When planning to study in Canada, it’s essential to understand the terms and conditions attached to your study permit. This permit supports your stay in Canada for educational purposes. Knowing these terms will ensure you adhere to Canadian laws, maintain your legal status, and enjoy a hassle-free learning experience.
A study permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLI) in Canada.
You must be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and continue studying while you’re in Canada.
The holder of the study permit should make progress towards the completion of their course or program of studies.
You must comply with all federal, provincial, and municipal laws in Canada. Any violation may lead to immediate cancellation of the permit as per the inadmissibility clauses of the Immigration and Refugees Protection Act.
Study permits come with specific rules about work. Generally, post secondary international students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays or spring break.
International students must maintain a full time student status in all academic terms. Only exception is the last academic term. IRCC does not define a a minimum number of courses that makes as a full time student status. Your DLI makes this rule. As a general rule, most DLIs consider 9 credit units or more as full time studies.
The validity period of your study permit corresponds with the length of your academic program plus an additional 90 days.This grace period allows you either prepare for departure from Canada or apply for extending your stay.
If you want to extend your stay as a student, you must apply before the expiry date on your current study permit.
Non-compliance with any condition attached to the student’s study permit could lead them becoming ineligible for post-graduation work permits or barred from renewing their status or applying for new status under subsection R222(1).