Studying a language or pursuing a higher education program in another country is one of the most enriching and fruitful experiences a person can have.
This adventure has been jeopardized since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 due to the numerous regulations and travel bans imposed by various countries.
For a long time, arriving in Canada as an international student and studying English or French, or enrolling in a higher education program, was not a viable option.
Because of the virus’s high level of spread, the government decided to close the country’s borders in March 2020, forcing the educational system to reinvent itself and offer online preparatory courses for international students conducted from the country of origin to a new remote modality for those students who were already within Canada and needed to continue their educational process.
Currently, and thanks to Canada’s significantly advanced vaccination process. The government decided to reopen its borders and resume accepting international students.
What is a Canadian Study Permit ?
The IRCC issues the Canadian study permit, which allows foreign students to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Most international students would need a study permit to study in Canada. Please make sure you have all of the necessary documentation before applying for the permit.
A study permit is not a visa, and it does not allow you to enter Canada. An electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visitor’s visa may also be required. If your application is approved, you will be given one in addition to your study permit.
Who Can Apply for a Study Permit
You can apply for a study permit in Canada if you:
- are enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI) with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan,
- prove you have enough funds to finance for your:
- tuition fees
- living expenses for you and any family members who came to Canada with you (If applicable), and
- return tickets for you and any of your family members who came to Canada with you (If applicable)
- Be a law abiding citizen of your country, have no criminal record and also get a police clearance certificate (if required)
- Be in good health condition and get a medical examination from an accredited medical institution (if required), and
- prove to the immigration officer handling your case that you would leave Canada back to your home country when your study permit expires.
List of required documents for a Canadian student permit application
When you apply, you ought to submit:
- An acceptance letter from the DLI you’ll be attending which must be on the list of DLI’s with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan,
- proof of identity, and
- proof of financial support.
You may also need to submit.
- a letter of explanation
- a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ)
- a custodian declaration (minors only), or
- as many of the documents needed for a complete application as possible
Apply online
If you’re an international student looking to study in Canada and need a study permit, you should apply online, whether you’re outside of Canada or already here.
If you are unable to apply online due to a disability or a technical issue with the online application, you may apply on paper.
