FAQs

There are several outside organizations that provide language testing services and some institutions have their own testing. Get in touch with your chosen institution to find out what proficiency test score is needed to support your application.

The International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) and World Education Services (WES) are two organizations that can evaluate your academic documents and send a credential assessment report to your chosen institution.

DLI stands for designated learning institution. DLIs are schools that have been approved by the government to host international students.

To apply for a study permit, you need an acceptance letter from a DLI. Use our search tool to find a DLI.

Each institution sets its own application fees. Check with your chosen school to find out more.

Always start your application early. Each institution and program has its own application process and deadlines. Check with your chosen school to find out more.

You do not need a study permit to apply to a postsecondary institution. Once you have been accepted to a designated learning institution (DLI), you will use your letter of acceptance to apply for a study permit.

Each institution has its own application process. Check with your chosen school to find out more.

Use our search tool to find a postsecondary institution in Ontario. Then visit the institution website to find out which programs are available to international applicants.

Make sure the program you choose is currently accepting applications and fits your needs. Check the admission requirements to ensure you are eligible to apply.

ArriveCAN is an online tool for providing mandatory travel information required for entry into Canada. Use ArriveCAN before and after you travel.

Check the Government of Canada website for the latest COVID-19 information for international students.

Check the Government of Canada website for the latest COVID-19 information for international students.

There are a few different programs that allow international students in Canada to become permanent residents. Find out if you are eligible to apply for permanent residency.

No, you cannot make arrangements to study in Ontario once you are a visitor in Canada. If you want to attend a postsecondary institution in Ontario, you must have your study permit before you leave your home country. 

In most cases, if you have a study permit, you can work during your studies. If work experience is a mandatory part of your program, you need to apply for a co-op work permit, ideally at the same time that you apply for your study permit.

There are two reasons you may want to get a study permit even if your program of study is less than six months:

1. Continue studying — If you already have a study permit and your study situation changes, you can continue studying in Canada while your permit is valid. You can also apply to extend your permit before it expires.
2. Work during your studies — If you have a study permit and you are registered as a full-time student at a DLI, you may be able to work part time while you are studying. If you don’t have a study permit, you need to apply for a work permit to work while you’re studying in Canada.

​​If you’re a legal resident in certain countries, you may be able to get your study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

Check the current study permit fee.

It can take several weeks or months for IRCC to process your application. Check current application processing times.

Apply for a study permit as soon as you receive your Acceptance Letter.

If you plan to stay in Canada for six months or more, you need to get a study permit before you come to Canada. Learn about who can apply.

Many academic institutions allow you to transfer credits from another institution. There may be limits on how many foreign credits they accept. Check with your chosen institution to learn about their policy and what documents you need to provide as part of their review and decision.