StudyCanada guide · reviewed October 2026
Study permits
Admission to a school and permission to study in Canada are separate steps. Read the official requirements for your circumstances before planning travel.
Check the institution, required documents and any applicable provincial requirements. Use IRCC for current instructions and forms; this guide does not decide individual eligibility.
- Check the relevant institution and program
- Read the current application instructions
- Keep copies and track your application through the official service
Official resources
My study plan →Read the current guide on this topic →Historical record
The original text is preserved below.
Getting Your Visa to Study in Canada
Depending on your country of origin and the type and length of study, you may require:
A temporary resident visa
A study permit
For Quebec-bound students, a CAQ (Quebec Application Certificate)
The type of documentation required depends on your country of origin, the program you are taking, and the length of your study:
Any study program of up to six months: no study permit is required
Programs longer than six months require a study permit
If you will be studying in a program of six months or less, but think you may continue your studies in another program after this short-term program is completed, you should apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. If you do not have a valid study permit and wish to continue your studies, you will have to leave Canada in order to apply for one.
NOTE: A temporary resident visa may be required depending on your country of origin. Please see the list of countries that require a temporary resident visa as provided by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
More information on the process of applying for a study permit is available on Citizenship and Immigration Canada's web site.