Author: Admin

Parents & Grandparents

Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Canada (PGP)

  • The parents/grandparents sponsorship (PGP) process falls under Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program. This program was introduced to help Canadian permanent residents and citizens bring their parents or grandparents to Canada after receiving permanent residence.
  • Prospective sponsors should note that sponsoring parents in Canada has recently become more complicated. Since 2021, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have been allowing only individuals with an official Invitation to Apply to sponsor their parents or grandparents.
  • Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 23,100 invitations to apply to people who wish to sponsor their parents and grandparents in 2022. Additionally, Canada has targeted 28,500 PGP applicants in 2023, 34,000 in 2024, and 36,000 in 2025 as mentioned in the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025.

Benefits of Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship

  • The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship (PGP) Program is great for Canadians who wish to bring their aging parents or grandparents to Canada and take care of them. PGP Canada is beneficial if the parents or grandparents do not have anyone to care for them in their current country of residence.
  • As your parents get PR in Canada through PGP Program, they can take complete benefits of their status. They can work in Canada, get a health care card, and protection under Canadian law and the Charter of Rights and Freedom. They can even apply to become a Canadian citizen once they qualify to apply.

Income required for the 3 tax years right before the day you apply (sponsors applying in 2022)

  • You, the sponsor (and your co-signer, if you have one) must prove you have enough income to support all the people you’ll be financially responsible for once you become a sponsor. This includes yourself.
  • If you’re invited to apply, you have to provide proof that you meet the income requirements for each of the 3 tax years before the date you apply.

This table applies to you if you live in any province or territory except Quebec.

Table 1:

Size of Family Unit

MNI 

2021

MNI
2020

MNI
2019

2 persons

$32,898

$32,270

$41,007

3 persons

$40,444

$39,672

$50,414

4 persons

$49,106

$48,167

$61,209

5 persons

$55,694

$54,630

$69,423

6 persons

$62,814

$61,613

$78,296

7 persons

$69,934

$68,595

$87,172

Each additional person

$7,120

$6,985

$8,876

 

Table 2 below refers solely to the persons being sponsored. Principal applicants should add the relevant figure from Table 1 above to the relevant figure in the right-side column of Table 2 to arrive at the total minimum income required.

Additional income required of the sponsor to satisfy the basic needs of the sponsored person and his or her family members

Number of persons 18 years of age or over

Number of persons under 18 years

Gross annual income required of the sponsor

 

1

$8,740

 

2

$13,852

The gross annual income required increases by $4,619 for each additional person under 18 years of age.

Number of persons 18 years of age or over

Number of persons under 18 years

Gross annual income required of the sponsor

1

 

$18,469

1

1

$24 815

1

2

$28,021

The gross annual income required increases by $3,203 for each additional person under 18 years of age.

Number of persons 18 years of age or over

Number of persons under 18 years

Gross annual income required of the sponsor

2

 

$27,085

2

1

$30,340

2

2

$32,754

The gross annual income required increases by $2,404 for each additional person under 18 years of age and by $8,610 for each additional person 18 years of age or over.

 

 

 

Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship: Step By Step Process

The application process for the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Canada is summarized below:

  1. Fill Out and Submit the Interest to Sponsor Form

Prospective sponsors must first fill out an “Interest to Sponsor Form” and submit it with IRCC. It should be noted that this form has been closed since November 2020 and will stay closed until further notice from IRCC.

Successful prospective sponsors who submitted this form before the closing date mentioned above and have received an Invitation to Apply can proceed to the next step.

  1. Fill Out Both Applications

Prospective sponsors must then fill out a special Sponsor application, while their parents or grandparents must fill out a different permanent residence application. Not that both these applications must be submitted online at the same time.

  1. Pay the Fees

The sponsor and their parents or grandparents must then pay application fees. This includes the following:

  • Sponsorship fees: $75 CAD
  • Processing fees for each parent or grandparent: $490
  • Right of permanent residence fees for each parent or grandparent: $515 CAD
  • Biometrics fees per parent or grandparent: $85 CAD
  • The fees mentioned above must be paid online.
  1. Submit Fingerprints and Photos

Parents or grandparents will be asked to give their fingerprints and get their photos taken once they have submitted their applications.

  1. Medical Exams and Police Clearance

Parents or grandparents will then be required to undergo medical exams and obtain police clearance certificates. If IRCC approves the application, they will receive permanent resident status and be allowed to come to Canada.

