What is Canadian Study Visa (Study Permit)?

You need to have a “Status” to stay in Canada as a foreigner.

When you study in Canada, you need to obtain a Study Visa (Study Permit).

“Visa” sounds complicated but this article will explain the Visa.

What is Study Visa (Study Permit)?

Study Visa (Study Permit) is a document that allows foreigners to study in Canada.

The term, “Study Visa” is widely used, but in Canada, “Study Permit” is the official name of the document.

While you are studying in Canada, you must respect the terms and conditions listed on the Study Permit. A study Permit allows you to stay and study in Canada while you are studying, so if you don’t go to school properly, you might be subject to a deportation order.

Who needs Study Permit?

You need to obtain a Study Permit when you study in Canada, but there is an exception.

In Canada, you need a Study Permit when you study for more than 6 months.

For example, if you study at an ESL school for 3 months, you don’t need a Study Permit.

In such a case, you can enter and stay in Canada with a Temporary Visitor Visa, and you can go to the school.

The below articles explain the categories of schools in Canada.

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What you can do with your Study Permit

A study Permit allows you to study in Canada, but it also allows you to do three other things:

• Working (only if you go to a college or university for more than 6 months)
• The spouse can obtain an Open Work Permit (only if you go to a public college or university for more than 1 year)
• Children can go to public school (elementary to high school) for free (only if you go to a public college or university and obtain a diploma or higher degree)

What you need to apply for a Study Permit

When you apply for a study permit, you will need the following documents:

• Passport
• Letter from your school in Canada that proves you are accepted (Letter of Acceptance)
• Proof of Tuition Payment
• Proof of Funds
• Proof that you leave Canada at the end of your study

You will need additional documents such as proof of medical exam based on the country you apply from.

Required documents vary depending on your situation. Please try our free education consultation.

We will assess if you need a Study Permit to study in Canada, and what documents you should prepare.

Passport

Your passport must be valid for your expected study period.

If your passport expires earlier than your study end date, the end date of the Study Permit is the same as your passport’s expiration date.

Letter of Acceptance

Before applying for a Study Permit, you have to apply for a school and be accepted.

There are various requirements depending on the school and program you apply for. English (or French) test result is one of the typical requirements.

Proof of Tuition Payment

You must present proof that you paid the tuition fees for your first year of study.

Proof of Funds

You must present proof that you have enough funds to cover the tuition and expenditure while studying in Canada.

You can prove your funds with:

• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
• Your bank statement or bank certificate
• Proof you paid tuition and housing fees

If someone else (such as your parents) supports your expenditure, you need to provide a letter written by the person who supports you.

Proof that you Leave Canada at the end of your Study

This is the tricky part of Study Permit applications.

You have to convince the visa officer that you leave Canada when you finish your study, but it is hard to prove that you leave Canada.

The examples of supporting documents that prove your leave are as follows:

The examples of supporting documents that prove your leave are as follows:

• Explanation letter (Statement of Purpose)
• Ties with your family and relatives
• Real properties or businesses you own
• Letter from your employer

Canada Shaws Consulting will help you prepare the documents to prove your leave after your study.

Conclusion

A study Permit is an important document that allows you to study in Canada.  Based on the school (program) you study, the things you are allowed to do in Canada are different. By utilizing the Study Permit, you have future opportunities such as working in Canada or immigrating to Canada.

Please let Canada Shaws Consulting help you start your study in Canada.