ANS Immigration - Student Visa Service Page

Why Study in Canada?

Canada is known for its citizens' safety and well-being. In terms of quality of life, Canada is one of the best countries on the planet. Canada ranks highly in several areas of societal progress, including superior education, medical care, infrastructure, and climate. Live theatre, dance and music performances, craftsmanship exhibitions, historical institutions, and museums are all popular social activities in Canada. In the world of education, Canada is a superpower, and studying there can help you jumpstart your career. Cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Mississauga, for example, have a considerable Indian student population. To ensure the safety of international students, college personnel pay close attention to every element.

What is a Canadian Study Permit?

A Canadian Study permit allows a desiring student to study in Canada. The applicant should check the eligibility and get an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI). The handling time for a review grant will rely upon the instance of the individual, country, and the course you have applied for. The briefest processing time is 4 weeks, but it can take up to sixteen weeks in certain situations. The processing time also depends on the volume of applications.

Who Needs a Study Permit?

A foreign national who intends to study in Canada needs a study permit if the training program duration is more than six months. If the program finishes in less than six months, there is no need to apply for a study permit. Some examples of programs that require a study permit are:

A bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. program at a university
A post-secondary certificate or diploma at a private or community college
Studying at an elementary or secondary school (at a private, boarding, or public school)

What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and How to Locate a DLI?

DLI has a few years of experience in the field of education. IRCC approves certain education providers as DLIs. A Provincial body usually gives accreditation to these institutions. Each Designated Learning Institution has a DLI number. Each DLI number starts with the letter “O” followed by 11 digits.

To verify if an institution is a DLI, visit the IRCC website:

Visit the DLI page on the IRCC website at IRCC DLI List.
Select the province or territory of the college or university.

Exemption of Study Permit

Applicants seeking to enroll in short-term programs that can be completed within or less than six months under TRV section 188(1)c
Persons who are registered Indians
Diplomat family members and their private staff
Members of armed forces under the “Visiting Forces Act”

What is the Student Partnership Program (SPP)?

The Student Partnership Program (SPP), launched in 2009 by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), was designed to promote and increase the number of international students in Canadian universities. It offered a streamlined visa process with a processing time of 10 working days and no need to show bank history. The SPP program has been replaced by the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program in India.

Eligibility criteria for SPP included:

Undergraduate degrees with an overall IELTS score of 6.0 (no band less than 5.5) and postgraduate degrees with an IELTS score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) in the previous 24 months.
Study gap of no more than 2 years for undergraduate and 5 years for postgraduate degrees.
Proof of one-semester or one-year tuition payment as required by the SPP institution.
Purchase of a $10,000 CAD Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from Scotia Bank for living expenses during the first year.
No previous refusal of Canadian student visa under SPP.

Courses in High Demand

High-demand courses in Canada include:

Business: Develops business sense and global mindset with roles like office manager, accounting manager, or marketing director.
Information Technology: Focuses on leveraging technology to improve efficiency, with roles like Systems Administrator or Software Developer.
Tourism and Hospitality: Covers food service, event planning, and resort management, with roles such as restaurant manager or catering executive.
Healthcare Science: Prepares graduates for roles in home assistance programs, crisis centers, and residential institutions.

Why is it Good to Study in Canada for Students?

Canada offers lower education costs compared to other nations and a high standard of living. It provides globally recognized credentials, scholarship opportunities, and a top-tier educational system with excellent faculty and research facilities. Students with a valid study permit can work up to 20 hours per week, supplementing their income while studying. Post-graduation, students can apply for work permits to gain Canadian experience or explore long-term employment opportunities.