PGP Program Canada: Processing Time

The processing time for the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship (PGP) Program Canada is approximately 20 to 24 months. You can check the most recent processing time for PGP Program Canada here.

Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship vs. Super Visa

The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship (PGP) offers permanent residence for parents or grandparents. On the other hand, the Super Visa is a temporary visitor visa that allows them to stay in Canada for up to 7 consecutive years with extensions.

Family Class Sponsorship

Who you can sponsor:

  • A spouse, a common-law partner or a conjugal partner
  • Your dependent children
  • Your parents and grandparents
  • Your brothers or sisters, nephews or nieces, granddaughters or grandsons who are orphaned, under 18 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship
  • Another relative of any age or relationship but only under specific conditions
  • Certain accompanying relatives of the above

 

Definitions:

Spouse – You are a spouse if you are married to your sponsor and your marriage is legally valid.

Common-law partner – You are a common-law partner, either of the opposite sex or same-sex if you have been living together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year continuous (a 12-month period that was not interrupted). You will need proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household.

Conjugal partner – This category is for partners, either of the opposite sex or same-sex, where exceptional circumstances beyond their control prevented them from living together and therefore cannot qualifying as common-law partners or spouses.

Dependent children – A son or daughter is dependent when the child:

  • is under the age of 22 and does not have a spouse or common-law partner;
  • is over the age of 22 and depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22 because of a physical or mental condition.

Business Visitors

Business Visitors: Working Without A Work Permit

You’re a business visitor if you:

  • come to take part in international business activities without being part of the Canadian labour market
  • are visiting Canada temporarily to
  • look for ways to grow your business
  • invest
  • advance your business relationships

Business visitors usually stay in Canada for a few days or a few weeks, but are able to stay for up to 6 months.

Eligibilities:

To qualify as a business visitor to Canada, you must show that:

  • you plan to stay for less than 6 months
  • you don’t plan to enter the Canadian labour market
  • your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada
  • you have documents that support your application
  • you meet Canada’s basic entry requirements, because you
    • have a valid travel document, such as a passport
    • have enough money for your stay and to return home
    • plan to leave Canada at the end of your visit
    • are not a criminal, security or health risk to Canadians

Note: If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, or plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to apply for a work permit.

Types of Activities:

There are a number of reasons why an individual may come to Canada as a business visitor, including:

  • Attending business meetings, conferences, conventions, fairs, etc;
  • Buying Canadian goods or services on behalf of a foreign entity;
  • Taking orders for goods or services;
  • Providing after-sales service, excluding hands-on work in the construction trades;
  • Being trained by a Canadian parent company for work outside of Canada; and
  • Training employees of a Canadian subsidiary of a foreign company.

What you need to enter Canada

You need one of the following:

  • a visitor visa
  • an electronic travel authorization (eTA)
  • other documents such as
    • a valid passport from your country of nationality
  • letters of support from your parent company and a letter of invitation from the Canadian host business or a Letter of Recognition from the Canada Border Services Agency
  • other documents such as warranty or service agreements, or contracts, if relevant to your visit
  • 24-hour contact details of your business host in Canada
  • proof that you have enough money for both your stay in Canada and your return home

Open Work Permits

Open Work Permits

  • Open work permits allow eligible foreign nationals to work for any employer in Canada. 
  • The biggest advantage of holding an open work permit is the freedom to work in the occupation, or for the employer, of your choice. 

​

Foreigners that are eligible for an Open Work permit:

​

  • Spouse/common-law partner being sponsored for Permanent Residence through an Inland Spousal Application
  • Spouse/common-law partner of a Temporary Foreign Worker
  • ​Spouse/common-law partners of International Students studying in Canada
  • International Students who recently graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program can apply for a Post-Graduation Open Work Permit
  • International Experience Canada (IEC) Candidates (Working Holiday)

​

Inland Sponsorship 

​

Spouses and common-law partners being sponsored through the Inland Spousal/Common-Law Partner Sponsorship Category of the Family Class can be granted an open work permit while the application for permanent residence is being processed.  This allows the Spouse/Common-law partner to work in any job while waiting for permanent residence application to be processed.

