Studying in Canada — Applying for a study permit outside Canada (IMM 5269)

Overview

This application guide is designed for persons who wish to apply for a study permit from outside Canada, to study in Canada. It provides all of the necessary information, instructions and application forms for you to complete and submit.

This guide does not provide general information about renewing a study permit. For information on renewing a study permit refer to the guide Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada as a student (IMM 5552). The guide may be obtained by visiting our website or you can contact the Call Centre.

Note: The Call Centre number is only accessible inside Canada.

A renewal of a study permit does not affect your temporary resident visa. To obtain a temporary resident visa, you must apply outside of Canada. It is your responsibility to ensure your temporary resident visa remains valid to re-enter Canada.

If you want to study in Canada you must meet the necessary requirements and you may require a temporary resident visa. A temporary resident visa is an official document issued by a visa office abroad, that is placed in your passport to show that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident. (See Appendix A: Temporary Resident Visa Exemptions for information on persons who are exempt from obtaining a temporary resident visa to visit Canada). If you require a temporary resident visa it is not necessary to make a separate application or pay a separate fee; an officer will issue it at the same time as the documentation necessary for your entry to Canada as a student.

You must have a letter confirming that you have been accepted by an educational institution before you apply for a study permit. An educational institution includes a university, college or other educational institution. The institution will decide if you meet its academic and language requirements. To obtain such acceptance, you must deal directly with the educational institution in which you are interested.

The entry of international students into Canada is regulated by the Government of Canada. Nevertheless, your admission to an educational institution may be subject to policies in the province or territory where you want to study.

Before you apply

• Read all the instructions carefully before you begin to complete the application forms.
• Gather all of the necessary documents.
• Photocopy the blank forms and use one as a working copy. Keep the working copy for your records.
• Fill in the forms carefully and completely. Use a typewriter or print clearly, in black ink.
• Add appropriate characters for languages that do not use the Latin alphabet. (for example, Chinese, Arabic, Cyrillic, Japanese, Hebrew, etc.)
• Sign and date your application forms.
• Verify acceptable methods of payment with the office where you submit your application.

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