Can international students within Canada apply for a study permit?

When it comes to studying in Canada, one of the first important steps is to obtain a study permit; and with the recent changes of January 22 of this year 2024 it is clear that new applications from abroad will have to handle new conditions that may slow down the application process, but if you are inside Canada studying, you should know that these limits will not affect current study permit holders or study permit renewals and do not include those pursuing masters and doctoral studies. Therefore, we wanted to write this article with the aim of reassuring this sector of the student population already residing in Canada, because within these changes in the immigration law there are some foreigners who can apply for a study permit if they are residents here, which is a great advantage to take advantage of the time of stay and without having to handle the stress that comes with waiting for your paperwork. For this content, it is worthwhile to differentiate between the study permit and the study visa:

• The study visa is the stamp that says "VISA" in your passport and is the one you present at the airport in your country to be allowed to board the plane or vehicle that will take you to Canada and allow you to enter. 
• The study permit is the document issued by immigration officials once a person enters Canada. It is a one-page document printed directly at immigration, at the airport, and is handed to the student. If the student is traveling with his/her family, this document is also given to each family member (the study permit is not a travel document that authorizes you to leave and enter Canada).

There are particular situations in which a foreign national who meets the basic immigration requirements, which include a valid passport and visa, among others, is eligible to apply for his or her study permit from his or her own residence in Canada.

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Who can apply for a study permit within Canada?

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Students currently in Canada who identify with any of the following situations may apply for a study permit if:

1. You are a Ukrainian citizen or family member of a Ukrainian citizen. Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to support the Ukrainian community.
2. You have a valid work or study permit.
3. If your spouse, domestic partner or parent has a valid study or work permit, this may open the possibility for you to apply for your own study permit.
4. You are a minor and are attending elementary or secondary school.
5. You are an exchange student or visitor.
6. You have completed a short-term course or program of study required for acceptance into a Government Designated Institution (DLI)..
7. You or any of your family members have a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) valid for six months or more.
8. You are being sponsored to immigrate and have already applied for permanent residence (if eligible).
9. You or any of your family members are subject to an unenforceable deportation order.
10.  Is spouse, domestic partner or dependent child of:

• An athlete on a Canadian-based team.
• A member of the media.
• A member of the clergy.
• Military personnel serving in Canada.
• An accredited foreign representative.

11. You are an asylum seeker in Canada or a family member of an asylum seeker in Canada.

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Make sure you gather all the necessary documents and follow the proper steps to submit your application. Immiland Canada offers this service with a team of consultants regulated by the ICAC. Studying in Canada is an enriching experience, so take advantage of it!

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At Immiland, we always recommend you to be informed about your rights, options, programs and benefits as an immigrant, so we invite you to read our article Can I travel outside Canada while studying?

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If you are a student and would like to learn more about our application process, you can write to us at Info@immilandcanada.com or visit our Immiland Canada website to learn more about our immigration, labour, education, translation and settlement services.

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With love,

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Immiland

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