Canadian study permit help from BorderPass for postgraduate students abroad
Canada continues to be a top destination for postgraduate students to earn their degree. According to the International Consultants for Education and Fairs (ICEF) more than 1 million international students had an active Canadian study permit in 2023, a 29% rise in issued study permits compared to 2022.
If you’re interested in studying for a postgraduate degree from a Canada-based school, you likely need a permit depending on your program length and situation. Learn more about a Canadian study permit, and how students with an MPOWER financing loan can access expert study permit advice from BorderPass, a Canadian consultancy providing guidance and legal support for a small fee.
What is a Canadian study permit and who needs one?
A Canadian study permit isn’t a visa or other travel document. Instead, it allows you to attend a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. The permit application is completed online for most students, and the fee is CAD$150.
If your Canadian study permit application is approved, a temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization is automatically issued to you so you can enter the country.
International students who are interested in pursuing their higher education in Canada, including postgraduate students, usually require a Canadian study permit. Certain exceptions might apply; for example, if the program you’re accepted into spans six months or less, or if you’re a family member of a Global Affairs Canada-accredited foreign representative to Canada.
Canadian study permit application requirements
To qualify for a study permit in Canada, you must meet the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) basic eligibility requirements and submit certain documents:
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- Have a valid travel document. Present your unexpired passport or travel document from your home country and two current passport photos.
- Online applicants: Upload a copy of the information page of your passport when you apply online.
- Proof of acceptance letter. Provide a copy or original letter of acceptance (LOA) into a postgraduate program from your DLI
- Proof of sufficient funds. Provide proof of funds to cover your school tuition, fees, supplies and books, living expenses, and return transportation back to your home country. For one individual, you must have a minimum of CA$20,635, not including funds for tuition. Acceptable forms of financial proof include four months of personal bank statements, funding from a Canadian student loan, or other approved method.
- Have a clean criminal record. A police certificate issued by your country might be required.
- Medical exam requirements. Provide proof of a medical exam required for postgraduate students studying in Canada longer than six months. This step is an additional cost.
- Letter of explanation. Provide a concise personal essay of your goals for studying in Canada. Briefly explain why you want to study in the country, acknowledge your duties as a visiting student, and clearly state your intention to leave Canada when your study permit expires.
- Have a valid travel document. Present your unexpired passport or travel document from your home country and two current passport photos.
International students who are studying for a postgraduate degree in Canada are not required to provide a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL).
After submitting your study permit application, additional steps might be required. For example, you might be asked to undergo biometrics (like fingerprints and photo) for an additional CA$85 fee, attend an interview with a Canadian official in your home country, or provide additional information. Once you’ve provided all necessary documents, your application will be reviewed; processing can take up to three months, but timelines vary.
MPOWER helps students receive Canadian study permit help
Getting knowledgeable guidance and support during the permit application process and throughout your program is a critical part of successful Canadian immigration experience. To help its student loan customers, MPOWER Financing partnered with BorderPass, a digital platform that offers access to Canadian immigration experts for a small fee.
How BorderPass helps you get a study permit
BorderPass makes the study permit application process a more efficient experience, and helps you improve the likelihood of getting your study permit approved. The platform has more than a 90% success rate for study permits, globally.
The platform guides you through every immigration step toward your permit, including sending due date reminders, alerts, application status updates and professional legal advice from Canadian lawyers.
You’ll also receive key information for a smooth arrival to Canada, like what to expect at the Canadian border and the documents you should have ready. If you need to extend your study permit, BorderPass also guides you through the extension process.
Additional BorderPass perks
BorderPass members can get support with services to get settled in, like housing, opening a Canadian bank account, getting mobile phone and internet access and more. As a member you can access exclusive discounts from top providers that are only available through a BorderPass membership.
It also supports students’ ongoing needs, whether that’s add-on visa services, post-graduation work permits, Social Insurance registration or path toward permanent residency.
What is the cost of BorderPass?
Students who have an MPOWER Financing international student loan can access BorderPass for a small fee.
This membership provides one-year access to streamlined assistance and resources, not just for your study permit but also for other immigration support you might need during and after your program.
Get ongoing support for your study permit today
If you plan on pursuing a postgraduate degree in Canada, there are specific steps you must take to secure a Canadian study permit. Although you can go through the process yourself, having access to professional Canadian study permit help offers greater peace of mind.
Take advantage of MPOWER’s exclusive partnership with BorderPass, and get guidance for your Canadian study permit today.
