How to apply for a study permit?

Studying in Canada is a great opportunity to get a quality education, develop your career, and gain international experience. For international students, especially those newly arrived in Calgary, obtaining a study permit is a prerequisite. This document gives you the right to study legally in Canada for the entire duration of your studies. In this article, we will take a detailed look at how to apply for a Study Permit in Calgary, what documents are required, what steps to take, and what to pay attention to.

What is a Study Permit?

A Study Permit is an official permit issued by the Canadian government to foreign students to study at Canadian educational institutions. It is important to understand that a Study Permit is not a visa. To enter Canada, you also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), which is obtained together with a Study Permit.

Step 1: Admission to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

Before applying for a Study Permit, you must be admitted to an accredited Canadian educational institution - a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Not all colleges or universities are eligible to accept international students, so it is important to check the status of the institution on the official DLI list. After successful admission, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA), which is an official letter of acceptance and a key document for applying for a Study Permit.

Step 2: Preparing documents for applying for a Study Permit

To apply for a study permit in Calgary, you must collect the following documents:

  • Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the educational institution.
  • Valid passport.
  • Proof of financial ability - bank statements, income statements, sponsorship letters confirming that you can pay for tuition, accommodation, and other expenses.
  • Photos in the appropriate format.
  • Medical certificate (if necessary).
  • Proof of ties to your country of residence (e.g., family ties, property) to convince the immigration officer of your intention to return after your studies.
  • Proof of English or French language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, CELPIP, TEF certificates, etc.) - depending on the requirements of the educational institution.
  • Other documents - motivation letter, recommendations, portfolio (for creative professions) - as required.

Step 3: Apply for a Study Permit

You can apply:

  • Online through the official website of the Government of Canada - this is the most convenient and fastest way.
  • Through a Visa Application Center (VAC) - in person or by mail. When submitting your application, you will need to pay a consular fee for processing.

Step 4: Waiting for a decision

  • It usually takes several weeks to several months for your application to be processed.
  • If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation letter and a temporary resident visa (TRV) in your passport.
  • You will receive your Study Permit in Canada, upon arrival, at the border control point.

Step 5: Entering Canada and obtaining a Study Permit

When crossing the border, a Canadian immigration officer will check your documents, including:

  • Passport with visa.
  • Letter of Acceptance.
  • Proof of financial ability.
  • Letter from the embassy approving your Study Permit. After verification, you will receive an official Study Permit, which is usually valid for the entire period of study plus 90 days.

Important details and tips

  • If the course lasts less than 6 months, a Study Permit is not required.
  • If you plan to change your educational institution or program, you must notify the immigration service.
  • You cannot interrupt your studies for more than 90 days without notification.
  • To extend your Study Permit, you must apply in advance, before your current permit expires.
  • If you are in Canada and want to apply for a Study Permit, you can do so without leaving the country (depending on your status).
  • If your Study Permit is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons.

Special features of applying for a Study Permit for children

  • Newly arrived children studying in Calgary also need a Study Permit if their course lasts more than 6 months.
  • For children who arrived under the CUAET program, there are simplified conditions for obtaining a study permit.
  • Applications for a Study Permit for children can be submitted online or through a visa center.
  • To study in the province of Quebec, you need an additional document - Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

Where to get help in Calgary?

  • Immigrant Services Calgary - advice on document preparation.
  • Canadian visa centers in Ukraine - submission of documents and obtaining visas.
  • Educational agencies - help with choosing an educational institution and preparing documents.
  • Official website of the Government of Canada - up-to-date information and online application submission.

Conclusion

Obtaining a study permit in Calgary is a complex process that begins with choosing an accredited educational institution and obtaining a letter of acceptance. Next, you need to gather a package of documents, submit an application online or through a visa center, wait for a decision, and obtain a permit at the Canadian border. It is important to carefully follow the requirements, provide accurate information, and plan the process in advance. With the right approach, a Study Permit opens the door to a successful education and life in Canada.