Do you need a Study Permit?

Each year, thousands of students from around the world come to British Columbia to study. Even more come to learn English.

If you plan to study in B.C. for more than six months in a row, and if you are not a Permanent Resident, you will need a Study Permit to attend a school in B.C.

Study Permits are issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), but before you apply for one you must be accepted by a school in British Columbia. When you apply for your study permit, you will be asked to provide proof of your acceptance (such as an acceptance letter) from the school. You will also need to provide a bank statement or proof of loan to show that you have enough money to live and pay your bills while you are studying in British Columbia. You should apply for a Study Permit as early as possible, as it can take several months to process an application, depending on your home country.

Depending on your country of origin, you also may need a Temporary Resident Visa.

Apply for a Study Permit now.

• Download application forms, and checklists from the CIC website.

Useful websites:

• Do you plan to attend a post-secondary school in British Columbia? Check the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials website to confirm that your school is recognized by the Government of British Columbia.
• Do you need a Temporary Resident Visa to study in B.C.?
• If you have questions about Study Permits or Temporary Resident Visas, please contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your region.