Study permit: what it means for students
What it means, who decides it and where to check the official source.
A study permit is the document from IRCC that allows a foreign national to study at a Canadian school; it is not the same as a visa or admission letter.
In more detail
A study permit is issued by the federal government and authorises a person to study at a designated school in Canada. It is separate from the school's letter of acceptance, which is one of the documents supporting the application.
People often mix up the study permit and the visa. A visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization is a travel document; the study permit is the authorisation to study. Which of these you need depends on your citizenship.
Rules, supporting documents and conditions on a permit are set by IRCC and change. A study permit application is a legal application and decisions are made only by IRCC.
Who decides
IRCC decides every study permit application.
Where to check
- Government of Canada
Start from the study permit section of the immigration pages.
What to ask a counsellor
- What is the difference between an admission letter and a study permit, and who handles each?
- When should I speak to a licensed immigration professional rather than a counsellor?
Questions about a term?
Bring it to a free counselling session. We explain how schools and programs work and help you prepare questions. We do not give immigration advice.
Independent advice
- Study Master Canada is an independent education counselling firm. We are an authorized agent of certain colleges and universities, directly and through recruitment partners, and the institutions compensate us. Our counselling is free to you.
- We help you choose a program and connect you with the college.
- We do not determine eligibility or funding, and we are not affiliated with any government.
- Regulated immigration work is done only by Visa Master Canada, a licensed RCIC partner, and only when you retain them directly.