Students
Students are persons who are not permanent residents or Canadian citizens and meet the requirements to enter Canada for a temporary stay as a student to study at a Designated Learning Institute (DLI).
The study permit is the document issued by Canadian Immigration authorities that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada and must apply before they travel to Canada.
Requirements for a Study Permit
You can apply to come to Canada to study if you
- are enrolled at a DLI
- prove you have enough money to pay for
- obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate(if required)
- are in good health and get a medical exam(if required) and
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires
– your tuition fees
– living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and
– return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
If you’re a legal resident in certain countries, you may be able to get your study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream.
Responsibilities of students
While studying in Canada you must:
- make progress towards completing your program
- respect any conditions listed on your study permit and
- stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements
Depending on your case there may be conditions on your study permit such as:
- if you’re allowed to work in Canada
- if you’re allowed to travel within Canada
- the specific date you must leave Canada
- where you can study (a specific DLI listed on your permit)
- you can’t study at a DLI other than the one listed on your permit and
- whether you need an immigration medical examination
Foreign nationals who don’t need a permit to study in Canada
Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. The following cases are exceptions:
- Family or staff of foreign representatives
- Minor children in Canada, if:
- Temporary residents and asylum seekers taking French language and culture courses
– Members of foreign armed forces
– Family or staff of foreign representatives
– Registered Indians in Canada
– they’re in kindergarten
– they’re refugees or refugee claimants
– their parents are refugees or refugee claimants, or
– they’re in pre-school, primary or secondary school, and they’re already in Canada with a parent who has a work or study permit
Two reasons you may want to get a study permit even if you don’t need one:
- Continue studying
If you already have a study permit and your study situation changes, you can continue studying in Canada while your permit is valid. - Work on- or off-campus
If you have a study permit and you’re registered as a full-time student at a DLI, you may be able to work on-campus or off-campus. If so, your study permit will include a condition that says you’re allowed to work while studying.