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here's a list of documents required
Studying in Canada — Applying for a study permit outside Canada (IMM 5269)
Studying in Canada
What is a study permit?
This is the official document issued by an officer that allows someone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada to study in Canada.
Do I require a study permit?
If you are not a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or a family member of a foreign representative accredited to Canada or a member of the armed forces of a country that is a designated state for the purpose of the Visiting Forces Act, you must obtain a study permit to study in Canada. The Protocol Division of Foreign Affairs issues an acceptance to everyone who has diplomatic, consular, or official status in Canada and their family members. If you have this approval, you do not need a study permit to take courses in Canada.
What courses do not require a study permit?
A study permit is not needed for:
* any program of study that is six months or less that can be completed within the period authorized upon entry into Canada;
* courses that are not academic, professional or vocational in nature that can be completed within the period authorized upon entry into Canada;
* courses included in tour packages as a secondary activity for tourists; and
* nursery schools or kindergartens.
If your program of study is six months or less but you intend to continue your studies in another program you should apply for a study permit before coming to Canada. This will allow you to apply to extend your stay as a student from within Canada. Otherwise, if you do not hold a study permit you will have to apply for one outside Canada.
When should I apply?
The time required to process an application to study in Canada may vary at different visa offices. You should apply as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance from the educational institution.
What are the requirements I must meet?
You must show the officer that you meet the requirements of the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations and that you will be in Canada for a temporary stay. You must also:
* satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies;
* have been accepted by an educational institution;
* prove that you have enough money during your stay in Canada to pay for:
o tuition fees;
o living expenses for yourself and accompanying family members; and
o return transportation for yourself and accompanying family members;
* be law abiding and have no record of criminal activity (you may be asked to provide a Police Clearance Certificate);
* not be a risk to the security of Canada;
* produce any additional documents requested by the officer to establish your admissibility;
* complete a medical examination, if required.
What documents do I need to apply for a study permit?
Complete the application form, and include the documents listed below.
Important: Although the documents listed below are normally needed in support of your application, local requirements may also apply. You must satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada. Visit the local website of the visa office responsible for your area or contact their office to verify all required documents, before submitting your application.
1. Proof of acceptance
* for attendance at a university, college or technical institution, a letter from the educational institution to show:
o the name of the institution;
o confirmation of your acceptance and/or registration as a student;
o the course of study;
o the duration of the academic program; and
o the latest date you may register.
* for attendance at a primary or secondary school, a letter from the school board having jurisdiction for the school you are attending (or for private schools, a letter from the school itself), indicating:
o the name of the school;
o the level of study; and
o the duration of the course.
2. Proof of identity
* a valid passport or travel document that guarantees re-entry to the country that issued it (citizens and permanent residents of the United States, St. Pierre and Miquelon, and Greenland do not require a passport but do require proof of status and citizenship such as a national identity card or an alien registration card); and
* two photos of you and your accompanying family members (see Appendix B Photo Specifications for instructions).
3. Proof of financial support
* evidence that you can support yourself and accompanying family members while you study in Canada. Such evidence may include:
o proof of a Canadian bank account in your name if money has been transferred to Canada;
o your bank statements for the past four months;
o a bank draft in convertible currency;
o proof of payment of tuition and residence fees;
o for those with a scholarship or those with a Canadian funded educational program: proof of funding paid from within Canada.
* if foreign exchange control measures exist in your country, you must provide proof that you will be permitted by the exchange control authorities of your country to export funds for all of your expenses.
In addition, note that:
* if you are not a citizen of the country in which you are applying, you must provide proof of your present immigration status in the country of application;
* if the government that issued your passport or travel document requires a re-entry permit this must be obtained before you apply for a Canadian visa; and
* additional documents may be required.
Are there additional documents required if I’m attending an educational institution in Quebec?
Yes, you will also require a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (Quebec Certificate of Acceptance, or CAQ) issued by the Ministère de l’Immigration et des communautés culturelles (MICC) prior to requesting your study permit at the Canadian visa office.
Your educational institution should give you all necessary information about the procedures that apply in Quebec. For residents of some countries where there is a Quebec Immigration Service or SIQ (such as France, Austria, Mexico or the Hong Kong Administrative Region) you should apply there for your CAQ. Otherwise, you should send your application to the MICC Regional office that serves your educational institution in Quebec (or, if the institution is in the Montreal area, through the Direction des services d’immigration sociale et humanitaire in Montreal).
Refer to the MICC website for appropriate contact information and for the latest updates on the process and documents required in Quebec.
