• Study in Canada

Study Permit for Canada

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  • read time3 min Read
  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Dec 05,2024 05:04 PM IST

  • International students require a study permit to pursue their chosen program at Canadian universities.
  • Applying for a study permit involves meeting eligibility criteria, gathering necessary documents, and following a step-by-step process.
  • Careful planning is essential, as obtaining a study permit is not a simple procedure.

Study Permit for Canada.webp


Planning to study in Canada? But in order to heading off to the land of the maple leaf, it's important to understand how to apply for a Canadian study permit. A study permit is a permission given by IRCC to international students to pursue their dream program in Canada. 

It is also important to understand that applying for a Canadian study permit is not a simple process and requires planning. So, here is a complete blog which will tell students about its eligibility, document requirements, and a step-by-step application process.  

What is a Study Permit in Canada?

Before knowing how to apply for a study permit in Canada, it's important to understand what a Canadian study permit is. The Canadian study permit is an official document issued by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to international students who want to study in Canada. It allows students to study at designated learning institutions and is an essential requirement for every international student who wants to pursue higher education in Canada.

Applicants must provide proof of acceptance from a Canadian educational institution, demonstrate sufficient financial resources, and satisfy other immigration requirements. The study permit allows students to stay in Canada for the duration of their study program, plus an additional 90 days after completion.

Canada Study Permit Eligibility

Canadian study permit has some eligibility criteria which international students need to fulfil. To be eligible for a Canadian study permit, students must:

  • Be enrolled at a DLI (designated learning institution)
  • Prove they have enough money to pay for their tuition fees and living expenses for themselves and their family members who come with them to Canada and return transportation for themselves and their family members who come with them to Canada.
  • Obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
  • Be in good health and get a medical exam (if required) and
  • Prove to an officer that they will leave Canada when their study permit expires

Documents Required for a Study Permit in Canada

Besides fulfilling eligibility criteria, students must also submit some documents. Following are the mandatory documents international students need to submit to get a Canadian study permit: 

Proof of AcceptanceThe first document students need to apply for a Canadian study permit is proof of acceptance or a letter of acceptance from the university where they are going to study.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)Students get a provincial attestation letter or PAL from the province or territory where they want to study.
Proof of IdentityTo prove their identity, students must show a provincial attestation letter and two recent passport-size photos.
Proof of Financial SupportAnother mandatory document is proof of financial support. Students can show any of the following documents for financial proof:

  • Proof of a Canadian bank account in their name if they’ve transferred money to Canada
  • A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
  • Proof of a student or education loan for abroad studies from a bank
  • Bank statements for the past four months
  • A bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
  • Proof that they paid tuition and housing fees
  • A letter from the person or school giving them money or
  • Proof of funding paid from within Canada if they have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program

Students may be required to submit additional documents, such as a letter of explanation, a medical exam, a custodian declaration (minors only), or other documents. 

How to Apply for a Study Permit in Canada?

Once students have checked their eligibility and gathered all necessary documents, they can apply for a Canadian study permit. Let’s see how to apply for a Canadian study permit: 

Choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)The first step in applying for a Canadian study permit is to choose a DLI from thousands of Canadian universities. It is always best to seek help from expert study abroad consultants, as they are well aware of all the details necessary to make a successful application.
Get an Offer LetterAfter selecting a university, students can check the eligibility criteria and document requirements for the program with their study abroad counsellor. They can then start the application process and wait for the offer letter from the university. 
Gather Required DocumentsOnce the offer letter is received, the next step is to collect the required documents for the study permit, as mentioned above. 
Complete the Application FormThe next step is to complete the paper or online application form available on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Pay the Application FeeAfter filling out the application form, students must pay the application fee. The fees vary depending on students’ location and whether they apply online or on paper.
Submit the ApplicationThereafter, students must submit applications and documents. They can do so either through the IRCC website or by email to the visa application centre.
Provide BiometricsIn this step, students will be required to provide their biometrics at a designated biometrics collection point.
Attend an InterviewAlthough an interview is not mandatory, if required, the visa officer may ask for the same. So students should be prepared in case they take an interview. The interview tips are discussed further in the blog. 
Wait for Decision Now, all students have to do is wait for their study permit to be processed. If approved, they will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. International students have to show this POE to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) when they enter Canada, and there, they will receive a study permit. 

Tips for a Successful Study Permit Interview

A study permit is an essential document for international students to study in Canada after the 12th. So, students should ensure that they are fully prepared for the interview. Here are some of the best tips for a successful study permit interview:

Know your InstitutionStudents should first research their institution and program in depth. They should also be knowledgeable about the program’s curriculum and faculty expertise.
Practice Common Interview QuestionsOne of the best things students can do for a successful study permit interview is to prepare for the most common interview questions. They can rehearse their answers.
Stay ConfidentAfter preparing for the interview questions, students will feel confident, and that’s what the interviewer will look for. It's okay to feel nervous, but remember, confidence is the weapon to succeed in this interview. 
Dress AppropriatelyAs they say, “first impression is the last impression”. So, keeping in mind this quote, students can dress professionally to show their seriousness. They should go for neat business attire. 
Maintain Eye ContactStudents can also make eye contact with the interviewer to show confidence. To leave a good impression, students should try to have positive body language by sitting upright and leaning slightly forward.

Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Study Permit in Canada

Many times, international students make some mistakes when making their study permit application. Let’s see some common mistakes students must avoid for a successful Canadian study permit application:

Insufficient DocumentsDocuments are an important part of the study permit process. Students must ensure they have all the required documents at the time of the interview. Documents must be updated and should not contain vague information. 
Lack of Proof of FundsThe logic behind this is very simple. One person is coming to Canada, so immigration officials will obviously want to ensure that they have sufficient funds to live there. For proof of funds, students can show tuition fee receipts, bank statements, proof of funding, and many other documents. 
Applying Too LateMany students also make the mistake of applying for a Canadian study permit very late. Students need to understand that it’s a lengthy process, so they should start preparing early by collecting the required documents. 
Not Following UpStudents think that after paying the fee, submitting an application, and taking the interview, their work is over. But they forget that they should follow up if they don’t receive a response within a given time period.

Conclusion


Every international student who wants to study in Canada needs to get a study permit. A Canadian study permit is an official document provided by IRCC which allows students to study in Canada. With a study permit, students get access to Canada's educational opportunities. After checking the eligibility criteria and collecting the required documents, students can apply for a Canadian study permit. Further, students can use the above tips and avoid mistakes during the application process. For a successful Canadian study permit application, students can connect with study abroad consultants at Canam.

FAQ

It can take up to 3 months to get a Canadian study permit. 
To apply for a Canadian study permit, students must

  • Be enrolled at a DLI.
  • Prove they have enough money to pay for tuition fees.
  • Obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required).
  • Be in good health and get a medical exam (if required) and.
  • Prove to an officer that they will leave Canada when their study permit expires. 
A Canadian study permit costs CAD 150.
A visa allows students to enter Canada, while a permit enables them to study in Canada. 
Yes, students can extend their study permit. They must apply to extend their permit at least 30 days before it expires. 
Study permit becomes invalid 90 days after students complete their studies.
International students must have $20,635 in their bank account to apply for a Canadian study permit. 

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