Industry of Immigration & Visa
Visa Info of Canada
Student Visa (Study Permit & Student Work Permit)
> Who requires a student visa? In most cases, you must obtain a study permit if you want to study in Canada. To be eligible to study in Canada: - You must have been accepted by a school, college, university or other educational institution in Canada. - You must prove that you have enough money to pay for your: a) Tuition fees b) Living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and c) Return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada. - You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada. You may have to provide a police certificate. - You must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary. - You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada when you have completed your studies. Exceptions In some cases, you do not require a study permit to go to school in Canada: - If you wish to study in a short-term course or program: You do not need a study permit if you plan to take a course or program in Canada that lasts six months or less. You must complete the course or program within the period authorized for your stay in Canada. Even if you do not need a study permit, it is a good idea to apply for a permit before you come to Canada. If you decide that you want to continue your studies in another program after you complete your short-term course or program, you must apply through a Canadian visa office outside Canada for a study permit if you do not already have one. - Foreign representatives to Canada If you are a family member or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada accredited by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, you may not need a permit to study in Canada. You should contact your embassy in Canada. Your embassy can contact the Office of Protocol at Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada to find out whether you need a study permit. - Members of foreign armed forces If you are a member of a foreign armed force under the Visiting Forces Act, you do not need a permit to study in Canada. If your family members, including minor children, want to study in Canada, they must meet the requirements. What documents will be required? You need the following documents to apply for a study permit: 1. Proof of acceptance 2. Proof of identity 3. Proof of financial support 4. Letter of explanation In addition to these documents, you may have to provide other information when you apply for a study permit. If you are not a citizen of the country where you submit your application, you may have to provide proof of your present immigration status in the country where you apply. If the government that issued your passport or travel document requires a re-entry permit, you must obtain one before you apply for a Canadian visa. Other documents may also be required. 1. Proof of acceptance If you plan to attend any school (primary or secondary), college, university or other educational institution in Canada, the school must complete and send you a letter of acceptance. You must include the original letter with your study permit application. You can find a standard letter of acceptance in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page. 2. Proof of identity You must provide: - A valid passport or travel document for you and each accompanying family member. The passport or travel document must allow you to return to the country that issued it. Citizens and permanent residents of the United States, St. Pierre and Miquelon, and Greenland do not need a passport, but do need proof of status and citizenship, such as a national identity card or an alien registration card. - Two recent passport-size photos of you and each accompanying family member. The name and date of birth of the person should be written on the back of each photo. You can find information on photo specifications in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page. 3. Proof of financial support You must prove that you can support yourself and the family members who accompany you while you are in Canada. You can prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Canada by showing some of the following: - proof of a Canadian bank account in your name if money has been transferred to Canada; - your bank statements for the past four months; - a bank draft in convertible currency; - proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees; - a letter from the person or institution providing you with money; and - proof of funding paid from within Canada if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program. The following table shows the minimum amounts that you will need.
> | All provinces except Quebec | Quebec
> Single student | Tuition plus $10,000 for a 12-month period (or $833 per month) | Tuition plus $9,600 for a 12-month period (or $800 per month)
> + one family member | $4,000 for a 12-month period (or $333 per month) | 60% of student base (from above) or $5,740 for a 12-month period (or $478 per month)
> + each additional family member | $3,000 for a 12-month period per dependent child of any age (or $255 per month) | 40% of student base (from above) or $3,840 for a 12-month period (or $320 per month)
If there are foreign-exchange control measures in your country, you must provide proof that the exchange control authorities will allow you to export funds for all of your expenses. 4. Letter of explanation In some cases, you may wish to apply for a study permit even if you do not need one right away. There are benefits to having a study permit, even if you do not require one. If you have a valid study permit, you can: - work part time on campus at the college or university at which you are registered as a full-time student; and - apply to renew your study permit from within Canada, if you decide to continue studying in Canada. If you decide that you want to continue your studies in another program after you complete your short-term course or program, you must apply through a Canadian visa office outside Canada for a study permit if you do not already have one. If you are applying for a study permit even though you do not need one, you should include a letter that explains why you are applying. The letter will inform the visa officer that you understand your options. For example, the letter might say: “Dear Visa Officer, I would like a study permit for my eight-week English course because I would like to apply to a Canadian-university program after I finish the English course.” Time