Canada Study Permit: Eligibility to study in Canada

Are you planning to take courses in Canada that last over six months? If you do, it is vital to know whether you are required to apply for a study permit or not.

In most cases, only those courses or programs that can be completed beyond six months require students to apply for study permits. Such a requirement is no longer necessary for students who plan to take short-term courses provided that they complete the course during the approved period.

Study permit exemptions

Students who are members of the family or staff of a foreign representative to Canada may not need a study permit. They must only prove that the foreign representative is accredited by International Trade Canada and Foreign Affairs. In the same way, members of foreign armed forces covered by VFA (Visiting Forces Act) do not need a permit to study in Canada. However, members of their familieswho plan to study in Canada are obliged to meet the requisites for astudy permit. Typically, minor children of temporary foreign workers are also exempt from study permit requirements. You must talk to a Canada immigration lawyer to know if you are exempt from these requirements.

Requisites of study permit in Canada

The following are the requirements before a student can be issued a study permit:

Acceptance from educational institution: It is necessary for a student who wishes to study in Canada to be accepted by the college or university he or she plans to enter.

Financial capacity: You are obliged to provide evidence that you have an adequate amount of money to finance your tuition/school fees, living expenses during your stay in the country and transportation on your way back to your home country. Transportation expenses must also be sufficient to include anyone you brought with you into Canada.

Medical fitness: You must be healthy. You must also be ready to pass medical exams, if required.

Intention to leave at the end of authorized period to stay: The immigration officers must be convinced that you shall abide with the terms of the study permit, especially with regards to the period you are allowed to stay in the country. Must not pose any risk to the security of Canada: You need to submit to the laws of the country and avoid violating any Canadian laws.

You need to talk to a Canada Immigration lawyer to know whether you are still required to apply for a temporary resident visa in addition to the study permit. This is due to the fact that there are rules on citizenship and places of residence that may require you to apply for a temporary resident visa.