For international students looking to study in Canada,聽obtaining a student visa is an essential part of the application process. After all, you won鈥檛 be able to enter the country, let alone attend classes, if you don鈥檛 have a visa. However, a visa isn鈥檛 the only important document international students need. You’ll need a study permit in Canada, too!
A study permit allows a foreign national to study at designated learning institutions in Canada. Seems straightforward, right? The problem is many people use the terms “student visa” and “study permit” interchangeably. In fact, they鈥檙e two different things.
To get clarification on this issue, in 2019, we asked ApplyBoard鈥檚 Hari Ghai, a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for details. He explains the difference between both terms in the video below.
Student Visa vs. Study Permit
鈥淎 Student Visa is an authorization to enter into a country,鈥� says Hari. 鈥淸This is a] conditional authorization. This means that even if you have a student visa, the officer at the border has the authority to deny you entry into the country.鈥� He went on to note that 鈥渁 Study Permit gives you the authority to stay in the country. It has the details about your purpose.”
This may include questions like:
- “What is your reason for coming to Canada?”
- “What course level you are studying?”
- “How long are you staying in Canada?”
- “Do you have any work restrictions?”
In other words, think of the difference between the two as follows:
Student Visa聽鈥� Allows you to聽enter Canada
Study Permit 鈥� Allows you to聽stay in Canada
Considering studying in Canada, and want to study in Toronto or Vancouver? Learn more about Yorkville University in Canada.
Entering Canada With Your Permit
Technically, the Government of Canada doesn鈥檛 issue a 鈥淪tudent Visa.鈥� When your permit is approved, you鈥檒l also receive a . Either one of these can grant you entry into Canada.
, your final approved study permit will be issued by a border services officer. The officer will use your permit reference number, found in the sent by the visa office when they approved your study permit. Then, they will issue your approved permit.
Tip: Make sure your permit contains your correct personal information and permit expiry date.
For official information on student visas and study permits, consult the .
You can also check out our 鈥淎sk Hari鈥� video series on our .
