|
|
 |
Visas and Immigration
Study Permit
| Important: The information on this page is for residents of the following countries and territories: Burundi, Comores, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (Kinshasa), Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Reunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda. |
Warning: False statements or the submission of fraudulent documents in support of your application will result in immediate refusal. In addition, applicants may be determined to be inadmissible to Canada.
Note: If you already have a study permit that is still valid and you want to return to Canada to continue your studies, all you need is a visitor visa.
Do I need a study permit to study in Canada?
If your studies are going to last more than six months, you will need a study permit.
If the whole course of study lasts six months or less, you do not need a study permit. All you need is a visitor visa. You cannot study for the first six months without a permit and then obtain one.
To study in the province of Quebec, you also need a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ), or Quebec admission certificate. See the Government of Quebec Web site.
Application forms
We do not provide the forms. You must download them.
Fees for processing application
See Immigration Fee Schedule. Fees are not refundable even if your application is refused.
How to submit your application
- in person to the High Commission in Nairobi during business hours.
- by post or courier service (with prepaid courier return service).
- in person to the Canadian mission in one of the following cities: Addis Ababa, Antananarivo, Asmara, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Kampala, Kigali, Kinshasa
For business hours and addresses, see homepage under "How to submit your application"
Usually, we do not need to see the applicant if the application is filled out properly. We recommend that students send their application by post to avoid making needless trips and wasting time.
Processing times
The whole process can take three months. About one month after receipt of a complete application, accepted applicants will receive instructions for the medical examination. Medical procedures can take two months. Note: All incomplete applications (missing documents, incorrect fee amount) are not accepted and are returned.
When to submit your application
Given the processing times, you should submit your application as soon as you receive your letter of admission.
Documents to submit (depending on each individual case)
- application forms (see above).
- fees for processing application (see above).
- a passport for each person valid for at least one year (no additional sheets: if there is no blank page, you will have to obtain a new passport).
- old passports as proof of previous trips.
- two recent passport photos for each person (no scanned photos).
- letter of admission from a Canadian academic institution confirming tuition fees, living expenses and date the course will start (you can submit your study permit application with a letter of conditional acceptance, on the understanding that you will have to submit the letter of unconditional acceptance before the permit can be issued).
- transcript for the last school year.
- detailed proof of financial situation: recent bank statement, term deposits, properties, proof of income tax payments, business registration, financial statement, proof of scholarship; we do not accept cash, traveller's cheques or credit cards as proof of a person's financial situation.
- if you have already paid your tuition fees (this is not mandatory), proof of payment.
- if a third party (i.e. other than you or your parents) will be financing your studies, this person must complete the "Undertaking of Support" (PDF) and attach supporting documents (bank statements, employment, etc.); that person must also write a letter explaining why they will be financing your studies; if that person is a relative, proof of relationship (birth certificates) should also be attached.
- if the third party is in Canada, the letter must state his or her name, address, telephone number and e-mail, proof that the third party resides legally in Canada (citizenship, permanent residence, study or work permit, etc.), proof of employment (with years of service and salary), a bank statement, and a copy of the summary page of his or her last income tax statement from the Canada Revenue Agency.
- other documentation (family, finances, employment, properties) in order to satisfy the immigration officer that you will return to your country of residence after your trip.
- notarised authorisation by father AND mother for any unaccompanied minor under 18 (and present original of authorisation upon entry to Canada).
Note: The officer may request additional documents or a personal interview.
Decision-making criteria
Applicants must show that they have a valid reason for studying in Canada, have the financial means to do so, intend to leave Canada at the end of their authorised stay, will not contravene the conditions of admission (e.g. do not intend to make a claim for refugee protection or apply for permanent residence and will not be working without a permit), and meet all other admission criteria (health, security, criminal record).
There is no guarantee that a study permit will be issued, even if the applicant submits all the documents requested. The officer may refuse the application without giving an interview, even if the applicant has travelled to the Visa Office to submit the application in person.
If the officer accepts the application, instructions will be issued for the medical examination.
The officer's decision is final and non-appealable; the only recourse is to submit a new application with new information.
How much money do I need to study in Canada?
You will need about CAD$10,000 a year, plus tuition fees and the airline ticket. If you are coming with your spouse and one or more children, add $4000 for the first dependant and $3000 for each of the others. Note: We do not require proof that school fees have been paid nor that any amount of money has been transferred to Canada. You only have to present evidence that you have the financial capacity to pay for those expenses (see above - "Documents to submit").
Reimbursement of money paid to academic institution in Canada
If your study permit application is refused, we cannot help you get your paid tuition fees refunded.
Visits or stay by spouse and children
If you leave for Canada alone, your dependants may not be able to join you there. If you want your spouse or children to come with you to Canada or join you there later, you must provide proof that you have the financial means to support them. See "How much money do I need to study in Canada?" above.
Your dependants must also prove that their ties to their country of origin are strong enough that they will return from Canada. See visitor visa.
Work during studies
You can work if:
- you have been a full-time student at a public post-secondary institution in Canada for at least six of the twelve months preceding your application for a work permit;
- you apply for and obtain a work permit;
- you have a valid study permit;
- you work no more than 20 hours a week (you may work full time during scheduled breaks); and
- you are not an excluded student (enrolled in language course, Commonwealth or Government of Canada scholar, exchange program).
Note: These rules apply only to work off campus; all students are entitled to work on campus without restriction (with a work permit).
Permanent residence
A study permit is issued for study purposes only. All applications for permanent residence must be made outside Canada.
If you are already in Canada and you are not studying or are trying to stay or work without a permit, removal proceedings may be taken against you.
Change of academic institution
Contact the local Citizenship and Immigration Canada office to amend your study permit.
|
