Study Permit

A Canadian study permit is the document that allows you to study at a school in Canada. Once you have been accepted to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can apply for a Canadian study permit.

There are certain terms and conditions attached to a Canadian study permit. You must respect these conditions in order to retain all the benefits of your study experience.

• You must be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
• You must be enrolled as a part-time student, or a full-time student if studying in Quebec
• You must not take any authorized leaves longer than 150 days from your program of study

Processing times for study permits vary greatly. The amount of time it takes depends on your country of residence. The shortest processing time is 1-2 weeks, but some applicants can expect to wait as long as 16 weeks. Processing times depend on the volume of applications received. If you’re applying close to the beginning of Canada’s academic year you may experience delays.

What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?

A designated learning institution (DLI) is any school that is allowed to admit international students. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs and can admit students from foreign countries.Not all post-secondary schools are DLIs, so you must check the Canadian government’s list of DLIs before applying.

Can I Work While Studying in Canada?

Yes! Another perk to studying in Canada is that international students have the right to work. This helps offset the cost of tuition and living expenses. International students in Canada can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during school terms. During scheduled breaks like summer vacation, international students may work full-time. Most students don’t need a work permit to work while they study, whether their job is on campus or off campus. Your study permit will state whether you’re allowed to work off campus.

If your program of study includes work experience, you may be able to work more than 20 hours during the semester. This will be indicated in your letter of acceptance. If the government approves this condition, you will be granted both a work permit and a study permit. This work permit will allow you to work on campus only.

Student Direct Stream (SDS) Canada

Canada is making it even easier for international students from certain Asian and African partner countries to become international students in Canada! Canada’s Student Direct Stream, sometimes called SDS Canada, helps fast-track the processing of study permits for certain international students. Most SDS applications are processed within 20 days.

International students applying through SDS Canada are required to show proof of full payment of the tuition for the first year of their studies.

This might look like:

• a receipt from the DLI
• a receipt from a bank showing that tuition fees have been paid to the DLI
• an official letter from the DLI confirming payment of tuition fees

Can I get Canadian permanent residence through SDS Canada?

Canada makes it easy for international students to become permanent residents if they want to remain in the country. The Post-Graduate Work Permit allows international students to stay in Canada and work for up to three years after graduating. After working in Canada for one year, international graduates may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.