Canada Student Visa

More than 350,000 foreign students are welcomed into Canada every year. If you intend to study at a Canadian educational institution, most foreign nationals must apply for a study permit. Once issued, a study permit allows a foreign citizen to study in Canada at an accredited institute for the duration of the specified course or program.

In some cases, you do not need a permit to study in Canada:

  1. If the duration of the course or program you intend to study is less than 6 months.
  2. If you are a family member or an employee of a foreign representative in Canada.
  3. If you are a member of a foreign armed force.

In some cases, you do not need a permit to study in Canada:

  • You must have been accepted by a school, college, university or other educational institution in Canada.
  • You must prove that you have enough funds to pay for:
    • Return transportation for you and any family members who accompany you to Canada.
    • Tuition fees.
    • Living expenses for you and any family member who may accompany you to Canada.
  • You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a threat to Canada’s security. You may have to provide a police certificate.
  • You must be in good health and ready to complete the medical examination, if necessary.
  • You must convince the immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) may also be required if the student is a citizen of a country from which temporary resident visas are required to enter Canada. A temporary residence visa is not required for citizens of visa-exempt countries.

Working in Canada as a student

It is possible to work in Canada while you are here as a student under any Immigration, Refugee and Canadian Citizenship (IRCC) Work Programs for Students.

 

A student may be able to work in Canada while studying within the following categories:

  • On campus without a work permit
  • Off-campus with a work permit
  • In cooperation and training programs, where work experience is part of the curriculum, with a work permit.

In addition, spouses or common-law partners of foreign students are eligible to obtain a work permit for the duration of the study permit.

Upon graduation, the foreign student may apply for a work permit under the postgraduate work permit program. Under this program, a work permit may be issued for the duration of the study program, up to a maximum of 3 years.

Live and work in Canada

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