Changing From Visitor to Student From Inside Canada
Applicants currently in Canada as visitors may be able to change their status to students from inside the country. A temporary policy that allowed most visitors to apply for a study permit without leaving Canada has ended. This article explains who can still apply for a study permit from inside Canada, how to apply, and when an applicant must apply from outside Canada.
applying for a study permit from inside canada
To apply for a study permit from inside Canada, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria. They need a valid visitor visa or be eligible for a visitor visa, and they must have a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution in Canada. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have enough money to support themselves while studying in Canada and that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay. For instance, they may need to show proof of sufficient funds, such as a bank statement or a scholarship award.
who can still apply from inside canada
Some individuals can still apply for a study permit from inside Canada, even though the temporary policy has ended. These include applicants who have a valid study permit and are applying to extend their stay, as well as those who have a work permit and are applying to study part-time. Additionally, applicants who have a temporary resident permit and are applying to study, or those who are protected persons, including refugees and individuals with a pending refugee claim, may also be eligible.
how to apply for a study permit from inside canada
Applicants must submit an online application through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. They will need to provide various documents, including a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, proof of sufficient funds, and a valid passport. In some cases, applicants may also need to undergo a medical examination and provide police certificates. It's essential to ensure all documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays in the application process.
when to apply from outside canada
In some situations, applicants must apply for a study permit from outside Canada. This includes cases where the applicant does not meet the eligibility criteria for applying from inside Canada, or if the applicant's study permit application is refused and they need to reapply. Applicants who are applying for a study permit for the first time and are not currently in Canada must also apply from outside the country. For more information, applicants can visit the IRCC website or consult with a registered immigration consultant.
next steps
Changing from visitor to student from inside Canada can be complex, and applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria and application process before submitting their application. Applicants can check our guide on how to extend a study permit in Canada and Canada study permit financial requirements for more information. Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content.