Join ABA VISA & LAW SERVICES to learn about what a study permit in Canada is? How to apply and its importance for an international student and EXPERIENCE FOR STUDY PERMIT STUDY IN CANADA
What is a study permit?
A study permit is a document issued by the Government of Canada that allows foreign students to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. A DLI is a school that has been approved by the Canadian government to accept international students.
To be eligible for a study permit, you must have been accepted to a DLI, have enough money to support yourself during your studies and return home, and pass a medical exam and background check (if required). With a study permit, you are also eligible to work part-time on campus and full-time during scheduled breaks.
The study permit does not guarantee entry to Canada, the final decision is made by the immigration officer at the point of entry. Once you finish your studies, you may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit, which allows you to work in Canada for a period of time after completing your studies.
Conditions for applying for a Study Permit
There are several conditions that must be met in order to apply for a study permit to study in Canada. These include:
Acceptance to a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada: You must have a letter of acceptance from a DLI in order to apply for a study permit.
Proof of financial support: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your studies and return home. This may include showing proof of financial support from your parents or sponsors, or demonstrating that you have enough savings to cover your expenses.
Medical examination: Depending on your country of origin and the length of your stay, you may be required to undergo a medical examination before being issued a study permit.
Police certificate: You may be required to provide a police certificate or clear criminal record check as part of the application process.
Language proficiency: You may be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English or French, which is one of the official languages in Canada
Application fee: You will be required to pay a processing fee when you submit your application.
Intention to leave Canada: You must demonstrate that you intend to leave Canada once your studies are completed.
Meeting the entry requirement of the country: You must meet the entry requirement of Canada, that includes having a valid visa, or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if applicable.
What is an Electronic Travel?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. An eTA is electronically linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA.
With a valid eTA, you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays (normally for up to six months at a time). You do not need an eTA for travel within Canada.
An eTA doesn’t guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents. You must convince the officer that you are eligible for entry into Canada.
It’s also important to note that you may be asked to attend an interview as part of the application process, and that processing times can vary depending on the country of origin.
How long is a Canadian study permit for international students?
The length of a Canadian study permit for international students will depend on the length of the program of study. Generally, a study permit will be issued for the duration of the program, up to a maximum of three years.
If the program of study is shorter than the maximum length of the study permit, the permit will be issued for the length of the program. It’s important to note that the study permit is not a guarantee of being able to stay in Canada for the entire length of the permit, it only allows the holder to study in Canada.
If you want to stay in Canada longer than your study permit allows, you will have to apply for an extension or a different type of visa.
It’s also important to note that if you’re applying to a program that’s less than six months long you don’t need a study permit, you only need a visitor visa or an eTA if you’re eligible.
Reasons why study permits are denied for international students
There are several reasons why study permits may be denied for international students, including:
Inadequate financial support: If the student cannot demonstrate that they have enough money to support themselves during their studies, their study permit application may be denied.
Insufficient academic qualifications: If the student does not meet the academic requirements for the program they are applying to, their study permit application may be denied.
Criminal history: If the student has a criminal record, their study permit application may be denied.
Medical concerns: If the student has a medical condition that could pose a risk to public health or safety, their study permit application may be denied.
Security concerns: If the student poses a security risk to Canada, their study permit application may be denied.
Misrepresentation: If the student provides false or misleading information on their study permit application, it may be denied.
Failure to provide required documents: If the student fails to provide all the required documents, their study permit application may be denied.
Visa officer discretion: Visa officer has discretion to grant or deny the study permit application based on their assessment of the applicant and the information provided.
It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list and other reasons may also apply.
Are financial factors important for international students to be approved for a study permit?
Yes, financial factors are important for international students to be approved for a study permit. Most countries require international students to prove that they have enough financial resources to cover their tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of their study program.
This may include demonstrating that they have access to funds from scholarships, grants, or personal savings, or that they have a sponsor who can provide financial support.
Additionally, some countries may also require international students to provide proof of health insurance or other financial guarantees before they will be approved for a study permit.
Is it possible to extend a study permit?
Yes, it is possible to extend a study permit. International students who wish to continue their studies beyond the expiration date of their current study permit can apply to extend their permit.
The process and requirements for extending a study permit will vary depending on the country in which the student is studying. In general, students will need to provide updated documentation of their financial resources, proof of their continued enrollment in a study program, and any other documents that may be required by the country’s immigration authorities.
It is important to note that students must apply for an extension before the expiration date of their current permit and should be aware of the deadline for their application.
Some notes when renewing a study permit
Apply early: Students should apply for a renewal well in advance of the expiration date of their current permit to ensure that their application is processed in a timely manner.
Meet the requirements: Students should ensure that they meet the requirements for renewing a study permit, which may include providing updated documentation of their financial resources, proof of their continued enrollment in a study program, and any other documents that may be required by the country’s immigration authorities.
Provide updated information: Students should ensure that all the information and documents they submit are up-to-date and accurate.
Keep a copy of the documents: Students should make a copy of all the documents they submit as part of their renewal application, in case they are needed later.
Be aware of the immigration laws and policies: The regulations for renewing a study permit can vary depending on the country, so it is important for students to be aware of the specific laws and policies in the country where they are studying.
Follow up and be prepared to provide additional information if needed: Sometimes immigration officer may ask for additional information or documentation, so it’s good to be prepared and follow up on the status of the application.
Do not let your study permit expire
It is important for international students in Canada to not let their study permit expire, as doing so can have serious consequences. If a study permit expires, the student will be out of status in Canada and may be subject to removal from the country. Additionally, an expired study permit will prevent the student from being able to continue their studies, work, or travel in and out of Canada.
To renew the study permit, students will need to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and provide updated documentation of their financial resources, proof of their continued enrollment in a study program, and any other documents that may be required by the immigration authorities. It is important to apply well in advance of the expiration date to allow enough time for processing.
It’s also important to note that student visa holders who want to continue their studies in Canada must apply for a new study permit before their current permit expires. If you fail to renew your study permit before it expires, you must leave Canada or face deportation.
How long in advance should I renew my study permit when it is about to expire?
We are recommended to renew your study permit at least 90 days before it expires.
What documents do I need to prepare to extend my study permit?
To extend a study permit, you typically need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Proof of enrolment at a designated learning institution.
- Proof of financial support (e.g. bank statements, scholarship letter, etc.).
- A letter explaining why you need to extend your study permit.
- Any additional documents requested by immigration officials
Note: Requirements may vary depending on the country. It is best to check the specific requirements with the relevant immigration authorities.
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