Canada Visa Information

You do not need a Study Permit if you enrol in a program that is six months or less and complete it within the authorized period. However, as an international student, you must obtain a Study Permit to study in Canada if you intend to study for more than six months.

If you are going to need a Study Permit it is recommended that you apply for one before travelling to Canada because applications can only be made from abroad. If you decide to extend your course or continue your studies for more than 6 months once you arrive in Canada, you will need to leave the country in order to apply for your Study Permit if you did not obtain one in advance.

If you are outside Canada, contact a Canadian embassy, consulate or high commission. You must submit your application to the Canadian visa office in your area. If you are in Canada, you can call (888) 242-2100 to speak with an agent or use the automated telephone service to order application forms and other services.

You should apply as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance from your chosen school in Canada via Wiseward.

The processing time for the application varies at different visa offices, and statistics of past processing times may be found here.

Visit the website of your local Canadian visa office for information on fees.

You must first apply to a Canadian school on the Wiseward website. If you are eligible for admission, Wiseward will give you a letter of acceptance, which you need when applying for a Study Permit.

Proof of acceptance from your chosen school

• Letter from the school that includes the name of the institution, confirmation of acceptance and/or registration as a student, course of study, duration of the academic programme and the latest date you may register

Proof of identity

• Valid passport or travel document that guarantees re-entry to the country that issued it (citizens and permanent residents of the US, St. Pierre and Miquelon and Greenland do not require passports but require proof of status and citizenship, such as a national identity card or alien registration card)
• Two identical passport-sized (45mm x 35mm) photos of you and your accompanying family members that should be:

1. Taken within the last six months in colour or black and white
2. Clear and taken against a light-coloured background
3. Printed on normal photographic paper
4. Full face with a neutral expression and without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless it is for cultural or religious purposes

Proof of financial support

• Proof you have sufficient funds to pay for tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and accompanying family members, and return transportation for yourself and accompanying family members. Such evidence may include:
• Proof of a Canadian Bank account in your name if money has been transferred to Canada
• Bank statements for the past four months
• A bank draft in convertible currency
• Proof of payment of tuition and residence fees
• Proof of funding paid from within Canada if you have a scholarship

You must also prove that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies. If your country has foreign exchange controls, you must provide proof that you will be permitted by the exchange control authorities of your country to export funds for all your expenses. Additional documents may be required, including medical and security information.

Your application will be reviewed, and an officer will then decide if an interview is necessary. If approved, you will receive a letter of confirmation. You must show this letter to the Canadian officer at the port of entry, who will issue you a Study Permit.

If you have a Study Permit, you can apply to extend your stay as a student over 6 months through a Canadian visa office within Canada.

If you do not have a Study Permit you can extend your course or enrol in another course as long as you are not studying for longer than 6 months in total. If you would like to extend your studies in Canada beyond 6 months and do not have a Study Permit, you must apply for a Study Permit at a Canadian visa office outside of Canada.

Foreign students are not allowed to work during their studies in Canada unless they are enrolled in the OPUS work and study programme or internship placement.

You will need to obtain a work permit. The following conditions must be met to be eligible for a work permit:

• Have a valid Study Permit
• Intended employment must be part of your programme of study in Canada
• Have a letter from a responsible academic official of the institution
• Work or internship employment must not form more than 50% of your total program of study

To apply for a work permit, complete and mail the application form with the necessary documents. For more information, visit the guide for student work permits.

Citizens and permanent residents of certain countries do not require a visa for entry to Canada. If you are from a designated country, you will need a Temporary Resident Visa.

You do not need to make a separate application or pay a separate fee for a Temporary Resident Visa. An officer will issue the visa at the same time you receive the documentation necessary for entry to Canada as a student.

Make sure you have the following documents with you at the point of entry:

• Valid passport
• Letter of introduction confirming your Study Permit was approved if required
• Valid Temporary Resident Visa, if required
• Copy of your acceptance letter from Wiseward recommended schools
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay in Canada
• Reference letters or other documents recommended by your local Canadian visa office

You may not gain entry to Canada if any of these documents are missing or incorrect.

Yes, they may accompany you to Canada or join you at a later date. Your spouse must meet the requirements for temporary residents in Canada, and your children must meet the requirements for a Type A, B or C dependent child status. If they are to join you at a later date, they must make a separate application.

Yes, as long as you have a valid passport or travel document and Study Permit (if applicable) with you. If you are required to have a Temporary Resident Visa, you will also need to have a valid entry visa to re-enter (unless you are returning to Canada from the United States or St-Pierre and Miquelon, and you return before the expiration period initially authorized for your entry).

Please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada site