The Top 4 FAQs About Canadian Study Permits

Q: 1. How long can I study in Canada?
A: Generally you can stay in Canada for the duration of your study permit. Look at your permit and it will tell you when it expires. In some cases, you can apply for an extension.

Q: 2. Can I work while on a Study Permit?
A: Yes, but only under limited circumstances such as when:
Your employment is on-campus;
The international student is the recipient of a scholarship;
The work has been certified as being an integral part of the program of study;
The work consists of academic research or a post-doctoral fellowship;
The work takes place after graduation in a field related to the program of study.

Spouses of international students are eligible to work temporarily in Canada.
There are other ways to work while on a study permit depending on where you study in Canada.

Q: 3. Do I always need a Study Permit to study in Canada?
A: No. You do not require a Study Permit when:
You take a French or English language training course that is no more than three months in duration; or
You are the spouse or dependent child; a diplomatic or consular officer; a representative of a foreign country; or a representative of the United Nations or any other intergovernmental organization of which Canada is a member.

Q: 4. Can I extend my study permit?
A: Yes you can. You will need to file Form IMM 1249. This immigration visa form is used by individuals who want to file for an extension of their study permit in Canada. Individuals submit form IMM 1249 to change conditions or to extend their stay in Canada as students. This application is for temporary residents who reside currently reside in Canada as students.
Note: Individuals holding valid current temporary resident status can apply for an extension of their stay, provided they apply at least 30 days before the expiry date of their current status.

Q. How Long Can I Stay in Canada?
A: 1. If you’re taking prerequisite courses
If your school asks you to take courses before they accept you into the main program, your study permit will be valid for the length of those courses, plus 1 year. When you get accepted into the main program, you must then apply to extend your stay as a student.
2. If you’ll finish your studies after your study permit expires
If you don’t finish your courses before the date on your permit, you must apply to extend your stay as a student. If you don’t, you’ll need to stop studying and leave Canada.
3. If you finish your studies before your study permit expires
If you finish your studies early, your permit will stop being valid 90 days after you complete your studies, no matter what day is printed on the study permit.

The first step towards your studying in Canada is getting an assessment of your case. Fill out our immigration assessment form and we will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility and options. Call us today at 1.403.836.1861 for an assessment to see if you are eligible to move to Canada, or fill out our online assessment form.