​

Spouse/Common-law of Temporary Foreign Worker

​

Spouse or common-law partner of a foreign temporary worker must demonstrate that:

  • the principal temporary foreign worker has employment in Canada that is at a management level, or a job in a professional occupation, or as a technical or skilled tradesperson. In other words, the skill level of the principal temporary foreign worker’s job must be level 0, A or B, according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC). This skill level requirement does not apply to principal temporary foreign workers who have been nominated for permanent residence by a province (provincial nominees).
  • the principal temporary foreign worker is permitted to work in Canada for a period of at least six months.

​

Spouse/Common-law partner of Foreign Student

​

To be eligible for an Open Work Permit, the spouse or common-law partner of a foreign student cannot themselves be full-time students and must demonstrate that:

  • the foreign student is studying full-time at a diploma/degree-granting, publicly-funded post-secondary educational facility; or
  • the foreign student has graduated and is the holder of a valid work permit for a job related to his or her studies.

​

For spouses and common-law partners, open work permits are generally issued with a validity date that coincides with the period of time that their spouse is permitted to work or study in Canada, as the case may be.

​

International Graduates

​

To be eligible for an open work permit, graduating international students must meet the requirements under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

​

International Experience Canada

​

Open work permits are also available to candidates for the International Experience Canada (IEC) Candidates under the Working Holiday category.

LIMA Exempt

LMIA-Exempt jobs

Foreign workers that require the Canadian government’s labour market test, known as the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) fall under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Conversely, foreign workers that do not require an LMIA fall under the International Mobility Program (IMP).

The purpose of the TFWP is to enable employers in Canada to hire foreign workers when there are no suitable workers in Canada to do the job. The purpose of the IMP is to promote Canada’s broad economic, social, and cultural interests. Since the IMP’s policy goals are broader, the Canadian government does not use the LMIA process on foreign nationals who fall under any of the IMP’s streams.

For some jobs, employers do not need to obtain a LMIA before hiring a foreign worker.

Some of the most common LMIA-exempt streams are outlined below.

Significant benefit

This exemption can be applied if your employer is able to prove that you will bring an important social, cultural, or economic benefit to Canada. For example:

  • Technical workers, creative and performing artists, self-employed engineers, etc.
  • Intra-company transferees with specialized knowledge that will contribute to the Canadian economy through their specialized skills and experience
  • Workers under Mobilité francophone
Reciprocal employment

This exemption allows foreign workers the opportunity to work in Canada in specific industries where Canadians have similar opportunities in other countries. For example:

  • Professional athletes and coaches working with Canadian teams
  • Professors, guest lecturers, and students participating in exchange programs
Entrepreneurs & self-employed

Foreign nationals who want to work for themselves or operate their own business temporarily in Canada need to demonstrate that their business would generate significant economic, social, or cultural benefits for Canadian citizens or permanent residents to be granted a LMIA exemption.

Intra-company transferees

International companies can temporarily transfer employees to a Canadian branch without requiring an LMIA.

French-speaking skilled workers

French-speaking skilled workers who have a valid job offer in a province or territory outside of Quebec may be exempt from needing an LMIA.

International trade agreements

Some international Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) contain provisions to make it easier for businesspeople to work temporarily in the signed countries. While foreign workers covered by an applicable FTA still usually need a closed work permit, they are exempt from the LMIA requirement. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) are both examples.

International youth exchange programs

Canada also participates in some international youth exchange programs that allow young people to travel and work in Canada without requiring an LMIA. For example, the Young Professionals category of International Experience Canada for individuals with a job offer in Canada that contributes to their professional development.

  • Partner countries:
  • If you’re a citizen of a partner country, you may be able to apply to one or more of these 3 categories
  • If you aren’ta citizen of a partner country, you may still be able to apply to IEC through a recognized organization

The IEC program is composed of three categories:

​

 

Category

Target individual

1

Working Holiday

·     don’t have a job offer

·     want to work for more than one employer in Canada

·     want to work in more than one location

·     like to earn some money so that you can travel

2

Young Professionals

·     have a job offer in Canada that counts toward your professional development

·     work for the same employer in the same location during your stay in Canada

 

3

International Co-op (Internship)

·     you’re a student registered at a post-secondary institution

·     you have a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada

·     you need to do this work placement or internship to complete your studies

·     you’ll work for the same employer in the same location during your stay in Canada

 

​

Please note your spouses and dependents can’t come with you to Canada under the IEC program. However, they may apply to visit, study or work in Canada as a separate applicant.

Dependents Of Foreign Workers

Spouses and children of Foreign Workers holding a Canadian work permit for a skilled position do not require a LMIA when applying for an Open Work Permit (OWP). Please note that this does not apply to the spouses of workers on an International Exchange Program.

