Study Permit and Post Graduate Work Permit

A study permit is generally required by international students to study in Canada. Upon graduation, Post Graduate Work Permits are issued only once in a lifetime.

The number of international students coming to Canada keeps on increasing year after year. Canada is not just the home of some of the best academic institutions of the world but studying over here holds many advantages for the students.

A study permit is required if the program is more than six months in duration or the program requires Co-op or internship.

As an international student, with a valid student visa, you may be able to work while you are studying. Students can work 20 hours per week during academic sessions, and full-time during holidays. Spouse of the foreign national with a valid study visa can apply for an open work permit and any accompanying minor children can study for free.

International students are an important part of Canadian immigration program. In 2019, the Canadian government launched Building on Success, a new International Education Strategy (IES).

After completion of studies, you may be able to apply for Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) and then apply for Permanent Residence under Canadian Experience Class (CEC). To be eligible for PGWP the student must have graduated from a Designated Canadian Post-secondary institution (ESL/Preparatory programs are not eligible). PGWP is generally issued for the same length of study program if the program was more than eight months, but under two years. If the length of study program was more than two years, the PGWP may be issued for three years.

Requirements for Study permit:

Regular Stream:

  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Proof of financial support including tuition fee
  • Living and return travel expenses for the student and family members, if applicable
  • Police clearance certificate might be required
  • Medical examination might be required
  • Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI)

Student Direct Stream:

  • Available for legal residents of China, India, Philippines, and Vietnam
  • Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000 from a Canadian financial institute
  • Proof of payment for first year’s tuition fees
  • A score of at least CLB 7
  • Medical examination
  • Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI)

Plan to apply well ahead of time since affirmations and grants get troublesome when you apply close to the cut-off time. It is smarter to apply 6 months before the course start date to avoid last minute stress. Contact us to help you with your application and kick-start building your future.