Work in Canada FAQs

Foreign nationals who arrive in Canada to engage in academic, professional or vocational education or training for more than six months must acquire a valid study permit along with a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institute. 

Multiple entry TRV will be issued, valid for the same period as the study permit or passport, whichever is shorter (unless otherwise specified) to foreign nationals who require TRV, including those eligible to apply for eTA.

  • What are the Eligibility requirements to study in Canada?
  • Must enrol in DLI (Designated Learning Institution)
  • Prove that you are financially capable and pay for your tuition and living expenses for yourself and your accompanying dependent family members. 
  • Have no Criminal record
  • You are in Good Health. 
  • Can get a medical exam if required. 
  •  Leave Canada when your study permit expires. 


  • If I want to study in Canada, do I need a study permit?

Foreign nationals may or may not need a study permit to study in Canada. Determine if you need a study permit and apply before coming to Canada. Before making an application for a study permit, you must have a letter of acceptance from a DLI.

Options for study permit application depend on whether the application is made from outside Canada, inside Canada or at the port of entry. 

A study permit is not a travel document. It only allows you to study in Canada. If the application for a study permit is approved, a visitor visa or eTA will be issued depending on which document is required to enter Canada.

  • What is the difference between student visa and study permit?

Student Visa is a temporary resident visa, also known as TRV, which allows you to enter/re-enter Canada as long as it’s valid, whereas, a study permit is a document that permits you to stay and study in Canada legally as a student for the period of its validity. 

A study permit is issued at the POE (port of entry) when you first enter Canada with your Student Visa or TRV and letter of acceptance from DLI (Designated Learning Institution)

  • I am a national or permanent resident of the US, can I apply for a study permit at the POE (port of entry)? 

To apply for a study permit at the port of entry, a lawful permanent resident of the US travelling to Canada must apply for and obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before boarding her flight to Canada.

  • What is the validity of my study permit?

Your study permit is usually valid for the duration of your study, plus an extra 90 days. 

The period of 90 days allows you to prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay.

  • Can I work while studying as an international student in Canada?

Eligibility to work while studying depends on conditions included in a study permit that indicates you can work on or off-campus. 

  • Work without a work permit as an international student

If you are an international student holding a valid study permit, you may be allowed to work on or off-campus without getting a work permit. You must meet all the requirements before finding a job. 

  • Work with a work permit as an international student. 

If your study program indicates that co-op or internship placement is required, you will need a work permit. 

  • Work after graduation.

PGWP (post-graduation work permit) may be required to continue working after attaining graduation. 

  • I have not finished my studies yet, but my study permit has expired. What should I do?

You must apply for an extension of your stay as a student if you have not finished your courses before the date on your study permit. 

  • What are different school options offered to international students in Canada?

School choices for international students include primary and secondary schools, post-secondary colleges and universities, private colleges, vocational schools, and language schools. 

The selected school must be on the DLI (designation learning institution) listing. DLI list includes the names of the schools approved to accept international students. 

Students accepted at a DLI can be issued study permits to stay and study in Canada. 

  • I have finished my studies before the expiry of my study permit? What should I do?

Your study permit will stop being valid 90 days after completing your studies. The date printed on the study permit will not be considered as valid. 

  • I have a family emergency in my home country, can I go back home while studying in Canada?

Yes, you can leave Canada during your studies. You may be required to show the proof of enrollment at the time of your return. 

  • I have changed school/study programme, am I required to change my study permit?

If you have changed your school/study programme, you do not have to change your study permit. 

  • My study permit has expired, and I have applied for an extension, Can I travel outside Canada and return?

If your extension is under process, you may be allowed to enter Canada as a visitor; however, you can not study till you receive your extension. You will also need to provide proof of your study permit extension request and satisfy the officer at the port of entry that you have enough money to support yourself. 

  • My student/visit visa has expired can I return to Canada?

You can travel with expired visit visa and not an expired eTA if:

Your visit is restricted only to the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon, and you have returned to Canada before the expiry of your study permit. 

  • I am an international student.  Can my spouse work while I am studying in Canada?

Your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit for the duration of your studies provided you are a full-time student at public or private college.

It takes several months to process a spousal open work permit and is usually valid for the study permit duration.

  • I am an international student. Can I get scholarships to study in Canada?

Canadian government gives numerous awards for studying and for researching Canada to International and Canadian students. 

Please go to  www.educanada.ca to learn more about international scholarships.