Student Visa for Canada
Information for Foreign Students
Applications, Guides and Forms
Istitutions
Who Needs a Study Permit?
More than 130,000 students come to study in Canada every year. In addition to this number are many more that come to Canada to learn English or French. Foreign students bring a rich culture to classrooms. Your knowledge and skills are welcome in our schools.
The provinces regulate education and schools in Canada. For more detailed information on living and studying in a specific province or territory, contact the school where you wish to study.
Most foreign students will need a Study Permit to study in Canada. There are some exceptions:
- If you wish to study in a short-term course or program:
You do not need a Study Permit if you are planning to take a course or program in Canada with a duration of six months or less. You must complete the course or program within the period authorized for your stay in Canada. - If you are a minor child already in Canada:
You do not need a Study Permit if you are a minor child already in Canada, and your parents are not “visitors” in Canada. - Foreign representatives to Canada:
If you are a family or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, you do not need a Study Permit to study.
Benefits of Having a Study Permit
You should apply for a Study Permit before you come to Canada if you think you may wish to continue your studies in another program after you complete the short-term course or program.
If you do not have a valid Study Permit and wish to continue your studies, you will have to leave Canada in order to apply for one!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why should I get a Study Permit?
There are benefits to having a Study Permit, even if you do not require one. If you have a valid Study Permit, you can:
- work part-time on campus at the college or university at which you are registered as a full-time student; and
- apply to renew your Study Permit from within Canada, if you decide to continue studying in Canada.
To study in Canada, you may need a study permit or a temporary resident visa, though not everyone must have these documents.
Learn about:
Q. When should I apply for my Study Permit?
You should apply as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance from the educational institution. The time needed to process an application to study in Canada may vary at different visa offices.
Q. What is a Temporary Resident Visa?
A Temporary Resident Visa is an official document issued by a visa office abroad. It is placed in your passport to show that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident.
Q. Do I need a Temporary Resident Visa?
If you are from one of these countries you need a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada.
Q. How do I Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa?
If you need a Temporary Resident Visa in addition to your Study Permit, you do not have to make a separate application or pay a separate fee. An officer will issue it at the same time as the documentation that you will need to enter Canada as a student.
Studying in another country is an adventure and a challenge. Canadian educational institutions offer a wide range of opportunities for foreign students. Please refer to the following information to guide you through the application process:
Information for Foreign Students
Studying in another country is an adventure and a challenge. Canadian educational institutions offer a wide range of opportunities for foreign students. Please refer to the following information to guide you through the application process
Choosing a School, College, or University in Canada:
There are many different types of schools and institutions in Canada. For more information and listings of schools, contact the organizations listed below for each institution type, or consult:
- Study in Canada, the Government of Canada Web site on this topic
- the Ministry of Education of the province in which you would like to study
- Canadian Bureau for International Education
- Canadian Education Centre Network
Primary and Secondary Schools
These are schools that teach students up to the grade 12 level. Provincial governments in Canada regulate all primary and secondary schools. Find out more information about schools from the Ministry of Education of the province in which you would like to study.
Post-Secondary Institutions (Universities and Colleges)
Post-secondary schools include colleges, universities and technical schools. Each post-secondary school has its own set of rules on how to apply, and decides what level of English or French you will need to be accepted. For more information on post-secondary schools, contact:
- Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
- Association of Canadian Community Colleges
- Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials
Private Career and Vocational Schools
Provincial governments do not necessarily regulate private schools. Make sure that the private school you apply to meets provincial education requirements. For more information on private career colleges, contact the National Association of Career Colleges.
Language Schools
There are many schools in Canada that teach English or French as a second language. Provincial governments regulate language programs at public institutions. For more information about these programs, contact:
Provincial governments do not necessarily regulate language programs at private schools. Make sure that the private school you apply to meets provincial education requirements. For more information about private language programs, contact:
How to Apply to a School, College or University
Once you have chosen a place to study you will need to apply to that school, college or university. Every school has different rules on how to apply.
Make sure you apply early for your course of study. Apply at least six months in advance to primary and secondary schools. University and college students should apply a year before they want to start their studies.
Contact the school where you want to study to learn how to apply. They will give you the right application forms and be able to tell you about:
- the cost of applying;
- tuition fees;
- health insurance;
- rent and how much it will cost to live in Canada;
- language tests.
Fill out the application form for the school or schools of your choice, and submit it according to the instructions provided. If the school admits you as a student, they will send you a letter of acceptance. You need a letter of acceptance in order to apply for a Study Permit.
Health Insurance
The government of Canada does not pay for the medical costs of foreign students. Health coverage for foreign students varies between provinces. Contact the school at which you are applying to receive more information about medical coverage and health insurance.
How to apply for a Study Permit:
Find all the forms you need to apply for a Study Permit, along with step-by-step instructions. This includes information about:
- medical examinations;
- police checks;
- application fees; and
- financial requirements.
- Before you apply
Find out what you need to know about studying in Canada. - Who can apply
This page provides information about the requirements you must meet before applying to study in Canada. - How to apply
Find out how to apply, where to get application forms and guides, and what documents to provide with your application. - After applying
Information is provided on your application status and other steps you may need to take, such as getting a medical examination or security check. - Arriving
Find out what to do when you arrive in Canada. - Extending your stay
Information is available on the requirements you must meet and steps you must take if you wish to stay longer in Canada. - Dual Intent
Information about the concept of dual intent and how it is dealt with in the study permit process - Frequently asked questions
This section answers questions Citizenship and Immigration Canada is often asked about studying in Canada
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