FAQ

Do I need a permit to study in Canada? In general, yes, foreign nationals need a permit to study in Canada. There are some exceptions. Find out more about who needs a study permit. In most cases, you must apply for a study permit before coming to Canada. You must have a letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution in Canada that has accepted you before you begin the application process. You can apply for the study permit at the Canadian visa office for your country, at a Visa Application Centre, or online. I am a foreign student in Canada. Can I work while studying? Yes. You have the right to work in Canada while studying and after you graduate. As a study permit holder, you may qualify to work on-campus or off-campus without a work permit if you meet certain criteria. If your academic, vocational or technical training program includes a mandatory co-op or internship component, you will need to apply for a work permit. You may also apply for a post-graduation work permit to continue working in Canada after you graduate from an eligible institution. For more details, see the section on work permits for students. I am a foreign student. Can I  go back to my country or travel outside Canada during my studies? If you are leaving Canada and want to return, you need to have the following documents:

• a passport or valid travel document;
• a valid study permit if you are returning to study in Canada;
• a valid visitor visa, if you are a citizen of a visa-required country. You must re-apply for a temporary resident visa (visitor visa) if:
  • your visa has expired; or
  • your visa was only valid for a single entry to Canada.
• An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) valid as of March 15, 2016 if you are from an eTA-required country, received your student permit before August 1, 2015, and plan to travel from and return to Canada by air. Note: Students who get their study or work permit on or after August 1, 2015 will automatically be issued an eTA along with their permit.

If you are outside Canada, send your visitor visa application to a Canadian visa office. If you are in Canada and hold a valid study permit or work permit, you may apply for a new visa at the Case Processing Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. When should I apply for my study permit? Apply as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance. The time needed to process an application can vary among different visa offices. Check the application processing times for details. How do I apply for a study permit? In most cases, you must apply for a study permit before coming to Canada. Ensure that you have a letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution in Canada that has accepted you before you begin the application process. You can apply for the study permit at the Canadian visa office for your country, at a Visa Application Centre, or online. Find out more about how to apply. I want to change my school or program of study. How can I change my study permit? Elementary-school student

• You must apply to modify your study permit when you move on to secondary school. Send your application to the CIC Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, Alberta.

Secondary-school student

• You must apply to modify your study permit when you move on to post-secondary school. Send your application to the CIC Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, Alberta.

Post-secondary student 

• You may change your school, program, or level of study (e.g., from the bachelor’s level to the master’s level) without applying for a new study permit or a change to the conditions of your current permit. You may continue to use your study permit as long as it is valid.