Is the Canadian study permit I need the same thing as a study visa?
No, a Canadian study permit is not the same as a visa. After you receive an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution, you need the permit to study, and you are also granted a visitor visa or, if eligible, an eTA to enter Canada.
No, a study permit and a visa are not the same thing. The permit authorises you to study in Canada, while a visitor visa or, in eligible cases, an electronic travel authorization (eTA) is what lets you enter the country.
Study Permit vs Entry Document
| Document | What it does |
|---|---|
| Study permit | Issued by the federal government of Canada so you can study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) |
| Visitor visa or eTA | Granted to approved students so they can enter Canada |
| Physical study permit | You can get it after reaching Canada |
Who Needs the Permit
You need a study permit once you hold an acceptance letter from a Canadian university. The institution must be a DLI, so confirm that status before you pay any deposit.
My Advice
Treat the permit and the entry document as two separate items on your checklist. Keep your acceptance letter handy, confirm the DLI status of your college, and check the official Canadian government page for the latest application steps.
Not sure which documents your Canadian visa needs?
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