To study in Canada, in most cases you may need to obtain a Study Permit. As for any foreign national planning to enter Canada, you will also need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or visitor visa (TRV) depending on the country that issued your passport.

To be eligible for a study permit, you must:

• Be accepted by a recognized Canadian educational institution called a Designated Learning Institution (DLI);
• Prove that you have sufficient funds to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses and transportation costs, for you and your family members accompanying you;
• Be in good health, not have a criminal record or other reason for being inadmissible.

In order to study in the province of Québec, you may also also need to obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

Designated Learning Institutions list

If you want to apply for a Canadian student permit, you will generally require a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) of your choice.

Each province or territory in Canada is responsible for determining which institutions are eligible to receive international students.

Following a course or program lasting six months or less

In this case, you will not require a study permit. However, it is recommended to request one before coming to Canada. Otherwise, if you do not finish the program within six months or decide to do other studies afterwards, you will be obliged to request a study permit at a Canadian visa office situated outside of Canada.

Working during and/or after your studies

During your studies:

• Employment on campus: If you are a student pursuing full-time post-secondary studies, you can work without a work permit on the campus of your school studies, only during the period of validity of your study permit and provided you are attending classes full-time.
• Off campus:
  • You can work off campus without a work permit 24 hours per week if you meet all of the following requirements:

 

• you are a full-time student at a DLI (Designated Learning Institution);
• you are enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program or secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only);
• your study program is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate;
  • your study permit says you can work off campus.
  • you have started studying
  • you have a social insurance number (SIN)

After your studies:

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

If you have a valid study permit, completed a full time program of study in Canada that lasted at least 8 months, maintained full-time student status in Canada throughout your program(s) of study, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit. Within the 180 days preceding your application, you must have been authorized to study in Canada.

The work permit can be valid for a duration equivalent to the length of your studies or more, for a minimum of 8 months up to a maximum of three years. Not all programs of study offered by a private institution may be eligible for a post graduate work permit.

Permanent immigration options after your studies

Quebec Experience Program

If you are presently in the province of Quebec as a student, have completed an eligible program of study and can demonstrate that you have an intermediate oral knowledge of French, you may be admissible for this fast-track program towards permanent residence. However, the Quebec government is not currently accepting new applications in this stream until up to June 30 2025.

Provincial Nominees
Most Canadian provinces and territories have their own programs for foreigners who have graduated in a given Canadian province. Their characteristics and criteria differ from one province or territory to the next.
Following are some examples:

• The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Masters Graduate Stream and PhD Graduate Stream
• The Express Entry BC International Graduate Stream
• The Manitoba International Education Stream (IES)
• The Nova Scotia International Graduates in Demand or International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

To know more about the requirements and steps for obtaining a study permit, Post-Graduation Work Permit, or Permanent Residence status following your studies in Canada, please CONTACT US  to schedule a legal consultation.