CANSOLVE :: Effective Immigration Solutions Student Authorizations

CANSOLVE :: Effective Immigration Solutions

Canadian Immigration Services

Student Authorizations

Canada has a long and successful history of educating international students. There are many courses available at outstanding educational institutions in Canada.

More than 130,000 students come to study in Canada each year. In addition, many foreign students choose to come to Canada to learn English or French. Canadian schools value foreign students for their academic skills, and for enriching the cultural fabric of Canadian classrooms.

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Foreign Nationals who wish to study at a university or college, take any academic or professional course, or undertake vocational training in Canada must apply for a Student Authorization / Study Permit at Canadian Visa Offices abroad before arriving in Canada.

A Student Authorization is a document issued by Immigration Officials that permits a foreign individual to study in Canada, generally at a specific Canadian Educational Institution and in a specific program, and always for a limited time.

Student Authorization Process:

You must have been accepted by a school, college, university or other educational institution in Canada.
You must prove that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada, and return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada.
You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada.
You may have to provide a police certificate.
You must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.
You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada when you have completed your studies.

Applicants who wish to study in Montreal or another city in the Province of Quebec will also require approval from immigration authorities of the Government of Quebec.

Immigration Canada generally issues Student Authorizations that are valid for the duration of the intended course of studies. However, international students studying in Montreal or another city in the Province of Quebec must renew their status each year.

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Student Authorization Exemptions:

In some cases, foreign nationals do not require a Study Permit to study in Canada.

Foreign nationals do not need a study permit to study in Canada, if the duration of the course or study program lasts six months or less. However, even if you do not need a study permit, it is recommended that you apply for a Student Permit before you come to Canada. If you decide that you want to continue your studies in another program after you complete your short-term course or program, you must apply through a Canadian Visa Office outside Canada for a Study Permit if you do not already have one.
Minor children in Canada attending pre-schools and primary or secondary schools, except for children accompanying parents who are in Canada as visitors, and
Family members of foreign nationals who are in Canada on diplomatic, consular, official or certain other duties for the United Nations or other inter-governmental bodies of which Canada is a member, do not require a Study Permit to study in Canada.

Dependents of Foreign Students:

Spouses, common-law or same sex partners of Foreign Students with valid Study Permits are eligible for an open work permit (provided they are not full-time students themselves).

Children of holders of Study Permits are eligible for open Study Permits to enable them to study at a primary or secondary school in Canada. These should be applied for prior to entry to Canada, except for Québec. They are not required to complete a separate application form, but should include the Processing Fee of $125.00 per Study Permit when submitting their application.

Foreign students destined for the province of Québec, should apply for Study Permits for their children after arrival in Canada.

Working in Canada as a Foreign Student:

Foreign students can work in Canada during their studies, and after they graduate. In most cases, you will need to apply for one of the student-related Work Permits, which are required if you want to work in a co-op/internship placement, off-campus, or
after graduating from your studies (Post-Graduation Work Permit Program).

Student Permit Renewals:

Foreign Students may renew their Study Permits. They can apply as early as 90 days before, but no later than 90 days after their Permit expires. In addition, they must have observed all the conditions of that Permit and not be in breach of the Act.