Canada - Work Skills & Ancestry - Work Permit (Based on Study)

Each year around 130,000 students choose to conduct their studies in the country, in addition to many more who apply for a Canadian visa in order to learn English or French.

Canadian student visas will give you the benefit of working on campus, and whilst living in Canada, visas of this kind enable you to submit an application for a student visa extension whilst you are already in the country.

In Canada student visa provision is intended as a temporary Canadian immigration service. In this respect it is similar to a Canadian visit visa, or tourist visa and a Canadian work permit in that it is issued on a short-term basis only.

Unlike a Canadian skilled worker visa, or any of the business visa options under the business immigrant programme, it is not intended as a route to settled status or permanent residency and it does not afford the opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship.

A student permit is issued with the requirement that you will leave once your study period is complete.

Benefits

Besides the benefits of broadening your horizons by applying for a Canadian study permit, it may also benefit you once you are in the country. In some circumstances, such as short term studying for periods of less than six months, study visas are not required. However, having one will allow you to extend your time in the country should you wish to further your studies.Without a permit, it would be necessary to return home and submit a new application.

In addition, although they are not regarded as work visas, Canadian student permits will allow you to work part time on the campus of the educational institution with which you are registered.

If you are studying in Manitoba, New Brunswick or Quebec you may also be able to work off campus. In such circumstances, you will also require a working permit.

Eligibility

Applications for student visas should be submitted as soon as possible once you have received an acceptance letter from the educational institution.

To submit a Canadian visa application of this kind you will need to satisfy the following criteria: 

• You must be in possession of an acceptance letter from the school or educational institution which you will attend.
• You must provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to pay school fees and to reside in close proximity to the school.
• You must be able to demonstrate that it is your intention to return home when your studies are complete.
• You may be required to pass a medical exam.
• You will need to obtain a temporary resident visa if required.

Temporary Resident Visas

Canadian visas of this type are required for nationals of some countries who wish to temporarily live in Canada in order to study. You may submit an application for a temporary resident visa at the same time as your permit for study. In some circumstances, when entering Canada, study visa applications are not necessary.

A Minor Already in Canada

If you are a minor child, already in Canada whose parents are not classed as visitors to Canada, you will require a visa for study.

Foreign Representatives in Canada

If you are related to, or are a member of staff of a foreign representative, you will be exempt.