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Study permit
Additional Information
The most important piece of paper you need before you arrive in Canada as an international student is a study permit.
How to get a study permit
Before you apply for a study permit, you need:
- A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)
- A valid passport or travel document
A designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions.
If you plan to attend a post-secondary school, such as a college or university, make sure it’s on the list.
If you need to take certain courses before you are accepted into your program (conditional acceptance), you’ll be given a study permit for the duration of those courses. Once the college or university accepts you into your chosen program, you must apply to extend your study permit.
If you plan to attend a college or university in Quebec, current provincial rules state that international students can only attend a designated learning institution chosen by the Quebec government. You’ll also need a study permit from the Government of Canada to study in Quebec.
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How to apply for a travel or work visa
Not everyone needs a travel or work visa, but before you arrive in Canada, you should determine whether your plans require you to get a travel or work visa.
Stays less than 6 months
If your time in Canada will be less than 6 months, you’ll need one of the following visas as an international student:
- A travel visa in your passport if you expect to study in Canada for less than 6 months
- An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) if your passport is from a designated country
Work visa during your studies and beyond
If you are attending a post-secondary program in Canada, and you want to work,you can. International students with a study permit may work part-time (less than 20 hour a week) without a work permit.
If you want to work full-time or be part of a work placement while studying, you’ll need to apply for a work permit. Your spouse or common law partner can also apply for a work permit.