As an international student, in most cases you must apply for a study permit before you come to Canada.  However, there are a few programs of study that do not require a study permit.  A study permit is not needed for:

• Any program of study that is six months or less that can be completed within the period authorized upon entry into Canada;
• Courses that are not academic, professional, or vocational in nature that can be completed within the period authorized upon entry into Canada;
• Courses included in tour packages as a secondary activity for tourists; and
• Nursery schools or kindergartens

If your program of study is six months or less but you intend to continue your studies in another program you should apply for a study permit before coming to Canada.  This will allow you to apply to extend your stay as a student from within Canada.  Otherwise, if you do not hold a study permit you will have to apply for one outside Canada.  With a study permit, you are also allowed to work on campus of the college or university that you are a full-time student.

If you are interested in attending an educational institution in Quebec, you will also require a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (Quebec Certificate of Acceptance, or CAQ) prior to requesting your study permit at the Canadian visa office.

In order to apply for a study permit, you must first be accepted by an educational institution in Canada.  You must also show the immigration officials that you have sufficient funds during your stay in Canada to pay for all your living expenses and tuition fees.  You must be law abiding and have no record of criminal activity.  You will need to have a medical examination.

Student Employment

Full-time students, who have a valid study permit and who are registered in a degree granting or diploma granting course are allowed to work on campus of the institution they are registered in, without a need for a work permit. 

If you are interested to study in Canada, we can assist you to get acceptance into a college in Canada and provide you with an acceptance letter and further assist you to apply for a study permit and visa from CIC.  Once in Canada, we can assist you to apply to extend or change you status if you decide to continue your studies or work after your studies in Canada.  

Please complete our free assessment specifying that you are interested to study in Canada.