Canadian study permit requirements for international students are essential while pursuing their education. Each year, this country brings forth a massive number of international students through study permits and visas. In addition, IRCC sets specific requirements for every student, which are visible on their study permits.
General Canadian Study Permit Requirements for International Students
Typically, a study permit includes several conditions that revolve around work authorization and travel capacities. The starting and ending dates of the study permit are also mentioned on the permit. The general conditions include the following:
- Enrollment at Canada’s Designated Learning Institution. However, certain exemptions are applicable here.
- Demonstrating an active role in education. Exemptions will apply here.
- A student will need to inform Canada’s government if they want to change their post-secondary school.
- Putting an end to their studies in Canada if they no longer adhere to fulfilling the essential requirements as a student.
- Departing from Canada once the work permit expires.
- A student’s particular study level.
- If a student has the authority to work on or off campus.
- In case a student has to undergo the medical process.
- Whether a student has permission to travel across Canada.
- The end date of the student’s studies in Canada.
What about working in Canada as a student?
A majority of international students seeking to attain a Canadian education also wish to earn money to compensate for their expenses. Depending on the conditions of their study permit, they might get permission to work on or off campus without a separate work permit.
However, in both cases, the students will be able to begin their work only once they commence their education and not before that.
In addition, this year, until December 31, students have the opportunity and authority to work over twenty hours a week. However, this is only a temporary measure.
On Campus Work
International students in Canada must possess a valid study permit and a Social Insurance Number. They must also be full-time students. However, they must put a stop to their On Campus work under the following circumstances:
- If they stop studying full-time, however, not including their final semester, provided they are able to fulfill all essential requirements.
- In the case of their study permit expiry.
- In some situations, they are on legal leave from their Canadian studies.
- In case a student is shifting schools and is currently not studying.
Off-Campus Work
International students who would like to work off campus must ensure they are full-time students at a Canadian DLI. In addition, they must demonstrate enrollment in a post-secondary academic, professional, or vocational training program. In the case of Quebec, they must be enrolled in a secondary-level vocational training program. Additionally, they must showcase a valid study permit and a SIN. Besides, international students must demonstrate admission in a program that would eventually lead to a certificate, degree, or diploma. The study program must be at least six months in length.
However, they must stop working off campus under the following situations:
- If their study permit states that they have no authority to work off campus while studying.
- They have been admitted to an English or French language program as a second language
- Also, if they are involved in only general interest courses.
- The student is only taking admission in courses to appear as a full-time student in a program.
- In case of any change in a student’s situation which doesn’t allow them to fulfill the off-campus requirements anymore.
Traveling while studying in Canada
Several international students in Canada wish to travel outside the country while studying here. Broadly, they seek to either go on a vacation or go back to their native country to visit their family or friends. Canada provides permission to international students to travel without restrictions outside Canada while they are on their study permit. However, students must not forget the following points while traveling outside Canada and then coming back here:
- Return to Canada with a valid study permit: Along with possessing a valid study permit or study permit approval or extension, international students seeking to re-enter the country after traveling must meet specific requirements. They must demonstrate an authentic and valid passport or travel document—for example, a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization. In addition, they must attend a Canadian DLI and fulfill all essential requirements for re-entry into Canada.
- A study permit doesn’t qualify as a travel document: International students need to possess a visitor visa or eTA while traveling to and from Canada. In different situations, students might even travel through their passports. However, this will purely depend on the countries that need an eTA or visitor visa. Notably, demonstrating a visitor visa or eTA doesn’t necessarily provide you the authority to re-enter Canada. They must be able to convince the border officials that they fulfill all other essential requirements to get permission to come back to Canada. One exception for visitor visa holders is that they will still be allowed back to Canada even if they have an invalid document. This applies to students coming from the United States, Miquelon, or St-Pierre, having a valid study permit.
Note: Students must make sure that their visitor visa continues to be valid when they plan to return to Canada. Additionally, it is their responsibility to extend the visa before they leave the country if its expiry date is set during the travel period.
Overall, students with an expired study permit will not have the authority to re-enter Canada until the approval of its extension.
Repercussions of not fulfilling the Canadian study permit requirements for international students
If international students fail to adhere to the essential requirements of a Canadian study permit, they might face the following consequences:
- Lost study permit or student status.
- Get instructions to depart from Canada.
- They might have to wait for six months to proceed to apply for a new study permit in Canada. The same applies if they need to apply for a work permit or a visitor visa.
Essentially, the students might face difficulties in future outcomes or decisions regarding immigration if they fail to adhere to the above conditions. The same applies to students working or studying in an illegal way.
Study Permit Conditions – Who all are exempt from them?
Specific study permit holders might not have to prove their admission to a DLI in Canada or the fact that they are actively involved in their study program. The following individuals who don’t have to prove the above conditions include:
- Individuals possessing refugee status in Canada.
- Those pursuing Canadian education through an exchange agreement between Canada and a different country.
- Individuals related to a Canadian study or work permit holder as a spouse or dependent child.
However, international students who don’t have to prove any conditions must fulfill all other relevant and essential study permit conditions to maintain their status in this country.
If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our MakeHomeCanada experts at 1-800-979-0509, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].
