Student Visa (Study Permit)

Student Visa (Study Permit)

To apply for a Canada Student Visa (study permit), students must first enroll and be accepted into a Canadian educational institution. In addition to the Study Permit, students may also require a Temporary Resident Visa and/or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), depending on their country of citizenship or residence.

Who Can Apply for a Canadian Student Visa?

Foreign students who have applied for and been accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) may apply for a Canada Student Visa in order to study in Canada. An official acceptance letter from the DLI is required before submitting the visa application.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
  • Prove they have enough funds to cover:
    • Tuition fees
    • Living expenses for themselves and accompanying family members
    • Return transportation for themselves and accompanying family members
  • Be law-abiding with no criminal record and not pose a security risk; a police certificate may be required.
  • Be in good health and willing to undergo a medical examination, if required.
  • Satisfy the immigration officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.

Who Does Not Require a Study Permit?

  • Short-term studies: If your program is 6 months or less and will be completed within your authorized stay, no study permit is required.
  • Family members of foreign representatives: Certain family or staff members accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) may not need a permit. They should contact their embassy for confirmation.
  • Members of foreign armed forces: Under the Visiting Forces Act, no study permit is required. However, family members must meet requirements.
  • Registered Indians in Canada: Foreign nationals with Registered Indian status do not require a study permit.

Extend a Student Visa or Change Conditions

To extend your stay as a student, you must apply before your current study permit expires—preferably at least 30 days in advance. If you change your school or program, you must apply to change the conditions of your permit.

Restore Status as a Student

You may apply to restore your student status within 90 days of losing it, provided you continued to meet the original conditions of your stay. While awaiting a decision, you may remain in Canada but cannot study until status is restored.

Restoration is not guaranteed. Applicants must provide full details explaining why status was lost.

Health Care

The Government of Canada does not pay for medical costs of foreign students. Health insurance is managed at the provincial level and varies by province. Students should contact their institution for available health insurance options.

Work While You Study

Students enrolled full-time in eligible programs may work on-campus or off-campus without a work permit, subject to specific conditions depending on the type of program and work location.

For more details, visit the Working While You Study page.

Bringing Family to Canada

Students may bring their spouse or common-law partner, as well as dependent children, to Canada. Spouses or partners may apply for an Open Work Permit valid for the duration of the student’s program.

Spouse/Common-law Partner Open Work Permit

Spouses/common-law partners of international students are eligible for an Open Work Permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada for the same duration as the student’s study permit.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Graduates of eligible Canadian post-secondary programs may apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP), which provides up to a three-year open work permit.

Applicants must apply within 90 days of receiving written confirmation of graduation and must still have valid student status at the time of application.

Foreign students with Canadian education and work experience may later qualify for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Need Help?

Contact us for more information about studying in Canada or assistance with applying for a Study Permit (Student Visa).