Minister-designated exemptions

This exemption applies to specific situations and is at the discretion of the Minister of Immigration. For example:

  • Academics, researchers, guest lecturers and visiting professors who are sponsored through a recognized federal program
  • Medical residents and fellows, and people who have received academic awards through Canadian institutions
Provincial LMIA Exemptions

 

Workers nominated by a province for permanent residence and who have obtained a job offer in that province may be exempt from the need for a LMIA.

​

 

Note: Being exempt from obtaining a LMIA does not mean the individual is exempt from obtaining a work permit. All streams on the LMIA exemption list still require the individual to obtain a work permit to work in Canada legally.

 

LIMA Required

What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment?

  • A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker.
  • A positive LMIA confirms there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job at hand and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job.
  • An LMIA application must be made by an employer. Once the LMIA is obtained, it must be sent to the candidate to accompany the work permit application. Generally, a temporary foreign worker will need a work permit and a positive LMIA in order to work in Canada.
  • Once an employer gets the LMIA, the worker can apply for a work permit.
  • To apply for a work permit, a worker needs
    • a job offer letter
    • a contract
    • a copy of the LMIA, and
    • the LMIA number

 

Find out if you need an LMIA

Most employers need an LMIA before they can hire a temporary foreign worker. Before you start the hiring process, you must determine if you need an LMIA.

An LMIA confirms

  • there is a need for a temporary foreign worker
  • no Canadians or permanent residents are available to do the job

To see if you and the temporary foreign worker you want to hire are exempt from needing an LMIA or work permit, do one of the following:

  • select the LMIA exemption or work permit code that seems most relevant to your hiring situation and read the detailed description
  • if an exemption code applies to you, you’ll need to include it in your offer of employment

or

 

 

How to get an LMIA

LMIA Validity and Duration of Employment

The validity of the LMIA is not the same as the duration of employment of the LMIA.

The validity of an LMIA indicates the amount of time that a foreign worker applicant has to use the LMIA and apply for a work permit.

The duration of employment of an LMIA indicates the length of validity of a work permit issued using the LMIA. There are three options relating to the duration of employment for an LMIA:

  • Temporary duration to support a work permit application only.
  • Permanent duration to support a permanent residence application. Work permits issued under a permanent duration LMIA will be issued for a maximum period of two years, provided the candidate meets the requirements set out in the LMIA. The work permit will not be extended regardless of whether or not a permanent residence application is underway.
  • A combination of permanent and temporary duration to support both a permanent residence application and a work permit application.

Post-Graduation Work Permit

 

Validity of the PGWP

  A post-graduation work permit may be issued based on the length of the study program for a minimum of 8 months up to a maximum of 3 years. When determining the length of a post-graduation work permit, officers may consider the duration of the program of study in Canada and confirm it with supporting documents. Regularly scheduled breaks (for example, scheduled winter and summer breaks) should be included in the time accumulated toward the length of the post-graduation work permit. Distance learning can be considered online learning. Students who complete a program of study exclusively by distance learning (outside or within Canada) are not eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
  • If more than 50% of the program of study’s total courses are completed by distance learning, the program may reasonably be considered a distance-learning program, and the applicant is ineligible for a post-graduation work permit.
  • If less than 50% of the program of study’s total courses are completed by distance learning, a post-graduation work permit may be issued. The validity should be based on the length of the program, as confirmed by the eligible DLI, including credits earned from both in-class and distance-learning courses.
 

Eligibilities

  To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, international students must have:
  • Study program must lead to a degree, diploma or certificate.
  • Held full-time student status in Canada during every academic session of the program or programs of study completed and included as part of their post-graduation work permit application;
    • Note: Canada has waived this requirement during the coronavirus pandemic for certain international students. Exemptions may apply to those who have begun or will begin a program between spring 2020 and summer 2022, or those whose program was already in progress in March 2020. In addition, exceptions may apply for those who took a leave from their studies in their final academic session.
  • Received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that the applicant has met the requirements to complete their program of study;
    • The transcript and official letter must be included in a post-graduation work permit application.
  • Graduated from:
    • a public post-secondary institution, such as
    • a college
    • a trade or technical school
    • a university
    • CEGEP (in Quebec)
    • a private post-secondary school (in Quebec) that operates under the same rules as public schools in Quebec;
    • a private secondary or post-secondary school (in Quebec) that offers qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer and results in the issuance of a diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) or an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP); or
    • Canadian private school that can award degrees under provincial law (for example, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree) but only if the student was enrolled in a study program that leads to a degree as authorized by the province.
Note: Graduates of vocational and professional training programs in Quebec must meet additional PGWP criteria outlined by IRCC depending on the type of diploma issued.

