Canada Study Visa vs Study Permit: What Indian Students Should Know

Priyanka Chandwani
October 1, 2025
6:20 pm
8 min Read

Summary

The article clarifies the difference between a Canada “student visa” (i.e. Temporary Resident Visa or eTA) and a study permit. The “student visa” is actually an entry document permitting you to travel to Canada, while the study permit is what legally allows you to stay and study in Canada for the duration of your course. For programs longer than six months, both (if required for your nationality) must be obtained. The study permit also defines your rights—such as working part-time or applying for post-graduation work permits. The blog advises Indian students to start early and fulfill all document, financial, and immigration requirements.

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Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity—but the visa process can often be one of the biggest hurdles. For Indian students, a visa application usually means gathering a lot of paperwork, waiting for approvals, sometimes attending interviews, and meeting strict deadlines. But there are some countries that offer Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) or very flexible entry options that make things much easier. In this blog, we break down what Visa-on-Arrival means, which countries offer it (or similar options) to Indian students, what the requirements are, and what you should watch out for. If you’re considering overseas study and want a smoother visa process, this guide is for you.

What is a Canada Study Permit?

A study permit is a document issued by the Canadian immigration authorities that allows you to stay in Canada for the duration of your studies. If your course is six months or more, you must apply for a study permit to legally study. The permit not only allows you to enrol in your educational institution, but often outlines conditions like whether you can work part-time during your study, and what you must do once your study program ends. For instance, after completing your program, you may have a certain grace period (e.g. 90 days) during which you can apply for further permits or prepare to leave. The cost for a permit, for many applicants, is CAD 150

What is a Canada Student Visa?

The term student visa is often misunderstood because technically, Canada does not issue a document named “student visa” in many cases. What people commonly refer to as a student visa is the temporary resident visa (TRV), or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your nationality. This visa graphically is the entry credential — the document that lets you enter Canada.

If you’re from a country that requires a TRV, you must get this visa (or eTA) in addition to your study permit, before you travel. The TRV or eTA does not alone grant you the right to study — it only allows entry. Once you arrive, the study permit is what authorises you to study and stay for your course’s duration. Countries, including India, generally require the student to have the study permit and other documentation in place before departure.

Key Differences: Student Visa vs Study Permit

Aspect	Study Permit	Student Visa / TRV / eTA (Entry Visa)
Purpose	To allow staying in Canada while studying and follow rules for that stay.	To permit entry into Canada. Not sufficient for studying if course > 6 months.
When needed	Mandatory for courses and institutions (Designated Learning Institutions, DLIs) when course is 6+ months.	Required if your nationality mandates it (e.g. citizens of countries like India), so you can physically enter Canada.
Duration	Valid for the duration of studies + additional period (sometimes grace period).	Valid as per the visa's entry term. Usually shorter, only for entry.
Work/internship rights, travel inside/outside Canada	Regulated: e.g. part-time work, conditions vary, work permit eligibility after study (PGWP).	Only allows entry; no permissions inside Canada unless combined with a study permit.
Cost & application	Application cost (e.g. CAD 150), involves submission of documents like acceptance letter, proof of funds, etc.	Usually required concurrently; cost depends on visa type; sometimes included in permit process.

Requirements for Study Permit in Canada

When applying for a study permit, Indian students (or other international students) must prepare several documents and meet certain criteria. Below are commonly required items:

Acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Valid passport or travel document.
Proof of sufficient funds to support tuition, living expenses, return travel, and any family members who accompany you. This could include bank statements, Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GIC), education loan, etc.
Proof that you will leave Canada at the end of studies (demonstrating intent).
Immigration Medical Examination (IME), depending on the country of origin. For many Indian students, medical exams are needed.
For minors, a custodian declaration. If you study in Quebec, additional certificate (e.g. CAQ) may be required.

How They Work Together

Before you travel to Canada, you may need both: an entry visa (TRV) or an eTA, plus a study permit.
Upon arrival at the port of entry, you must show your study permit approval (or at least proof that you’ll get it) and your visa/eTA, as applicable.
If your course is six months or shorter, sometimes you may not need a study permit, depending on Canadian rules. But for safety, always verify.
After finishing your studies, your study permit normally allows a certain extra time (like 90 days) to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), travel, or prepare to leave Canada.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between a “study permit” and what people commonly call a “student visa” is critical for a smooth journey to study in Canada. The study permit is the document that allows you to stay, study, and – under certain regulations – work and progress toward post-study work opportunities. The student visa (or TRV/eTA) is about entry only.

For Indian students, PFEC India recommends:

Confirm the exact requirements for your specific program and province in Canada.
Ensure you have both the entry visa (if required) and the study permit in place before departure.
Begin preparations early—document gathering, proof of funds, acceptance letters, medical exams.

If you’d like, PFEC India can help you prepare your application, check document readiness, or guide you through each step of the Canada student permit & visa process. Best of luck with your Canada application journey!

FAQs

Do I need a study permit if my course in Canada is less than 6 months?

Yes, but mostly for short-term courses, exchange programs, summer schools, or language training. For full-time degree programs, most countries require you to convert your Visa-on-Arrival into a student visa or apply for a student visa in advance.

What if my country doesn’t require a TRV/eTA?

Even if you don’t need a TRV or eTA for entry, if your course is six months or more, you still need a study permit.

Can my study permit let me work part-time?

Yes — study permits often allow part-time work during your studies (usually up to 20 hours a week), and full-time during scheduled breaks. But you have to ensure your permit has that provision, and that your institution allows it.

Does student visa / TRV let me stay after studies?

No — the TRV or eTA is for entry. To stay and work after studies, you’ll need to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) while your study permit is valid or soon after.

How much does the study permit cost?

The permit application fee is typically CAD 150. There may be additional costs like biometrics, medical exams, etc.

How long before my program should I apply?

Start well in advance: getting your acceptance letter, gathering finances, medical exams, TRV/eTA (if needed), and permit processing all take time. Starting at least 3-4 months ahead of your start date is advisable.

In some countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, it may be possible to extend or convert your Visa-on-Arrival into a student permit. However, this depends on local laws, and it’s always safer to check with the embassy or your university before travelling.