When you are planning to study in Canada, then you have most likely heard of two terms, which seem identical to each other, Canada student visa and study permit. Although most people use them interchangeably because they supposedly intend them to mean the same thing, they are actually two different documents that are used for two different purposes.
It is essential to know the distinction. The two should not be mixed because it may cause delays, travelling problems or even airport problems. We shall decipher it so you are well aware of what you should have before you embark on your studies in Canada.
What Is a Canada Study Permit?
An official document issued by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that enables you to spend your time in Canada studying is called a study permit.
A study permit is required in case your academic program goes beyond half a year. You cannot legitimately continue with your education in Canada without it.
What Does a Study Permit Do?
Your study permit:
- Gets you to stay in Canada as a student.
- The institution you are allowed to study is specified (Generally a Designated Learning Institution or DLI).
- A description on whether you should work part-time during your studies or not.
- States inform you of the things you should do in Canada.
- Shows expiry date of your status.
It should be mentioned that a study permit is not a travel document. It does not permit entry into Canada alone.
What Is a Canada Student Visa?
Canada student visa is a widely-used term, though in fact, Canada does not necessarily issue a document by this name which is explicitly referred to as a student visa. In the majority of instances, the idea of a student visa means one of the following:
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), or
- An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- The one you get depends upon your nationality.
The TRV or eTA enables you to visit and enter Canada. It becomes your document of entry.
Key Point:
- A visa (TRV/eTA) will permit you to access Canada.
- A study permit permits you to live and study in Canada.
When your application to study permit is accepted, you are usually given your TRV or eTA.
The Difference at the Core: Entry vs. Stay
The easiest way to realize the difference is as follows:
Document Purpose
Student Visa (TRV/eTA) Allows you to enter into Canada.
A study permit allows you to live and study in Canada.
Think of it this way:
- The visa is the key to getting to Canada.
- Your authorization to live and study there is your legal permit to study.
- You require the two papers to achieve a successful and easy academic life.
When will you get your study permit?
You are not issued with your real study permit prior to traveling.
Here’s how it works:
- You make an application online for a study permit.
- On approval you are given a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction.
- You travel to Canada.
- Your documents are checked at the airport by a border officer.
- You are issued with a study permit which is printed and issued by the officer upon entry.
This is the reason why it is of paramount importance to carry all the supporting documents while traveling.
Cost of a Study Permit
Canadian study permit government processing fee is CAD 150.
Other expenses that you may also incur include:
- Biometrics fee
- Medical examination
- Language tests
- Document translation
- Benefits of a Study Permit
A study permit does not only give you a chance to study but it also has a number of other benefits.
-
Work Authorization
Most students can work:
- During the academic time up to 20 hours per week.
- Full-time during on-scheduled breaks.
- (Provided by the existing IRCC regulations.)
-
Pathway to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Once your program is complete in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can apply to receive a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
The PGWP is an open work permit to enable graduates to acquire valuable Canadian work experience. This experience can subsequently be used in applications of permanent residence.
-
Legal Status in Canada
In your study permit, the following have been clearly outlined:
- Your institution
- Your program duration
- Your conditions of stay
- Your work eligibility
- Study Permit requirements.
The following are generally required to apply a study permit:
Acceptance Letter
An official Letter of Acceptance of a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Valid Passport
The passport should be valid during the stay period.
Proof of Funds
You have to prove that you have enough funds to cover:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Return transportation
- Trip expenses of family members.
This may include:
- Bank statements
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
- Education loan documents
✔ Proof of Intent to Leave
You have to demonstrate that you are intending to leave Canada once you finish your studies (except where you are seeking further permits legally).
✔ Medical Examination
Some students have to take an Immigration Medical Examination (IME).
✔ Biometrics
The majority of applicants have to submit biometrics.
Extending Your Study Permit.
In Canada, it is important to ensure that you keep your status of a student permit.
You must:
- Remain enrolled at a DLI.
- Be a full-time student (unless otherwise).
- Respect work limitations.
- Expand your permit as long as your program lasts.
- Report to authorities in case of change of school.
The non-observance of terms may have an impact on subsequent visa or permanent residence application.
Most of the mistakes that students commit.
It is a common misconception by a number of students that:
- They can study only with the help of the visa alone.
- The study approval is reautomatically renewed.
- Without authorities being informed, they are able to transform institutions.
- The permit ensures access to Canada.
Note: The last point of entry into Canada is never made by anyone but a border officer.
Final Thoughts
As the best immigration consultant in Canada today, we shared that the distinction between a Canadian student visa and a study permit is easy yet crucial. The student visa (TRV or eTA) is the visa that will enable you to enter Canada. The study permit gives you the right to reside in the country to continue with your studies. Both are necessary among international students intending to study in Canada. This distinction is important as it would help avoid your unnecessary confusion, postponements, or complexities in your journey. Adequate theory, good documentation and adherence to immigration provisions will ensure that you begin your Canadian education life with a lot of ease.
When you are not sure of your eligibility, documentation and how to go about the application process, it is better to consult a professional and the process becomes easier and more effective. The key to a successful study experience in Canada is the ability to have the right documents- and understand what each of them does.