Studying in Canada

Citizenship and Immigration Canada requires that foreign individuals who wish to study at Canadian educational institutions must obtain Student Authorizations. A Student Authorization is a document issued by Immigration Canada officials that permits a foreign individual to study in Canada, generally at a specific Canadian educational institution and in a specific program, and always for a limited time.

Immigration Canada will normally issue a Student Authorization if an applicant has received an acceptance letter from a qualified Canadian educational institution, and possesses sufficient funds to pay for tuition and living costs. In some cases, Immigration Canada may require applicants to undergo medical examinations. In addition, holders of Student Authorizations must apply for and be granted Canadian Visitor Visas (unless they are citizens of a visa exempt country).

Applicants who wish to study in Montreal or another city in the Province of Quebec will also require approval from immigration authorities of the Government of Quebec.

Immigration Canada generally issues Student Authorizations that are valid for the duration of the intended course of studies. However, international students studying in Montreal or another city in the Province of Quebec must renew their status each year.

Student Authorizations Are Not Required:

A Student Authorization is not required if the applicant:

intends to take a French or English language training course that is no more than three months in duration; or

is the spouse or dependent child of: a diplomatic or consular officer; a representative of a foreign country; or a representative of the United Nations or any other intergovernmental organization of which Canada is a member.

Working in Canada as an International Student:

Immigration Canada allows International Students to work in Canada in limited situations, including:

When the employment is on-campus;

When the international student is the recipient of a scholarship;

When the work has been certified as being an integral part of the program of study;

When the work consists of academic research or a post-doctoral fellowship; and

When the work takes place after graduation in a field related to the program of study.

In addition, spouses of international students are eligible to work temporarily in Canada.

Port of Entry Requirement:

International Students are considered to be Visitors in Canada. They must satisfy an Immigration Canada official at the port of entry that the purpose of their entry into Canada is of a temporary nature.