If you plan to study in Canada, you might wonder what the difference is between a student visa and a study permit. These two terms are often used interchangeably but are not the same. In this blog post, we will explain the main differences and similarities between a student visa and a study permit and how to apply for them.
What is a student visa?
A student visa is a type of travel document that allows you to enter Canada for a specific purpose and duration. A student visa is usually issued by the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country and stamped on your passport. A student visa shows the date of your entry and exit, your visa type, and the conditions of your stay. A student visa shows that you have met the basic requirements to study in Canada, such as having a valid passport, an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI), proof of financial support, and a clean criminal record.
A student visa is not enough to study in Canada. You also need a study permit, which is a different document that authorizes you to pursue your education in Canada.
What is a study permit?
A study permit is a type of immigration document that allows you to study in Canada for a certain period. A study permit is usually issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is either mailed to you or sent electronically. A study permit has details about your program of study, your institution, your duration of stay, and your work eligibility.
A study permit is not a travel document. You still need a valid passport and a student visa (or an electronic travel authorization, or eTA, if you are from a visa-exempt country) to enter Canada.
How are they different?
The main difference between a student visa and a study permit is that a student visa is for entry, while a study permit is for stay. A student visa allows you to enter Canada as a temporary resident, while a study permit allows you to remain in Canada as a student. A student visa is valid for the duration of your travel, while a study permit is valid for the duration of your program (plus 90 days).
Another difference is that a student visa is issued by the Canadian government abroad, while a study permit is issued by the Canadian government within Canada. A student visa is based on your nationality, while a study permit is based on your acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
How are they similar?
The main similarity between a student visa and a study permit is that they require you to meet certain eligibility criteria. You need both documents to study in Canada as an international student. A student visa alone does not give you the right to study in Canada, and a study permit alone does not give you the right to enter Canada. You have to apply for both documents before you travel to Canada. To apply for either document, you need to:
– Have a valid passport
– Have an acceptance letter from a DLI in Canada
– Have enough funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation
– Have no criminal record or security issues
– Be in good health and undergo a medical exam if required
– Satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
Another similarity is that they both can be extended or renewed if you want to continue or change your studies in Canada. You can apply online or on paper to extend or renew your student visa or study permit before it expires.
How to apply for them?
The application process for a student visa and a study permit depends on your country of origin, program of study, and circumstances. Generally, you have to follow these steps:
- Find a DLI that offers the program you want to study and get an acceptance letter from them.
- Check if you need a student visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. You can find out by using the online tool on the IRCC website.
- Apply online or on paper for a student visa or an eTA, depending on your eligibility. You will need to provide various documents, such as your passport, acceptance letter, proof of financial support, and biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
- Wait for the decision on your application. The processing time varies depending on your location and the volume of applications. You can check the status of your application online or by contacting the IRCC.
- If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction from the IRCC. This letter is not your study permit but confirms that you are authorized to study in Canada. You must present this letter with your passport and your student visa or eTA when you arrive in Canada.
- After arriving in Canada, you must go through the immigration process at the port of entry. An immigration officer will verify your documents and issue your study permit. You must always keep your study permit with you during your stay in Canada.
Applying for a student visa and study permit can be complicated, and you want to get it right the first time. Consulting with a skilled immigration consultant can help ensure that you have everything you need to make your journey go smoothly. They can guide you through the application process, answer your questions, and ensure your application is complete and accurate.
Conclusion
We hope this blog post has helped you understand the difference between a student visa and a study permit. A student visa and a study permit are two different but related documents you need to study in Canada. A student visa allows you to enter Canada as a temporary resident, while a study permit allows you to stay in Canada as a student. You need to apply for both documents before you travel to Canada and meet certain eligibility criteria for both documents. You can also extend or renew both documents to continue or change your studies in Canada.
References
- https://ileiwe.com/2023/05/08/student-visa-and-study-permit-whats-the-difference/#:~:text=A%20permit%20has%20details%20about,what%20the%20visa%20is%20for.
- https://www.applyboard.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-student-visa-and-study-permit
- https://www.upgradabroad.com/articles/canadian-student-visa-vs-study-permit/
- https://leverageedu.com/learn/student-visa-and-study-permit/
- https://experteducation.com/global/blog/visa/canada-student-visa-vs-study-permit/
- https://www.advisebridge.com/blog/canadian-student-visa-vs-study-permit-the-difference-you-should-know
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit.html
