Canada study permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions in Canada. It is also a document that allows you to stay in Canada legally (above six months). There are two ways to apply for a study permit:
- Apply before you come to Canada
- Apply within Canada

In order to study in Canada, you need to apply a study permit before you travel to Canada. According to the information from the 2018 study permit application from Embassy of Canada, students could apply for student visa through following options:
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Study Direct Stream (SDS)
It is for the legal resident living in China, India, the Philippine, or Vietnam. You must have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution, and a score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening) on the IELTS or a TEF score that is equal to a Canadian Language Benchmark score of at least 7 in each skill.
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Post-Secondary Program with GIC
Have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI), and purchased a Guaranteed Investment Certificate from a participating financial institution.
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Primary & Secondary Program with GIC
Have an acceptance by an eligible primary or secondary school which is on the list of accredited provincial public and private education institutions, and purchased a Guaranteed Investment Certificate from a participating financial institution.
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Regular Student Program
To qualify, you must have been accepted by an eligible Canadian college or university or secondary school, demonstrate you have the English or French language abilities required by the institution, and provide evidence of sufficient financial support for the duration of your studies.
You can apply for a study permit from inside Canada only if you’re currently in Canada and you are a student who has completed a program of study that is a prerequisite to your enrolment at a designated learning institution with visitor status in Canada.
Why choose Canada?
- Canada is a top destination for students from all over the world. The internationally recognized education and multicultural environment makes Canada one of the best places to pursue your higher studies.
- There are many benefits to study in Canada. One of the benefits is student is able to get a post-graduate work permit which helps graduates to qualify for permanent residence in Canada. Moreover, certain provinces have immigrations streams that identify certain graduates for permanent residence.
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International student with study permit is able to apply for permanent residence through following programs:
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Express Entry Stream:
Post-graduate students are able to earn points for their study experience in Canada. When meet all the requirements of express entry program, students are able to apply for permanent resident.
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Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
If the post-graduate student is not eligible for the express entry program, student can apply to the province or territory for nomination under a non-express entry stream. Each province has different requirements. For example, in Manitoba, you must have a language test result that shows a score of 6 or higher on the general IELTS, a full-time job offers from an eligible Manitoba employer, with a minimum 1-year contract on Manitoba’s published in-demand occupations list that is consistent with your completed training.
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Family Sponsorship:
Your spouse or common-law partner is eligible for an open work permit if you have a valid study permit and are a full-time student. Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to apply for permeant residence if he/she fulfill all the requirement for the permeant resident application.
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Express Entry Stream: