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Study Permit

Your Guide to Obtaining a Study Permit for Canada

Study Permit

At AMH Immigration, led by Mastaneh Shahlaei, we specialize in helping you navigate the process of obtaining a Study Permit for Canada. Whether you’re planning to pursue your studies at one of Canada’s renowned universities or colleges, our expert team is here to ensure your application is successful. With personalized guidance and a deep understanding of the immigration policies, we will take the stress out of the process and help you achieve your academic goals in Canada. 

Why study in Canada? Canada offers a safe, stable, and diverse environment, making it an ideal destination for international students. The quality of education is exceptional, and the inclusive society provides endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Many international students also seek a post-graduate work permit, which allows them to gain valuable work experience and potentially make Canada their permanent home.

Ready to get started? Complete the form for a free consultation, and we’ll guide you through every step of the way in obtaining your study permit.

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Why should I study in Canada?

There are several compelling reasons why studying in Canada is highly advantageous. Firstly, Canada boasts a reputation for being a safe and stable country, a significant factor for prospective students. Secondly, its education system is renowned for its high quality and diversity, making it a desirable destination for academic pursuits. Lastly, Canada’s inclusive and tolerant society plays a crucial role in the decision-making process for many students.

Moreover, studying in Canada offers numerous opportunities for international students to build their future. Statistics show that 72.5% of international students intend to apply for a post-graduate work permit, allowing them to gain valuable work experience. Additionally, 60% of these students aspire to make Canada their permanent home, underscoring the country’s appeal as not just a place for education but also for long-term prospects. With its welcoming atmosphere, exceptional education system, and diverse opportunities, Canada continues to attract foreign students at an unprecedented level.

About Canada’s Universities and Colleges

There are over 1,500 universities, colleges, and other educational institutions that are authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to welcome international students. These educational institutions are called Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and they help international students learn in Canada and stay in the country after graduation. The list of DLIs that are authorized by IRCC is constantly growing. It is very important to verify the university, college, or other institution you wish to enroll in is authorized by IRCC by visiting the Canadian government’s official website.

International Student Program process

There are following four steps to studying in Canada:

1. Choose a study program

Your program choice is one of the most important factors of your study permit application. You must present a strong case for studying in Canada in this particular program. We make program recommendations based on your work experience and educational history. This will give you the best possible chance of submitting a successful application.
Obtain a Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian school

2. Receive a letter of acceptance

After deciding on a program, you need to have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian-designated learning institution (DLI) before you can apply for a study permit.

3.  Receive a provincial attestation letter from the province or territory 

The provincial attestation letter, issued by the provincial government of the intended destination in Canada, confirms that the chosen educational institution is recognized and authorized by provincial authorities. It validates the legitimacy of the academic institution, ensuring compliance with provincial standards. Often required for international students applying for a study permit, this letter demonstrates to Canadian immigration officials that the institution is legitimate and approved within the province.

4. Obtain a study permit

With your acceptance letter in hand, you’ll be ready to apply for your study permit. We will help you to prepare and submit your application to Canadian immigration.

New changes to Canada’s study permit allocations

Canada’s study permit allocations underwent significant changes in 2024, as announced by IRCC. The department revealed plans to cap the number of study permits issued for the year at 360,000. This cap would be distributed among provinces and territories based on their student populations, with a requirement for them to establish a process for issuing provincial attestation letters to students by March 31st, 2024.

However, this cap does not affect master’s or doctoral students, nor those in elementary or secondary levels of schooling, and study permit renewals remain unaffected. IRCC introduced these changes to maintain sustainable levels of international students, protect stakeholders from potential abuses in the international student program, and ensure adequate housing for accepted students in Canada.

Under the new rules, IRCC will allocate a portion of the overall study permit cap to provincial and territorial governments, which will then distribute this allocation among Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in their jurisdiction.As part of the implementation, all study permit applications submitted after January 22nd, 2024, require a provincial attestation letter from a province or territory to support the applicant’s approval to study in Canada.These measures are expected to remain in place for two years, with IRCC planning to reassess the number of study permit allocations in 2025 at the end of 2024.

Study Pathways to Permanent Residence (PR)

International students who complete post-secondary education in Canada have many opportunities to extend their stay and ultimately transition to permanent residence.

Completing post-secondary education in Canada enhances your prospects for Canadian permanent residence. Both federal and provincial immigration programs prioritize candidates with Canadian educational backgrounds and work experience.Upon completing your Canadian education, acquiring a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows you to gain Canadian work experience, potentially for up to three years depending on your academic program.

With a PGWP in hand, you can explore various federal and provincial permanent residence options, such as:

Express Entry:

Express Entry is a key pathway for economic class immigration applications in Canada. Candidates are evaluated through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), favoring attributes often possessed by Canada’s international students, such as youth, Canadian education, work experience, and language proficiency. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, accessible through Express Entry, is particularly favorable to former international students.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

PNP enables provinces and territories to nominate immigration candidates meeting their local economic needs. Many PNP streams prioritize former international students or offer dedicated pathways for them.

Quebec:

Quebec, Canada’s second-largest province and home to Montreal, a popular international student destination, operates its own immigration system. Programs like the Quebec Experience Program aim to facilitate the transition of former international students to permanent residence.

Other Federal Programs:

Apart from Express Entry, the federal government administers additional economic class immigration programs. Some of these provide special pathways or exemptions for international students, such as the Atlantic Immigration Program and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.

Inland Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship

The inland spousal sponsorship stream of the family sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents who reside with their spouse in Canada to apply to sponsor them.Inland spousal sponsorship enables applicants to reside in Canada during the processing of their permanent residence application. Should an applicant’s temporary status document expire during the sponsorship processing period, they must seek an extension or obtain a new document to maintain legal status in Canada throughout the sponsorship process. Typically, spousal sponsorship applications are processed within 12 months. While it’s permissible to travel abroad during the processing of an inland sponsorship application, it’s not advisable. If the sponsored individual encounters difficulties re-entering Canada, their sponsorship application may be considered abandoned, necessitating the submission of a new application. In the event that they’re not legally residing in Canada, an outland spousal sponsorship application must be pursued.

Eligibility for Inland Spousal Sponsorship

To qualify for sponsoring their spouse or common-law partner, Canadian citizens or permanent residents must Reside in Canada or have intentions to reside in Canada when the sponsored partner obtains permanent residency. In addition, the sponsor must be at least 18 years of age at the time of submitting their sponsorship application,have not previously sponsored a spouse to Canada within the past five years, and is not bankrupt, in prison, or charged with a serious offense. The sponsor also must not be subject to a removal order if they hold Canadian permanent residency, and demonstrate that they are not receiving social assistance for reasons unrelated to disability.

The relationship between the sponsor and sponsored person, must be recognized by IRCC to be either:

The relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person must be one of the following:

spouse: you are legally married, and your marriage is valid under the law of the jurisdiction where it was registered and under Canadian law.

common-law: you are cohabiting or have cohabited with your partner in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.

Conjugal partnerships: relationships in which two people cannot live together or marry because of religious or marital status barriers, for example, are not eligible for Inland sponsorship.

Outland Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship

Outland sponsorship allows foreign nationals residing abroad to be sponsored by their Canadian spouse or partner for permanent resident (PR) status in Canada.

At AMH Immigration, we ensure your application is complete, compliant, and backed by expert strategy.

What is a Canadian Study Permit?

A Canadian Study Permit is a document issued by the Canadian government that allows international students to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. It is not the same as a visa, though you may need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

 

To apply for a Canadian Study Permit, you must first choose a program of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and receive an acceptance letter. Afterward, you need to gather the required documents, including proof of funds, medical records, and sometimes a provincial attestation letter. You can then submit your application online or at a Canadian visa office.

 

The processing time for a Canadian Study Permit can vary depending on your home country and the time of year. Generally, it can take several weeks to a few months. It’s best to apply well in advance of your intended start date to ensure you have enough time to receive approval and make travel arrangements.

 

Yes, international students with a valid Study Permit can work part-time during their studies (up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during breaks) without needing a separate work permit. However, your study program must be at least 6 months long, and you must be enrolled at a DLI.

To renew your Study Permit, you must apply for an extension before your current permit expires. You’ll need to provide proof of your ongoing enrollment in a full-time program at a DLI, evidence of sufficient funds to support your studies and living expenses, and possibly a new letter of acceptance if you’re changing programs or institutions.

📝 Ready to Begin Your Academic Journey in Canada?

Your path to obtaining a Study Permit in Canada starts with AMH Immigration. Let us guide you through the process with expert advice, care, and personalized support.

👉 Fill out our online consultation form, and one of our licensed consultants will reach out to provide a tailored assessment of your application.

📞 Want to speak directly? Call us today to schedule your private consultation.

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