Information for Foreign Students

Studying in another country is an adventure and a challenge. Canadian educational institutions offer a wide range of opportunities for foreign students. Please refer to the following information to guide you through the application process:

Most foreign students will need a Study Permit to study in Canada. There are some exceptions:

* If you wish to study in a short-term course or program:
You do not need a Study Permit if you are planning to take a course or program in Canada with a duration of six months or less. You must complete the course or program within the period authorized for your stay in Canada.

* If you are a minor child already in Canada:
You do not need a Study Permit if you are a minor child already in Canada, and your parents are not "visitors" in Canada. For details, see Minor Children Studying in Canada.

* Foreign representatives to Canada:
If you are a family or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, you do not need a Study Permit to study.

Benefits of Having a Study Permit

You should apply for a Study Permit before you come to Canada if you think you may wish to continue your studies in another program after you complete the short-term course or program.
If you do not have a valid Study Permit and wish to continue your studies, you will have to leave Canada in order to apply for one!

Although the documents listed below are normally needed to support your application, local requirements may also apply. Visit the Web site of the visa office responsible for your region to check that you have all documents you need before submitting your application.

Note:

If you are not a citizen of the country in which you are applying, you may need to provide proof of your present immigration status in the country of application;
If the government that issued your passport or travel document requires a re-entry permit you must obtain one before you apply for a Canadian visa.
You may also need to provide additional documents to the ones listed below.

1. Proof of acceptance

If you will attend a university, college or technical institution in Canada, you will need a letter from that institution showing:

* the name of the institution;
* confirmation of your acceptance and/or registration as a student;
* the course of study;
* the duration of the academic program; and
* the latest date you may register.

If you will attend a primary or secondary school in Canada, you will need a letter from the school board that has jurisdiction for the school you would like to attend.

If you will attend a private school, the school itself must issue the letter. The letter from the school board or school must show:

* the name of the school;
* the level of your course of study; and
* the duration of the course.

2. Proof of identity

You will need:

* A valid passport or travel document, which guarantees re-entry to the country that issued it. Citizens and permanent residents of the United States, St. Pierre and Miquelon, and Greenland do not need a passport, but do need proof of status and citizenship, such as a national identity card or an alien registration card.
* Two recent passport-size photos for you and each accompanying family member. The name and date of birth of the person should be written on the back of each photo.

3. Proof of financial support

You will need to have evidence that you can support yourself and your accompanying family members while you study in Canada. Such evidence may include:

* proof of a Canadian bank account in your name if money has been transferred to Canada;
* your 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 or are in a Canadian-funded educational program.

 

The following table shows the minimum amounts that you may need. You can prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Canada by showing:

1. a letter from your bank or credit union;
2. a bank draft; or
3. a letter from the person or institution providing you with your money.

	Allprovinces except Quebec	Quebec
Single Student	$10,000 for twelve-month period, plus cost of tuition, prorated at $833 per month	$9,600 for twelve-month period, plus the cost of tuition, prorated at $800 per month
+ one family member	$4,000 for twelve-month period prorated at $333 per month	60% of student base or $5,740 for twelve-month period, prorated at $478 per month
+ each additional family member	$3,000 for twelve-month period per dependant child of any age, prorated at $255 per month	40% of student base or $3,840 for twelve-month period, prorated at $320 per month

Note:

If there are foreign-exchange control measures in your country, you must provide proof that the exchange control authorities will permit you to export funds for all of your expenses.

4. Letter of explanation, if you wish to apply for a Study Permit, even though you do not need one:

There are benefits to having a Study Permit, even if you do not require one. If you have a valid Study Permit, you can:

* work part-time on campus at the college or university at which you are registered as a full-time student; and
* apply to renew your Study Permit from within Canada, if you decide to continue studying in Canada.

If you are applying for a Study Permit even though you do not need one, you should include a letter saying why you are applying for a Study Permit, so that the Visa Officer is certain that you understand your options.

For example:

"Dear Visa Officer,
I would like a study permit for my eight-week English course because I would like to apply to a Canadian-university program after I finish the English course."

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