How to Obtain a Study Permit in Canada

Steps in Obtaining a Study Permit in Canada

Educational opportunities in Canada are unlike any other country in the world. Canada is a very advanced and progressive country that offers exceptional educational and career opportunities. For this and many other reasons, many foreign nationals from all over the world aspire to pursue further educational studies in Canada. It is important to note, however, that in order to study in Canada, one must obtain proper authorization prior to coming to Canada to study; they will need a study permit. In this article, I will explain the purpose of a study permit, who needs a study permit to study in Canada, the eligibility requirements for a study permit in Canada and further steps.

What is the Purpose of a Study Permit

The purpose of a study permit in Canada is to provide authorization to foreign nationals, who permanently reside outside of Canada, to study in Canada temporarily. A study permit is a requirement by the Canadian government for foreign nationals who are studying in Canada at a designated learning institution. However, it is important to note that not all foreign nationals who come to Canada to study require a study permit.

Who Needs a Study Permit to Study in Canada

As previously mentioned, not all foreign nationals require a study permit prior to studying in Canada. Therefore, if you fall under any of the categories below, you will not need a study permit to study in Canada if you:

• Plan on studying in a short-term course or program
• Are a foreign representative to Canada accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
• Are a member of a Foreign Armed Forces
• Are a Foreign national who is a Registered Indian in Canada

If you do not fall under one of the aforementioned categories, then you will need to obtain a study permit prior to entering and studying in Canada. In order to successfully obtain a study permit in Canada, there are many eligibility requirements that you must abide by.

Eligibility Requirements for a Study Permit in Canada

Much like any other immigration application, there are eligibility requirements that applicants must abide by in order to be eligible and apply for a study permit. Below is a list of eligibility criteria for a study permit.

• The applicant must be accepted by a designated learning institution in Canada.
• The applicant must demonstrate that you have adequate funds to pay for the tuition fees, living expenses for themselves and any family members who come with them, and the return transportation for themselves and any of their family members who come with them.
• The applicant must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada and its citizens and permanent residents.
• The applicant must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if applicable.
• The applicant must prove to the immigration officer that they intend on exiting Canada at the end of their authorized visit.

If you have met all of the aforementioned criteria, then you are well on your way to obtaining a study permit. It is extremely important to recognize whether the institution that has accepted you is on the designated learning institution list from Immigration Canada. If it is not listed, then unfortunately, you would not be eligible for a study permit in Canada. If you would like to double check and research the designated learning institutions of Canada, you may do so by going on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.

In addition, it is important to remember that although you may have abided by all of the eligibility criteria, the decision is in the hands of the immigration officer assessing your application. The immigration officer has the ultimate discretion on whether you are permitted a study permit or not.

What Happens After I Receive my Study Permit

If you have successfully applied for a study permit and have been approved to study in Canada, there are some steps and factors you must consider afterwards. It is at this point in the application process that you must fully understand the terms and conditions of your study permit. If you do not understand these conditions or need further clarification, it is advisable to contact an immigration professional, such as Akrami & Associates, to assist you.

Specifically, the terms and conditions of your study permit with inform you:

• The educational level you are allowed to study at
• That you must remain enrolled at a designated learning institution
• That you must make progress towards completing your program
• If you are permitted to work in Canada
• Whether you need to report for a medical examination
• If your travel within Canada is restricted
• When you must exit Canada

If, for any reason, your circumstances change, and you need to go to another educational institution for instance, you need to change the terms and conditions of your current study permit and you must proceed to submit a completed Application to Change Conditions. Additionally, if you would like to change your study period or extend your study in Canada, you must submit a completed application to extend your stay in Canada. If you do not do so and forget to change the conditions of your study permit, then you may voluntarily leave Canada, or in the worst case scenario, you may be subject to an inadmissibility determination or hearing. Therefore, it is extremely important to abide by the terms and conditions of your specific study permit.

Contact Akrami & Associates

If you would like to come to Canada to study and apply for a study permit, it is important to take all of the aforementioned information into consideration before applying. Study permit applications are difficult to pursue on your own, especially if you are unfamiliar; it is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to apply. Here, at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many of our clients enter Canada to pursue studies. If you believe that you may be eligible to apply for a study permit, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advise.

With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!