How to Obtain Your Study Permit in Canada

Are you coming to Canada to study? Learning how to obtain your study permit can be an essential part of your exciting study abroad adventure. To help you get started, there are some things you should be aware of if you are planning to come to Canada as an international student.

Study Permit: What You Need to Know

A study permit is a document issued by the Canadian government that allows you to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) – an accredited school that can host international students where you have been accepted. However, a study permit alone does not grant you entry to Canada.

You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). If your study permit is approved, Canada will issue the necessary visa documents simultaneously.

How and When to Obtain Your Study Permit

You must apply for your study permit before traveling to Canada. Ensure that you are eligible for a study permit by checking the Canadian government’s guidelines. It is also helpful to ensure that you have all the required documents before submitting your application. In most cases, you will need to apply online.

Student Direct Stream (SDS): Fast-tracking Your Study Permit Application

You may be able to obtain your study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) if you are a legal resident living in one of 14 designated countries. With SDS, the government aims to process applications within 20 calendar days, although some applications may take longer.

What are the requirements for applying using SDS?

You must:

• Live outside Canada and be a legal resident of one of the designated countries
• Obtain a post-secondary acceptance letter from a DLI
• Have recognized language test results
• Show that you have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth 10,000 Canadian dollars

What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)? How do you obtain one?

A GIC is a Canadian investment with a guaranteed return rate for a specific time frame. GICs can be obtained from financial institutions, including TD Bank.

With TD International Student GIC, you can enjoy the security of a fixed interest rate for the entire duration. TD International Student GIC also offers additional benefits, such as:

• No application fees
• A simple, fully digital 4-step application process
• Access to support through a network of over 1,100 branches across Canada upon arrival

Why Choose TD?

TD has spent 150 years helping Canadians:

• TD has a proud history of providing financial solutions for Canadians for over 150 years. TD also offers a century of experience in helping newcomers overcome the unique challenges of the Canadian banking system.
• With more than a thousand branches and a strong reputation for excellence in financial services, TD has become one of the largest and most trusted banks in Canada, now serving 16 million Canadians.
• TD offers online support and resources that matter to newcomers on topics such as banking basics, moving to Canada, credit score fundamentals, and more. TD has over 1,100 branches and can also serve you in more than 50 languages. TD is open for longer hours for your convenience. TD has thousands of ATMs across Canada to help you take care of your daily banking needs quickly and easily.

Frequently Asked Questions