Getting to Canada

Students from many foreign countries may enter Canada for a period of up to 6 months without a visa, and may study on a visitor visa for a period of up to 6 months. However this depends on the country you are from so check here whether you require a visa or not.

If you are not sure what kind of visa you will need, try the Come to Canada wizard. It will help you decide which visa will work best for you.

Immigration and visa regulations can change so the best source of information is the official site of the Canadian government Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Some of top questions from this site:

Do I need a permit to study in Canada?

In general, foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada, but there are some exceptions.

In most cases, you must apply for a study permit before coming to Canada. Ensure that you have a letter of acceptance from the educational institution (i.e. the school, college or university) in Canada that has accepted you before you begin the application process.

You can apply for the study permit at the Canadian visa office for your country or in specific cases online. Find out more about how to apply

I am an international student in Canada. Can I work while studying?

Yes. You can work in Canada while studying and after you graduate, through CIC’s work permit programs for international students. Students may qualify for the on-campus, off-campus or post graduate work permit programs. Find out whether you qualify for a student work permit.

As an international student, can I return home or travel outside Canada during my studies?

If you leave Canada and want to return, you must have:
•a valid passport or travel document;
•a valid study permit if you are returning to study in Canada; and
•a valid temporary resident visa, if you are a citizen of a country or territory whose citizens require visas in order to enter Canada as visitors.

You must re-apply for a temporary resident visa (commonly known as an entry visa) if:
•your previous visa has expired; or
•your previous visa was only valid for a single entry to Canada.

Apply at a Canadian visa office located outside Canada, or if you are in Canada and hold a valid study permit or work permit you may apply for a new visa at Central Processing Pilot in Ottawa, Ontario.

If you are a citizen of a country or territory whose citizens require visas in order to enter Canada as visitors and you travel to a country other than the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you will need a multiple-entry visa to come back to Canada.

How do I apply for a study permit?

In most cases, you must apply for a study permit before coming to Canada. Ensure that you have a letter of acceptance from the educational institution (i.e. the school, college or university) in Canada that has accepted you before you begin the application process.

You can apply for the study permit at the Canadian visa office for your country or in specific cases online.

Again I would like the emphasize the best source of information is the official site of the Canadian government Citizenship and Immigration Canada so do check that site.

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