A study permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Most international students require a study permit before beginning their studies in Canada and must apply for it prior to travel.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues the study permit to eligible students; however, it is important to note that a study permit is not a visa and does not itself allow entry into Canada.

Study Permit Application Refusals

In some cases, study permit applications may be refused. When this happens, the visa officer provides a refusal letter explaining the reason for the decision. Applicants also have the right to request the officer’s notes to better understand the refusal.

Based on the reasons provided, applicants may either:

• Address the concerns and reapply with a stronger application
• Seek professional or legal guidance to review the refusal decision

Carefully understanding the refusal reason can significantly improve the chances of success in a new application.

Student Direct Stream (SDS) – Faster Processing

Depending on the applicant’s country of residence, study permit applications may be processed faster under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program.

Under SDS, IRCC aims to process most applications within approximately 20 calendar days, provided all eligibility requirements are met.

To benefit from faster processing, applicants must:

• Provide biometrics as soon as possible
• Meet all SDS eligibility requirements
• Submit complete and accurate documentation

Important Note

A study permit does not act as a visa and does not guarantee entry into Canada. It only allows a student to study at an approved institution once they have been admitted into the country.