If IRCC refuse your study permit application, contact the bank that issued your Guaranteed Investment Certificate to get a refund.

Apply as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance. The times needed to process your application may vary among visa offices. Check our application processing times for details.

You may be eligible to work in Canada while studying, if your study permit includes a condition that says you can work on or off campus. You must also meet all the other requirements. You can only start working in Canada when you start your study program. You can’t work before your studies begin.

• Work on or off campus: As a study permit holder, you may be able to work on-campus or off-campus without getting a work permit. Make sure you meet the requirements before you find a job.
• Work as a co-op student or intern: You will need to get a work permit if your study program includes a required co-op or internship placement. Find out how to apply for a co-op work permit.
• Work after you graduate: You may also be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) to continue working in Canada after you graduate. Find out if you’re eligible for a PGWP.

Generally, no. You must stop working once you’ve received your final grades.

You can continue to work after you finished your studies only if:

• you’ve already applied for a work permit, or
• you’re starting a new study program

Find out if you meet one of these exceptions.

You don’t need to change your study permit if you’re changing your school or study program

If you’re a high school student

• If you’re moving to post-secondary school and want to be able to work while you study, you must apply to change the conditions of your study permit. There is a fee to make this change. To do this, you’ll need to apply for a new study permit from within Canada.

If you’re a post-secondary student

• While you don’t need to change your study permit, you do have to tell us when you change post-secondary schools. Find out how to tell us that you’ve changed your post-secondary school.

If you’re moving to a school in Quebec

• If you’re moving to a school in Quebec (and your previous school is outside Quebec), you must get an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). You need a CAQ for any level of school, including primary.

While you don’t need to change your study permit, you do have to tell us when you change post-secondary schools. Find out how to tell us that you’ve changed your post-secondary school.

You can work full-time while waiting for a decision on your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application if, at the time you submitted your application, all of the following applied to your situation:

• You had a valid study permit.
• You had completed your program of study.
• You were eligible to work off campus without a permit.
• You did not work off campus more than 20 hours a week during academic sessions.

Changes to off-campus work hours

You may be eligible to work more than 20 hours per week off campus under a temporary public policy. Find out if you meet the requirements.

If you received the WP-EXT for PGWP (IMM 0127 E) letter

You’re authorized to work until a decision is made on your work permit application even if the 180-day validity date has expired. If you need proof of authorization to continue working, you can ask for it by using our web form.

Find out more about work authorization after submitting a post-graduation work permit application.

In 2023, the minimum funds required, aside from the GIC, were CAD 10,000 per year. However, effective January 1, 2024, this amount has increased to CAD 20,635 per year, excluding the first year’s tuition fee.

The GIC is the most effective way to demonstrate proof of funds, especially since it is a mandatory requirement for the SDS visa. Supporting it with additional documents such as bank statements will enhance the strength of your proof.

To demonstrate that you can financially support yourself while studying in Canada, you can present the following documents as proof of funds:

• GIC Certificate
• Bank Statement
• Loan Approval Letter
• Sponsor Letter

There is no specific timeframe for when you can arrive in Canada. However, it is recommended to plan your arrival at least 2-3 weeks before classes begin to give yourself time to settle in.

Yes, international students studying in Canada may apply for Canadian permanent resident status while studying or after completing their studies, provided they meet the requirements of the Canadian immigration program under which they apply.