How to Apply For a Canadian Study Permit

Getting ready to study in Canada as an immigrant? Before you are being accepted as a student in Canada, you need to acquire a study permit. Even as the requirements to study in Canada get tougher, more international students move to Canada every year in their pursuit of better education.

While a large number of students try to get a study permit in other to go through the word class educational system that Canada has to offer, it is a notable fact that a Study Permit is not a Visa.

What is a Study Permit?

A study permit is an issued document by the Canadian immigration authorities that allow foreign students to study in Canada. Students who acquire their Canadian Study permits are allowed to study in Designated Learning Institutions (DLI). It is advisable to apply before travelling to Canada.

If your application for a study permit is accepted, you will be issued a visa alongside, else, you may need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

For students who live in Morocco, India, Vietnam, Philipines, China, Pakistan, or  Senegal, with Student Direct Stream online, you can easily get your study permit.

The Canadian work permit is to work what the study permit is to study.

How to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit

You can apply for a study permit either online or in person. Here we will outline the process for both methods.

Applying Online

You need a scanned copy of the required documents which will be uploaded alongside a valid credit card for payment. You have to read this instructional guide from the official Canadian website to know how to fill the forms. 

Before filling your forms, you have to answer some questions that will be used to create a personalized document checklist for you.

At the end of your application, you will be asked to pay some fees which include but not limited to fees for biometrics and processing fees for you and anyone included in your application.

You may need to pay third parties for other things which include medical exams, police certificates, language testing, services at a Visa, Application Centre, this depends on if you use them or not. These fees are not paid in your online account, they are paid directly to the third party.

Click here to register and apply for a study permit online.

Applying in Person

If you want to apply for a Canadian Study Permit in person, you have to download the application kit and read the instruction guide to know how to fill the forms. 

Before filling your forms, you have to answer some questions that will be used to create a personalized document checklist for you.

Get your application form filled alongside the VFS Consent Form. Without this form, you may not get assistance from VFS services to complete your visa filing process.

You have to pay a processing fee in addition to VFS Global service charges. This applies if you are applying in person or via mail. Note that the processing fee is non-refundable in all cases.

Visit the nearest VFS office and submit the application and supporting documents. Once you have made payment and handed your document to them, you will be given a receipt that contains a unique tracking number that will be used to track your application progress online.

In a situation where your application is approved, you will be notified by the Canadian government requesting for your passport. If you get this notification, Congratulations. 

Go ahead to submit your passport and passport request letter through VFS or in person. You will be given a Temporary Resident Permit Visa and a Letter of Introduction.

Eligibility for Canada Study Permit

Not everyone is eligible to apply for a Canadian Study Permit. You can only apply if you fulfill the following criteria:

• You have applied and have been accepted by a designated learning institute (DLI).
• You have proof of enough funds to take care of yourself while in Canada and pay for your tuition fees.
• You have no criminal record and have obtained a Police Certificate (if required).
• You are in good health and have a medical certificate to back up your claim.
• You prove that you will leave Canada once your permit time elapses and you are done with your studies.

Documents Required for Canadian Study Permit?

• Valid Passport
• Statement of Purpose
• Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution
• Credit Card
• Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
• English Language Proficiency Exam ScoreProof of Funds
• Passport Size Photographs

How Much is Canada Study Permit Fee

The cost for a  Canada study permit is CAD$ 150, payments can be done online or offline. It is important to note that the cost for the visa fee does not include VAC service charges as every region have their unique additional charged, and you will have to pay for that too.

If you require biometrics, you will be charged an extra $85.

If you have made payments make sure you keep your receipts as proof of payment.

Processing Time for a Canada Study Permit

The Canadian study permit processing time varies for so many reasons. Your processing time starts counting when you file the application until the final decision day. Aspirants will have to check their online portal to follow up and know the stage they are at any moment.

The average processing time for a study permit is anywhere between 1 month to 9 months. The Canadian consulate website shows an estimated approximation of the time your visa is processed, but it is a good one to note that the approximated time is not guaranteed.

Study Permit Renewal

If your study permit will be expiring before you are done with your program, then you have to renew it. You are meant to apply for a renewal at least 30 days before your current permit expires. Submission of renewal applications can be done through mail or online.