You will require a government-issued study permit to attend Designated Learning Institutions (DLI). This generally applies to most post-secondary institutions in Canada, but you will need to check HERE to ensure the school you are applying for is on the official list of DLI.

The process is as follows:

1. Apply and get accepted for study at a DLI.

2. Letter of acceptance from the DLI.

3. Apply for a Study Permit

Please consider at least 6 months of processing time for a study permit; as well, you will need to work with the DLI you are applying for to ensure there are options to defer your program in the event that your study permit has been delayed.

Study permit acceptance depends on many factors. These include the quality of your applications, which includes:

1. Accuracy of your application

2. Evidence of financial support for your studies

3. Relevant of your education seeking in Canada

4. Language skill level

5. Grades with your previous studies

6. Connection to Canada - including family or siblings

This is an option to process most SDS applications in under 20 days as committed by IRCC. The eligibility is as follows:

1. You must be a legal resident in one of the following countries:

   • Antigua and Barbuda

   • Brazil

   • China

   • Colombia

   • Costa Rica

   • India

   • Morocco

   • Pakistan

   • Peru

   • Philippines

   • Senegal

   • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

   • Trinidad and Tobago

   • Vietnam

2. have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary DLI

3. live outside of Canada when you apply

4. have proof you have paid your tuition for your first year of study

5. have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000

6. get a medical exam before you apply

7. get a police certificate before you apply

8. have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s)

9. Language test results from:

   • an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic or general training score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening), or

   • a Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) score that is equal to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening)

This permit allows international students who have graduated from one of the DLI to work in Canada and gain experience in Canada that help applicant towards their permanent residence process.

This permit do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and can work for any Canadian employer.

There are exceptions to the study permit process, these include:

• Study a short course or program that is less than 6 months in duration.

• Children (minors) are authorized to study without a study permit in Canada while attending preschool, primary, and secondary schools - IF they accompany parents that are

  • a Canadian citizen or PR in Canada,

  • authorized to work or study in Canada

  • neither of their parents is physically in Canada.