Student Visas

Canada´s numerous world-renowned universities and community colleges span the educational spectrum and attract over 130,000 foreign students annually. More students also flock to Canada to learn English or French.

This nation welcomes students from abroad to enhance Canada´s remarkable cultural diversity and inject new knowledge and skills into a society that thrives on cutting-edge learning.

Visa Requirements

Visiting students will likely require a Temporary Resident Visa issued by Canadian Visa offices abroad and inserted into their passports to prove they meet Canadian admission requirements as temporary residents.

Nationals from designated counties-including Mexico, the U.S. and England-are exempted from visa requirements. Also exempted are foreigners lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence, provided they have their Green card, also known as the Alien Registration Card, or evidence of permanent American residence.

If you require a Temporary Resident Visa, as well as a Study Permit, there is no need to make a separate application or pay a separate fee. The Temporary Resident Visa will be issued with the documentation necessary for entry into Canada as a student.

Conversely, if you require a Temporary Resident Visa, but no Study Permit, you can obtain the application online and submit it to a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate abroad.

Study Permits

Most foreign students require a Study Permit to further their education in Canada and should apply when they receive their letter of acceptance from a Canadian school. Exceptions include:

• Foreign students enrolling in a short-term course or program of six-months or less.
• Minor children already in Canada whose parents are not "Visitors" in Canada.

Apply for a Study Permit if you plan to continue your education after a short-term program. If you lack a Study Permit and wish to take additional courses after a short-term program, you will need to leave Canada to apply for the permit.

To work part-time at a university or college where you´re a full time student you´ll also require a Study Permit.