What’s the difference between a study permit and a Canada study visa

Suppose you plan to get higher education in Canada; you need a Canada study visa and a study permit. There is often confusion about the two terms and their use. If you wish to study in Canada, You must know the difference between a study permit and a Canada student visa and their function. These two terms are often used interchangeably but are documented with different purposes and requirements. This blog post will explain the difference between a student visa for Canada and a study permit and how to apply for them.

What is a study permit?

A study permit is an immigration document that allows you to stay and study in Canada for a specific period. It is issued by the government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after you are enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. A DLI is an educational institution approved by the Canadian government to host international students.

A study permit is not a visa. It does not grant you entry into Canada. You need a valid passport and, based on your country of origin, a Canada student visa or eTA (an electronic travel authorization) to enter Canada. It carries details about your stay in Canada and the purpose of your stay. It contains information about:

• Your reason for staying in Canada
• Details of the course you are taking
• Duration of the course
• Any restrictions on work

A study permit only authorizes you to stay and study in Canada once you have arrived.

A study permit has several benefits for international students.

It allows you to:

• Studying at a Designated Learning Institution in Canada
• Work part-time on or off-campus for about 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during holidays or scheduled breaks.
• Apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after you complete your studies. This can help you gain Canadian work experience and qualify for permanent residence.
• Bring your spouse, dependent children, or common-law partner with you to Canada, and they can also work or study in Canada.

A study permit is valid for the duration of your study program plus an extra 90 days. This period allows you to prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay. You must extend your permit before it expires to continue studying or stay longer in Canada.

 What is a Canada student visa?

A Canada student visa is an official stamp or sticker placed on your passport by a Canadian visa office. It allows you to enter Canada as an international student for a specific period. It is also known as a temporary resident visa (TRV).
A Canadian student visa does not authorize you to stay and study in Canada. You must have a valid study permit to enroll in a DLI and pursue your studies. It only grants you entry to Canada once you have arrived.
A student visa for Canada is required for international students from different countries who want to get an education in Canada. A list of countries requiring a student visa is available on the IRCC website. You can check the list if you need a student visa. There are some countries whose students do not need a student visa, but they need an eTA. An eTA is an electronic authorization linked to your passport allowing you to board a flight to Canada.
You do not need to apply for a student visa separately from your study permit application. When you apply for a study permit online or by paper, you will automatically be considered for a Canada student visa, depending on your country of origin. You will only pay one fee for both applications.

Difference between a Canada study visa and a study permit

Sr.no	Differences	Student visa	Study permit
1	Definition	A Canada student visa is an official stamp or sticker placed on your passport by a Canadian visa office. It allows entry into Canada.	A study permit is an immigration document that allows you to stay and study in Canada for a specific period. It outlines the conditions, restrictions, and requirements for your stay.
2	Cost	No separate fee	CAD 150
3	who can apply	International students who want to study in Canada.	All international students studying a program for more than six months. It is obtained before entering the country.
4	When to apply	When you apply for a study permit, you will automatically be considered for a student visa.	You can apply after receiving the approval letter from your chosen institute or the Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec (CAQ).
5	How to apply	No separate procedure is required to apply for a student visa.	Apply for admission to your desired DLI and obtain a letter of acceptance. Gather the required documents and submit your application to IRCC.

 

How to apply for a study permit and a Canada student visa?

To apply for a Canadian student visa and study permit, you need to follow these steps:

1. Find your desired institute and a study program you want to pursue in Canada. You can look for DLIs on the IRCC website.
2. Apply for admission to your desired institute and obtain a letter of acceptance. If you want to study in Quebec, get a Quebec acceptance certificate (CAQ).
3. Gather the required documents for your study permit application, like proof of identity, evidence of valid financial support, proof of language proficiency, etc.
4. Submit your visa application for a study permit to IRCC online or by paper. You will also be considered for a Canadian student visa at the same time.
5. Pay the visa application fee of CAD 150 and the biometrics fee of CAD 85 if applicable.
6. Wait for the processing of your application, which may take several weeks or months, depending on your country of origin and the volume of applications.
7. Upon your application approval, you will receive a letter of introduction that confirms your approval for a study permit and a student visa that will be issued upon your arrival in Canada.
8. Travel to Canada with your required documents.

 

A study permit and a Canada student visa are two different documents you need to pursue your studies in Canada as an international student. A study permit allows you to stay and study in Canada. In contrast, a Canada study visa will enable you to enter Canada. You can apply for both documents simultaneously when you apply for a study permit in Canada online or by paper. Before applying, you must understand the difference between them and each document’s requirements and benefits. It is recommended to take the advice of a professional visa consultant to guide you through the application process. HSA Consultants is the best consultant in Lahore, and they can help you achieve your dream of studying abroad. They can maximize your chances of getting a student visa and a study permit to stay in Canada.