Frequently Asked Questions

No, a work permit or study permit is not a visa. You will not automatically be issued a visitor visa if you extend your work or study permit. If you need a new visitor visa, you will need to file a separate application. The visa is required if you want to travel and be able to return to Canada to continue your studies or work. Do not leave Canada with an expired visa (even if your study or work permit has already been extended), because you will not be able to return without a valid visa.

Yes, the service is renewable on a month-to-month basis, so you can cancel it at any time.

Yes, documents that are not in English or French must be translated by a certified translator.

A certified translator is an accredited member whose certification can be confirmed by a stamp or seal showing the translator's membership number of a professional translation association in Canada or abroad (for visa processing).

Note: A translator who has not yet received certification or accreditation, but is in the process of receiving it, is not considered a certified translator for IRCC purposes.

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We highly recommend applying for the visa 5 to 6 months before the start of your classes. This is to avoid that due to embassy delays, your application is not processed on time and you miss the start of your classes. Please be aware that each embassy is different and they are usually very volatile with their processing times, in addition to having delays in their processes. 

If, for example, your classes start in September, then you should ALREADY be applying for the visa in April or May. That is, by April or May you should already have the LOA, the money needed for tuition and living expenses, plus other supporting documents necessary for your application.

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Yes, you must have a study permit and be enrolled full-time in an academic, professional or vocational training program at a DLI.

However, your study permit must clearly state that you have the ability to work off-campus. If so, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while:
-Your program is in session, and
-Full-time during scheduled breaks in the academic calendar.

You may work for any employer in Canada that is not on the list of ineligible employers.

In addition, if your program has a mandatory work component for graduation you must have the appropriate work permit for your co-op.