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This page offers essential guidance for international students planning to study in Canada. Whether you're applying for your initial study permit, renewing your permit, or exploring work opportunities, you'll find detailed information on the key steps and requirements. Our resources are designed to help you navigate Canada's immigration policies and make the most of your academic experience.
Please note that our International Student Advisors (ISAs) cannot provide advice on Permanent Residency (PR) or assist with PR applications. For information on PR, please visit the IRCC website.
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A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) which allows you to study and stay in Canada temporarily.
If you are planning to study in Canada for more than six months, you will need a study permit. It is important to keep it valid and renew it before it expires if you need more time
for your studies. Keeping your study permit valid is your responsibility throughout your studies.
A study permit is not a travel document and does not, by itself, authorize entry or re-entry into Canada. Depending on your country of citizenship, you will also need either a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
You must apply for your initial study permit from outside of Canada and it must be approved before you come to Canada.
Apply as soon as you receive your acceptance letter, study permit support form, and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), if needed, from OCAD U.
Eligibility Requirements
You must be accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
You need to prove that you can financially support yourself during your studies.
You must meet other requirements specified by IRCC.
Note: Meeting these eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval, as the final decision is at the discretion of the visa officer.
How to Apply
Complete your study permit application online through the IRCC Website.
Submit your required documents, such as your letter of acceptance (study permit extension letter for returning student), proof of funds, and any additional information requested by IRCC.
Study Permit Processing Times
The processing time for study permits can vary.
Please note that the university cannot contact IRCC to expedite applications. To avoid delays, it's important to apply well in advance.
Important Tips
Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your studies in Canada.
Include a Statement of Purpose (SOP), even if it is optional. Explain your reasons for choosing to study in Canada and at OCAD University. Outline how this aligns with your academic and career goals, as well as your connections to your home country. This helps the visa officer better understand your objectives.
To study in Canada, it’s important to maintain your status by following the conditions of your study permit. Here are some important things to remember:
Full-time Student Status: You must be registered as a full-time student in your program. Part-time status could affect your eligibility to work during your studies and your eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Undergraduate Students: You must be registered for a minimum of 1.5 credits in each of the fall and winter terms. If you are registered with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) and require a reduced course load due to a permanent disability, you can be considered full-time if you take a minimum of 1.0 credit per term.
Graduate Students: You must be registered in a full-time graduate program.
Leave of Absence (LOA): The university is required to submit regular reports on the academic enrollment status of all international students to IRCC. If you need to take time off from your studies due to personal reasons, you should speak with an international student advisor in the International Student Support Office to discuss your options. Please note that if you are a new admit and are registered in your first term of study, you cannot take a leave of absence. In such cases, you may want to consider requesting a deferral of the start of your program instead.
At OCAD University, all degree programs are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). To be eligible for a PGWP upon completing your degree, you must meet the following requirements:
Undergraduate Students: You must maintain full-time student status for each academic term (fall, winter) throughout your program. The only exception is your final term before graduation, where you can be part-time.
Graduate Students: You must be enrolled in the full-time program.
Valid Study Permit: You must hold a valid study permit for the entire duration of your studies at OCAD University.
For more information about the PGWP application process, please visit the IRCC website.
As an international student in Canada, your study permit may include specific work authorization statements. These statements outline the conditions under which you are allowed to work during your studies. It is important to ensure that your study permit includes the correct statement to legally work in Canada.
Off-Campus Work: As a full-time student, your study permit allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during your studies (provided your study permit includes work authorization). However, during scheduled breaks, you are permitted to work full-time.
On-Campus Work: There is no limit to the number of hours you can work on campus. However, it is important to balance your work commitments with your academic responsibilities to ensure that you maintain good academic standing.
Co-Op Work Permit: OCAD University does not offer co-op programs. However, internship courses and field placements are available as optional opportunities. Students participating in these courses can use the work authorization on their study permit, as long as they do not exceed 20 hours of work per week during their studies.
Important Reminders: Be sure to manage your work hours to stay within the permitted limits and maintain your focus on your studies.
You must stop working the day you no longer meet the eligibility criteria, such as being enrolled in part-time studies or not taking courses.
Violating work conditions can lead to serious consequences, including the loss of your study permit and potential impacts on your future immigration applications.
Undergraduate Students:
Midterm breaks (October, February)
Winter holidays (mid-December to early January)
Summer break (May to early September)
Graduate Students:
Midterm break (October and February)
Winter break (mid-December to early January)
ost people need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada. Some individuals may only need their valid passport to enter.
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also referred to as a "visitor visa," is a travel document that is placed in your passport and is used to enter or re-enter Canada.
If you're applying for a study permit or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) from outside Canada, and a visa is required, IRCC will issue a TRV or eTA automatically once your study permit or PGWP is approved.
If you are already in Canada and your TRV expires, you must submit a separate application for a new visa. It is important to apply for the new TRV only after your study permit or PGWP has been approved.
Important Notes for TRV Holders in Canada:
Do not leave Canada until you receive your new TRV, as this may affect your entry to Canada.
You can remain in Canada, even if your TRV has expired, as long as you have a valid study permit, work permit, or visitor record.
To determine if you need a visa or eTA, visit the IRCC website for more details and to check your eligibility.