Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students, offering world class education, multicultural experiences, and opportunities to build a future in the country. If you plan to study in Canada for more than six months, you must obtain a Study Permit. At Sober Immigration, we help students prepare strong study permit applications that meet Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements, increasing your chances of approval.
What is a Study Permit?
A Study Permit is a document issued by IRCC that allows international students to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- It is not a visa – you may also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for entry.
- The study permit is normally valid for the duration of your program plus 90 days, allowing time to extend your stay or prepare to leave.
Who Needs a Study Permit?
You need a study permit if:
- Your program is longer than 6 months.
- You are a foreign national accepted by a Canadian DLI.
- You do not need a study permit if your course is 6 months or less, though many students apply anyway to keep future options open (such as work permits).
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a study permit, you must:
- Have a letter of acceptance from a DLI.
- Prove you have sufficient funds to cover:
- Tuition fees.
- Living expenses.
- Return transportation.
- Be a genuine student with a clear study plan.
- Have no criminal record (police clearance may be required).
- Be in good health (medical exam may be required).
- Convince the officer that you will leave Canada when your permit expires (unless you later transition to PR).
Documents Required for a Study Permit
- Valid passport.
- Letter of acceptance from a DLI.
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, GIC, sponsor letter, scholarship).
- Immigration medical exam (if required).
- Police clearance certificate (if required).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your education and career goals.
- Completed IRCC application forms and government fees.
Benefits of a Study Permit
- Access to world class Canadian education.
- Ability to work up to 20 hours/week during studies and full time during breaks.
- Spouses may qualify for an open work permit.
- Children can study in Canada without a separate permit.
- Eligibility for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduation.
- Pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) through Express Entry and PNPs.
Common Reasons for Study Permit Refusals
Study permit refusals often happen because:
- Weak or unclear study plan / SOP.
- Insufficient financial documents.
- Lack of strong ties to home country.
- Concerns about genuine student intent.
- Past immigration history or incomplete documents.
- Visit our Study Permit Refusals page to learn how we help students overcome rejections.
How Sober Immigration Helps
At Sober Immigration, we provide:
- College/university admission support at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
- Guidance on financial documentation to meet IRCC requirements.
- Drafting strong Statements of Purpose to address officer concerns.
- Complete preparation and submission of study permit applications.
- Assistance with refusals, appeals, and reconsideration requests.
- Support for study permit extensions and post graduation pathways.
Why Choose Sober Immigration?
- Licensed Canadian immigration consultants with student visa expertise.
- Partnerships with Canadian colleges and universities.
- Transparent and personalized advice.
- High success rate with first-time and refused applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about work permits and employment in Canada.
Still Have Questions?
Our immigration experts are here to help. Contact us for personalized assistance with your work permit application.
Take the first step toward your immigration journey with a professional consultation. During your consultation, we will:
- Assess your eligibility for immigration programs.
- Review your options based on your personal situation.
- Provide a clear action plan for your next steps.