What is the Difference Between a Study Permit and a Student Visa?
When planning to study in Canada, international students often encounter two important terms: study permit and student visa. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they refer to different aspects of the immigration process. Understanding the distinction between a study permit and a student visa is crucial for any international student planning to pursue education in Canada. Below, we break down the key differences and roles of each document.
1. Study Permit: The Authorization to Study
A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows international students to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. This permit is mandatory for any course or program that lasts longer than six months. Essentially, a study permit grants permission to stay in Canada for the duration of your studies.
Here are some important features of a study permit:
Requirement: A study permit is required for most international students who plan to study in Canada for more than six months. Without it, you won’t be allowed to begin your academic program.
Validity: The study permit is usually valid for the duration of your study program, plus an additional 90 days. This extra time allows you to either prepare to leave Canada or apply for an extension if you plan to continue studying or seek a post-graduation work permit.
Work While Studying: With a study permit, students may be eligible to work part-time on campus or off-campus without needing a separate work permit, provided they meet the specific conditions outlined by IRCC. Students can typically work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Application: You must have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian DLI to apply for a study permit. The application process can be done online or through a paper application, depending on your country of residence.
Study Permit Conditions: A study permit includes certain conditions that students must follow, such as maintaining enrollment at a DLI, making progress towards completing their program, and abiding by any other terms stipulated on the permit.
2. Student Visa: The Entry Document
A student visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a travel document that allows you to enter Canada. It is required for students from countries that need a visa to enter Canada. A student visa is not the same as a study permit—it’s specifically a document for entry into the country.
Here’s what you need to know about the student visa:
Purpose: A student visa allows you to legally enter Canada. It is usually issued together with your study permit if you are coming from a country that requires a visa for entry into Canada.
Multiple Entry vs. Single Entry: A student visa can be either a multiple-entry or a single-entry visa. A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit Canada as many times as you wish during the validity period, while a single-entry visa only permits one entry. If you leave Canada with a single-entry visa, you would need to reapply for a new visa to return.
Application Process: When you apply for a study permit, the visa application process is often automatically handled at the same time. IRCC will issue the appropriate entry document, either a Temporary Resident Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your nationality.
Visa Validity: The student visa is usually valid for the same duration as your study permit. However, keep in mind that the visa only grants you entry to Canada. Once you’re in the country, it’s the study permit that dictates how long you can stay and study.
3. Key Differences Between a Study Permit and a Student Visa
Purpose: The study permit authorizes you to study in Canada, whereas the student visa allows you to enter the country. They serve different purposes: the study permit is about your right to stay and study, while the student visa is about your ability to travel to and enter Canada.
Who Needs Them?: All international students need a study permit if their program lasts more than six months. However, not all students need a student visa. Whether or not you need a visa depends on your country of origin. For example, students from visa-exempt countries like the United States or many European countries may not need a student visa but will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Application Process: You apply for a study permit once you have received an acceptance letter from a DLI. If you’re from a country that requires a visa, the student visa will automatically be processed as part of the study permit application. If you are from a visa-exempt country, an eTA will be issued instead.
4. Additional Considerations
Extensions and Changes: If you need to extend your study permit, you must apply for an extension before your current permit expires. Your student visa (or eTA) may also need to be renewed if you plan to leave and re-enter Canada during your studies.
Post-Graduation: After completing your studies, you may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work in Canada for a period equivalent to your study program, up to a maximum of three years.
Conclusion
In summary, while both a study permit and a student visa are essential for international students coming to Canada, they serve different purposes. A study permit allows you to stay and study in Canada, while a student visa or eTA is needed to enter the country. Understanding these differences ensures a smooth application process and helps you meet the legal requirements for studying in Canada.