required to issue visa: The length of time it takes to finalize applications may be different at different visa offices. You should contact your nearest consulate for more information. Where do I apply? Applicants for Permanent Residence You must apply in your country of residence, your country of nationality or the country where you have been legally admitted for at least one year. Applicants for Temporary Resident Visas, Study Permits and Work Permits As of April 1, 2005, you must apply in your country of residence, your country of nationality or the country where you have been legally admitted. Applicants for Travel Documents (Permanent Residents Abroad) If you are a permanent resident outside of Canada and you need proof of status so that you can return to Canada, you should apply at the Canadian visa office that serves the country you’re in. What is the cost of a visa? If a student visa and/or authorization is required, the cost is CAN$125 How long is the visa valid for? Student visas and authorization are valid for the duration of the program of study If you want to extend your stay in Canada as a student, you must complete the Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada. Check the expiry date on your study permit, and make sure you apply before that date. You should apply for renewal at least 30 days before your current permit expires. If you apply for a renewal of your study permit, and the permit expires before you receive an answer, you can continue to study in Canada under the same conditions until you receive a decision. You should apply to renew your study permit if you intend to travel outside Canada and your permit will expire while you are travelling. You cannot extend your study permit beyond the expiry date on your passport. If your study permit has expired, and you have not applied for an extension, you must leave Canada. Other information: How do I find out if I can work while studying in Canada? Foreign students can work in Canada during their studies, and after they graduate. In most cases, you will need to apply for one of the student-related work permits, which are required if you want to work in a co-op/internship placement, off campus, or after graduating from your studies (Post-Graduation Work Permit Program). Can I still work in Canada even if I don’t apply under a student-related work permit program? If you are not eligible or do not want to work under a student-related work permit program (such as the Off-Campus Work Permit Program, On-Campus Work Program, Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, or Internship/Co-op Program), you can apply for a work permit to work in Canada during or after your studies under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. If I receive an off-campus work permit, for how long is it valid? Your work permit will generally be valid for the same period as your study permit. It will allow you to work off campus until you complete your studies, as long as you still comply with the program requirements and with the conditions of both your work permit and study permit. Is there a fee to apply for an off-campus work permit? Yes, the fee is C$150. Once I apply for an off-campus work permit, how long will it take to process my application? Individual circumstances may affect the processing time. They include: - whether you are eligible for the program and - whether your application is complete. If I am eligible and the institution where I study is participating in the program, can I apply for a job off campus right away, or do I have to wait until I receive my off-campus work permit? You can apply for a job right away, but you cannot legally work off campus in Canada until you receive an off-campus work permit. If you begin to work off campus before you receive an off-campus work permit, you could become ineligible to participate in the Off-Campus Work Permit Program. It is illegal for you to work in Canada without a valid work permit. Are there any restrictions on where I can work or the type of job that I can apply for under the Off-Campus Work Permit Program? You will be able to work anywhere in Canada as long as you remain a full-time student with a satisfactory academic standing while classes are in session and you comply with the conditions of your work permit. In some cases, there may be restrictions on the type of job you can hold. For example, you may be required to undergo a medical examination for some occupations, such as: - workers in the health services fields - teachers of primary or secondary schools or other teachers of small children - domestic workers or live-in caregivers - workers who give in-home care to children, the elderly or individuals with a disability - day nursery employees and - some agricultural workers. Are there any restrictions on how many hours I can work once I receive my off-campus work permit? Once you receive your off-campus work permit, you can work up to 20 hours per week off campus while classes are in session. You can work full time during scheduled breaks, including summer or winter holidays and reading weeks. While classes are in session, you must be studying full time and retain satisfactory academic standing to keep your off-campus work permit. I am considering studying in Canada. Can I apply for an off-campus work permit at the same time as I apply for my study permit? No, you cannot apply for a study permit and an off-campus work permit at the same time. To qualify for the program, you must already hold a valid study permit, and you must have been a full-time student at a participating institution for at least six of the last 12 months before you apply. What must I do to extend my stay or change my status (for example, from a full-time student to a full-time worker)? To make any changes in your immigration status or to extend your stay in Canada, you must submit an application to change conditions or extend your stay in Canada. Why is the Off-Campus Work Permit Program not available to foreign students when they start their studies? The likelihood of students quitting their study program is highest during the first few months of study. Citizenship and Immigration Canada wants to ensure that work permits are issued to legitimate students. When they apply, these students will be required to prove they have been studying full time for six of the last 12 months at a participating institution. Can I work in Canada? It is possible to work in Canada while you are here as a student, and there are opportunities for