Applying for a study permit after enterning Canada involves entering the country on a visitor visa, completing a short-term course (typically a language program) of six months or less at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), and then applying for a study permit within Canada.

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According to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) R188(1)(c) and IRPR 215(1)(f)(iii), foreign nationals who enter Canada on a visitor visa and complete a short-term language course that serves as a prerequisite for future academic programs are eligible to apply for a study permit within Canada.

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Who are ideal canadiates?

This pathway is ideal for individuals who may face challenges in obtaining a study permit directly from their home country. Below are some common profiles:

 

1. Accompanying Parents

Parents accompanying their children studying in Canada can convert their visitor visa to a study permit if they hold a valid temporary resident status, complete a short-term language course, and meet the eligibility criteria for applying within Canada.

 

2. Mature Applicants

There is no strict definition for "mature applicants," as it depends on the specific context of the application. However, this often refers to applicants aged 35 or older. A reasonable explanation and justification for pursuing education are crucial for these cases.

 

3. Applicants with "Educational Downgrade"

This refers to individuals who already hold a bachelor's or master's degree in their home country but plan to apply for a diploma or college program in Canada, which is considered a lower-level qualification. Such cases may appear illogical or unjustifiable when applying directly from abroad.

 

4. Applicants with Limited Financial Resources

Studying in Canada as an international student costs approximately CAD 15,000-20,000 annually for tuition, plus living expenses and other costs, totaling around RMB 200,000-300,000 per year. Applicants with insufficient financial resources or proof of funds may face rejection when applying from their home country.

 

5. Applicants with Prior Visa Refusals

It is common to have prior visa refusals. While it is possible to improve application conditions and reapply successfully, having a refusal record can significantly hinder an applicant's chances of approval when applying directly from their home country.

 

Need Help with the Process?

For more details on the process of converting a visitor visa to a study permit, please contact Regulated Canadian immigration consultant Howard via WeChat: Howard-CAN.