In order to study in Canada, most international students must obtain Canadian Study Permit. This requirement generally applies to those students who plan to study in Canada for more than 6 months.
Canadian Study Permit or Visitor Visa?
In some cases a prospective foreign student coming to study in Canada may not need to apply for a study permit. For example, an international student may want to come to Canada for up to six months to study a language (e.g. English or French), and in such case student may not need to apply for a study permit, but may need to apply for a visitor visa instead (if the student requires a visa to enter Canada).
To determine if a prospective international student will require a study permit in a specific case, such student may want to seek legal advice from a Canadian immigration lawyer >
If it is determined that a prospective international student will need a study permit to study in Canada, then a student should apply for a study permit at a Canadian Embassy or Canadian High Commission or Canadian Consulate responsible for processing study permits applications from student's country of residence or citizenship.
Canadian Study Permits and Visitor Visas are issued by Canadian immigration officials in cases where applications to study in Canada satisfy immigration requirements for such applications. In addition to correctly completed application forms, an applicant must also submit compelling supporting documents, as well as pay government fees for processing of Canadian Study Permit or Visitor Visa application.
Our law firm provides the following services for international students and their spouses or common-law partners:
Selection of an approved program of study in any part of Canada
Preparation and filing application for admission to educational institution in any part of Canada
Preparation and filing of Canadian Study Permit application
Representation in Canadian Study Permit application process before Canadian immigration officials
Extension of Study Permit application
Preparation and filing of Canadian work permit application for international students and their spouses or common-law partners
Representation in Canadian Work Permit application process before Canadian immigration officials
Preparation and filing of Canadian Visitor Visa application for study periods of less than 6 months
Representation in Canadian Visitor Visa application process before Canadian immigration officials
Before submitting a study permit application, prospective international student may have to enrol in a course/program of studies in Canada, and obtain a letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution in Canada. Once a letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution in Canada has been obtained, a foreign student may have to apply for a Canadian study permit.
Study Permit/Student Visa Requirements
Requirements for Canadian study permit or Visitor Visa (for studies of less than 6 months) vary from Canadian visa office to another.
Canadian study permit or Canadian visitor visa application package usually includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Application Forms
Supporting documentation (including, Letter of Acceptance, Proof of Funds / Proof of Financial Support)
Passport
Photos
Application fee
Maintaining Temporary Residence in Canada as a Foreign Student
Foreign students should maintain their legal status in Canada. Foreign students may need to extend validity of their study permits, and if extension of their study permit is required, such foreign student should apply for extension in advance of their study permit’s expiration date.
In cases when international student failed to apply for a study permit before its expiration date, it may be possible to submit an application for restoration of status in Canada within a prescribed period.
In order to determine if international student qualifies for study permit extension or for restoration of status in Canada, such student may find it useful to obtain legal advice from a Canadian immigration lawyer >
Studying in Canada
There are more than 190 thousand international students from around the world studying in Canada. The number of foreign students wishing to study in Canada is constantly growing.
Foreign students choose to study in Canada for various reasons, including the following:
Prestige and quality of education in Canada
Cost of studying in Canada is generally cheaper than in the U.S. and Australia
Ability to obtain a work permit in Canada for a period of studies in Canada, and after completing studies in Canada
Student’s spouse may be able to obtain an open work permit, depending on the course of student’s studies in Canada
Opportunity to gain work experience in Canada
Canadian way of life, and multiculturalism in Canada
Possibility of applying for permanent residence in Canada
Foreign students are studying in various educational programs in Canada, including:
Language courses (mostly English and French)
Certificate, diploma and degree programs at Colleges and Universities
Secondary school and high school programs
Vocational training programs
Cost of Studies in Canada for International Students
The cost of studying in Canada for international students depends on program of studies and educational institution:
Approximate Cost of Studies/Education (Tuition Fees) for Foreign Students in Canada:
University (Postgraduate): Approx. CAD$15,000 - CAD$25,000
University (Professional): Approx. CAD$23,000 - CAD$40,000
Cost of living for international students in Canada
The cost of living in Canada for international students depends on their location and lifestyle. International students in Canada usually spend around CAD$10,000 – CAD$15,000 on living expenses per person per year, but many students spend even more than that.
Permission to Work in Canada for International Students
Foreign students in Canada can often get permission to work during their studies and after graduation, provided that they successfully study or have studied in a program of studies at one of the approved educational institutions in Canada.
Canadian Permanent Residence Opportunities for International Students
Canada needs educated and trained young people to contribute to the development and prosperity of this country. While most international students decide to return to their countries at the end of their studies, some international students may be interested to apply for permanent residence in Canada. International students in Canada may qualify to apply for permanent residence in Canada if they fulfil certain requirements. One of the ways for international students to qualify for permanent residence in Canada is under Canadian Experience Class.
See video about Canadian Experience Class for International Students here:
