When you choose to study abroad in Canada, a student visa is typically required. A student visa allows a foreign student to enter Canada as a student.
On arrival, a study permit is issued to the student to study full-time at a recognized institution in Canada. In order to be eligible, the student must be enrolled in a program listed under IRCC’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list. The student must apply for a visa before his or her travels and must have all documents gathered prior to applying.
The study permit is a document we issue that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. Make sure you have all the documents you need before you apply. You should apply before you travel to Canada.
Your 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).
You can apply for a Canadian study permit either online or through a paper application, which can be obtained from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.
Paper applications typically take about twice as long, and it’s always recommended to check the processing times well in advance. To apply online, you’ll need a credit/debit card and the ability to create electronic copies of your supporting documents (i.e. using a scanner or camera).
The visa office in your country will provide specific instructions about which documents you need to provide; this can vary depending on your location. If you need assistance, you can get help at your nearest visa application center (VAC).
Canada recently introduced the Student Direct Stream, which students from China, India, the Philippines or Vietnam can apply for in order to get their study permit faster.
The requirements are similar to the regular study permit, although there are stricter language requirements – you need to have an IELTS score of at least 6, or a 7 in the Niveaux the Compétence Linguistique Canadiens for French, or have graduated from a Canadian-curriculum high school.
If you don’t meet the requirements for the Student Direct Stream but do meet them for the regular study permit, your application will be reviewed for the regular study permit option and you won’t get faster processing.
S. Masood Canadian Immigration Services Inc., has been helping people like you achieve their dreams of visiting, studying, working or living in Canada. Shazia Masood Chaudhary is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (R709418) and member in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and with the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC).
