The good news is yes.
Getting a study permit from outside Canada requires a high IELTS score, and the process could also be lengthy.
But if you are now in Canada as a visitor/tourist, you may want to try another way to study and consequently emigrate to Canada.
Therefore, if you are currently in Canada and meet the Inland Study Permit application eligibility, we at SEP Immigration can help you change your status from a Visitor to a Student.
You don’t need to leave Canada to do so!
Eligibility to Apply for a Study Permit on a Canadian Visitor Visa
Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. However, under certain circumstances, you may not need a permit.
This includes short-term students. It means you do not need a permit if you are enrolling for a course that takes less than six months. Check to see if you need a permit before you apply.
Generally, you need to apply for a study permit before arriving in Canada. However, in some cases, you can apply from within Canada on a visitor visa.
For instance, if your spouse or common-law partner is on a study or work permit in Canada or has a temporary resident permit valid for at least 6 months, you can apply for a study visa on a visitor visa.
You need to get accepted before applying for the permit. You must have your acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
You also need to prove that you can afford tuition fees, housing, and living expenses. You may need to provide a police certificate to prove that you have no criminal records.
You may also need to do a medical examination to prove you are in good health. Also, you need to prove to an officer that you will leave Canada after you finish your education.
Steps to Make Transition from Visitor Visa to Study Permit in Canada
Your first step is to get an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI). Ensure the program you are applying for qualifies for a study permit.
In addition, if you plan to work in Canada after you finish your education, be sure to apply for a program that makes you eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Make sure you are eligible to apply for a study permit from within Canada. This usually includes cases such as having a family member with a study or work permit in Canada or completing a short-term study in Canada that does not require a study permit.
Prepare your documents. This may include your acceptance letter from a DLI, your passport, proof of funds, proof of current status, medical exam, and police certificate if required.
You must apply online for your study permit unless you have a disability that prevents you from applying online. When applying from within Canada, you need to submit your application to change your status from a visitor to a student.
While applying, you may need to pay some required charges in addition to your application fee.
The processing time for a study permit from within Canada can vary depending on the time of year, the volume of applications, etc. however, it typically takes from 1 to 3 months for most cases.
Once you receive your study permit, you can legally start your education at the DLI.
Helpful Tips To Change Visitor Visa To Study Permit
- Getting a study permit takes time. So start early and make sure you have all the needed documents prepared, such as your acceptance letter from a DLI and proof of funds.
- Make sure you are eligible to apply for a study permit from within Canada. If not, you have to apply from outside of Canada. Being a family member of a study or work permit holder or completing a short-term course in Canada can make you eligible.
- You can apply for study permission only if accepted into a designated learning institution (DLI). Ensure the program you choose qualifies for a study permit and possibly a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
- Be prepared to provide your proof of funds. You may need to provide your bank account statement or proof of scholarship.
- Make sure your visitor visa remains valid while you are in the process of applying for a study permit.
- Since the application process can be challenging, consider hiring an immigration consultant. You can consult with the SEP immigration consultant.
Who is Suitable to Apply for This Pathway?
If you are eligible and on a visitor visa in Canada, you can apply for a study permit. However, it may suit some people better.
A study permit can be suitable for international students who enter Canada as tourists but hope to pursue their studies there.
Also, education can be an option if you are on a visitor visa in Canada and seek longer-term residency. This way you can transition from a temporary visa to a more permanent one. Moreover, finishing an education program in Canada facilitates pathways to permanent residency.
As a professional, if you are looking to upgrade your skills through further education, you can consider a study permit.
Also, a study permit can be a good idea for family members of a current student in Canada. If your spouse or a family member is currently studying in Canada and you wish to join them, you can consider getting a study permit.
If you are a traveler interested in cultural exchange or looking for new career opportunities, you can consider applying for a DLI and getting a study permit in Canada.
How long is the study permit valid when converted from a visitor visa?
No matter you are converting from a visitor visa or not, the length of a study permit in Canada generally matches the duration of the program you are taking plus 90 extra days. This provides you with enough time to prepare for leaving Canada or applying for an extension.
For example, if you want to attend a two-year course, your study permit length would be 2 years and 90 days.
Typically you do not need a study permit for courses shorter than 6 months. However, if a permit is issued, it would cover the program duration plus an extra 90 days.
Bring Your Spouse to Canada on a Visitor Visa
While you are on a study permit in Canada, you can bring your spouse on a visitor visa if they are eligible.
Your spouse should show strong ties to their home country to prove they will return when their visa expires. The proofs can be employment, family, assets, etc. They should also provide proof of sufficient funds for their trip to Canada.
Also, citizens of certain countries need a Temporary Resident Visa (TVR) in order to enter Canada as a visitor. Moreover, in some cases, your spouse may need to do a medical examination. This can add to the processing time.
How long is the visa valid for the applicant’s children or spouse?
Typically, visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. However, there are options for extending the visa.
Your spouse can transition from a visitor visa to a study permit, depending on their eligibility. They may also transition to a work permit if you are both eligible. Canada has strict rules for a work permit.
However, if your spouse can get a work permit, it will be valid for the same duration as your study permit.
Check with a consultant to get informed about your best options depending on your and your spouse’s circumstances.
What are the requirements?
Call us today and talk to our Licensed Immigration Consultants.
What are the benefits of converting my status from a visitor to a student in Canada?
1- You will save more time and immigrate to Canada faster; This program is a shortcut to getting a work permit and applying for your Permanent Residence (PR)
2- This program needs the lowest cost, compared with other immigration methods
3- The success rate is the highest compared with other immigration methods
4- If you have a spouse, they can get an Open Work Permit
5- If you have a dependent child, they can also study in Canada
6- To get your study permit, you don’t need to leave Canada
7- There is almost no need to prove your bank information
8- With a study permit, you and your family may apply for a public healthcare card
Why choose us?
We have been helping many applicants become permanent residents for years and have a high success rate. Our clients from almost 20 different countries have experienced this with us and you can be the next successful one. We know how to prepare documents and how to make your immigration process smooth and easy for you. Contact us HERE to start the process today!
If you are not a Canadian Permanent Resident yet and you are not sure what the best way for you to immigrate to Canada is, please fill out our assessment form HERE and we will get back to you with your possible options.
