The international Travelers and students prefer to study in Canada. It is in fact very well known for its quality education experience. The newcomers can easily confuse a Temporary Resident Visa with a Study Visa. It is therefore important to educate yourself before you apply. Make sure you have the necessities if you plan to travel, such as a Study permit or a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa or TRV).
Why the Confusion Between Study Permits and Visitor Visas?
We have all your answers if you are confused about “Do I need a study permit, a visitor visa, or both to enter Canada?”. The students who wish to plan a program in Canada need to realize that there are different categorizations and necessities. The distinct purpose of immigration matters and denotes the type of visa needed for traveling to Canada.
Canadian Immigration Law on Visitor Visa vs. Study Permits
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) has various regulations, such as:
- Authorizing a Study permit to any foreign national who is willing to pursue studies in Canada for programs longer than 6 months.
- Authorizing a Visitor Visa (TRV) allows a short-term entry for tourism, business, family visit, and for study commitments that fall under 6 6-month tenure of requirement.
IRCC, or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, is responsible for issuing both.
Key Differences
We have compiled a list of major differences for you to understand each.
Purpose
The Study Permit Canada is required for college and university studies in case you need to for full academic programs that last more than 6 months. However, a Visitor Visa Canada ensures that you enjoy a comfortable and smooth stay for a short time of under 6 months. These are eligible for short courses in language, training, and workshops.
Duration of Stay
It is important that the study period is covered under the study permit, and an exception of 90 days is also provided in case you need to prepare for an extension or departure. A Visitor Visa allows a total stay of up to 6 months.
Rights and Privileges
If eligible students are allowed to work on or off campus. You can also apply for an extension in case you gain permanent employment. There is a transition to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in case you gain employment. A Visitor Visa does not allow work, and you can not study beyond 6 months. There is a need to apply for the permit in case you wish to stay longer or need to change status.
Requirements for the Application
There are different requirements for different visas. For instance, a study permit requires a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution. There is a need for financial proof as well to support tuition and living expenses. You also need a language proficiency proof in many cases.
However, for a Visitor Visa, you need a valid passport foremost. You also need financial support proof for the trip. You need evidence of ties to the home country and a travel itinerary plan. In some cases, a letter of invitation from your host in Canada is also needed.
Processing Time
A Study Permit may take several weeks to months, depending on the country from where you are applying. The Visitor Visa may be processed faster, though times and conditions vary.
Cost
A Study Permit Application Fee is CAD $150. The fee to process a Visitor Visa is CAD $100, and an additional CAD $ 85 biometric fee is applicable.
Can you have both a TRV and a Study Permit?
Yes, at times you need both a TRV and a Study Permit, depending on your country. TRV will be like an entry sticker, and a Study Permit will be your authorization by the Canadian Government to remain there and continue your studies. You need to research and consult the Visa Application Centre in your country.
Final Thoughts
It is very important to know the difference between a study permit and a visitor visa in Canada. You need to understand the basis on which each of them is designed. You also need to assess the length of your academic endeavours to plan better. There are many licensed immigration consultants and lawyers who may help you to gain more clarity and decide what suits you best.
We have provided general guidelines to help with basic concepts. However a professional legal advice may be needed if you require a customised consultation. This is usually applicable in special cases or cases of uncertainty.