jobs on and off campus. Working On-Campus You may work on campus at the institution where you study without a work permit if: - you are a full-time student at: a) a public post-secondary institution, such as a college or university, or a collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec b) a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as a public institution, and receives at least 50 percent of its financing for its overall operations from government grants (currently only private college-level educational institutions in Quebec qualify) or c) a Canadian private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees and - you have a valid study permit. The Off-Campus Work Permit Program The Off-Campus Work Permit Program allows certain foreign students to work off campus while completing their studies. To qualify, you must be a full-time student enrolled at a participating publicly funded post-secondary educational institution or in an approved program at an eligible privately funded institution. Participating publicly funded post-secondary educational institutions: - are public post-secondary institutions, such as a college or university or a collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec or - are private post-secondary institutions that operate under the same rules and regulations as public institutions, and receive at least 50 percent of their financing for their overall operations from government grants (currently only private college-level educational institutions in Quebec qualify) or - have signed an off-campus work agreement with their provincial or territorial government. Eligible privately funded post-secondary institutions: - are located in a province or territory that has signed a memorandum of understanding with CIC - have signed an off-campus work agreement with their provincial or territorial government and - have approval from their provincial or territorial government to grant specific degrees. Please note that not all programs offered by private post-secondary educational institutions qualify. For more information on qualifying programs, contact the eligible institution directly. To work off campus, you must apply for a work permit. Do not begin to work off campus until you have received your work permit. The work permit authorizes you to work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions, and full time during scheduled breaks (for example, winter and summer holidays, and spring break). A work permit does not guarantee that you will find a job. It is your responsibility to look for work. Even if you work off campus, your studies must be the main reason you are in Canada. If you are no longer a full-time student or do not maintain satisfactory academic results, you must return your work permit to a local Citizenship and Immigration Canada office. For more information about the program and the application process, contact the international student adviser at your educational institution. Co-Op and Internship Programs For some academic programs, work experience is part of the curriculum. Foreign students who wish to participate in a co-op or internship program must apply for a work permit as well as a study permit. Who can apply To be eligible for a work permit, you must meet the following conditions: - You must have a valid study permit. - Your intended employment must be an essential part of your program of study in Canada. - Your employment must be part of your academic program, certified by a letter from a responsible academic official of the institution. - Your co-op or internship employment cannot form more than 50 percent of the total program of study. How to apply There are four steps to apply for a work permit: 1. Obtain an application kit. The application you need is called IMM 5580 (Applying for a Work Permit Student Guide). 2. Read the guide. Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. Photocopy the blank forms and use one as a working copy. Keep the working copy for your records. 3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents. The application form contains instructions. Read those instructions and be sure to provide the required documents. If information or documents are missing, your application may be delayed. The Document Checklist in the application kit will tell you what documents to include. Answer all questions carefully, completely and truthfully. Answers can be typed or handwritten (print clearly in black ink). Incomplete applications will not be processed, but will be returned to you. This will delay the application process. There is no processing fee for this work permit. 4. Mail the application form and documents. The application kit contains the mailing address where you must send your application. Post-Graduation Work Permit Program The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. A work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program cannot be valid for a longer period than the length of your studies. For example, if you graduate from a four-year degree program, you could be eligible for a three-year work permit if you meet the criteria. If you graduate from an eight-month certificate program, you would be eligible for a work permit that is valid for no more than eight months. Work Available to Your Spouse or Common-Law Partner Eligibility: Your spouse or common-law partner may apply for a work permit if: - you are a full-time student at: a public post-secondary institution, such as a college or university or collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as a public institution, and receives at least 50 percent of its financing for its overall operations from government grants (currently, only private college-level educational institutions in Quebec qualify) or a Canadian private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees - you have a valid study permit or - you have a valid work permit. Validity Work permits for your spouse or common-law partner are valid for the same period of time as your study or work permit. Note: Accompanying spouses or common-law partners of foreign students (including spouses or common-law partners of foreign students with post-graduation work permits) are eligible for an open work permit, which means they do not need a job offer or a labour market opinion from Service Canada. Embassy contact information: Please contact the nearest Canadian embassy for information on what documentation you may require to enter Canada.
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