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Canada Study Permit FAQs (2025): All Your Questions Answered!

Aderayo Olabisi Adepoju

10 February 2025 | Last updated 10 February 2025

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Planning to study in Canada?"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" With recent immigration policy changes, securing a "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"study permit in 2025"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" requires careful planning. This FAQ guide covers everything you need to know—from application steps to work permits and post-graduation options—so you can navigate the process with confidence."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"1. What Is a Study Permit, and Do I Need One?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"A "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"study permit"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" is an official document issued by "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" that allows international students to study at "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" in Canada."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Who Needs It?"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Most international students pursuing "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"courses longer than six months"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" need a study permit."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Short-term courses (six months or less)"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" don’t typically require a study permit, but having one may allow you to apply for a "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" later."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"2. What Are the New Study Permit Changes in 2025?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Canada’s study permit process has become "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"more competitive"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" due to recent policy updates:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"✅ "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Permit Cap:"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" The total number of study permits for 2025 is "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"437,000"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"—a "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"10% reduction"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" from 2024."},{"insert":"\n✅ "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Language Proficiency for PGWP (Effective Nov. 1, 2024):"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"CLB 7"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" required for "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"university graduates"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"CLB 5"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" required for "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"college graduates"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Spousal Work Permits:"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" Limited to "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"spouses of master’s (16+ months) and PhD students"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Verification System:"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" IRCC has introduced "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"stricter compliance checks"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" to prevent fraud, including verification of "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"letters of acceptance"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"3. How Early Should I Apply for a Study Permit?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"To avoid delays, follow this "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"application timeline"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":":"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Apply at least 12 months"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" before your program start date."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"IRCC processing times vary, so applying early "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"reduces stress"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" and increases your chances of approval."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"🔹 Pro Tip:"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" Use "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Shirah’s FREE Predictive Calculator"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" to assess your eligibility and plan your application timeline. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true,"background":"transparent","link":"https://shirah.co/calculator"},"insert":"Try it here"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"4. What Documents Do I Need to Apply?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"To apply for a Canadian study permit, you’ll need:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Letter of Acceptance (LOA):"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" From a "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Designated Learning Institution (DLI)"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Proof of Funds:"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" Bank statements or sponsorship letters showing you can cover "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"tuition, living expenses, and return travel"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Valid Passport:"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" Must cover the "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"entire duration"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" of your studies."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Language Proficiency Test Results:"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"IELTS, CELPIP, or PTE"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" scores (if required)."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Immigration Medical Exam (IME):"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" Required for students from certain countries."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Statement of Purpose (SOP):"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" Explains why you want to study in Canada and how it fits your career goals."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"5. Can I Work While Studying in Canada?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Yes! International students with a valid "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"study permit"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" can:"},{"insert":"\n💼 Work up to "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"20 hours per week"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" during academic sessions."},{"insert":"\n💼 Work "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"full-time"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" during scheduled breaks (e.g., summer or winter holidays)."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Recent Update:"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"The "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"off-campus work limit has been temporarily lifted"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" until "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"December 31, 2025"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":", for eligible students."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"6. What Happens If My Study Permit Application Is Refused?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Study permit refusals happen for several reasons, including:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"❌ "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Insufficient proof of financial support."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"❌ "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Weak or unclear SOP."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"❌ "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Failure to meet language proficiency requirements."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Next Steps:"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"✔️ "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Review your refusal letter"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" for details."},{"insert":"\n✔️ "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Address the issues"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" highlighted by IRCC."},{"insert":"\n✔️ "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Reapply with a stronger application."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"How Shirah Can Help:"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" Our expert consultants can "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"review your refusal"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" and guide you through a "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"successful reapplication process"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"7. Can I Bring My Family With Me?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Yes, you can bring your "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" to Canada."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Spouse/Partner:"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" Eligible for an "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"open work permit"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" if you’re enrolled in a "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"master’s (16+ months), PhD, or professional program"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Children:"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" Eligible for a "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"study permit"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" to attend school in Canada."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"8. What Are My Options After Graduation?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Many students apply for the "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":", which allows them to stay and work in Canada."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"🔹 "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"PGWP Duration:"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" Matches the length of your study program (up to "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"3 years"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":")."},{"insert":"\n🔹 "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Eligibility:"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" Must graduate from a "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"DLI"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" and meet IRCC’s program-specific criteria."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"9. What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"🚫 "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Submitting incomplete applications"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" – Double-check all required documents."},{"insert":"\n🚫 "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Missing deadlines"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" – Apply well before your program start date."},{"insert":"\n🚫 "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Choosing non-DLI schools"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" – Ensure your institution is "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"officially designated"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"."},{"insert":"\n🚫 "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Ignoring immigration rules"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" – Stay within your study and work permit conditions."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"10. How Can Shirah Support You?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Navigating Canada’s study permit process "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"doesn’t have to be stressful"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":". Shirah offers:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"✔️ "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Personalized Guidance:"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" From "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"document preparation to SOP writing"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"."},{"insert":"\n✔️ "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Real-Time Updates:"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" Stay informed about "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"immigration policy changes"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"."},{"insert":"\n✔️ "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"FREE Predictive Calculator:"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" Assess your eligibility and improve your application strategy."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Start Your Study Journey Today!"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Get expert help from "},{"attributes":{"bold":true,"background":"transparent","link":"https://shirah.co/calculator"},"insert":"Shirah"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"."},{"insert":"\n"}]}

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