A designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.

To apply for a study permit, you need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution. Not all designated learning institutions make you eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

The tuition fees is variable and depends on the chosen course and Institute. Other than the tuition fee, you are required to show funds to sustain in Canada. 

For Single student

All provinces except Quebec : Tuition for the first year plus $10,000 for a 12-month period

Quebec: Tuition for the first year plus $11,825 for a 12-month period

+ one family member

All provinces except Quebec : $4,000 for a 12-month period

Quebec: $5,100 more for a person 18 years of age or older for a 12-month period, $3,800 more for a person under 18 years of age for a 12-month period

+ each additional family member

All provinces except Quebec : $3,000 for a 12-month period per dependent child of any age

Quebec : $5,125 more for a person 18 years of age or older for a 12-month period, $1,903 more for a person under 18 years of age for a 12-month period

The following documents can be used as proof of funds:

• proof of a Canadian bank account in your name if money has been transferred to Canada;
• proof of a student/education loan from a financial institution;
• your bank statements for the past four months;
• a bank draft in convertible currency;
• proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees;
• a letter from the person or institution providing you with money (including proof of employment, bank statements, income tax returns, etc, for the person providing you with money); and
• proof of funding paid from within Canada if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program

Quite a few educational institutes offer scholarships for international students. Please check the scholarship options with the college/ university / institute you wish to attend.

Step 1: Choose an educational institution and a program of study

Step 2: Obtain letter of admission from a Québec educational institution

Step 3: Apply for a Certificat d’acceptation de Quebec (CAQ)

Step 4: Apply for a study permit

This applies whether you are pursuing primary, secondary, college-level or university studies, adult education or any other type of training program.

It depends on the length of the course you wish to pursue. You don’t need a study permit for a course of study that is 6 months or less and will be completed during those 6 months. However, if your course is longer than 6 months, you need to apply for study permit.

Each case is reviewed by a visa officer who will assess your application based on a number of factors, like

• The likelihood of the applicant leaving Canada after their temporary status ends
• The means by which the student will support themselves while studying
• The student’s obligations and ties to their home country
• The length of time the student plans to spend in Canada

Common refusal reasons are :

• The visa officer does not believe the applicant will leave Canada after their status ends
• The visa officer  feels that the applicant’s acceptance to a Canadian designated learning  institution is not genuine
• The visa officer does not believe the applicant has the means to support themselves while studying in Canada

You can either re-apply with a fresh application or can appeal the decision.

Yes, you are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during a regular academic session and full time during scheduled breaks. Students can start working immediately after starting their studies.

Yes, you can stay in Canada till the expiry date mentioned in your student permit

Generally, you need to give biometrics if you apply for: a visitor visa, a work or study permit (excluding U.S. nationals), permanent residence, refugee or asylum status, an extension of your stay in Canada, or, a work or study permit extension.

However, if you gave biometrics in the last 10 years for a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit and they’re still valid, you don’t have to give them again if you’re applying to visit, work, or study.

You may need a criminal record check if you are coming to Canada as a student. If required, you will have to obtain a police certificate from each country or territory where you have lived for six or more months consecutively since the age of 18.

You would need to check the conditions listed on your study permit to verify whether the study permit restricts you to studying at a particular school or program. Most post-secondary students may change their school, program, and/or field of study without needing to apply for a new study permit. 

Primary students who are entering high school, as well as high school students who will move on to post-secondary education, must apply to modify their study permit.

If you plan to study full-time, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit.  In your study permit application, you should indicate that your spouse will  accompanying you to Canada. You could mention in your application cover letter that you want an open work permit for your spouse.
If your spouse wishes to study here, she should apply for his or her own study permit.

You may submit an application for a study permit for your accompanying minor children when you apply for your own study permit. A letter of acceptance from a Canadian school will not be required.

If you are already in Canada on a study or work permit, your accompanying minor child may study without a study permit.

Unaccompanied minors wishing to obtain a study permit must appoint a custodian who will care for and support them while in Canada. A custodian can be a family member, trusted friend or member of the school at which the minor is attending. A notarized declaration will be required, that has been signed by the minor’s parents in the country of origin and the custodian in Canada.