Canada is a popular destination for international students, attracting over 350,000 foreign students each year. Most foreign nationals who plan to study at Canadian educational institutions need to apply for a study permit. Once the study permit is issued, foreign nationals are allowed to study designated courses or programs at approved institutions in Canada. In certain cases, foreign nationals may study in Canada without a study permit, such as for programs or courses with a duration of less than six months, as family members or staff representing a foreign government, or as members of foreign armed forces.
Eligibility Requirements
To study in Canada, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
News Update: Cap on International Student Permit Applications
A two-year cap on international student permit applications, targeting a 35% reduction from 2023, with individual provincial and territorial caps to address unsustainable growth.
This is a temporary policy that applies to individuals who hold a valid work permit as of June 7, 2023, or have submitted a work permit application by that date. The policy is in effect for three years, until June 27, 2026. Previously, foreign workers holding work permits could only study courses of less than six months in duration. To study for more than six months, they had to apply for a study permit. This new policy is good news for temporary foreign workers who wish to continue their education and receive additional training, especially for international students and work permit holders. It will improve their educational and employment options and increase opportunities to apply for permanent resident status (PR). It's important to note that if the planned study duration exceeds the validity of the work permit, a study permit will still be required.
If you are coming from a country that requires a temporary resident visa to enter Canada, you will need to apply for a temporary resident visa.
You may be eligible to work in Canada while studying without applying got a work permit if your study permit includes a condition that says you can work on or off campus. However, you can only start working in Canada when you start your study program. You can’t work before your studies begin.
Work On Campus: You can work as many hours as you want on campus, alongside your off-campus job, as long as you maintain eligibility requirements for working on campus
Work Off Campus: During regular school terms/semesters, you may work up to 24 hours per week.
Work as a co-op student or intern: Some study programs include work experience as part of their curriculum. You can apply for a co-op or intern work permit
It is important to note that during the study period from November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023, students can work off-campus for more than 20 hours per week (full-time work), and there will be no restrictions on the number of hours worked.
Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit if you:
News Update: New Restrictions on Spousal Open Work Permits
New Restrictions: Open work permits for spouses will be limited to those enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs, aligning work permit eligibility with program intensity.
These changes reflect Canada's commitment to ensuring a positive and enriching experience for international students while curbing practices that exploit the system. As we navigate through these adjustments, it's essential for current and prospective students to stay informed and seek guidance to make well-informed decisions about their academic journey in Canada.
After completing your studies in Canada at a designated learning institution (DLI), you may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for you to stay and gain work experience in Canada. The work experience you acquire during this time could potentially make you eligible for permanent residency.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Adjustments
Ineligibility for Specific Study Programs: From September 1, 2024, international students in certain curriculum licensing arrangement programs will no longer be eligible for post-graduation work permits.
Extended Opportunities for Master's Graduates: Graduates of master's and short graduate-level programs gain eligibility for a 3-year work permit, facilitating a smoother transition to the workforce.
The education systems of different countries may vary, and each college offers its own unique programs and subjects. The choice of your program or major will directly influence your future personal development. That's why our professional team works closely with each student to develop comprehensive and flexible study plans based on their individual academic performance, interests, strengths, and aspirations.
When it comes to studying abroad, Canada is one of the top choices, renowned as one of the most student-friendly countries in the world. In addition to Canada, popular destinations for studying and further education include the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, and Singapore.
Our professional education consulting partner, Euphoria Group International (EGI), provides comprehensive support to students interested in pursuing their studies or advancing their education in Canada or other countries. Making a well-informed decision is the first step towards a successful journey. We invite you to get in touch with us to obtain more information about studying in Canada or other countries.