Obtain acceptance to a Canadian school or college. You will need to apply at least six months in advance of your expected attendance period if you are attending a primary or secondary school. You should apply at least one year in advance to post-secondary institutions.
Contact your country's Canadian visa office. You can find the one for your country by visiting cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/missions.asp. The visa office can guide you through the student visa application process and assist you with gathering needed documentation.
Prepare application materials. The application for a Canadian study permit is available on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. In addition to the application, you will need to provide documentation proving your identity and financial status. Identity documents include passports and citizenship documents such as national ID cards or alien registration cards. You are required to submit two identical photos of yourself that clearly show your face and head. You will also need to be able to provide assurances that you can afford to study in Canada. You may be asked to provide documentation showing that you have paid tuition expenses and copies of your bank statements for the past four months. In addition, you must submit the original letter of acceptance from a Canadian school with your application.
Complete medical and background checks. You will not be permitted to study in Canada if you are not in good health or if you have any criminal history. Your local visa office will determine if you need to provide a police clearance certificate or have a medical examination.
Send application materials and the application fee to your country's Canadian visa office. Your country's office may have rules about how applications should be sent and in what form fees must be paid, so be sure to discuss this with a visa office representative prior to submitting your application. Once your application is approved, you will be sent a Letter of Introduction that will allow you entry into Canada at the time your educational program begins.
Present the Letter of Introduction to a Canadian officer at your port of entry into Canada. The officer will review the letter and may request to see the documentation you provided with your application such as your passport or financial documents. Once your documents are reviewed, the officer will issue your official Canadian study permit that dictates how long you are permitted to stay in the country.
