STEP 1: ACCEPTED FOR STUDY AT A Designated Learning Institution  

 

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a post-second institution confirmed by the intuition’s provincial or territorial ministry of education to meet the minimum IRCC standards in their education delivery. You may check the IRCC website to determine which school is a DLI: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/designated-learning-institutions-list.html

 

IMPORTANT: Not only should you check to see if your school is a DLI, but you should also check to see if the specific program of studies you want to take is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP eligible). 

 

Consider applying for a program of at least two years in duration that is PGWP eligible because that will allow you to qualify for a three-year PGWP. 

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STEP 2: OBTAIN A LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE FROM DLI 

 

Students can demonstrate acceptance into a DLI’s program or course by showing officers the letter of acceptance from the DLI they will be attending. In addition, IRCC has developed a guideline and strongly encourages all DLs to include the information indicated in the guideline. 

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STEP 3: APPLY FOR A STUDY PERMIT (AND TRV IF NEEDED) 

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• You do not require a study permit to go to school in Canada if:

  • You wish to study in a short-term course or program that lasts six months or less and that you complete it within the period authorized for your stay in Canada.

  • If you are a family member or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), you may not need a permit to study in Canada. 

  • If you are a member of a foreign armed force under the Visiting Forces Act, you do not need a permit to study in Canada. However, if your family members, including minor children, want to study in Canada, they must meet the requirements.

  • If you are a citizen of another country who has Registered Indian status in Canada, you do not need a permit to study in Canada.

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• Do I need to apply for a study permit outside of Canada? 

  • You must apply for a Study Permit from outside Canada. However, there are a few exceptions that may allow you to apply from inside of Canada, such as: 

    •  if you have a valid study or work permit;

    •  if your spouse, common-law partner or parent has a valid study or work permit;

    • if you’re a minor child in primary or secondary school;

    • if you’re an exchange student or visiting student;

    • if you completed a course or program of study that is a prerequisite to your enrolment at a DLI

 

* There are few other exceptions that can be found in the IRPR s 215.

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• Can I apply for a study permit at the Port of Entry?

  • You can only apply for the Study Permit at the border if you are a citizen or a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States, a resident of Greenland; or a resident of St. Pierre and Miquelon.

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STEP 4: MUST NOT BE INADMISSIBLE TO CANADA

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You could be found inadmissible for a number of reasons, such as:

• security reasons, including​

• human or international rights violations​

• committing a crime/organized crime

• medical reasons

• financial reasons

• misrepresentation

• failure to comply with any provision of IRPA