Student Visa

When it comes to education, Canada is among the top international destinations in the world. In 2019, Canada welcomed approximately 642,000 international students.

One of the biggest reasons foreign students choose to come to Canada is the quality of Canadian education. Canadian degrees, certificates and diplomas are considered international equivalent to degrees attained from the United States, Australia or the United Kingdom. In addition, Canadian universities consistently do well in international rankings.

Benefits of Studying in Canada

It is known that Canadian schools offer quality educations, affordable tuition, scholarship opportunities, and a first-class student experience.

Other benefits of studying in Canada include, but are not limited to:

  • internationally accredited educational attainment,

  • Open Work Permit - international students in Canada are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and work full-time (30 hours per week) during scheduled breaks such as summer vacations,

  • Post Graduate Work Permit - graduates can apply for a work permit which will be valid based on the length of the program of study completed in Canada,

  • Family Visa - an applicant’s spouse or common-law partner may apply for an open work permit while the student is studying in Canada, and children may join their parents and study in Canada for free provided that children are under 18 or 19 years old,

  • Immigrant Visa - there are a number of programs that offer Canadian permanent residency pathways.

Find out more about Student Visa applications.

Infinite Access Immigration Services makes sure that we are with you every step of the way. From obtaining an LOA to preparing and submitting the full student visa application to the responsible Canadian Visa Office, we will be there for you. We are affiliated with Canadian educational institutions as your pathway to gaining education. In addition, we also offer settlement services to help you adjust to your new life in Canada.

LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE (LOA) APPLICATION

In order to apply for a study permit, the student applicant must first secure an LOA from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada. Failure to provide an LOA means that the student permit application will be refused.

The LOA is an official confirmation that you have been accepted to study in Canada. It must have detailed information about the applicant, the institution that issued t he letter and the program of study.

STUDY PERMIT

If you intend to study at a Canadian educational institution, foreign nationals must apply for a valid study permit. A study permit, once issued, allows a foreign national to study in Canada at an approved institute for the duration of the specified course or program. A study permit is usually valid for the length or your study program and an additional 90 days. The 90 days gives you time to leave Canada or apply for an extension.

Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream. Contact us to learn more and find out which permit or visa process will give you a more favourable outcome.

An international student’s passport and study permit must be valid at all times while you are in Canada. Your study permit is not a visa.

Minor children (those under 18 or 19, depending on the province or territory) do not need study permit if they are already in Canada or coming to Canada with a parent who has a study or work permit.

STUDENT DIRECT STREAM

If you live in Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, or Vietnam, you might be able to get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream. Otherwise, applicants must apply through the regular study permit application process.

Those eligible to apply through Student Direct Stream must submit the exact documentations and certificates required. Documentations and certificates, as well as the exact application process, varies slightly depending on which country the applicant is residing.

Find out more about Student Direct Stream.

STUDY PERMIT EXTENSION

The expiry date on your study permit tells you when you have to stop studying and leave Canada. This date is usually the length of your study program and an additional 90 days. The 90 days gives you time to leave Canada or apply for an extension.

Note that your study permit expires either on the date marked on the permit or 90 days after the day you complete your studies, whichever comes first.

If you are no longer studying but want to stay in Canada, you have other options like applying for work permit or changing your status.