Canada Study Permit
Canada
Residency
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See if you're a match →Canada's study permit is for international students accepted to a designated Canadian learning institution. It can allow temporary residence while studying and may lead to a Post-Graduation Work Permit if the school and program are eligible.
- Type
- Temporary study residence
- Study fit
- Students accepted to a Canadian DLI
- Core requirements
- Acceptance letter, funds, attestation letter where required, and admissibility
- What to know
- PGWP eligibility depends on the school and program
- Duration
- Temporary; usually tied to the program length.
- Renewal / path
- May support PGWP and later PR if the program is eligible.
Summary
A Canadian study permit allows most foreign nationals to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
It is temporary status, not permanent residence, but a carefully chosen program can support later Canadian work or permanent-residence options, especially if the program is PGWP-eligible.
Eligibility
Applicants generally need:
- Acceptance at a DLI.
- Proof of funds for tuition, living expenses, and return travel.
- A clean record and police certificate if required.
- Good health and a medical exam if required.
- Evidence they will leave Canada when the study permit expires.
- Any required provincial attestation or program-specific documents under current rules.
Students also need to keep meeting study-permit conditions while in Canada.
Duration, Renewal, and Long-Term Path
Duration depends on the program and permit conditions. A study permit can sometimes be extended.
Graduates may be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit if the school and program qualify. PGWP eligibility should be checked before enrolling.
What This Route Allows
This route allows study at the approved Canadian school and program. It may also allow limited work under current student-work rules.
What This Route Is Not
This is not permanent residence and not every Canadian program leads to a PGWP. A low-quality or non-eligible program can be expensive without helping long-term immigration goals.
Next Steps
- Choose the school and program carefully.
- Confirm the school is a DLI.
- Confirm PGWP eligibility if long-term residence is part of the plan.
- Gather acceptance, funds, identity, and supporting documents.
- File the study-permit application before travelling.
- Keep records of study and compliance in Canada.