التأشيرة والوصول إلى كندا - الدراسة في كندا (ar)

Visa & Arrival

The Canadian study permit is your legal authorization to study in Canada. While the process involves several steps — and can feel overwhelming — it's well-documented and predictable if you follow the timeline. This guide covers everything from initial application to your first week on Canadian soil.

Do You Need a Study Permit?

You need a study permit if your program is longer than 6 months. For programs of 6 months or less, you may be able to study on a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) — but you won't be eligible for on/off-campus work rights or the PGWP.

Bottom line: For most international students pursuing a degree, diploma, or certificate, a study permit is required and beneficial.

Study Permit Requirements

Essential Documents

The Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

Your LOA from a DLI is the cornerstone of your study permit application. It must include:

• Your full name (matching your passport)
• The DLI number
• Your program name and duration
• Start date
• Tuition amount for the first year
• Any conditions of admission

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Start collecting documents as soon as you accept your university offer. Some items take weeks to obtain:

• LOA from your DLI
• GIC purchase confirmation (allow 2-5 business days)
• Medical exam results (book early — panel physician availability varies)
• Police certificates (can take 2-8 weeks depending on your country)
• Language test scores (if not already submitted to the university)

Step 2: Purchase Your GIC

The Guaranteed Investment Certificate must be purchased before you submit your study permit application.

How to purchase:

1. Choose a provider (Scotiabank, CIBC, BMO, or RBC are the most popular)
2. Open an online account with the provider
3. Transfer CAD 20,635 from your home country bank
4. Receive a GIC confirmation letter (usually within 2-5 business days)
5. Include this letter in your study permit application

After arrival in Canada:

• First installment (approximately CAD 2,000) is available immediately
• Remaining funds are released in monthly installments over 11 months
• Small interest is earned on the balance

Step 3: Complete Your Medical Exam

Most applicants must undergo an immigration medical examination by an IRCC-designated panel physician.

The exam includes:

• General physical examination
• Chest X-ray (to check for tuberculosis)
• Blood tests (HIV, syphilis)
• Urinalysis
• Review of your medical history

Cost: CAD 200-400 depending on your country Validity: 12 months from the date of the exam

The panel physician will submit results directly to IRCC electronically. You'll receive a copy for your records.

Step 4: Apply for CAQ (Quebec Only)

If you're studying in Quebec, you must obtain a Certificat d'acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) before applying for your federal study permit.

CAQ Application:

• Apply online through the MIFI (Ministere de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Integration) website
• Fee: CAD 122
• Processing time: 4-8 weeks (apply early)
• Documents needed: LOA, passport copy, proof of financial support

Once you receive your CAQ, include it in your study permit application.

Step 5: Submit Your Online Study Permit Application

Applications are submitted through the IRCC online portal.

Application steps:

1. Create an IRCC online account (or use GCKey)
2. Complete the application forms (IMM 1294 — Application for Study Permit)
3. Upload all required documents
4. Pay the application fee (CAD 150)
5. Pay biometrics fee (CAD 85) if not already provided
6. Submit

Letter of Explanation: Include a well-written letter explaining:

• Why you chose this program and university
• How it connects to your academic background
• Your future career plans and how Canadian education supports them
• Your ties to your home country (family, property, career prospects)
• Your financial plan for studying in Canada

Step 6: Provide Biometrics

After submitting your application, you'll receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter directing you to a designated collection point (VAC — Visa Application Centre) in your country.

Biometrics include:

• Digital fingerprints (all 10 fingers)
• Digital photograph

Fee: CAD 85 (one-time; valid for 10 years) Deadline: You must provide biometrics within 30 days of receiving the instruction letter

Step 7: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary significantly by country:

You can check current processing times on the IRCC website, which is updated regularly.

While waiting:

• Do not make irreversible plans (flights, housing lease) until you receive approval
• You may be asked for additional documents — check your IRCC account regularly
• If processing exceeds the posted timeline, you can submit a web form inquiry

Step 8: Receive Your Decision

If approved, you'll receive:

• Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction — This is NOT your study permit. Present it at the Canadian border to receive your actual study permit.
• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA — Stamped in your passport or linked electronically, authorizing you to travel to Canada.

If refused, you'll receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. Common reasons for refusal include:

• Insufficient proof of funds
• Weak ties to home country
• Incomplete documentation
• Concerns about genuine student intent

Co-op Work Permit

If your program includes mandatory co-op or internship work terms, you need a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit.

