Everything You Need to Know About Applying for a Student Visa to Canada

If you want to student to Canada, there are certain requirements you must meet first. For example, your country of residence must have an educational exchange agreement with Canada. You must meet the financial requirements necessary to pay for the schooling and living expenses while studying in Canada. Find out everything you need to know about applying for a student visa to Canada by reading this article now!

What is the Standard Study Permit?

A Standard Student visa to Canada Permit is the most common type of study permit issued in Canada.  It’s the one you’ll need if you’re attending a school that’s not in Quebec. It allows you to study at any publicly funded school in Canada. A Standard Study Permit is valid for up to five years or until the end of your studies. Whichever comes first? If your studies are less than eight months long. You’ll be issued a temporary resident visa (TRV) rather than a student permit.

What is an Off-Campus Work Permit?

If you’re planning on working off-campus, an Off-Campus Work Permit is required. The Student visa to Canada Application Centre will not process your application without it.

There are three types of work permits: Co-op/Internship, On-Campus and Off-Campus.

What is an Open Work Permit?

Canada’s Open Work Permit is a work permit issued by the Canadian Government for international students. Who have completed their program of Student visa to Canada? This type of work permit is applicable if you are allowed to work on or off campus. The Open Work Permit is not limited by your degree program. So it can be obtained even if you’re only enrolled in high school courses and don’t plan pursuing post-secondary education. However, this type of work permit can only be applied for after your education is complete. You must have studied full time in Canada and graduated before being eligible.

I Have an Offer of Employment. Am I Eligible for a Work Permit?

If you have an offer of employment, you are eligible for a work permit. If you’re not sure if you have an offer of employment or not, go ahead and apply. Even if your application is denied. The time spent reviewing it will give you peace of mind that your application was thorough. I Have Been Offered Full-Time Employment in Canada, but Do Not Yet Have Acceptance Into a Program.

 Am I Eligible for a Work Permit?

This is where it gets tricky. If you have been offered full-time employment in Canada. But do not yet have acceptance into a program, then you are eligible for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. This is a visa that allows Canadians and foreign nationals. Who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents to come live and work in Canada for up to two years? IEC participants can participate in any type of work or internship that does not involve paid employment. So as long as you don’t take your employer’s job away from them, you’re good!

How Will My Employer Know if I am Eligible to Obtain a Work Permit?

If you are eligible, your employer will be able to make an application on your behalf. You will need to apply through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

Your application and it is still processing, or if you have applied but found out that you are not eligible for a work permit. It is best not to do anything until there is some sort of update about the status of your application. In these cases, it is best not to contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada as they may interpret this as being impatient.

Can my dependents (spouse/common-law partner and/or children) accompany me to Canada as dependents on my study permit or work permit?

Dependents (spouse/common-law partner and children) can accompany you in Canada. But they must apply for their own study or work permit. To apply, they will need the following:

-A letter of acceptance from a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution

-A valid passport

-Proof of funds sufficient to support them for the duration of their stay in Canada

-Evidence that they have obtained medical insurance that meets Canadian standards

Are there restrictions on the type of program I may attend?

You may only apply for a Canada study visa. If you are enrolled in an eligible program of study at an approved Canadian institution. Eligible programs include those that last one year or more and lead to degree-level diplomas, certificates, or degrees.

Is it possible to extend my status as a student or worker in Canada after my current period of stay has expired?

No, extensions are not possible under the Canada Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. In order to legally stay in Canada past your authorized period of stay. You would need to apply for a study permit or work permit respectively. The application process can take up to two weeks so be sure that you are ready before applying.

If you have any other questions about applying for a student visa or work student visa to Canada. Please visit the Government of Canada’s website or contact us at our office. We are always happy to help!