PGWP Application deadline

  The deadline to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit is within 180 days (six months) of obtaining a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that the requirements to complete the program of study have been met. If the study permit is set to expire before the marks have come in, candidates have two options:
  • apply for a visitor record to stay in Canada longer; or
  • leave Canada and apply for the PGWP
When applying, applicants must demonstrate that they either hold a valid study permit, held a study permit, or were authorized to study in Canada without the requirement to obtain a study permit under paragraphs 188(1)(a) and (b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

Work while studying

International Students: Working While Studying


Work off-campus


Effective November 15, 2022 until December 31, 2023, Canada is allowing eligible international students to work over 20 hours per week while class is in session. This temporary measure aims to help relief Canada’s labour shortages. Eligibility requirements to work off-campus In order to be eligible to work off-campus during his or her studies, an international student must:
  • hold a valid study permit;
  • be studying full-time at a designated learning institution (Visit our dedicated page for a comprehensive Designated Learning Institution (DLI) List);
  • have started studying and remain in satisfactory academic standing as determined by their institution;
  • be studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that is at least six months in duration and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate; and
  • have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
The following international students are not eligible to work off-campus:
  • Students enrolled in an English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) program;
  • Students taking a general interest course or program; and
  • Visiting or exchange students at a designated learning institution.

Work on-campus


An international student may be able to work within the boundaries of the campus where he or she is registered in if the student meets specific criteria. Eligibility requirements to work on-campus For an international student to work on-campus without a work permit, he or she must:
  • hold a valid Study Permit;
  • have a Social Insurance Number (SIN);
  • be registered as a full-time post-secondary student at a:
    • public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec
    • a private college-level school in Quebec that operates under the same rules as public schools, and is at least 50% funded by government grants, or
    • a Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law
On-campus work includes working for an employer located on the campus grounds of the educational institution where a student is studying. An on-campus employer includes the school, a faculty member, a student organization, a private business (located within the boundaries of the campus), a private contractor that provides services to the school, and being self-employed on-campus.

Work in Canada as a co-op student or intern


International students pursuing a study program at a DLI in Canada that requires a mandatory work placement or internship must apply for a co-op or intern work permit in addition to a valid study permit. From November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023, you may not need to apply for a co-op work permit. You don’t need a co-op work permit to complete your co-op placement if you meet all of the following conditions:
  • You have a valid study permit and we received your application for this study permit on or before October 7, 2022.
  • Your study permit shows that you’re authorized to work off campus.
  • You’re eligible to benefit from the temporary policy changeto work more than 20 hours per week while class is in session.
  • Your co-op placement ends by December 31, 2023.
If your co-op placement ends after December 31, 2023, or if you aren’t eligible for the temporary policy change, you need to apply for a co-op work permit to cover the period after that date. You can begin your co-op placement during this period before you’re issued the permit. Any other employment you have won’t be affected.

Bring your family to Canada

Bringing a Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Family Members to Canada

 

Visitor Visas

Citizens of some countries and territories require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) in order to enter Canada as visitors. A visa cannot be applied for at a Canadian Port of Entry, and, in some cases, a medical examination may be required. This can add significant processing time to your application.

Citizens of certain countries do not need a TRV, but, as of November 10, 2016, most visa-exempt persons require an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The main exception is U.S. citizens, who require neither a TRV nor an eTA.

To determine whether you and/or your accompanying family members require a TRV or an eTA, use the Visiting Canada Tool.

 

Work Permits for Spouses

Full-time students with a valid study permit can help their spouse or common-law partner apply for an open work permit. An open work permit will enable the spouse or common-law partner of the international student to work, and is usually valid for the entire length of the student’s study permit.

To be eligible for this program, the student must be studying full-time, and have a valid study permit at:

  • A public post-secondary institution; or
  • A private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as a public institution and receives half of its overall operations budget from government grants; or
  • A private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees.

This open work permit allows its bearer to work for any employer in Canada, and does not require a job offer, or a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Bear in mind, this open work permit may exclude certain occupations (such as jobs in schools or hospitals) unless medical examination is provided.

