Students Visa

Work Opportunities:

• Work part-time up to 20 hours a week and unlimited hours on campus.
• Enjoy the privilege of earning while you learn.

Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP):

• Upon completing your qualifying program, obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years.

Path to Permanent Residence:

• Accumulate points for permanent residence through the PGWP.

Spousal Benefits:

• Spouses of international students or work permit holders can secure an open work permit during their study period, allowing them to work full-time (40 hours per week) for any employer in one or multiple jobs across Canada.

Free Education for Children:

• Your child(ren) can attend school for free up to the 12th grade if eligible.

Early Path to Permanent Residence:

• If you or your spouse receives a valid job offer supporting permanent residence during your studies, you may be eligible to apply, potentially bypassing the need to complete your studies.

Government Medical Services:

• Eligible for the Government Medical Services Plan.

Duration-Based Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and Express Entry Points

One-Year Full-Time Program:

• Eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 1 year upon successful completion of their study program.

Two or More Years Full-Time Program:

• Eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years upon successful completion of their study program

Express Entry Points Boost:

• Studying in an eligible program can enhance your Express Entry points in several ways:
  • If your current Canadian credential surpasses your previous one or allows you to claim points for "Two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees," your education points will increase.
  • Gain additional points for Canadian education, regardless of the study level.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Points:

• If you gain work experience under a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in an eligible TEER level for one year or more, you can earn additional points in Express Entry, making you eligible to apply for your permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class.

Spousal Work Experience Points:

• If enrolled in an eligible program, your spouse may gain Canadian Work Experience under an Open Work Permit while you study, contributing to an increase in your overall points.

Canadian Study Permit Application Overview

Family Inclusion:

• Applicants for a Canadian study permit can include family members in the application for them to accompany the student to Canada.
• Accompanying spouses may obtain an open work permit, allowing them to work for any Canadian employer, and minor children can attend Canadian elementary and secondary schools.

Approval and Documents:

• Upon study visa approval, the prospective student receives a Letter of Introduction (LOI) confirming approval, not the study permit itself.
• An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) may be issued for citizens from applicable countries linked to the passport used in the study permit application.
• A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) may be provided for countries requiring it, indicating entry conditions.

Study Permit Renewal:

• Students may need to renew or change study permits during their course, but changes in institutions or programs may not require a new study permit.
• For changes in conditions, such as moving from elementary to high school, a new study permit application is necessary.

Options After Graduation:

• Study permits expire 90 days after graduation; graduates must update their status with IRCC within this period.
• Eligible graduates can apply for a Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to work for any employer in Canada for up to three years.
• PGWP experience aids applications for permanent residence, especially through programs like Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program streams.
• Alternatively, graduates not applying for PGWP can change their status to a visitor, obtain another work permit, apply for a new study permit, or leave Canada.

Understanding Designated Learning Institution (DLI):

• A DLI is an institution approved by a province or territory to host international students. You can check if your chosen institution is a DLI by referring to the official DLI list.

Changing Institutions or Programs:

• You can change institutions or programs without altering your study permit.
• It's crucial to inform IRCC about the change. Find more details here or contact us to change your DLI if you change your college after arriving in Canada.

Study Permit Expiry:

• A study permit expires 90 days after your program concludes.
• If prerequisite courses are taken, the permit expires a year after their completion. After acceptance into the main program, an extension is required.
• If the program isn't completed by the study permit date, an extension is necessary.
• If you finish early, the permit expires 90 days later, disregarding the printed date.

Extending Study Permit:

• Apply for an extension at least 30 days before the current permit expires.

Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility:

• To be eligible for PGWP, ensure you completed a PGWP-eligible program from a DLI.
• The program should be at least eight months long, and you must have been a full-time student during each semester (part-time allowed in the last semester or due to COVID disruptions).
• Provide transcripts or a completion letter.
• Apply within 180 days of program completion.

Student Direct Stream (SDS):

• SDS is a fast-track program processing study permit applications within 20 calendar days.
• Available for residents of specific countries, with additional criteria like obtaining a GIC of $20,635 CAD and achieving minimum scores in language tests as mentioned below.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is only available to residents of the following countries:

• India
• China
• The Philippines
• Pakistan
• Vietnam
• Morocco
• Senegal
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Peru
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Costa Rica
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

To be eligible for the SDS, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a legal resident living in one of the above-mentioned countries;
• Have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian designated learning institution;
• Have a letter of attestation from the province or territory where the DLI is located if you are applying for programs that are lower than Master’s or Doctoral programs;
• Live outside of Canada when you apply for the study permit;
• Have proof that you have paid your tuition for your first year of study in Canada;
• Have proof that you can pay your travel costs;
• Have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) with a participating Canadian bank of $20,635 CAD;
• Obtain a Certificat d'acceptation du Quebec (Quebec Acceptance Certificate, or CAQ) if you plan to study in Quebec;
• Obtain a medical exam before submitting your application (if you are required to get one);
• Obtain a police certificate before submitting your application (if you are required to get one);
• Have your most recent school transcripts (secondary and post-secondary); and
• Obtain a language test result of at least the following:
  • A minimum of 6.0 in each skill on the IELTS Academic or General Training (reading, writing, speaking, and listening);
  • A TEF score equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of a minimum of 7 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening);
  • CELPIP General (minimum score of CLB 7);
  • CAEL (minimum score of 60);
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic (minimum score of 60); and/or
  • Educational Testing Service (ETS) TOEFL iBT Test (minimum score of 83).

Financial support

People applying for a Canadian study permit must show they have enough money for the first year of tuition and ongoing expenses for themselves and their family members, if any. They can prove their financial resources in various ways:

Canadian Bank Account Statements: If money has been sent to Canada, statements in the applicant's name can be provided.

Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC):Having a GIC from a participating financial institution is another way to show financial capability.

Student or Educational Loan:Proof of a loan from a financial institution for education expenses is acceptable.

Recent Bank Statements: Statements from the last four months from the applicant's bank can be submitted.

Bank Draft in Convertible Currency: A bank draft in a currency that can be converted is valid proof.

Payment Proof for Tuition and Accommodation Fees: Providing evidence of paid tuition and accommodation fees is required.

Letter of Financial Support:A letter from the person or institution providing financial support can be submitted.

Scholarship or Funding Proof: If there's a scholarship or funding from within Canada, proof of this support is necessary.

Additionally, family or friends supporting the applicant during their studies can submit letters confirming their commitment to providing financial support.

The following table shows the amounts that a student is required to possess (all amounts in Canadian dollars):