costs, and the return journey to your home nation.
• Possess an untainted criminal record and provide a police certificate if your country mandates it.
• Maintain good health and supply your medical examination outcomes if your country requires such an examination.
• Convince the immigration officer that you will exit Canada before your study permit’s expiration.

Can I Work in Canada as an International Student?

• Certainly, in most instances, international students are permitted to work in Canada while pursuing their studies. The student’s study permit, issued by Immigration Canada, will specify whether employment in Canada is permissible.

International students have the opportunity to work:

• Once their study program commences, either on or off the school premises.
• As co-op students or interns when their study program incorporates work experience as an integral part of its curriculum.
• After completing their studies, if eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Eligibility Criteria for On-Campus Work:

• Enrolled as a full-time post-secondary student in a:
• Public post-secondary institution such as a college or university.
• CEGEP in Quebec.
• Private college-level institution in Quebec adhering to the same regulations as public schools and funded at least 50% by government grants.
• Canadian private school legally authorized to confer degrees according to provincial law.
• Possess a valid study permit.
• Hold a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Eligibility Criteria for Off-Campus Work:

• Enrolled as a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program, or a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only).
• The study program must be at least 6 months in duration and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Have initiated studies.
• Hold a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Eligibility Criteria for a Co-op Work Permit:

• Possess a valid study permit.
• Work is a prerequisite to fulfilling the study program in Canada.
• Hold a letter from the school affirming that all students in the same program must undertake work placements to earn their degree.
• The co-op placement or internship constitutes 50% or less of the study program.

Eligibility Criteria for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

• Completion of a PGWP-eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution.
• Programs that are academic, vocational, or professional training and span at least 8 months and grant a degree, diploma, or certificate qualify.
• Completion of at least 50% of the study program in Canada (exceptions apply due to COVID-19 pandemic).
• Full-time study (minimum 3 courses per semester, except for the final semester).
• Receipt of the educational credential, transcripts, or completion letter from the Designated Learning Institution.

Graduates have a window of up to 180 days following degree or diploma attainment to apply for a PGWP, and must maintain valid status in Canada.

Provide examples of immigration programs for students in Canada

Canada offers a range of immigration programs tailored to international students who wish to transition to permanent residency. Here are a few examples:

1. Express Entry System: The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), part of Canada’s Express Entry system, invites skilled workers with a post-secondary education and work experience in specific occupations to apply for permanent residency. As a student, if you have obtained Canadian work experience through co-op programs or post-graduation work permits, you can earn additional points in the Express Entry pool.
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This immigration stream targets individuals with Canadian work experience. If you have studied in Canada and gained work experience, you could qualify for the CEC. This pathway allows you to transition to permanent residency based on your familiarity with Canadian society and the job market.
3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces in Canada have their own nominee programs that allow them to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on local labor market needs. Some PNPs have dedicated streams for international graduates who have completed their education in the province.
4. Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP): This pilot program is designed for international students who have completed their education in one of the Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador). It allows them to apply for permanent residency through employer support.
5. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: This program targets communities in rural and northern areas of Canada. If you have studied and worked in one of the participating communities, you could be eligible to apply for permanent residency through this program.
6. Agri-Food Immigration Pilot: For international students with work experience in specific agri-food occupations, this pilot program provides a pathway to permanent residency in Canada.
7. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Pathway: The PGWP allows international graduates who have completed a program of study in Canada to work in the country. After gaining work experience, you could transition to permanent residency through the Express Entry system or other immigration pathways.

These are just a few examples of the immigration programs available for international students in Canada. It’s important to research and understand the specific eligibility criteria and requirements for each program to determine the best pathway for your situation. Consulting with an immigration professional can also provide personalized guidance based on your goals and circumstances.

Student Direct Stream (SDS)

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an expedited route through which IRCC processes study permit applications from international students residing in eligible countries. Typically, SDS study permit applications are processed within 20 days.

Qualification Criteria:

Maintain legal residency in one of the following countries:
1) Antigua and Barbuda 2) Brazil 3) China 4) Colombia 5) Costa Rica 6) India 7) Morocco 8) Philippines 9) Peru 10) Pakistan 11) Senegal 12) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 13) Trinidad and Tobago 14) Vietnam

Obtain a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Post-Secondary Institution (DLI) in Canada.

Apply outside of Canada.

If you are going to Quebec, have a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration.
Demonstrate payment of tuition fees for the first year of study.
Maintain a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) of CAD $10,000.
Submit to a medical examination before applying (if necessary).
Obtain a police certificate before applying (if required).
Submit the latest high school or post-secondary transcripts.
Provide language test results that show either a minimum score of 6.0 for academic or general IELTS training in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening), or a TEF score corresponding to a score of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) of at least 7 in each skill.

Variations in document requirements may arise based on the applicant’s location.

Should the principal applicant’s spouse or common-law partner, along with dependent children, submit their applications concurrently, they too can benefit from expedited processing under the SDS.

A Guide to Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GIC):

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) denotes a fixed-term investment available through various Canadian banks. For SDS study permit applications, both the GIC and the issuing institution must align with specific criteria outlined by Canadian immigration:

The institution is mandated to:

• • Issue documentation confirming the GIC purchase.
  • Hold the GIC within an investment or student account inaccessible to the student until arrival in Canada.
  • Verify the student’s identity prior to fund disbursement.
  • Disburse funds to the student, initially providing a lump sum upon entry to Canada, then disbursing the remainder in monthly or semi-monthly installments over 10-12 months.

Acquiring your GIC is a straightforward process, often completed online.

Need assistance in applying for a GIC for your Canadian studies?

We can help you. Our comprehensive support covers study and study permit applications. Thanks to our relationships with many Canadian educational institutions, we can help you select the program best suited to your aspirations.

Disclaimer : This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from this website or its affiliates. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date. Globalvisanet.com is a visa and immigration services company. We offer advisory services on visa and immigration options. We are not part of any government and department immigration. We don’t provide any type of job immigration of any destination.

Note: The information provided in this article is general, is subject to frequent change, and does not constitute legal advice. For specific immigration legal advice you can rely on, please contact an immigration expert.

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