• Posted 03-May-2021

Study Permit - Fall 2021 semester

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires the candidates to submit their complete study permit application for the fall 2021 semester before and on 15th May 2021. The final decision will be sent to the applicants by 6th August 2021, in time to attend the fall semester.  

Things to know:

•    Application Fees for Study Permit: $150
•    Processing Time: It generally varies from country to country (you are advised to check the application processing times). The applicant may be required to give biometrics with their application. This processing time does not include the time you need to give biometrics.

What exactly is a Study Permit?
The study permit is a document issued by IRCC that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLI) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. 
It is essential that the students aspiring to obtain a study visa have all the documents needed before they apply and the application has to be made before they travel to Canada. 

Word of caution: A study permit is not a visa. It does not facilitate your entry to Canada. The candidate may need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). It can be issued by IRCC along with your study permit (if approved).

Applicants from China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal or Vietnam might get their study permit faster by applying through Student Direct Stream.

Validity of Study Permit:
You can stay in Canada for the length of your study program, plus an additional 90 days. You can prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay during this extra period.

1. If you’re taking prerequisite courses
If your school asks you to take courses before they accept you into the main program (you have conditional acceptance), your study permit will be valid for the length of those courses, plus 1 year. When you get accepted into the main program, you must then apply to extend your stay as a student.

2. If your study permit expires before you complete your course, then what?
If you don’t finish your courses before the date on your permit, you must apply to extend your stay as a student. If you don’t, unfortunately, you’ll have to leave your course midway and leave Canada.
3. If you finish your studies before your study permit expires, then what?
If you finish your studies before your study permit expires, your permit will be valid for 90 days from the day of completion of your studies.

4. What is the proof for completion of studies?
Your school will notify you by giving you a completion letter, transcript, degree or diploma and the date printed will be considered the date of completion. This document has to be shared as a proof of completion.

Can you go back home while studying?
Yes, you can go back home while you are studying, you may need to show proof you’re enrolled in your school upon return. If you have a visitor visa or an eTA, it must still be valid when you return to Canada.