How to obtain a study or work permit through the immigration office?

Obtaining a study or work permit in Canada is an important step for anyone planning to develop their career or get an education abroad. This process is especially relevant for foreigners who have settled in the province of Alberta, particularly in the city of Calgary, as this is where the Consular Section and several immigration service centers are located, which help with the preparation of the necessary documents. This article covers all the steps and requirements for obtaining a study permit or work permit through the immigration office in Calgary, from preparing the package of documents to obtaining a permit and advice on further legalization of your stay.

Determining the type of permit

First, you need to decide what type of permit you need.

  • If your goal is to pursue higher education at a college or university or to participate in language courses, you will need a Study Permit.

  • If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer or plan to work while studying, apply for a work permit (Work Permit) — open or tied to a specific employer.

There are simplified procedures for certain categories of applicants:

  • Exchange program participants
  • Research laboratory researchers
  • Graduates of Canadian educational institutions applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Finding an educational institution or employer

  • Study Permit: the institution must be approved by the Canadian government as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). These are public universities, colleges, or private language schools with DLI certification.

  • After receiving a letter of acceptance from the DLI, pay for your tuition or obtain confirmation of your scholarship and add both documents to your application package.

  • Work Permit: The employer obtains a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the Canadian Ministry of Labor, confirming that the vacancy cannot be filled by a Canadian worker. Some professions are exempt from LMIA under international agreements.

Document Package

For a Study Permit

  1. Form IMM 1294 (Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada)

  2. Valid foreign passport (valid for at least 6 months after the end of your studies)

  3. Letter of acceptance from the DLI

  4. Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, sponsorship letters, scholarship agreements)

  5. Letter of Explanation

  6. Certificate of no criminal record

  7. Medical exam from an authorized doctor (if necessary)

For a Work Permit

  1. Form IMM 1295 (Application for Work Permit Made Outside Canada)

  2. Contract with employer

  3. LMIA or confirmation of LMIA exemption

  4. Financial references (similar to those for students)

  5. Passport

  6. Police clearance

Biometrics and application submission

  1. Complete the online application on the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website and pay the fee.

  2. Make an appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Calgary to have your fingerprints and photo taken.

  3. Biometric data is stored for up to 10 years, simplifying future applications.

  4. Track your status using your unique case number (UCI) on the IRCC website.

Student permit processing: 4–12 weeks Work permit processing: 2–6 months

Approval Letter and Entry into Canada

  • Check your Approval Letter: name, permit terms, visa type.

  • Print it out and take it with you when crossing the border.

  • The border officer will check your Approval Letter, passport, and documents and affix your Study Permit or Work Permit to your passport.

Registration in Calgary

  • Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) for stays longer than 3 months (passport, permit, address).
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN) through Service Canada (for employees).

Maintaining status

  • Students: attend classes ≥ 80% of the time, comply with DLI and program requirements.
  • Employees: work only for the specified employer, comply with the terms of the contract (for students — ≤ 20 hours/week during studies).

Status Extension

  • Students: form IMM 5709 (Change Conditions, Extend Stay as Student)
  • Workers: form IMM 5710 (Change Conditions, Extend Stay as Worker)

Submit your application no later than 30 days before your permit expires. While awaiting a decision, you retain implied status.

Recommendations

  • Contact local immigration consultants and law firms in Calgary.
  • Take advantage of free seminars and webinars offered by agencies.
  • Prepare a complete set of documents to avoid delays.

The process of obtaining a permit through the Calgary immigration office includes:

  1. Selecting the type of permit

  2. Finding a DLI or employer with an LMIA

  3. Collecting a package of documents

  4. Submitting an online application

  5. Submitting biometrics

  6. Waiting for a decision

  7. Verification at the border

  8. Registering with local services

Compliance with all IRCC requirements and consultants' recommendations guarantees a successful procedure and allows you to focus on studying or working in one of the most dynamic cities in Western Canada.