Applying for Canada Study Permit outside Canada

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Certain countries’ citizens may need a TRV or eTA to enter Canada. These are official documents demonstrating compliance with entry requirements and are typically issued alongside the study permit.

Note: Check the official government sources for the most up-to-date information on study permits and related requirements.

Family Member Definitions

Spouse: Refers to either person in a legally recognized marriage, irrespective of gender, in the country of occurrence or in Canada. Proxy, telephone, fax, internet, or similar non-physical marriages are not considered valid.

Common-law Partner: Describes a person in a committed conjugal relationship, of any gender, living together continuously for at least one year. Evidence of shared residence, financial and emotional support, children, or public representation as a couple is required.

Dependent Children: Includes children under 22 without a spouse or common-law partner, or those 22 and older dependent on parents due to a mental or physical condition.

Minors Traveling Alone

Minors traveling alone need to provide contact information for a custodian (if applicable), details about the school they will attend, and parental consent, including a notarized custodianship declaration if applicable.

Proof of custody and the other parent’s consent are required if the child is subject to a custody order.

Work Opportunities for Spouses or Common-law Partners

Spouses or common-law partners of full-time students at a designated learning institution may apply for an open work permit. Each person must complete their own work permit application.

Applications for family members can be submitted together online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) with a consolidated payment receipt.

Medical Requirements

If your stay in Canada is for six months or less, a medical exam is usually not required.
For stays longer than six months, a medical exam is necessary if you have lived temporarily for six months or more in certain countries or territories within the year before your planned entry to Canada. This requirement applies even if your country does not require a visa for entry.
A medical exam is mandatory for certain occupations, including health services, work with children, and agricultural occupations in specific countries.
You and your family members may need a medical exam to come to Canada, and details can be found in the Medical examination requirements for temporary residents.
You can choose to have an upfront medical exam by contacting a Panel Physician, or you can wait until your application is reviewed and medical instructions are provided by the visa office.
Upfront medical exams can speed up processing but are at your own cost and do not affect the final decision. Proof of completing the medical exam must be submitted with your application.

Biometric Requirements

Biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo, may be required. If applying from within Canada, you must provide biometrics.
Biometrics are typically valid for 10 years. If you provided biometrics in a past application and they are still valid, there’s no need to submit them again for the current application.
Check the validity of your biometrics using the Check Biometric Status Tool.
You can give biometrics after submitting your application, receiving a biometric instruction letter, and paying the necessary fees.
If submitting the application in person at a visa application centre (VAC), you may have the option to book an appointment to give biometrics simultaneously.
Biometrics must be given at official biometric collection service points, and processing of your application begins after the biometrics are received.Applying for a Study Permit from Abroad