Study Permit

A foreign national can apply to study in Canada as an international student and extend his/her study permit if a longer period is needed to complete the study. A SP allows a foreign national to study in Canada at a specific Canadian educational institution (known as designated learning institutions, DLI) for a particular time period.

International students with a valid study permit will be legally eligible to work in Canada for any employer. Under the terms of most study permits, the study permit holders can work for up to 20 hours per week during their program, and full-time during regularly scheduled breaks such as winter and summer breaks. In addition, the spouse or partner of an international student is eligible to obtain an open work permit (OWP) to work for any Canadian employer during and after the international student’s studies. An international student can also bring his/her children to Canada, who will be able to attend one of Canada’s public schools without needing their own study permit.

Once international students complete their program, they will receive a Canadian degree, diploma, or other credentials that will be recognized and respected by Canadian employers and government authorities. This credential will help them integrate into the Canadian labour market and accumulate more points under a variety of federal and provincial immigration programs. For example, if international students take a qualifying program at a Canadian DLI (e.g., a college or university) of at least two years in duration, they can get a full, three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which will provide them with up to three years to get enough qualifying Canadian work experience to become eligible for further immigration programs.

While holding a PGWP, the individual can then go ahead and pursue a number of federal and provincial permanent residence avenues, such as Express Entry (EE), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Quebec Experience Program, and other Federal Programs.