Study Permits

What is a study permit?

A study permit is status document which permits foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals require a valid study permit to study in Canada.

A study permit is not an entry visa and therefore it does not permit entry into Canada. A temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) are immigration documents which will permit entry or re-entry into Canada.

Who requires a study permit?

In most cases, a study permit is required for programs of study longer than 6 months in duration.

Who does not require a study permit?

A study permit is not required if your program or course:

will be 6 months in length or shorter, and
will end before your initial immigration status expires/ends (such as work permit, visitor record, end of authorization date, etc), OR
some students are also study permit exempt

Do note: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders may study in programs of up to 6 months without a study permit, as long as the program ends before your work permit expires.

The conditions of your study permit

Study permit holders are required to meet a number of conditions to keep their status valid. If these conditions are not met, a study permit holder you may lose their student status and may be directed to leave Canada.

Study permit holders must meet the following conditions:

be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI), unless exempt
actively pursue studies, by
- being enrolled full-time or part-time (not recommended) during each mandatory academic term
- make progress towards the completion of program of study
- not taking authorized leaves longer than 150 days from study program (leave must be authorized by Trent)
inform IRCC each time you change post-secondary institutions
end your studies if no longer meet the requirements of being a student
leave Canada when status expires
other conditions noted on your study permit

Apply for your initial study permit from outside Canada:

Apply for a study permit as soon as you obtain your Letter of Acceptance from Trent University.

Below are some instructions to get you started with your study permit application:

You can find a comprehensive guide on applying for your study permit from outside Canada on the IRCC Website here.
You can find a list of required documents for a study permit application here.
Learn more about the Provincial Attestation Letter to determine if you require one to submit your study permit application.
You can find eligibility and required documents for the Student Direct Stream here.
Be sure to verify your specific visa office instructions for the additional documents you may require.
Important note: Do note that the proof of funds required for a study permit has changed as of January 1, 2024.
You may submit your application yourself or you may consider connecting with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant for support with your application.

Extend your study permit:

If your study permit will expire while you are in Canada, you will be required to renew it for the length of your program of study. Find more information on extending your study permit on our website.

Trent University's Designated Learning Institution Number

For Canadian immigration applications relating to your studies, IRCC will request Trent's Designated Learning Institution Number (DLI#) which is O19395164223. It starts with a O and not a zero.

Disclaimer

The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.

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