When you think of Canada, you probably think of the dramatic mountains, pristine forests and majestic lakes. Canada is also a multi-cultural, diverse, modern society with two official languages. Students come from all over the world to study in Canada. 

You are required to apply for a Study permit if you are a foreign national and you intend to study in Canada. Depending on the duration of your studies, you will be issued a Study Permit if you qualify and you have to satisfy the Visa officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies. 

Requirements for a Study Permit

• You must have been accepted by a designated learning institution in Canada.
• You must prove that you have enough money to pay for your: tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and, 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 at the end of your authorized stay.

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.
• Foreign representatives to Canada
• If you are a family member or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), 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 GAC 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.
• Foreign nationals who are Registered Indians in Canada
• If you are a citizen of another country who has Registered Indian status in Canada, you do not need a permit to study in Canada.

​Extend your Study Permit 

• If you want to extend your stay in Canada as a student, you should apply for renewal at least 30 days before your permit expires. 

Restoring your status 

• In certain cases, you may apply to restore your status as a student within 90 days of losing it only if you meet the requirements under which you are allowed to stay in Canada and have met all the conditions imposed on your permit. You are not allowed to study until your status has been restored. The decision to approve or reject the application is at the sole description of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) officers.

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