Canada•North AmericaSX-1 — Study Permit-Exempt Student
At a Glance
0 days
CAD $185
6 months
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required

Living in Canada
Overview
This designation applies to individuals authorized to study in Canada without a formal study permit.
The study-permit-exempt category allows individuals to study in Canada without a study permit. qualifying groups include those enrolled in programs of 6 months or less, minor children with a parent authorized to work or study in Canada, and accredited foreign representatives and their families.
Stay is limited to 6 months, and the exemption is non-renewable — the program must be completed within the authorized period of entry. No study permit application is filed, so there is no study permit processing time or application fee. Work is not permitted, and no pathway to permanent residence is provided.
This visa is ideal for short-term international students, minor children of temporary workers or students, and diplomatic family members who need to study in Canada for six months or less.

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Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 6 months |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
CanadaS-1 / SW-1 — Study Permit
Canada
CanadaWP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Program duration must be 6 months or less
Must complete the program within the authorized period of stay upon entry
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Letter of acceptance from the educational institution
Proof of financial support
Valid passport
Proof of ties to home country
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- No application fee
- No processing wait time
Worth Knowing
- Cannot work
- Cannot extend stay as a student
- Program duration exceeding 6 months
Application Process
Verify qualification for exemption
Enter Canada as a visitor
Related visas
More visas in Canada
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Work
- Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
Humanitarian
- Transit Visa
Transit
Study visas in other countries

Living in Canada
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