What is a Study Permit?
Are you an international student and like to study in Canada? If so, you need to obtain a study permit. A study permit is a document given by Citizenship and Immigration Canada that gives you permission to study in Canada.
Do I have to apply for a study permit?
Well, this all depends on the length of your studies as well as where your home country is. For starters, if the program that you plan on studying is less than 6 months then it will not be required of you to obtain a Study Permit. If your program exceeds the 6 month period then you will need to apply for a Study Permit, if you are not from a country that is visa-exempt. Also if you are member of the armed forces or are a citizen of another country who has a Registered Indian status then you also do not need a study permit.
What are the study permit requirement criteria?
You will be required to provide several documents on top of your initial application. The documents are such as:
- You will need to obtain your study permit from Immigration Canada. You will only need this if you are planning on studying full time. Any program under 6 months a Study Permit is not required.
- You will need to show a valid travel document- a passport of whatever you home country may use
- If you happen to be coming from a visa-exempt country you will need to apply for a visa in order to visit Canada
- Proof that you have secured admission to a Canadian school
- Proof of your financial situation for the length of your stay in Canada- this will also include your family/spouse if they are coming with you- this can be bank statements or letters from someone who will be supporting you during your stay
- Proof of your identity
- Accepted travel documents- i.e. Passport, along with 2 passport sized photos with your name and your date of birth written on the back of both
- Demonstrate ties back with your home country to show that you will return once your term is over
- Show that you have enough money for tuition, living expenses, and transportation (i.e. bank letters, financial support from family there)
In addition to this, you must show to the officer that you won’t pose a risk to Canadian society. Thus, your communication with the officer is vital for your application to be successful. It is at the officer’s discretion to accept or deny you.
Moreover with a study permit, you will be allowed to work on campus. However there will be as set number of hours that you will be able to work per a week. If you want to work off campus then you will need to apply for a work permit.
Can I apply for other visas at the same time?
You can apply for a study permit along with a temporary resident or visa, worker permits, etc. Even as a dependent you can still apply. This allows a NAFTA professional who brought his spouse and children along with him so he can work to have them study while there. But you should apply for a study permit from before because of the processing times.
Can I change my program with the same study permit?
If you want you can change your field of study, school, or program using the same study permit. But there are different steps involved if you are enrolled in a primary or secondary school. While you are studying you may want to extend your stay. You can extend your term even further if you desire. Moreover the study permit allows you to apply for permanent residency in the future. This program is called the Express Entry Route.
When should I apply for a study permit?
It is advisable to apply for a study permit well in advance. If you are applying to study in Quebec, then it will take longer. When applying at a port of entry, it is recommended to maintain good communication with the officer. If the officer feels you will cause trouble or pose a risk to Canadian society then you will be denied entry. A strong application with good communication with the officer can almost guarantee acceptance.
Can I travel outside of Canada while on my study permit?
If you plan on leaving Canada for a trip and like to return you must have a valid passport or a travel document to enter Canada. Also, you must ensure that your study permit is still valid to study in Canada. If you are from a country that requires a visa then you need a visitor visa, if your visa has expired or was only valid for a single entry then you have to re-apply for visitor visa.
Can I renew my Study Permit?
If you like to stay longer in Canada as student you will need to extend your stay prior to the expiry date of your study permit and ensuring you complete the Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada before that date. It is recommended to apply for renewal at least 30 day before your current permit expires. If you are under the age of 17 and are studying in Canada without a parent or legal guardian you must complete the IMM 5646 form and include it with your study permit application.
How can I renew my study permit?
In order to renew your study permit application you have two options to renew you permit either online or on paper. If you are applying online you will need to scan copies of your documents and upload it on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website and making the necessary payments. If you are not a fan of submitted applications online you can download the application and the necessary forms and complete it and send it to CIC office. If you permit happens to expire during the process of your application don’t worry continue your studies until you get a decision from (CIC). Also, CIC will not extend your permit beyond your expiry date of your passport and if you did not apply renewal and your study permit expired you have to leave Canada.
Do I have medical insurance when I come to Canada?
No, the Canadian government does not provide for your medical cost if you are an international student. Depending where you have applied for studies your school might provide medical coverage and health insurance but you would have to called and find out.
Should I hire an immigration lawyer to help me with my study permit application?
It is recommended to hire a representative as submitting study permit application can be a difficult process. Citizenship and Immigration Canada looks for many supporting documents with your application and if you do not provide sufficient documents to support your application you can be refused to obtain a study permit. Your study permit can denied on my grounds such as not providing sufficient proof that you will exit the country once your studies is done or not providing enough proof that you will be able to support yourself and any family members that join you. Therefore, it is highly advised to get assistance of an immigration expert or let them review your application prior to submitting it to Citizenship and immigration Canada. The review will help you from submitting an error free application and provide the necessary documents that the immigration officer will be looking for.
Contact Akrami & Associates
Our immigration consultants have a lot of experience in immigration and we have the knowledge and ability to set you up for success. By contacting our firm we will be able to make sure that your application is complete and we can arrange all of the appropriate supporting documents to ensure that it is a smooth process for you. Feel free to contact us at 416-477-2545 or call our toll free number at 1-877-820-7121 and will be happy to assist you with your matter or guide you in the right direction.
With Akrami & Associates there is always a way!!
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