The short answer is yes, if you are a student in Canada and you are not an indigen or a citizen then you will need to have a student permit.
If you plan to study in a short-term program for 6 months or less, you do not need a study permit. You may do this while holding a visitor visa. But, you can apply for a study permit if you want to.
It is a good idea to apply for a study permit if you think you might want to study in another program after you complete the first program. If you already have a study permit, you can apply to extend your permit from inside Canada as long as you are still enrolled in school.
However, if you do not have a study permit, you will need to follow the instructions for applying for a study permit from outside Canada
If you plan to study in a program for more than 6 months, you need a study permit.
What do I need to apply?
To apply for a study permit, you need:
- An acceptance letter from a designated learning institution;
- Proof of identity (such as a passport or travel document) for you and any family members who come with you to Canada;
- To be a law-abiding citizen without a criminal record;
- Proof that you have enough money to pay school fees and support yourself and any family members who come with you while you study; and,
- To assure an immigration officer that you and any family members who come with you will leave Canada after you finish your studies.
Depending on your citizenship, you might also need:
- To pass a medical exam; and/or
- To get a temporary resident visa (or “entry visa”).
Where do I apply?
You have to apply through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).