A Canada Student Visa allows international students to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. It is a combination of a visitor visa (or Electronic Travel Authorization – eTA) and a study permit. The study permit lets students stay in Canada until their program ends. Some students may also work during or after their studies.
To keep the study visa, students must:
- Stay enrolled in a DLI
- Actively complete their study program
- Meet all visa requirements
- Stop studying if they no longer qualify
- Leave Canada when the study permit expires
This visa does not provide government benefits like healthcare, but it can help in applying for Canadian citizenship later.
What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?
A DLI is a school or university approved by a provincial or territorial government to accept international students.
- All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs
- Not all universities and colleges are DLIs
Before applying, students must verify whether their institution is a DLI. If a school loses its DLI status, students can continue studying there until their permit expires. However, if the permit expires before program completion, they must transfer to another DLI to continue.
Who Needs a Canadian Study Permit?
Most international students require a study permit and visitor visa/eTA to study in Canada. However, some exceptions exist:
- Programs under 6 months – No study permit is required if the course is completed within six months.
- Family of foreign diplomats – If accredited by Global Affairs Canada, they do not need a study permit.
- Military personnel – Members of foreign armed forces on official duty in Canada do not need a permit.
- Minors in Canada – Children in kindergarten, refugee families, or those with parents legally working/studying in Canada do not need a permit.
Do I Qualify for a Canada Student Visa?
To be eligible for a Canada Student Visa, applicants must:
- Have an acceptance letter from a DLI with tuition fees, program details, and official school letterhead
- Be at least 18 years old (parents must apply for minors)
- Have no criminal record (court clearance required)
- Submit a Visa Application Center (VAC) Consent Form
- Show proof of immigration status if residing in another country
- Prove that their stay in Canada is temporary and that they will return home after their studies
Canada Student Visa Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Valid passport (with blank pages)
- Travel history (passport scan)
- Police clearance certificate (no criminal record)
- Declaration Letter explaining study purpose
- Passport-sized photos (as per Canada photo guidelines)
- Medical examination results
- Proof of education/employment (resume or diplomas)
- Financial proof – One of the following:
- Canadian bank account in applicant’s name
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
- Student loan approval
- Bank statements (last 4 months)
- Tuition and housing payment proof
- Scholarship confirmation letter
Additional Requirement for Quebec – Applicants must obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) before applying.
For minors: A Custodian Declaration Form is needed if a guardian in Canada is not a parent.
For applicants with past study permits: They must provide their Unique Client Identifier (UCI) from previous applications.
How to Apply for a Canadian Student Visa?
1. Online Registration
Applicants must create an account on Canada’s immigration portal and follow the steps.
2. Prepare Documents
All documents must be translated into English or French by certified translators.
3. Fill Out the Application Form
Ensure all personal and study details are correct.
4. Pay Visa Fees
Study Permit Fee: $150
Biometrics Fee: $85 (per person) / $170 (family application)
Payments must be made online, and a receipt must be attached to the application.
5. Submit Application Online
Applications must be scanned and uploaded through the online portal. Incomplete submissions will be returned.
Other Ways to Apply
From Inside Canada (Eligibility Required)
Minor students, exchange students, refugees, TRP holders, spouses of applicants, and certain professionals can apply from within Canada.
At the Port of Entry (POE)
Only Ukrainian nationals, U.S. citizens, U.S. Green Card holders, and residents of Greenland/Saint-Pierre and Miquelon can apply at the POE.
Validity of a Study Visa
The visa remains valid for the study program duration + 90 days. If the program finishes early, the 90-day period starts immediately.
Can I Travel Home During Breaks?
Yes, students can leave Canada during the holidays. However, they must have a valid visa or eTA to re-enter.
Can I Change Schools on a Study Visa?
- Changing primary schools, secondary schools, or study programs within the same institution does not require a new visa but a new study permit.
- Changing post-secondary schools requires notifying Canadian immigration.
Can My Family Accompany Me?
Spouses, common-law partners, and minor children can apply for visitor visas to join the student in Canada.
Can I Work While Studying?
- On-campus jobs are allowed for full-time students.
- Internships and co-op work are allowed if required by the curriculum.
- Off-campus jobs (24 hours per week) are allowed if the study permit includes work authorization.