Canada is one of the go-to countries for quality education. It is among the top 5 countries with the best education in the world.
Suppose you are interested in studying in Canada. In that case, you need an in-depth knowledge of the application process, requirements, and relevant application package to get a study permit and visitor visa or eTA.
For more information about study permits, visas, electronic travel authority, or anything else regarding your visit to Canada, get in touch with one of our trusted legal experts on 03301 222 991, or contact us online.
A Canadian study permit is a document that authorizes foreign nationals to study in Canada. However, the study permit only applies to learning institutions that have approval from the provincial or territorial government (depending on its location) to admit foreign nationals for study. Such learning institutions are called designated learning institutions.
A study permit is not enough to enter Canada. Canada does not issue student visas; thus, foreign nationals must get a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Getting either will enable foreign nationals to enter Canada, while a study permit will authenticate international students.
Before applying for a visitor visa or eTA, be sure which applies to you. While a visitor visa is pertinent to persons from visa-required countries, eTA applies to persons from visa-exempt countries.
Asides from applying for a study permit, foreign nationals can apply for a Student Direct Stream (SDS).
Student direct stream (SDS) is a means for persons wanting to study in Canada to process their study permit faster. However, not all international students can apply for SDS; it depends on their nationality and other eligibility requirements.
SDS is an IRCC application program with a shorter processing time. Typically, the processing time for a study permit will take at least 12 weeks, while SDS processing is within 20 days, provided applicants provide all necessary documents and are eligible to enter Canada to study.
SDC application is strictly online, thus making it stress-free and advantageous to persons who want to apply for a study. The paper application process is under the study permit application method. However, you can apply for a study permit online and on paper.
Eligibility to apply to study in Canada depends on nationality and other factors such as:
Check your eligibility to be sure you can apply to study in Canada.
There are categories of people who do not need a study permit:
Ascertain your Eligibility to Study in Canada
Before you search for DLI schools with ongoing admission, check the immigration program that is applicable to you. You need a visitor visa or eTA and a study permit to study in Canada; each has specific conditions. Thus, you need to be sure if you have the chance of getting considered for them.
You can check the immigration program you are eligible for online. Make sure to fill in the accurate information; the data you provide will determine the answer you get. Some factors the Canadian embassy considers are:
Research on Designated Canadian Institutions
Only applicants admitted into a designated institution can obtain study permits. Schools require approval from their provincial or territorial government to admit international students. Schools with approval are called DLIs.
Before you apply for a study permit, you must enrol in one of the designated schools in Canada. An acceptance letter is the only proof of admission, which is part of the requirements for study application.
If you are applying to primary or secondary schools in Canada, you need not check for designated schools, as all primary and secondary schools are designated. However, check for designation status if you are applying to a post-secondary school.
The post-secondary schools in Canada are:
Colleges – provide practical career training and trades such as certificate and diploma courses and Bachelor’s degrees in an applied field of study.
Universities – provide academic and professional programs such as undergraduate and graduate programs.
Language schools – English and french languages.
Once you are sure of your choice of designated school, get in touch with the school online for information on the necessary documents and steps to take to get admission. You will be provided with information on the following:
If you want to apply for primary or secondary education, start your application to the school six months ahead of time. For a post-secondary program, begin your application a year beforehand.
You can easily apply online and follow up with their application status. Do not rush to fill out the application form. The application form instructions guide you on how to fill, complete, and submit the form. Please read the instructions thoroughly and ensure you understand them before answering any questions.
A visitor visa or temporary resident visa will grant you entry into Canada. Immigration officers may deny entry to applicants with only a study permit. Confirm you are eligible for a visit visa or if an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is not what you need instead. However, you will need to check if you can travel to Canada before applying for a temporary resident visa due to travel restrictions.
You can apply for a visitor visa online; only persons from visa-exempt countries with alien passports or other refugee travel documents do not have permission to apply online.
Online applications will only require electronic copies of your records. You can create electronic copies of your documents with a scanner or camera. Have a valid credit card or debit card handy to pay the application fee of $100.
A study permit will be issued along with your visa or eTA; you don’t need to wait before applying for your study permit. However, before you start applying, you need to know and prepare your application package
Thoroughly read the instruction guide to get all the details on eligibility, visa requirements, study permit requirements, all required documents, a suitable method to apply, and other relevant information.
The Instruction Guide will help you know what you require for your application package and how to organize them. An application package depends on the applicant’s territory or country; visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to get your local visa office instructions and application package.
Visit the immigration Canada website for the document checklist of all the documents you need to process and complete your student permit application. Gathering documents can be time-consuming; ensure you have all your documents handy to prevent running out of time.
The document you need to prepare are:
Supporting documents that may be required:
Ensure to read the local visa office instructions for other documents you need to apply for a study program. You can get an instruction guide from the visa office in your country.
Applicants must use the online application method to avoid delay or problems processing applications submitted via mail or in person at a local visa application centre; due to the service disruption related to COVID-19. However, there is an exemption for people with disability, non-national residents, refugees, and stateless
How to Start your Application Online
Have all necessary documents available
Your application package covers the documents necessary for the application. Create electronic copies of all your documents. Also, ensure you have a valid credit card; you can also use a prepaid or debit card.
Take the instruction guide seriously
You need to read the instruction guide thoroughly before and during the application. The instruction guide is supposed to show you how to apply online and assist you in completing your application process.
Provide accurate answers to all online forms
All forms are designed to provide specific instructions and create a personalized document checklist for your study permit application. Always cross-check your answers before uploading your forms.
Know all the fees that apply to your application processing
There are charges applied to the study permit application, which you must pay to complete your application process. You will have to pay for the processing, biometrics, and other processes you may need to do. The processing fee depends on if you are travelling alone or including someone. Other processes include medical examination, language testing, VAC services, and police certificates (proof that you don’t have a criminal record).
Go for your Biometrics
It is crucial to have your biometrics in the system. You will need to visit the visa application centre in your region or country to submit your biometrics which is your photograph and fingerprint.
Ensure you need to submit your biometrics before visiting the VAC. If you need to provide your biometrics, you will have to submit a study permit application in person while submitting your biometrics. Applicants must pay a biometrics fee to have their biometrics taken and prevent delay in application processing.
Create or sign in to your online account
You need an online account to:
There are specific requirements to apply for a study permit within Canada. Persons eligible to apply for a study permit inside Canada are:
You can also apply at the port of entry if you are a:
You do not need a work permit to work as an international student if your student permit conditions allow it. Some study permits give conditions for full-time students to work without a work permit.
Full-time students require a valid study permit and Social Insurance Number (SIN) to keep working. Only foreign nationals studying part-time in their final semester to finish the required coursework can work without a permit.
You must apply for a work permit if you do not have the eligibility requirements to work on or off campus.
Applying for a student permit requires in-depth knowledge and understanding of the requirements of applying to study in Canada. As a foreign national, you will need guidance and assistance in accessing the document checklist and online application, filling out visa application forms, tracking processing times, and preparing other supporting documents to complete the application.
We are well grounded in Canadian immigration laws with industry-led experts with years of experience in Canadian immigration and laws. We have the expertise and knowledge to assist in establishing your eligibility for study permits, SDS, visa, eTA, work permit, and other related needs.