Key facts:

• Apply for the co-op work permit at the same time as your study permit (no additional fee if applied simultaneously)
• The co-op must be a mandatory part of your academic program
• You cannot work more hours during a co-op term than the academic requirement
• The co-op work permit is tied to your study permit — if your study permit expires, so does the co-op permit

Arriving in Canada

At the Airport / Port of Entry

When you arrive in Canada, you'll go through immigration at the border. Here's what to expect:

Documents to have ready (in your carry-on bag):

• Valid passport with TRV or eTA
• Port of Entry Letter of Introduction
• Letter of Acceptance from your DLI
• GIC confirmation
• Proof of funds (bank statements)
• CAQ (if studying in Quebec)
• Contact information for your university

The border officer will:

1. Verify your identity and documents
2. Ask you about your study plans (program, university, duration)
3. Issue your study permit (a document stapled or attached to your passport)
4. Stamp your passport with your entry date

Check your study permit carefully before leaving the border area. Verify:

• Your name is spelled correctly
• The DLI number matches your LOA
• The expiry date is correct
• Any conditions are accurate

First Week Checklist

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

You need a SIN to work in Canada (including on-campus work) and to file a tax return. Apply in person at a Service Canada office.

Requirements:

• Study permit (must include a condition allowing work — most study permits do)
• Passport
• Valid study permit

Processing: Issued immediately at the Service Canada office (free of charge)

Your SIN as a temporary resident will start with "9" and is valid only while your study/work permit is active.

Opening a Bank Account

Open a Canadian bank account as soon as possible — you'll need it for your GIC disbursements, part-time work payments, and daily expenses.

Major banks with student programs:

• Scotiabank: StartRight Program for international students — no monthly fees, free transfers
• CIBC: International Student Banking — no fees for first year
• TD Bank: International Student offer — no monthly fee for the first year
• BMO: Student banking — no monthly fees
• RBC: No monthly fees for students

Most banks allow you to open an account before arriving in Canada through their international student programs. This is especially useful if you purchased your GIC from the same bank.

Health Insurance Setup

Getting health insurance sorted is a priority upon arrival.

Province-by-Province Guide

British Columbia (MSP):

• Register for MSP online or by mail
• Coverage begins after a 3-month waiting period
• Get temporary private insurance for the first 3 months
• No monthly premium (free since January 2020)

Alberta (AHCIP):

• Register at an Alberta Registry office
• Coverage may begin immediately or after a waiting period
• Free for study permit holders

Ontario (UHIP):

• Your university will automatically enroll you in UHIP
• Cost: approximately CAD 684/year (included in your fees)
• Covers hospital, physician, and diagnostic services

Quebec (RAMQ/University Plan):

• Some countries have reciprocal agreements with RAMQ (France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Sweden)
• For all others: university-arranged insurance (CAD 800-1,100/year)

Compare health insurance options for Canada

Maintaining Your Study Permit

Your study permit comes with conditions you must follow:

• Stay enrolled full-time at a DLI (part-time only in your final semester or with authorization)
• Make academic progress — Report to your DLI each semester
• Maintain valid health insurance
• Report any changes to IRCC (change of address, change of DLI, etc.)
• Respect work limits — 20 hours/week during semester, full-time during breaks
• Leave Canada when your permit expires or apply for renewal/PGWP

Renewing Your Study Permit

If your study permit expires before you finish your program, apply for renewal at least 90 days before expiration through the IRCC portal. You can continue studying under "implied status" while your renewal is processing, as long as you applied before your current permit expired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not purchasing the GIC before applying — The GIC confirmation is required for your study permit application
2. Applying too late — Processing times can be unpredictable; apply as soon as you have your LOA
3. Incomplete documentation — Missing even one document can delay processing by weeks
4. Name mismatches — Ensure your name is consistent across all documents
5. Not getting a medical exam when required — Check whether your country requires an upfront medical
6. Forgetting the CAQ for Quebec — Without it, your study permit will be refused
7. Not checking your study permit at the border — Errors are easier to fix at the port of entry than later
8. Arriving without temporary health insurance — Provincial coverage often has a waiting period

Next Steps

• Plan your living costs — City guides, housing, and settling-in tips
• Understand costs and funding — Tuition, GIC, and budgeting
• Explore work opportunities — Part-time jobs, co-op permits, and PGWP
• Apply to programs — Application guide for Canadian universities