A Canadian study permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows international students to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. It is not a visa but a status document that authorizes your stay for educational purposes. In most cases, students also receive either a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada alongside their study permit.
A study permit also grants eligible students the ability to work part-time during their studies and full-time during scheduled breaks, making Canada an attractive destination for international education and career development.
Official information about study permits can be found on the IRCC study permit page at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit.html
Who Needs a Canadian Study Permit
You need a study permit if your course or program lasts longer than six months. This includes most undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and professional programs offered by Canadian institutions.
You may not need a study permit if:
- Your program is six months or less
- You are a family or staff member of a foreign representative
- You are a member of foreign armed forces on official duty
Eligibility Requirements for a Canadian Study Permit
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they meet key requirements set by IRCC, including:
- Acceptance into a Designated Learning Institution
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Return transportation
- Clean criminal record
- A medical examination (if required)
- Proof of intent to leave Canada after completing studies
- Valid travel document or passport
Applicants must also convince immigration officers that their primary purpose in Canada is education, not permanent settlement through misuse of a student visa.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit
Step 1: Obtain Letter of Acceptance
You must secure admission from a Designated Learning Institution before applying. The acceptance letter confirms your enrollment and is mandatory for the study permit application.
You can confirm if your school is recognized by checking the official DLI list at
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/designated-learning-institutions-list.html
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare a complete documentation package, which typically includes:
- Letter of Acceptance from the institution
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds such as:
- Bank statements
- Sponsorship letters
- Scholarship confirmation
- Passport-sized photographs
- Statement of Purpose or Study Plan
- Medical exam confirmation if applicable
- Police clearance certificate (if requested)
Step 3: Submit Online Application
Most students apply online through the IRCC portal, where you create an account and upload your documents. The official application portal is accessible via
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html
Step 4: Pay Application Fees
Fees include:
- Study permit application fee
- Biometrics fee
Updated fee details are available at
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/fees.html
Step 5: Biometric Appointment
You may be required to provide fingerprints and a photograph at an authorized visa application center.
Step 6: Receive Decision and Port of Entry Letter
If approved, you will receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction, which you must present to the border services officer when entering Canada.
Working While Studying in Canada
One of the major benefits of a Canadian study permit is the ability to work legally while enrolled in a program.
On-Campus Work
Eligible students may work on-campus without a separate work permit if:
- They are enrolled full-time
- They have a valid study permit
- They have a Social Insurance Number
Off-Campus Work
Students can work off-campus up to:
- 20 hours per week during academic sessions
- Full-time during scheduled breaks such as summer or winter holidays
To qualify for off-campus work, you must:
- Be a full-time student at a DLI
- Be enrolled in a program at least six months long
- Be pursuing a degree, diploma, or certificate
More details on working as an international student are available at
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work.html
Co-op and Internship Work Permits
If your program includes mandatory work experience, you may be required to apply for a co-op work permit. This allows you to participate in internships or placements that form part of your curriculum.
You may qualify if:
- Work is essential to your program
- Your school confirms the requirement in writing
Information about co-op work permits can be found at
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/intern.html
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
After completing your studies, you may be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, which allows you to gain Canadian work experience.
Eligibility conditions include:
- Graduation from a recognized DLI
- Completion of a program lasting at least 8 months
- Full-time enrollment throughout the study period
PGWP duration depends on the length of your program and can extend up to three years. Further details are available at
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation.html
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Weak or unclear study plans
- Insufficient financial proof
- Applying to non-designated institutions
- Inconsistent information across documents
- Missing biometrics deadlines
Avoiding these errors significantly increases approval chances.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start your application early
- Write a clear and logical study plan
- Provide verifiable financial documentation
- Choose a program aligned with your academic background
- Demonstrate strong ties to your home country
- Double-check all forms for accuracy
Documents Required at Canadian Border
When arriving in Canada, you must present:
- Passport
- Port of Entry Letter
- Letter of Acceptance
- Proof of funds
- Supporting documents used in your application
Failure to provide these may result in refusal of entry.
Benefits of Studying and Working in Canada
- Access to globally recognized education
- Opportunity to gain Canadian work experience
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Multicultural environment
- Strong employment prospects
- Improved career opportunities
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Canadian study permit and working while studying is a strategic pathway to both educational advancement and professional development. By understanding eligibility rules, preparing accurate documentation, and complying with IRCC regulations, international students can enjoy a smooth journey into Canadian academic life.
Staying updated through official IRCC platforms such as
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada
ensures a reliable and compliant application process while opening doors to a brighter global future.
Anjola Adebanjo