Hakam Immigration Services · Vancouver, BC
Study
Permit
Your Canadian education starts with the right permit. A well-prepared study permit application gives you the strongest possible foundation for your studies, work experience, and future permanent residence pathway.
Study Permit Overview
More than permission
to study.
A study permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that authorizes international students to study at a designated learning institution in Canada.
A study permit is not the same as a visa. It works together with the required entry document, such as a visitor visa or eTA, and sets the conditions of your stay while studying in Canada.
Beyond studying, the permit and program choice can affect your ability to work while studying, apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, bring family members, and eventually plan for permanent residence.
At Hakam Immigration Services, we help students prepare complete, accurate, and strategically structured study permit applications.
Who needs one?
Most students need
a study permit.
Most international students require a study permit to study in Canada, especially where the program is longer than six months or where future work and immigration planning are important.
You need a study permit if:
- Your program is longer than 6 months
- You are attending a DLI at any level
- You want to be eligible for a PGWP after graduation
- You plan to work on or off campus while studying
- You want to extend your stay after your program ends
- Your family members want authorized status in Canada
You may not need one if:
- Your program is 6 months or less
- You already have permanent resident status
- You hold refugee or protected person status in Canada
- You fall under a diplomatic, military, or narrow exemption category
- You are attending a short-term course only
- You are covered by a specific exemption under current rules
Even where a person may be exempt, applying for a study permit can sometimes be strategically important if future work authorization or immigration planning is part of the goal.
What you need
Study permit approval
depends on evidence.
To be approved, the application should clearly address the study plan, school acceptance, finances, admissibility, purpose of travel, and temporary resident intent.
Letter of Acceptance
You need a valid acceptance letter from a designated learning institution in Canada.
Proof of Financial Support
You must show enough funds for tuition, living expenses, family members if applicable, and return transportation.
Clear Study Plan
Your program should make sense based on your education, career history, future goals, and personal circumstances.
No Serious Inadmissibility Issues
Criminal, medical, or immigration history issues may affect eligibility and should be reviewed early.
Home Country Ties
IRCC must be satisfied that you will leave Canada when required, even if you later pursue lawful options.
Valid Travel Document
Your passport should be valid and aligned with your intended period of study and travel planning.
What it allows
A study permit can support
more than school.
Work On Campus
Eligible students may work on campus without a separate work permit, subject to permit conditions.
Work Off Campus
Eligible students may work off campus during academic sessions and scheduled breaks under current rules.
Co-op or Internship Work
If your program requires work placement, you may need a co-op work permit in addition to the study permit.
Family Planning
Your spouse or children may have options, depending on your program, eligibility, and current immigration rules.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
Program and school choice may affect whether you can apply for a PGWP after graduation.
Travel and Return
A study permit does not replace a visa or eTA. You need the proper entry document to return to Canada.
How to apply
From school choice
to arrival in Canada.
Choose your school and program
Confirm DLI status, program fit, PGWP implications, tuition, location, and long-term immigration strategy.
Receive your letter of acceptance
The acceptance letter is a core document and should match the program and institution being relied on.
Prepare financial and personal documents
Gather financial proof, academic history, identity documents, ties, and supporting explanations.
Submit the application online
The forms, documents, explanations, and evidence should be complete, consistent, and professionally organized.
Complete biometrics and medicals if required
Many applicants must provide biometrics, and some may require a medical exam depending on country and circumstances.
Receive decision and prepare for arrival
If approved, you receive a letter of introduction and the study permit is issued at the port of entry.
How we help
A strong study permit file
starts before submission.
School & Program Review
We review DLI status, program fit, PGWP implications, and whether the study plan makes sense.
Financial Documentation
We help you understand what financial evidence is needed and how to present it clearly.
Study Plan Strategy
We help connect your chosen program to your education, career history, and future goals.
Home Ties & Temporary Intent
We help identify evidence that addresses one of the most common refusal concerns.
Family Permit Coordination
Where family members are included, we help coordinate status, timing, and documentation.
Post-Study Planning
We help connect study permit planning to PGWP, Canadian work experience, and PR options.
Common questions
Study Permit
answered.
How long does a study permit take to process?
Can I extend my study permit?
What happens if my study permit is refused?
Can my spouse work while I study?
Do I need a language test for a study permit?
Can I change schools after getting a study permit?
Start your Canadian education
the right way.
Book a Study in Canada Consultation and let us help you prepare a stronger study permit application with a clear plan beyond approval.
Licensed RCIC · Regulated by CICC · Secure online booking