Study Permits
Study permits allow foreign nationals to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada and are generally required for programs longer than six months. Applicants need a letter of acceptance from a DLI, must prove funds for tuition, living costs, and return travel, and show they will leave Canada when the permit ends (unless they change status lawfully). Health, security, and admissibility requirements apply; police certificates may be needed.
Students must remain enrolled and pursue their program while respecting permit conditions. Some permits allow on- or off-campus work within regulatory limits. A study permit is separate from a TRV or eTA, which may be required to enter Canada.
Cohen Visa advises students and accompanying family on eligibility, documentation, strategy, and compliance for efficient study permit applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about study permits
A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You need a valid letter of acceptance from a DLI for most study permit applications. DLIs can lose or change status; Cohen Visa helps confirm your institution and program are compliant at application time.
You must satisfy IRCC that you can pay tuition for your first year of study (or your program if shorter), cover living expenses at prescribed minimums, and fund return travel, unless exemptions apply. Evidence may include bank statements, official loans, scholarships, or a combination accepted for your case.
Eligible full-time students at a DLI may work on or off campus within hour limits set by regulation, once their permit authorizes work and other conditions are met. Working without authorization can affect status; we advise on permit wording and compliance.
A study permit is not a travel document. Depending on citizenship, you may need a Temporary Resident Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization to fly to or enter Canada, in addition to your study permit.
You must remain enrolled and actively pursue your studies, respect work conditions, stop studying by the permit expiry date unless you extend or change status, and comply with any other conditions printed on your permit.
We assess eligibility and admissibility, prepare applications and supporting financial and academic documentation, advise on work conditions and travel documents, and plan extensions or pathway changes where appropriate.