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Canada student visa explained

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Planning to study in Canada? If you’re an international student, you’ll likely search for a Canada student visa. The official document is called a study permit. This permit allows you to attend school, stay in the country during your studies and qualify for post-study work opportunities.

This article explains how the visa process works, how to meet requirements and what steps to take before arriving in Canada.

What is a Canada student visa?

Many international students search for a Canada student visa, but the official document is called a study permit. The study permit is what legally allows you to live in Canada and attend a designated learning institution (DLI). In addition, you may need a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter the country, depending on your nationality.

A study permit allows you to:

  • Enroll in an approved university, also known as a designated learning institution (DLI)
  • Work part time during the semester and full time during school breaks
  • Apply for postgraduation work opportunities like post-graduate work permit (PGWP) Canada

If you’re pursuing a master’s abroad, a study permit opens the door to academic and professional growth in Canada.

Your study permit is typically valid for the length of your program plus an extra 90 days to prepare for departure, apply for a work permit or extend your stay.

International students collaborate in a Canadian university classroom.

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Have questions about the visa process? MPOWER's immigration resources are for students like you.

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How to apply for a student visa in Canada

You should apply for your study permit as soon as you receive a letter of acceptance from a Canadian university or college. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Gather your documents

 To meet the Canada student visa requirements, you’ll need:

  • A valid passport
  • A letter of acceptance from an approved university, also known as a DLI
  • Proof of financial support
  • Passport photos
  • A letter of intent explaining your academic goals
  • A Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if applying to a school in Quebec
  • Any additional documents requested by your visa office

2. Apply online or through a visa center

Most students apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. If online access is limited in your country, you can apply through a local visa application center.

3. Complete biometrics and a medical exam

Depending on your country of origin, you may need to complete a medical examination and submit fingerprints.

4. Wait for approval

Once approved, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. This is what you show when entering Canada to receive your actual study permit.

What happens after you arrive in Canada?

Once you’re studying overseas in Canada with a valid study permit, you can start your program at any approved university (DLI) and work part time without needing a separate permit. Most international students are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during school breaks.

After completing your degree, you may be eligible to apply for the post-graduate work permit (PGWP) Canada offers. This work permit allows you to gain Canadian work experience and stay in the country for up to three years depending on the length of your program.

Choosing from the many Canadian universities for international students can also improve your chances of PGWP approval as only programs from approved universities make you eligible.

Student smiles while checking phone beside textbooks and a Canadian flag sticker.

How MPOWER Financing supports your study permit success

MPOWER Financing helps students from around the world pursue their education in Canada with confidence. If you’re applying for a study permit, having a no-cosigner, no-collateral Canada student loan from MPOWER can strengthen your visa application by showing financial readiness.

But MPOWER’s support doesn’t stop there. When you finance your education with MPOWER, you also get:

  • A free visa support letter to include with your application
  • Access to scholarships for international students in Canadian master’s programs
  • Free career support through our Path2Success program including PGWP planning
  • Fixed-rate student loans with no cosigner or collateral required
  • Coverage for tuition and university-invoiced expenses at most schools

Whether you’re focused on getting into a top program or securing post-study work rights, MPOWER helps you take your next step with confidence.

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FAQs

What is a Canada student visa? 

In Canada, a student visa is officially called a study permit. It lets you study at a DLI, stay in the country legally, and work part time during your program.

What are the requirements for a Canada study permit? 

You’ll typically need:

  • A valid passport
  • An acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI)
  • Proof of financial support
  • Passport photos
  • A medical exam and biometrics (if required for your country)
    • These are the most common requirements, but IRCC publishes the full, official list here: Government of Canada – Study permit: Get the right documents

    Can I work while studying in Canada? 

    Can I work while studying in Canada? 

    Yes. Most students can work up to 24 hours per week during the semester and full time during school breaks without a separate permit.

    What is the PGWP? 

    The post-graduation work permit lets you work in Canada after completing your program. It can be valid for up to three years depending on your university degree length.

    Does a student loan help my visa chances? 

    Yes. A loan from MPOWER can serve as proof of funds and helps demonstrate your ability to support yourself during your studies.

    Can I apply for permanent residency after studying in Canada? 

    Many international students use the PGWP to gain work experience and then apply for permanent residency. Canada offers several immigration pathways for students who graduate from approved university programs.


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