1. Understand the Process | I am an international student | Seneca Students

Who needs a study Permit?

• A study permit is required for foreign nationals who intend to pursue programs longer than 6 months in duration in Canada. 
• A foreign national is an individual who is neither a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident.
• Refugees and Protected Persons in Canada (who do not have permanent residence) are required to obtain a study permit for programs longer than 6 months in duration.
• A study permit allows you to remain in Canada for study purposes.  A visa (or eTA) allows you to enter Canada.  If you are applying for a study permit outside Canada for the first time, you do not need to apply separately for a visa (or eTA).  It will be automatically issued when your study permit is approved.
• If you intend to pursue a short-term course of 6 months or less in duration, you may be able to do so as a visitor.  You must have a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA), and you must complete the short-term program within your period of authorized stay as a visitor (usually 6 months).
• Certain work permit holders may be exempt from the study permit requirement under a temporary policy.  If you hold a valid work permit which was issued on or before June 7, 2023, you may be able to study without a study permit until the expiry of your work permit, or the expiry of the temporary policy, whichever comes first.  Ensure to review the policy for complete eligibility information and potential future impacts on PGWP and PR.

What is required for a study permit application?

International students applying for a study permit in Canada must:

• have a valid letter of acceptance
• have a Provincial Attestation Letter
• show proof that you have enough money to support yourself while studying in Canada.
• pass a medical exam, if required
• pass a criminal background check, if required
• convince the visa officer that your main purpose in Canada is to study or
• convince the visa officer that you’ll leave Canada at the end of your study period.

Co-op Work Permit:

• If your program has a mandatory work requirement (co-op) you must apply for a co-op work permit. 
• You should apply for a co-op work permit at the same time as your initial study permit application, you do not require a co-op letter to do so.  You may use your LOA as evidence of work requirement.
• There is no fee for a co-op work permit.

Study Permit Application processing:

• You must apply online.
• You are only eligible to apply on paper if you have a disability that prevents you from applying online or hold an identity or travel document for non-national residents, refugees or stateless persons.
• Study permit applications may be processed outside Canada, inside Canada, or at a Port of entry. Visit the link below and answer the eligibility questions to learn about the application process that will apply to you.
  • https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/apply.html

• Most study permit applications must be submitted from outside of Canada.  It is important to plan ahead as the process can take several months.  Review the requirements carefully and ensure that you submit a complete application.

Study Permit Application Streams:

Most study permit applications are submitted under the regular (non-SDS) stream.  Some applicants may apply via the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and receive expedited 20 day processing.  To apply via SDS you must:

• be a legal resident living in 1 of the following countries:
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Brazil
• China
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• India
• Morocco
• Pakistan
• Peru
• Philippines
• Senegal
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vietnam
• have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution
• have a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), unless exempt
• live outside of Canada when you apply.
• have proof you have paid your tuition for your first year of study
• have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) in the amount required for your intended province or territory of study
• get a medical exam before you apply (if you need one)
• get a police certificate before you apply (if you need one)
• have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s)
• have the minimum score required for one of the qualifying language tests

If you are from an SDS country, you may choose to apply via the SDS or non-SDS stream.

Study permit fees:

Study permit fees are paid by credit card upon submission of your study permit application.

• Applicants may incur additional costs for:

• • medical exam
  • police clearance certificate
  • education credentials assessment
  • translation of documents
  • language test

Study permit processing time:

• Processing times are published on the IRCC website and are regularly updated.  The time indicated is a guide only.  Applicants should plan ahead to ensure there is sufficient time for application and processing before the start of term.

Next step – Before you apply >>