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Canada consistently ranks as one of the best countries in the world—and is currently the #1 best country for quality of life.
When you come to Canada, you’ll find a welcoming country with a unique Canadian culture that embraces diversity. From urban centres to small towns, Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world for international students.
Canada is recognized worldwide for outstanding quality of education—from elementary school to post-secondary studies.
It may lead to a career and a future in Canada, or better career prospects at home. At the very least, it will give you access to Canada’s four beautiful seasons, wide-open spaces, abundant wildlife, multicultural diversity, clean environment and incredible quality of life.
Canada is known for having some of the lowest university tuition fees among English-speaking countries[5]. Whatever your budget may be, you’ll find something just right for you in our diverse range of education options. Research the cost of post-secondary programs and living expenses in the city or town of your choice so you can prepare your budget.
To learn more about education as a pathway to permanent residence, take a look this page: Studying in Canada: A Pathway to Canadian Permanent Residence.
• work for up to 20 hours per week while in school, and on a full-time basis during school breaks;
• obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit for the equivalent duration of the studies once the program is successfully completed, allowing students to remain in Canada for many years before becoming a permanent resident;
• bring an accompanying spouse or common-law partner to Canada on an open full-time work permit, allowing him or her to work for any employer;
• bring accompanying minor children to study in Canada at the same rate that Canadians pay; and
• as mentioned above, become eligible for Canadian permanent residence, either through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or through the Express Entry immigration selection system.
Foreign nationals are required to obtain a study permit for engaging in academic, professional, vocational or other education or training that is more than 6 months in duration at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Last Update: 23 May 2020
Last Update: 23 May 2020
The study permit is a document we issue that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. Make sure you have all the documents you need before you apply. You should apply before you travel to Canada.
Your study permit is not a visa. It doesn’t let you enter Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). If we approve your study permit, we’ll issue one to you with your study permit.
If you’re a legal resident in certain countries, you may be able to get your study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream.
https://www.mcgill.ca/internationalstudents/work/post-graduation-work-permit
International students who complete post-secondary education in Canada have many opportunities to extend their stay and ultimately transition to permanent residence.
Your education in Canada may put you at an advantage when it comes to pursuing Canadian permanent residence. Many federal and provincial immigration programs value candidates with Canadian education and work experience.
After completing your education in Canada, you can gain Canadian work experience by obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) which, depending on your Canadian academic program, may enable you to work in Canada for up to three years.
While holding a PGWP, you can then go ahead and pursue a number of federal and provincial permanent residence avenues, such as:
One of the most prominent ways of pursuing permanent residence is by submitting an Express Entry profile. Express Entry is the main way that Canada manages economic class immigration applications.
Express Entry candidates are assessed through the Comprehensive Ranking System. The Comprehensive Ranking System rewards candidates who are young, have Canadian education and work experience, and strong English and/or French proficiency. These are characteristics that many of Canada’s international students possess.
Through Express Entry, former international students may be well-placed to be eligible for the popular Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, which enables tens of thousands of former international students and temporary foreign workers to become permanent residents each year.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories across Canada to identify immigration candidates who meet their local economic needs. Many PNP streams reward candidates who are former international students or are specifically dedicated to international students.
In addition to the three programs it manages under Express Entry, the federal government operates additional economic class immigration programs. The programs offer special streams to international students and/or exemptions from Canadian work experience requirements. These include the Atlantic International Graduate Program (which operates under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot) and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
If you apply online for your PGWP from within Canada while your study permit is still valid, you can work full-time while waiting for a decision on your application as long as you have been continuously full-time throughout your studies, with the exception of your final term.
If you do not apply for your PGWP while your study permit is valid and you decide to stay in Canada as a visitor, you may apply for your PGWP online from within Canada as long as you are still within the 180 days from the date you completed your studies. However, in this case, you will not have the authorization to work while you wait for a decision on your PGWP application as you will not meet the conditions set out in s.186(w) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
You may apply for your PGWP from outside of Canada as long as you are still withing 180 days from the date you completed your studies. You do not require a valid study permit or valid visitor status in order to apply for your PGWP from outside of Canada.
Before reviewing the information below, please see ISS’ COVID-19 FAQs and resources pages for up date information on the impact of COVID-19 on immigration related matters.
| WHAT IS THE STUDY PERMIT? | The study permit is a mandatory immigration document for all those who study in Canada. |
|---|---|
| WHO REQUIRES ONE | All international students, with the exception of those studying in a program that is LESS than 6 months. |
| WHEN TO APPLY | Students can apply for a study permit once they have received confirmation approval of their CAQ application. |
| HOW TO APPLY |
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| COST | The study permit costs $150 CAD. |
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Students are ineligible for a post-graduation work permit if they have completed the following:
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