Students

Canada remains a popular destination for students, with more than 130,000 students coming from abroad to study in Canada each year. Most international students will require a Study Permit to study in Canada, however, there are some exceptions.

A Study Permit is issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada allowing a foreign individual to study in Canada for a limited time, generally at a specific Canadian educational institution and in a specific program. It is possible to change the school at which the student will be studying, but this requires the permission of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

A Study Permit will generally be issued if an applicant has received an acceptance letter from a qualified Canadian educational institution, and possesses sufficient funds to pay for tuition and living costs. In some cases, applicants will be required to complete medical examination and provide police.

If a student is from a country where a visitor visa is required to enter Canada, they will also be required to obtain a Temporary Residence Visa (available at the same time as the Study Permit).

If an applicant wishes to study in the Province of Quebec, they will also require approval from immigration authorities of the Government of Quebec.

Working in Canada as an International Student:

Students are required to demonstrate that they (or their parents) have sufficient money to live while studying in Canada. Generally, a student may be able to work in Canada for 20 hours a week, during the scholastic year, and full time during school holidays. It is necessary for the student to obtain a work permit (if they are working off-campus), but this is available for most students. Spouses and common-law partners of international students are usually able to obtain a work permit while their partner studies in Canada.
Working Upon graduation (becoming a Permanent Resident)

Upon graduation from a post secondary institution (where the student has studied for a minimum of two years), international students are able to obtain a three year work permit. If the graduating student has been able to work for 12 months in a skilled job or management position, they are able to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa under the Canadian Experience Class.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Many students come to Canada to attend high school. The requirements are the same as for any other foreign students, with the added requirement that they must have either a local guardian to take care of them (often a relative or close friend), or be accepted in a school supported home stay or residency program.