Study in Canada

Study Permits
Your pathway to quality education and future opportunities in Canada.

What is a Study Permit?
A Study Permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada for programs longer than six months.
It is not the same as a visa — in most cases, you will also need a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

Who Needs a Study Permit?
You will likely need a study permit if:

• Your program of study is longer than 6 months.
• You plan to attend a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
• You are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

You may not need one if:

• Your course is 6 months or less.
• You are a family member or staff of foreign representatives.
• You are a member of the armed forces from a designated country.

Benefits of Holding a Study Permit

• Work While You Study – Most study permits allow part-time work (up to 20 hours per week) during semesters and full-time during scheduled breaks.
• Bring Your Family – Your spouse/partner may apply for an open work permit, and your children can attend school in Canada.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency – Canadian education and work experience can count toward immigration programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Requirements for a Study Permit
To qualify, applicants generally must show:

• A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution.
• Proof of sufficient funds to pay for tuition, living expenses, and return transportation.
• Strong ties to your home country (to show intent to leave Canada after studies, unless applying for immigration later).
• A clean background (a police certificate may be required).
• Medical exam results, if applicable.

Work While Studying
Earn experience, support your studies, and build your future in Canada.

Can International Students Work in Canada?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of studying in Canada is the opportunity to work legally while completing your program. This allows students to gain valuable Canadian work experience, support living expenses, and even prepare for long-term immigration opportunities.

Types of Work Allowed for International Students

1. On-Campus Work

• Available to full-time students with a valid study permit.
• Work for the school, a faculty member, a student organization, or a private business operating on campus.
• No separate work permit required.

2. Off-Campus Work

• Eligible students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks (e.g., summer or winter holidays).
• Work permit not required, but study permit must include work authorization.

3. Co-op and Internship Work

• Some academic programs require work placements as part of graduation requirements.
• A co-op work permit is needed, in addition to the study permit.

Benefits of Working While Studying

• Financial Support – Helps cover living expenses and tuition.
• Canadian Work Experience – Strengthens your resume and improves job prospects.
• Networking Opportunities – Build connections that may lead to future employment.
• Pathway to Immigration – Work experience gained during or after studies can count toward programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Work After Graduation
Graduates of eligible programs can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to stay and work in Canada for up to three years. This valuable experience often becomes the bridge to permanent residency.

Immigration Through Education
Turn your Canadian education into a pathway to permanent residency.

Why Choose Education as a Pathway to Immigration?
Canada welcomes international students not only as learners but also as future residents who can contribute to the country’s economy and society. By studying in Canada, you gain more than a world-class education — you also open the door to valuable work experience and long-term immigration opportunities.

Step 1: Study in Canada

• Enroll in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Obtain a Study Permit for programs longer than six months.
• Many programs also allow students to work part-time during studies and full-time during scheduled breaks.

Step 2: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

• After completing an eligible program, graduates can apply for a PGWP.
• The permit may be valid for up to three years, depending on the length of the program.
• This is your opportunity to gain Canadian work experience — one of the most important requirements for permanent residency.

Step 3: Immigration Pathways After Graduation
Graduates with Canadian education and work experience become strong candidates for several immigration programs:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Part of Express Entry, designed for those with skilled Canadian work experience.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Many provinces run special streams targeting international graduates.
• Quebec Immigration Programs – Tailored options for graduates who studied in Quebec.

Advantages of the Education-to-PR Pathway

• Smooth Transition – From student to worker to permanent resident.
• Extra Points in Express Entry – Canadian education and work experience increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
• Career Growth – Canadian credentials are highly respected by employers.
• Family Benefits – Spouses can apply for open work permits, and children can attend Canadian schools.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Work in Canada after your studies and build a pathway to permanent residency.

What is a PGWP?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international graduates of eligible Canadian institutions to gain valuable Canadian work experience after completing their studies. This experience is often the key to qualifying for permanent residency through programs such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Who is Eligible?
You may qualify for a PGWP if you:

• Completed a program of at least 8 months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Studied full-time throughout your program.
• Received a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Apply within 180 days of receiving your final transcript or completion letter.

Note: Not all programs or institutions make you eligible. It’s important to confirm before applying.

How Long is a PGWP Valid?
If your program was between 8 months and less than 2 years – PGWP is valid for the same length as your program.

• If your program was 2 years or longer – PGWP may be issued for up to 3 years.
• You can only receive one PGWP in your lifetime.

Benefits of a PGWP
Work for any employer in Canada — no job offer required.

• Gain skilled Canadian work experience to strengthen your permanent residency application.
• Flexibility – work full-time, part-time, or self-employed.
• Family opportunities – your spouse/partner may qualify for an open work permit, and children can study in Canada.

PGWP and Immigration Pathways
Canadian education and work experience earned through a PGWP provide significant advantages when applying for permanent residency:

• Express Entry – Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) targeting international graduates
• Quebec Immigration Programs for those who studied in Quebec