A study permit is usually required if you wish to study in Canada. It is important to apply for this document before entering the country.

How to apply

To apply, please visit our website.

Helpful tips

• The Instruction Guide and the Document Checklist will provide you with all the information necessary to submit a complete application.
• Depending on your length of study in Canada, you may be requested to undergo a medical examination.
• Have your documents ready, as you may be asked to attend an interview or send further information during the processing of your application.

Please visit our processing times page to find out how long it may take to process your application.

Study permit application inside Canada - Study permit holder

You hold a valid study permit, are inside Canada and wish to stay and continue your studies?

To obtain the study permit:

• Please visit our website to apply,
  • we recommend reading the instruction guide first, it will help submit a complete application.

What’s next?

• To find out how long it may take to process your application, please visit the processing times page.
• You can continue with your studies until IRCC makes a decision on your application.

Something that might interest you: 

• If you would like to take this opportunity to work, you may qualify for the work opportunities offered to foreign students.

Maintained status - Temporary resident

As a temporary resident, it is important to apply to extend your stay in Canada, if necessary, before it expires. Following submission of the application, you are considered to have maintained status, previously known as “implied status”.

• If you apply to extend your stay before the expiry date of your current status:
  • you will be considered in status as a temporary resident until a decision is made on your application.
• If you apply to extend your work or study permit before the expiry date of your current permit, and it expires before a decision is made:
  • you can continue working or studying under the same conditions as your existing permit, as long as you remain in Canada.

Leaving and re-entering Canada while under maintained status and authorization to work or study:

You may be authorized to re-enter Canada:

• As a temporary resident, if your application to extend your stay has not yet been approved (if applicable, you must wait* until you receive your new permit before you start to work/study):
  • this applies to you if, among other things:
    • you are temporary resident visa (TRV) exempt,
    • you hold a valid multiple-entry visa, or
    • you have travelled only to the United States (excluding cruises entering international waters) and/or St.Pierre and Miquelon,
• As a worker or student:
  • if the officer determines that your application to extend your permit was approved while you were outside Canada, or
  • if you are eligible to apply for a new work or study permit at your arrival in Canada.

An officer will ask you questions to see if you meet all of the requirements before allowing you to come back to Canada.

*If you applied for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), you may work in Canada while waiting for a decision on your post-graduation work permit application.

Proof of maintained status: 

It is recommended that you provide these documents to prove that you have maintained status:

• Your expired immigration document,
• (If the application was submitted by paper) A copy of the application to extend your stay sent to the Case Processing Centre before the expiration date of your status,
• (If the application was submitted online) A copy of the Confirmation of Online Application Transmission message in your online account,
• A copy of the fee payment receipt included with the application, and
• (If applicable) A delivery confirmation from the postal service provider used to send the application.

If you submitted a second extension application and:

Coronavirus - Travel restrictions - Exemption for students 

The Government of Canada is closely monitoring COVID-19 and its impact on IRCC clients.

Processes are being introduced to provide for the entry of international students. This change to travel restrictions affects all international students, regardless of where they are travelling from or when their study permit was approved.

Starting October 20, 2020, international students may travel to Canada, if they are: 

• In possession of a valid study permit or letter of introduction, and
• Attending a designated learning institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by the province or territory.

The list of DLIs that have COVID-19 readiness plans approved will be updated regularly and is available on our website.

If your DLI does not have an approved COVID-19 readiness plan, you will not be able to travel to Canada for now.

Travellers should not make any travel plans until they have met all requirements and received all necessary authorizations. Like all travellers to Canada, international students and accompanying family members will be subject to all public health measures.

We hope the information provided is helpful in assisting you with your enquiry.

We would also like to suggest the following online services that might be helpful to you:

• Check your application status - You may either:
  • sign in to your online account to check your application status,
  • create an online account and link your application to it, or
  • use the online tool (Client Application Status (CAS)).
• Change of address
• Find application forms and guides
• Help Centre - To find answers, you may consult the different sections or type keywords related to your question