Study Permit

What is the eligibility criteria for a Study Permit?

To be eligible for a Study Permit in Canada, which allows you to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, you need to meet certain criteria. Here are the general eligibility requirements:

Acceptance at a designated learning institution (DLI): You must have an acceptance letter from a DLI in Canada. DLIs are approved by provincial or territorial governments to host international students. It is important to verify that your chosen institution is on the list of DLIs.

Proof of financial support: You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation costs without engaging in unauthorized work in Canada. This can be in the form of bank statements, proof of a scholarship or sponsorship, or a letter of financial support.

Genuine intention to leave Canada: You must demonstrate that you have a genuine intention to leave Canada at the end of your authorized study period. This includes providing evidence of strong ties to your home country, such as family, employment prospects, or property.

Language proficiency: Depending on the program and institution, you may need to provide proof of English or French language proficiency. Accepted language tests include the IELTS, TOEFL, or other approved language assessments.

Clear criminal and medical records: You may need to undergo a medical examination to demonstrate that you are in good health. Additionally, you must provide a police certificate or clearance from your home country or any country you have lived in for more than six months in the past year.

Application fee: You are required to pay the application fee for a Study Permit. The fee is subject to change, so it’s important to check the current fee at the time of application.

SDS Stream

The SDS (Student Direct Stream) is a program for faster processing of study permit applications for international students who wish to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. The SDS stream is available for applicants who are citizens of certain countries, including 

Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam and who meet specific eligibility requirements.

Here are some key details about the SDS stream:

Eligibility: To be eligible for the SDS stream, applicants must be citizens of certain countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam and must provide proof of acceptance to a designated learning institution in Canada. They must also provide evidence of payment of the tuition fees for the first year of study, and must purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000 CAD to cover living expenses.

Language requirements: Applicants must provide evidence of proficiency in English or French, depending on the language of instruction of the program they will be studying. They can do this by taking an approved language test, such as the IELTS or CELPIP for English or the TEF for French.

Financial requirements: In addition to the GIC, applicants must provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover their living expenses in Canada for the duration of their study program.

Application process: The application process for the SDS stream is similar to that of a regular study permit application, but requires additional documentation and information. Applicants must provide biometric information and a police certificate, and must submit their application online.

Processing times: The SDS stream offers faster processing times than regular study permit applications, with most applications being processed within 20 calendar days.

Overall, the SDS stream is a program for faster processing of study permit applications for international students who meet specific eligibility requirements. It’s important to carefully review the eligibility requirements and application process to ensure that you meet all of the necessary criteria.

Who doesn’t need a Study Permit? 

It’s worth noting that the eligibility requirements for a Study Permit may vary based on factors such as the country of origin, the intended duration of study, the level of study, and specific provincial or territorial regulations.

There are certain individuals who do not need a Study Permit to study in Canada. These include:

Short-term courses or programs: If the duration of your course or program in Canada is less than six months, you generally do not need a Study Permit. However, it’s important to note that if you think you may want to extend your studies beyond six months, it’s advisable to obtain a Study Permit from the beginning to avoid complications later.

Minor children in Canada: Minor children in Canada who are studying at the primary or secondary level (kindergarten to grade 12) are exempt from requiring a Study Permit.

Family or staff of foreign representatives: If you are a family member or staff member of a foreign representative in Canada, as defined under the Foreign Missions and International Organizations Act, you may be exempt from needing a Study Permit. However, you may still need to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) depending on your country of citizenship.

Members of foreign armed forces: If you are a member of a foreign armed force under the Visiting Forces Act, you do not require a Study Permit to study in Canada.

Registered Indians in Canada: Registered Indians (also known as First Nations, status Indians, or treaty Indians) in Canada have the right to study in Canada without a Study Permit.

It’s important to note that although these individuals may not require a Study Permit, they may still need to meet other requirements, such as obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on their country of citizenship.

What does “Intention to Leave Canada” mean? 

“Intention to Leave Canada” refers to the requirement imposed by Canadian immigration authorities that individuals entering Canada, whether as visitors or temporary residents, must have a genuine intention to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay. It is an important consideration in the assessment of visa and permit applications.

When assessing an application, immigration officers consider factors that indicate an applicant’s intention to leave Canada, such as:

Ties to their home country: Applicants are expected to have strong ties to their home country, such as family, employment, assets, or other commitments, which would serve as incentives for them to return home after their stay in Canada.

Purpose of visit: The purpose of the visit should align with the type of visa or permit being sought. For example, if someone is applying for a visitor visa, they should demonstrate that their visit is temporary and for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending a conference.

Financial stability: Applicants need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in Canada and that they have the means to return home.

Travel history and compliance: Previous travel history, including compliance with immigration laws, such as adhering to visa conditions and departing on time from previous visits to Canada or other countries, can also be considered.

Economic and Political Conditions: Economic and Political conditions of the applicant’s country of residence, which is another important factor by officer.

It’s important to note that proving an intention to leave Canada is an individual assessment, and the burden of proof lies with the applicant. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide supporting documentation and information to demonstrate their genuine intention to depart Canada when their authorized stay ends.

This requirement is in place to ensure that individuals do not use temporary stays in Canada as a means to establish permanent residence without going through the appropriate immigration channels. It is intended to maintain the integrity of the immigration system and to ensure that temporary residents respect the terms and conditions of their authorized stay.