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Circular Library

STUDY

PERMIT

A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) which allows international students to study at a designated learning institution in Canada.

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Once you obtain a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution such as a university or college, you need to submit an application to IRCC to obtain a study permit. An applicant for a Canadian study permit may include his or her family members on the application, so that they may accompany the applicant to Canada. An accompanying spouse may be able to obtain an open work permit, enabling them to work for any Canadian employer, and minor children may be able to study at Canadian elementary and secondary schools.

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Most international students require a study permit. You do not need a study permit if your program in Canada is for six months or less. In addition, minor children and other individuals may be exempt from requiring a Canadian study permit. To learn more about studying in Canada without a study permit.

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WHAT IS A DESIGNATED LEARNING INSTITUTION?​

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A Designated Learning Institution, or DLI, is a school that admits international students. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs. Post-secondary schools must receive permission from the provincial government to accept international students. If you want to come to Canada to study at the post-secondary level, make sure that your school and program of study is on this list of Canadian DLIs.

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HOW TO OBTAIN A STUDY PERMIT?​

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It is important to apply for a study permit immediately upon receiving the letter of acceptance. Study permit processing times vary, and applicants may see delays during busy times — particularly during the summer months.

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In order to be eligible to submit an application for a Canadian study permit, a prospective student must:

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The applicant may also be required to submit the following supporting documents:

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  • Passport for the applicant and every family member included on the application;

  • Two passport photos for the applicant and each family member included on the application, with the full name and date of birth written on the back;

  • Photocopy of marriage certificate, if applicable; and,

  • Any further documents required by specific visa offices.

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STUDENT DIRECT STREAM (SDS)

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You can get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) if you live in one of the following countries:

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  • India

  • China

  • The Philippines

  • Pakistan

  • Vietnam

  • Morocco

  • Senegal

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IRCC’s processing standard for most SDS applications is 20 calendar days. Applications must be submitted online. Citizens of these countries must be residing in the country to be eligible for the SDS (e.g., they cannot be residing in another country if they want to apply for a study permit through the SDS).

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To be eligible for the SDS, you must meet the following requirements:

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  • Be a legal resident living in either India, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, Vietnam, Morocco, or Senegal

  • Have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian designated learning institution

  • Live outside of Canada when you apply for the study permit

  • Have proof that you have paid your tuition for your first year of study in Canada

  • Have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) with a participating Canadian bank of $10,000 CAD

  • Obtain a Certificat d'acceptation du Quebec (Quebec Acceptance Certificate, or CAQ) if you plan to study in Quebec

  • Obtain a medical exam before submitting your application (if you are required to get one)

  • Obtain a police certificate before submitting your application (if you are required to get one)

  • Have your most recent school transcripts (secondary and post-secondary)

  • Obtain a language test result of at least the following:

    • A minimum of 6.0 in each skill on the IELTS (reading, writing, speaking, and listening)

    • A TEF score equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of a minimum of 7 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening)

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