Applying for Study Permit within Canada
Bernita is an Ecuadorian citizen. She and her husband moved to Canada last summer because her husband received a work permit to work for a financial company in Windsor, Ontario. Bernita holds a bachelor’s degree. She wants to continue her studies in Canada. She approached the University of Windsor and received admission from them. Bernita wonders if she could apply for a study permit within Canada. She doesn’t want to leave Canada as it imposes lots of expenses and forces her to be away from her husband for a while.
As a general rule, you need to apply for a study permit outside Canada. However, there are some exceptional situations. For example, some people may apply for a study permit when entering Canada. This article focuses on those who may apply for a study permit from within Canada. You may apply for a study permit within Canada if,
- you already hold a valid study permit or work permit;
- your study permit expired less than 90 days ago, but you are the minor child of a foreign worker or international student;
- your study permit expired less than 90 days ago, but you are the family member of a foreign diplomat;
- you hold a temporary resident permit that is valid for at least six months;
- you are under an unenforceable removal order;
- IRB has conferred your refugee application, or instead, you are a protected person;
- you hold a temporary resident status, but you meet one of the following conditions:
- studying at preschool, primary school, or secondary school (practically only minor children)
- a visiting student to a designated learning institution
- completed a course of study in Canada that is a prerequisite for a more extended program
- your in-Canada class spousal sponsorship application is under review but not finalized;
- you have successfully passed stage one of an H&C application; or
- you are a family member of a
- a work-permit or study-permit holder
- a protected person,
- a person who is under an unenforceable removal order,
- an in-Canada class spousal sponsorship applicant,
- a person mentioned under row “7” above,
- a person who holds a TRP that is valid for more than six months,
- or a person whose H&C application has successfully passed stage one.
Biometrics for in-Canada applicants
Starting December 3, 2019, if you are applying from inside Canada, you may need biometrics. Read the following article for more information:
What if You Cannot Apply within Canada?
If none of the above applies, you may still submit your paper application to the Visa Application Centre in New York. Alternatively, you need to leave Canada and apply from outside Canada. The latter is probably a better option for most applicants. Last but not least, you may also read the following articles:
- Stay Beyond Six Months in Canada for eTA and TRV Holders and US Citizens
- Applying for Study Permit at Port of Entry
- The Study Direct Stream (SDS) Program – An Opportunity to Get a Canadian Study Permit Quickly
- Study Permit – Study Visa – International Students in Canada
Updated: December 30, 2021
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Al Parsai, LLM, MA, DTM, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor – Queen’s University – Faculty of Law
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
Author – 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada
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