Getting Visas to Canada

Most students need a study permit to study in Canada. Before you apply for a permit, you must have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian school.

You do not need a permit if:

• you are taking a short-term course (six months or less) and you will complete your studies during the time allowed for your stay.
• you are a minor child already in Canada and your parents are not in Canada on a temporary resident visa. Find out more about minor children studying in Canada.
• you are a family member or staff member of an accredited foreign representative to Canada, such as a diplomat.

Even if you do not need a study permit, it’s a good idea to get one. If you do not have a permit, and you want to continue your studies after you complete a course of less than six months, you will have to leave Canada to apply. If you have a study permit, you can apply to renew it without leaving Canada.

A study permit also allows you to work part-time on campus.

Citizens of most countries also need a visa to visit or transit Canada.