Difference Between A Canadian Study Visa and Study Permit

Unlike other countries, Canada’s student visa does not allow international students to live and study in designated learning institutions (DLI). In order to pursue higher education in Canada, non-native students require a study permit and a Canadian student visa. Now you may ask, what is the difference between the two?

We can bet that till now you have heard these terms being used reciprocally, but both these hold different values. In this blog, we have covered what is the fundamental difference between a Canadian student visa and a study permit.

What is a Canada Student Visa?

A Canada study visa refers to a legal authorization issued by the embassy or consulate allowing you to visit a nation for the purpose of pursuing education. In essence, it gives you permission to enter the nation as a student. The Study Visa, stamped on the passport, is often referred to as a "Student Visa" or a "Temporary Resident Visa" (TRV) in Canada. 

A student visa lists the dates of your admittance and departure, the type of visa you hold, and the terms of your stay. A student visa certifies that you possess the necessary documents to study in Canada, including a current passport, a letter of acceptance from an approved institution of higher learning (DLI), evidence of financial assistance, and a clear criminal history.

What is a Canadian Study Permit?

Contrarily, a study permit is a requisite immigration document provided by the government of Canada enabling you to officially study there. After arriving in Canada with an approved student visa, this document will be issued to you by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) which details the terms and time frame for your studies in Canada. After you are granted the study permit, you will either receive a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), allowing you to enter Canada.

At the Canadian Airport, you will be asked to provide the permit reference number that is on the letter of introduction received after your permit was approved. The final authorized study permit is granted by a border services officer, per the Government of Canada's official website. 

Difference between a study visa and a study permit in Canada:

Study Visa

• It is required for entry into Canada.
• It allows you to enter as a temporary resident.
• It has a validity period for the duration of the travel.
• The Canadian Embassy or Consulate issues the study visa.

Study Permit

• It is required in order to stay in Canada.
• It allows you to stay as a temporary student.
• The validity period is 90 days after the successful completion of the course.
• The Government of Canada issues it.

We trust that our blog article has clarified the disparity between a study permit and a student visa. To study in Canada, you need these two different yet interrelated authorizations: a student visa and a study permit. Prior to entering Canada, you must submit applications for both documents and be eligible for each one. Both these can be extended or renewed in order to alter or continue your academic program in Canada.