How Long Is the Canadian Student Visa Valid?

The validity of a Canadian Student Visa (also known as a Study Permit) depends on the length of your study program and the date of your course completion. Here's how the validity is generally determined:

1. Duration of Study Program

• Your study permit will generally be valid for the length of your program of study, plus an additional 90 days. This extra 90-day period gives you time to either:

o Complete your studies if you finish early.

o Apply for an extension or a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if you are planning to continue staying in Canada after completing your studies.

For example, if your program is one year long, your study permit will typically be valid for one year and 90 days.

2. If Your Program is Longer than 6 Months

• If your program is longer than 6 months, your study permit will be valid until the completion of your program (plus the additional 90 days).

3. Program Completion and the Additional 90 Days

• After you finish your studies, you have 90 days to either leave Canada, apply for a new permit, or apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), if eligible.

4. If Your Program is Shorter than 6 Months

• If your program is less than 6 months (for example, a short-term language course or a certification), you generally do not need a study permit. Instead, you can apply for a visitor visa or eTA (electronic Travel Authorization), depending on your nationality.

5. Extending Your Study Permit

• If you wish to stay in Canada for longer than your current study permit’s validity (for example, to take a new course or continue studying), you will need to apply for an extension before your current study permit expires.

• The extension application can be done online or at a Canadian visa office.

Important Points:

• Your study permit is tied to your enrollment status at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. If you drop out or fail to maintain full-time enrollment, your study permit may be invalid.

• While your study permit is valid, you are allowed to work on or off-campus under certain conditions, but you must have an official work permit for internships or co-op programs.

Summary:

A Canadian Student Visa (Study Permit) is typically valid for the duration of your study program plus an additional 90 days. The validity can be extended if needed, but this depends on your specific circumstances and whether you apply for an extension. Always ensure to apply for an extension before your permit expires if you plan to continue studying or staying in Canada after your program ends.