The study permit is a document issued to allow foreign nationals study at designated learning institutions (DLI) in Canada.
While studying in Canada under a study permit you must:
• always be enrolled at a DLI
• make progress towards completing your program
• respect any conditions listed on your study permit
• stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements and
• leave Canada when your permit expires
Depending on your case, there may be conditions on your study permit such as:
• the level of studies you can attend
• if you are allowed to work in Canada
• if you can’t travel within Canada
• the date you must stop studying
A study permit is usually valid for the length of your study program, plus an extra 90 days. This extra time lets you prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay.
• If you can’t finish your courses before the date on your permit, you must apply to extend your stay as a student.
• If you finish your studies early, your permit will stop being valid 90 days after you complete your studies (no matter what day is printed on the study permit).You have completed your studies either
• on the date you get the first notification from your school (such as an email, letter, transcript, etc.) or
• When you get your degree, diploma or certificate.
You must prove provide proof of the date you got one of these.
• You can study at any school in Canada without a study permit if your course or program is for six months or less.
• Your studies aren’t part of a longer program.
• You may not need a study permit if you are a family member or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC). Your embassy can contact GAC to find out if you need one.
• Minor children don’t need a study permit.
• You don’t need a study permit if you are a citizen of another country who has Registered Indian status in Canada.
• If you come from a visa-exempt country (e.g. the United States) you will not require a separate Student Visa to enter Canada. You will only need a Study Permit which can be obtained at the nearest Visa Office or at the Port of Entry.
• If you come from a country which requires an entry visa (e.g. India) you will have to secure both a Canada Student Visa and a Study Permit.
When your course ends it does not necessarily mean that your journey within Canada has ended. Under normal circumstances, the Canadian Government issues work permits after completion of your graduate or post graduate degree from a participating institution for up to 3 years. This helps outgoing students work towards earning valuable Canadian experience, paying off their education loans or even exploring the Canadian job market for permanent settlement.
For those wishing to remain in Canada and immigrate permanently, they can apply for immigration under a program known as Canadian Experience Class or Quebec Experience Class.
Sunrise Gems immigration is an immigration consulting company based in Toronto specializing in Canadian immigration and Visa services.