S-1 / SW-1 — Study Permit
CanadaCanada•North America
Open

S-1 / SW-1 — Study Permit

Study PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

4 weeks – 3 months

Estimated Cost

CAD $150

Stay Duration

Duration of program + 90 days

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Canada flag

Living in Canada

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$48,000
Quality of Life
170/200

Overview

Full-time study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a letter of acceptance.

Canada's Study Permit authorizes international students to pursue full-time education at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Holders may work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.

The permit covers the duration of the program plus 90 days and is renewable. It costs CAD 150 to apply. Graduates can access the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and pathways to permanent residence via Express Entry or PNP. Spouses may receive a visitor visa or open work permit.

This visa is ideal for international students admitted to a Canadian DLI who want to study full-time and build toward permanent residence after graduation.

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Stay & Extensions

Status typeTied to program duration

Annual Cap & Quota

309670

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

C43 — Post-Graduation Work Permit
Canada flagCanada

C43 — Post-Graduation Work Permit

Validity8 months
Processing7–9 months
View Visa Details
WP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)
Canada flagCanada

WP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)

ValidityDuration of employment
Processing2–4 months
View Visa Details
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
Canada flagCanada

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details
CEC — Canadian Experience Class
Canada flagCanada

CEC — Canadian Experience Class

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details
PV2 / PNC — Provincial Nominee Program
Canada flagCanada

PV2 / PNC — Provincial Nominee Program

ValidityIndefinite
Processing7 months – 1.2 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Letter of acceptance from DLI

Proof of financial support

Ties to home country

Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) (if applicable)

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

22,895 CAD

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Letter of acceptance

Financial proof

Identity documents

Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Work 20hrs/week
  • PGWP after graduation
  • Path to PR

Worth Knowing

  • Must maintain enrollment
  • DLI only

Application Process

1

Get letter of acceptance

Receive acceptance from designated learning institution (DLI)

2

Gather documents

Collect required supporting documents and proof of financial support

3

Create account

Set up IRCC online account

4

Complete application

Submit study permit application online

5

Upload documents

Include acceptance letter, identification, and financial proof

6

Pay fee and biometrics

Pay CAD $150 application fee plus CAD $85 biometric fee

7

Biometric appointment

Provide fingerprints and photograph if required

8

Receive decision

Study permit approval sent to email

Application Forms

Go to application portal
IMM 1294
Application for a Study Permit Made Outside of Canada
Fill online

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