How to apply for a study permit for Canada from U.K.?

International students who obtain letter of acceptance (LOA) are able to apply for a study permit. Average decision period for study permits are between 4-16 weeks time. You could check processing time for a study permit by clicking here.

Beginning steps to check eligibility to get a study permit to study Canada as international student: 

• Obtain a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution in order to submit an application for a study permit
• Obtain PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter)
• Prove that he or she has sufficient financial support to cover the first year of tuition, as well as living expenses and return transportation to his or her home country
• Obtain a Certificat d'acceptation du Quebec (Quebec Acceptance Certificate, or CAQ) if he or she wishes to study in Montreal or elsewhere in the Province of Quebec
• Have clean record. Applicants with a criminal background, or who pose a risk to Canadian security, may be refused. IRCC may request an applicant to supply a police clearance certificate
• Be in good health. IRCC may request an applicant to complete a medical examination; and,
• Satisfy the immigration officer that he or she will leave Canada at the end of the stay authorized by the study permit.

What documents are required to complete a Canadian study permit application?

• Passport for the applicant and every family member included on the application;
• Two passport photos for the applicant and each family member included on the application, with the full name and date of birth written on the back;
• Photocopy of marriage certificate, if applicable; and,
• Any further documents required by specific visa offices.

  Start your Process Today by Completing the Online Assessment Form.

How to Obtain a Canadian Study Permit from the U.K.

1. Get Accepted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

   • Ensure you have been accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Only students who are accepted into a DLI can apply for a study permit.
   • You will need to provide a letter of acceptance from the DLI when applying.

2. Check Study Permit Requirements

   • Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian study permit:
     • You must be enrolled at a DLI.
     • You need to prove you can financially support yourself during your stay (tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation).
     • You must be in good health and may need a medical exam.
     • You should have no criminal record (you may need to provide a police certificate).
     • You must convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada once your studies are complete.

3. Prepare Required Documents

   • Proof of Acceptance: The acceptance letter from your Canadian school.
   • Proof of Identity: Valid passport and two passport-sized photos (with specific specifications).
   • Proof of Financial Support: Documents proving you can afford to live in Canada and pay for tuition fees. Examples include:
     • Bank statements
     • Affidavit of support from parents or sponsors, if applicable
     • Proof of a scholarship or financial aid, if applicable
   • Statement of Purpose: A letter explaining why you want to study in Canada, your program of choice, and your plans after graduation.
   • Police Certificates (if required).
   • Medical Exam (if required): Depending on your country of residence or the countries you’ve lived in, you might need a medical exam.
   • Visa Application Form: Complete the form for the study permit (IMM 1294).

4. Apply Online or Through VAC (Visa Application Center)

   • You can apply for a study permit online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
   • Alternatively, you can submit your application through the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in the U.K.
     • Online Application: Go to the official IRCC website and create an account to submit your application.
     • VAC Application: You can find the VAC in the U.K. for in-person submissions or to get your biometrics done (if needed).
   • Biometrics: If required, you will need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo) at the VAC.

5. Pay the Application Fees

   • Pay the processing fee for the study permit. As of now, it’s around CAD $150 for the study permit, plus a biometrics fee if applicable (CAD $85).
   • Check the IRCC website for the exact fees and the payment method.

6. Wait for Processing

   • Processing times can vary depending on your individual situation. Generally, it takes around 4-6 weeks for a decision, but it could be longer.
   • Track the status of your application online through your IRCC account.

7. Receive Your Study Permit

   • If your study permit application is approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and a visa (if required for entry).
   • Upon arrival in Canada, you will need to present these documents to the border officer who will issue your study permit at the port of entry.

8. Travel to Canada

   • Once you have your study permit approved, you can travel to Canada and begin your studies.
   • Remember to carry all the documents (passport, study permit approval, medical or police clearance documents, etc.) with you when you enter Canada.

Additional Tips:

• Work While Studying: You may be eligible to work on or off-campus while studying if you meet the requirements. However, you must include the correct conditions in your application for this.
• Family Members: If you are planning to bring family members (spouse, children), you will need to apply for their visas and permits separately.
• Extension: If you need to extend your study permit, you can apply for an extension before it expires.