Canada’s study permit: What to know before applying in 2022

Are you planning to head over to the Great White North for university? You’ll likely need a Canada study permit as part of your preparation. Here’s the latest on what you’ll need to know before planning your study abroad adventure in 2022.

Canada study permit: What is it?

The Canada study permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals will need this document to study in the country. 

Your study permit is not a visa that grants you automatic entry into Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

Once approved, the processing time of a study permit varies from country to country, so be sure to check application processing times for an estimate. Do note that you may need to give biometrics with your application. This processing time doesn’t include the time you need to give biometrics.

The fee for the study permit is 150 Canadian dollars.

Who can apply?

You can study in Canada if you:

• Are enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
  • If you’re coming from outside Canada to study as an international student, your DLI must be on the list of DLIs with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan.
• Prove you have enough money to pay for
  • Your tuition fees
  • Living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada 
  • Return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
• Obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
• Are in good health and get a medical exam (if required) 
• Prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires

For short-term studies, if you qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller, you don’t need a study permit to come to Canada to study for six months or less. However, getting a study permit when you don’t need one has its benefits.

If you don’t qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller, you must get a study permit and attend a DLI with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by its province or territory.

They don’t request or look at your COVID-19 vaccination status when they process your application. A border services officer will make the final decision about whether you qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller upon arrival in Canada. 

Getting the right documents for your Canada study permit

You’ll need these documents to apply for a study permit:

• Proof of acceptance
• Proof of identity
• Proof of financial support

You may also need

• A letter of explanation
• A certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ)
• A custodian declaration (minors only)
• Other documents (expect to be contacted if this is required)

For more details about the Canada study permit, click here.