Canada Study Permit

Who can apply for a Canadian Student Visa?

Foreign students who have applied for and been accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) may apply for a Canada study permit to come to Canada and complete the specific program for which they have been accepted. You must have received an acceptance letter from the designated institution which you plan to attend before you submit your application for a Canada student visa. Additionally, you must meet the following requirements:

You must have been accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
You must prove that you have CAD $20,635 in addition to your tuition fees for the first year, 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.
You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada. You may have to provide a police certificate.
You must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.
You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.
You must show your proficiency in English as part of the enrollment process of the college/university.

Cost of Living in Different Canadian Provinces*

(Per Month)

Approximate cost of studying in Canadian colleges: From CAD $18,000* per year.

Approximate cost of studying in Language Schools : From CAD $200* per week.

*Estimated Value

You do not require a study permit to go to school in Canada if:

You wish to study in a short-term course or program lasting six months or less.
You are a family member of a Foreign representative to Canada accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
You are a family member of foreign armed forces under the Visiting Forces Act.
You are a foreign national who is a Registered Indian in Canada.
You are doing a Language Course which is less than 6 months in duration.

Extend a Student Visa or Change Conditions:

If you want to extend your stay in Canada as a student or change programs or school/institution, you must complete the relevant application before the expiry date on your study permit. Apply for renewal at least 30 days before your current permit expires.

Restore Status as a Student:

You may apply to restore your status as a student within 90 days of losing it if you continue to meet the requirements under which you were allowed to enter and stay in Canada. After applying, you may stay in Canada until a decision is made on your application but cannot study until your status is restored.

Health Care:

The government of Canada does not cover the medical costs of foreign students. Health insurance is a provincial jurisdiction and varies among provinces. Contact the school for information on the health insurance packages they offer.

Work while you study:

Students enrolled in a full-time program may work on-campus or off-campus, subject to certain conditions depending on the location of work and type of program.

Bringing Family to Canada:

You may bring your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children to Canada to be with you while you study. Your spouse or common-law partner will receive an Open Work Permit for the duration of your studies if you are enrolled in a Master’s or a PHD program.

Post-Graduation Work Permit:

Upon graduating from an eligible program at a Canadian post-secondary institution, you may qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, offering a one-to-three year open work permit for gaining work experience. Apply for the permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation of graduation.

Additionally, Canada allows foreign students who have completed their studies and gained work experience within Canada to apply for immigration under the Express Entry.