Canada Study Permit
Study Visa Overview Canada
Canada is one of the most sought-after countries to study abroad. Students from all over the world come to Canada to pursue their studies every year. To be eligible for a study visa, students must have been accepted by a Canadian educational institution and must prove that they have enough financial resources to support themselves during their studies.
These study permits are an initiative by the Canadian government to support international students and foster a multicultural environment within the country. In addition, having foreign students come to study in Canada helps to bolster the Canadian economy.
There are different types of study visas available, depending on the length and type of program you plan to study. While some are dedicated to studying alone, others allow students to work in the country as well. After work, the graduates can apply for permanent residence, subject to specific requirements. Some of these visas are also dedicated to the spouse, partner, or dependents of the student, i.e., to invite them into the country.
To apply for a study visa, you will need to submit at least the following documents:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Two recent passport photographs
- An acceptance letter from a designated learning institution
- Proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your studies
- A letter of explanation
- Any other documents required by the specific program you are applying for.
You will need to apply for your study visa before you come to Canada. If you are already in the country, your options will include applying for a visa renewal.
Applying For Study Permit for Canada
There are a number of visa streams that students can apply through to study, work, settle, or immigrate to Canada. While some of them are specific for studying, others also let you work (open or closed) based on certain criteria. In this section, we will consider the different study permit options you have!
Basic Requirements
Once you have been granted a study visa, you will be able to enter Canada and begin your studies. Remember, it is important to maintain your student status while you are in Canada.
This means that you will need to follow some basic requirements. You will have to:
- Attend the full-time school that you were accepted to
- Follow the terms and conditions of your study permit
- Make sure your passport is up-to-date and valid for the duration of your stay
- Not to work more hours than you are allowed to
- Leave Canada when your study permit expires
There are a number of visa streams that students can apply through to study, work, settle, or immigrate to Canada. While some of them are specific for studying, others also let you work (open or closed) based on certain criteria. In this section, we will consider the different study permit options you have!
Student Direct Stream (SDS)
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a fast-track program for students from China, India, Pakistan, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and more who want to study in Canada at the undergraduate level.
To be eligible for the Student Direct Stream, you must:
- Have been accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI)
- Show that you have sufficient money. You will need to cover your tuition fees
- Any and all living expenses for yourself or family coming with you
- Return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
- Have completed an approved language test with results that show you meet the minimum language requirements for your program of study (usually at least 6 in IELTS and 7 in CLB)
- Have completed secondary school or post-secondary studies in your home country
- If you’re a secondary school graduate, you must have at least 6 months of approved post-secondary study outside of Canada before you start your program in Canada.
- Plan to enroll in an academic, professional, or vocational training program at a designated learning institution in Canada
Working While Studying
By choosing Canada as your go-to destination for studies, you get to benefit from a wide range of incentive programs. One of the most prevalent among them is being able to work while studying – something that not many countries offer. This means that you can take up a part-time job and start earning while you’re still studying. The great thing about this is that it can help you cover some of your expenses and also get some work experience under your belt, which is always a bonus.
Some of your options therein include, but are not limited to:
Working Without a Work Permit As a Student
You can work for a total of 20 hours every week during the school year. However, during scheduled breaks (such as during the winter and summer holidays), you can work full-time as well. However, you will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada. You can apply for a SIN from Service Canada once you have your study permit.
Working on
Campus
If you’re studying at a designated learning institution, such as a university or college, you can work on campus without a work permit. This is usually limited to positions such as working in the library, as a teaching or research assistant, or in other administrative roles.
Co-Op & Internship Programs
Some study programs in Canada come with built-in work experience, known as co-op or internship programs. This means that you will alternate between periods of full-time study and full-time paid work related to your field of study. In order to be eligible for this, your program must be listed on the Canadian National Co-operative Education Database.
