Canadian Study Permit vs Student Visa

You’ve just finished reading two different blogs about studying in Canada, one saying you need to apply for a study permit while the other says you should apply for a student visa. You’re feeling confused and worried that you might not be applying correctly. Luckily, you didn’t because these are two parts of the same process, not two separate applications. A Canada study permit  lets you legally live and study in Canada while a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) allows you to enter or travel the country. In most cases, an approved study permit application will result in both, if your nationality requires them.

Document	Purpose
Study permit	Allows you to stay in Canada and study at a preferred learning institution.
Visa (TRV) / eTA	Give you legal permission to travel or enter Canada. It does not grant permission to study on its own.

 

Important points to remember:

• You have to apply for a study permit only once; you cannot apply separately for a study permit and visa.
• As soon as your study permit is processed, a valid TRV or eTA is issued by the IRCC according to your nationality.
•   The study permit is for studying inside Canada; the TRV/eTA is for entering Canada.

What Is a Study Permit?

A study permit in Canada is an official document provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that enables a foreign individual to pursue academic programs at the designated learning institution (DLI) for the duration of the approved course plus 90 extra days after completion of the course. These 90 days enable the individual to get ready to depart from Canada or to apply for an extension or change of immigration status. The study permit is not a travel document but rather a document that authorizes one to stay in Canada and study.

What Is a Student Visa (TRV/eTA)?

A Canada student visa is a formal immigration document offered by another nation that allows a person to study in another country for a period of time. Student visas are normally requested by those students who want to study in colleges, universities, or specialized educational institutions. Canada student visa is a commonly referred name for a travel document that goes together with a study permit in Canada.

If your study permit application is approved, IRCC will issue your Canada TRV or eTA automatically, so there is no need to apply for it separately.

 

Study Permit vs. Visa: Side-by-Side Comparison

Many international students are confused about the difference between a study permit and visa because both are issued through the same application process.  A study permit is a document that gives you permission to stay in Canada as a student whereas the other two give you permission to travel to Canada. Below is a comparison of the two documents.

Here is a complete comparison of study permits and student visas:

Purpose: Study permit is a document that gives you permission to study and stay in Canada whereas TRV or eTA are the documents that give you permission to enter the country.

Issued by: Both documents are issued by the IRCC through the process of issuing a study permit.

For what purpose are they used: Study permit does not give you permission to enter Canada on its own. You would need a TRV if you are from visa required countries and an eTA for visa exempt countries.

Required for studying: Study permit is the document that legally allows you to study in Canada.

	Study Permit	Visa/TRV/eTA
Purpose	Allows you to study and stay in Canada legally.	Allows you to travel to and enter Canada.
Issued By	Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)	Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
When You Use It	After arriving in Canada, throughout your studies.	Before and during travel to Canada
Application Required Separately?	No	No. IRCC automatically issues the appropriate TRV or eTA with an approved study permit.

 

Do You Need to Apply for Both separately?

No, you only need to submit one study permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) If your application is approved, IRCC automatically issues the appropriate travel document depending on your nationality. There is no separate application for the visa or eTA.

When you arrive in Canada, show your port of entry (POE) letter of introduction, passport, and any supporting documents to a border services officer. After a brief verification and, if necessary, a few questions about your studies, the officer will issue your study permit to allow you to begin studying at your program legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Canadian study permit the same as a student visa?

No. A Canadian study permit is not the same as a student visa. A study permit gives you legal permission to study and stay in Canada, while a student visa either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) , allows you to enter or travel to Canada.

Do I need to apply for a study permit and a visa separately?

There is no separate application for a student visa. you only need to submit one study permit application after that If IRCC approves it, the appropriate travel document (a TRV or eTA, depending on your nationality) will be issued automatically.

What is a TRV in Canada?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly known as a “visitor visa” or “entry visa”, is a travel document affixed to your passport that allows you to enter or re-enter Canada.

Does everyone need an eTA or visa to enter Canada as a student?

The necessary travel documentation is based on your nationality. Students from countries that require a visa will receive a TRV, while those from visa-exempt countries usually acquire an eTA for air travel to Canada. The IRCC decides which document is required for you.

How long is a Canadian study permit valid?

A Canadian study permit is usually valid for the duration of your academic program, plus up to 90 additional days.