A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) which allows you to study and stay in Canada temporarily. If you will study in Canada for 6 months or longer, it is important that you always have a valid study permit and that you extend it before it expires if you need more time to finish your studies.
Who can apply
You must have a study permit if you plan to study in Canada for more than 6 months. You can apply for a study permit if you:
- have been accepted to a designated learning institution (DLI)
- 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
- have no criminal record
- are in good health
- can prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires
When to apply
You must apply for your initial study permit from outside of Canada, and it must be approved before you come to Canada. Apply well in advance of your program’s intake date, as processing times can vary depending on your location and other factors.
How to apply
In most cases, you must apply online. The application fee is C$150. You may also be required to pay a biometric fee of C$85 at the time of submitting your application.
- Most students must submit a study permit application through the IRCC portal.
- If you’re applying with a family member who is applying for a work permit, apply through the IRCC secure account.
Get the right documents
The documents you need to provide with your study permit application vary according to your country of citizenship along with other factors. Create an IRCC account if you don’t have one already, answer a set of questions and receive a list of the required documents specific to your situation.
You generally need these documents to apply for a study permit:
You may also need:
Submit biometrics
Submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) in-person at the nearest biometrics collection site after you apply for your study permit within 30 days of receiving a request for biometrics. Book an appointment to provide biometrics as soon as you get your Biometrics Instruction Letter (request for your biometrics).
Get a medical exam
You must undergo a medical exam if you have lived or travelled for 6 months in certain countries or territories in the year before you come to Canada. If you do need an exam, you must see a doctor on the list of panel physicians. You will need to pay all fees related to the medical exam, which vary by doctor and location (typically C$150-300).
Study permit approval
If your study permit application is approved, you will be issued a Letter of Introduction. You will need to present this letter to a Canada Border Services Agency officer when you arrive in Canada so your study permit can be issued at the airport or border crossing.
Get your TRV/eTA
After your study permit application has been approved, you will automatically be issued one of the following documents, which will allow you to travel to Canada:
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), or
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
If you are from a visa-required country, you will be asked to submit your passport to a visa application centre. Your TRV will be stamped or glued inside your passport.
You can’t board a plane or travel to Canada with only a study permit. You need a valid, non-expired TRV or eTA to enter and re-enter the country.