While applying for a spousal open work permit, dependent children may also accompany the permit holder by applying for a visitor record.

if you are planning to bring your family to Canada while you study, and you’ll be arriving at the same time, you may consider filling out one application for the entire family. If you have a variety of different permit applications (your study permit and your spouse or common-law partner’s work permit, for example) you will need extra documentation and will need to include additional fees (such as the additional fee for the work permit).

While on a study permit, international students can invite their parent(s) to visit on a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which allows the parent (s)to travel to Canada. 

Study pathways to PR

Study in Canada – A pathway to Permanent Residence

  • Studying in Canada is the new way for permanent residence for Students.
  • Ambitious youngsters from emerging countries like India or Vietnam, China… can explore another pathway to Canadian permanent residence—a study permit in Canada.
  • International students who are married or have kids may wish to bring their family with them. Canadian visa officers will consider study permit applications which include accompanying family members. You should note that including family members on a study permit application may influence the visa officer’s decision. If you are approved as a family, your spouse will be able to work full time while in Canada. Any accompanying children will be able to study for free.

Study Permit Application

Most international students require a study permit. You do not need a study permit if your program in Canada is for six months or less. In addition, minor children and other individuals may be exempt from requiring a Canadian study permit

In order to be eligible to submit an application for a Canadian study permit, a prospective student must:

  • Obtain a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution in order to submit an application for a study permit
  • 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

The applicant may also be required to submit the following supporting documents:

  • 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.

Study Permit: a Fast-Track option (SDS)

Canada provides expedited Study Permit processing for international students from key Asian markets via the Student Direct Stream. The SDS (Student Direct Stream) program which currently serves residents of 14 countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.

Citizens of one of the countries listed above cannot be residing in another country at the time of applying for a study permit through the SDS program.

Canada aims to process all study permit applications eligible for SDS processing in 20 calendar days.

To submit an application for a Canadian study permit through the SDS program, prospective student applicants must:

  • 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
  • Have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) with a participating Canadian bank of $10,000 CAD
  • 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
  • Qualifying score of at least 6 for English (IELTS), or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens score of 7 for French (TEF), or graduation from a Canadian-curriculum high school.
  • 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

 

Study permit Renewal

 

You need to extend your study permit. To extend your study permit, you need to know:

When to apply

  • Apply for a study permit extension at least 30 days before your study permit expires, if you want to keep studying in Canada.

How to apply

  • Including what you need to apply online, instruction guide and how to apply online.

What to do if your permit expired

If your study permit expires and you want to stay in Canada and study, you’ll need to apply

  • for a new study permit
  • to restore your status as a temporary resident

If you want to stay in Canada but you’re no longer studying

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

  • The post-graduation work permit allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
  • PGWPs are valid for between eight months to three years and are a great way to obtain valuable Canadian work experience.
  • Note: Work obtained through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program may help support your application to become a permanent resident of Canada.

Eligibilities:

  • You completed a full-time post-secondary program in Canada;
  • your program qualifies for a PGWP;
  • you completed your studies in less than 90 days before applying for a PGWP;
  • your school is a designated learning institution;
  • you are at least 18 years old;
  • the length of your program was at least eight months; and
  • your study permit was valid when you applied for the PGWP.

How to apply

You can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) from inside Canada or from another country, as long as you’re eligible.

You have up to 180 days after you graduate to apply for a PGWP.

When you apply, you must confirm the following:

  • that you attended and completed your program
  • the name of your program and
  • the length of your program

You can confirm these by submitting any of the following:

  • your degree or diploma
  • your transcript or
  • an official letter from your school

If your study permit will expire before you get your marks, you have 2 options. You can

 

Express Entry

International students with at least one year of Canadian work experience may find the CEC as a suitable option to pursue PR. If you already have at least one year of professional work experience from overseas, you may also wish to consider the FSWP as an option.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is another popular PR pathway for international students. Nearly every province and territory in Canada operates the PNP. The PNP is available to skilled workers who want to obtain permanent residence in a particular province or territory. Many PNP streams reward candidates who have studied and worked in Canada. There are also streams that specifically cater to international students.

 

Post-Graduation Work Permits

Once the international student graduates, a Post-Graduation Work Permit may be obtained.

In some cases, spouses or common-law partners of international students studying full-time may be eligible for an open work permit. Visit our dedicated page for information on the advantages of an open work permit.