Study Permit Canada
A study permit in Canada is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. It is required for most international students coming to Canada for programs that last longer than six months. The permit specifies the duration of the study period. It often includes conditions such as the level of studies one can attend, the institutions one can attend, and whether the student can work in Canada during their studies. To be eligible for a study permit, applicants must prove their acceptance by a DLI, show proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses and demonstrate that they will leave Canada upon the expiration of their permit.
Requirements for a Canada Student Visa
Foreign nationals intending to apply for a study permit in Canada must meet specific requirements before applying for a visa.
The first step is to receive an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A DLI is a learning institution in Canada that the government approves to accept and host international students. Before applying to a school, ensuring it is a DLI is crucial.
Once a foreign national receives an acceptance letter from a DLI, they will most often need to receive a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). PALs verify that an international student’s admission aligns with the province’s allocated quota for international student acceptance.
An international student must also demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses for themselves and any accompanying family members, including funds for return transportation.
A valid travel document will be required to apply for the study permit and to show that the student can return home at the end of their stay.
Additional requirements for international students include having sufficient ties to their home country, which serves as proof that they will leave Canada at the end of their study permit. Ties to home can consist of employment evidence, land registration or a lease agreement, financial assets and family ties. Foreign nationals must also show they are in good standing for admission into the DLI and don’t pose a medical or criminal threat to Canada. Furthermore, the applicant will have to provide a letter of explanation addressed to the visa officer, explaining why the applicant wishes to study in Canada and that they understand their responsibilities as a foreign national student in Canada. Additionally, applicants may have to complete a medical examination, obtain a police certificate, and complete biometrics. Foreign nationals planning to study in Quebec will need to receive a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). It is important to note that there may be additional requirements depending on the applicant’s country of origin.
Proof of Financial Support for Study Permit in Canada
A single applicant must show they have $20,635 CAD in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs. The Canadian government adjusts these amounts each year.
Number of family members (including the study permit applicant) | Funds required (in Canadian dollars) |
1 | $20,635 |
2 | $25,690 |
3 | $31,583 |
4 | $38,346 |
5 | 43,492 |
6 | $49,051 |
7 | $54,611 |
If more than 7 people, for each additional family member | $5,559 |
Foreign nationals applying to study in Quebec must meet other financial requirements.
Apply to Study in Canada
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Canadian Experience Class
Can I apply for Canadian experience class outside Canada?
Yes, candidates can apply outside of Canada for the Canadian Experience Class if they fulfill the eligibility criteria, including having one year of work experience in Canada within three years immediately preceding the application. Candidates in Canada on a temporary work visa nearing its expiration can obtain a bridging open work permit, allowing them to maintain employment in Canada while awaiting their invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Do you need to show financial proof for the Canadian Experience Class?
No, if you receive an invitation under the Canadian Experience Class, the requirement to demonstrate financial proof does not apply to you. However, by default, the Express Entry system will request proof of funds documents from all candidates. To be exempt, invitees for permanent residency can fulfill this step by uploading a letter stating their invitation under the Canadian Experience Class or uploading evidence of a valid job offer, bypassing the need to show proof of funds.
Do internships and co-ops in Canada count toward Canadian Experience Class work experience?
No, however, it is a bit nuanced. The eligibility of a paid internship to count towards the Express Entry work experience requirement varies depending on its relation to your educational program. If your paid internship was conducted outside of your academic curriculum and not as a requirement for your degree or diploma, it could be considered valid work experience for Express Entry. This means that internships undertaken independently of academic obligations, where you gain practical skills relevant to your professional field, may contribute to fulfilling the work experience criteria for Express Entry applications.
Frequently Asked Questions Study Permits
What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to admit international students. All primary and secondary schools in Canada automatically qualify as DLIs, whereas post-secondary institutions must apply for and receive DLI status to host international students. For international students to apply for a study permit, they must be accepted into a program at a DLI.
What is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a document issued by a provincial government in Canada to verify that an international student’s planned study program not only aligns with provincial educational policies and priorities but also conforms to the allocated quota for international students in Canada for that year. This document is required to apply for a study permit.
How Much Money Do I Need For A Study Visa in Canada?
To obtain a study visa for Canada, a single applicant must demonstrate financial capacity by showing they have $20,635 CAD for living expenses, plus funds for the first year of tuition and travel costs. The required funds for applicants with family members increase accordingly: $25,690 CAD for two people and $31,583 CAD for three, escalating to $54,611 CAD for seven family members. Each additional family member beyond seven requires an extra $5,559 CAD. These amounts are reviewed and adjusted annually by the Canadian government. Applicants planning to study in Quebec should note that different financial requirements may apply.
Is a Canadian Student Visa Easy to Get?
Obtaining a Canadian student visa, also called a study permit, involves meeting specific criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The process can be straightforward for applicants who demonstrate a designated learning institution has accepted them, show proof of financial support, and meet health and character requirements.
Student Visa Canada Cost
Obtaining a student visa for Canada involves several costs: the application fee is $150 CAD, and the biometrics fee is $85 CAD for an individual. Applicants may also need a medical examination, the cost of which varies by country and provider. Students must prove they can financially support themselves, requiring at least $20,635 CAD for living expenses, tuition, and travel costs. Additional costs may include fees for document translation, notarization, and courier services.
