Guide to Student Visas for PhD Study in Canada
Written by Mark Bennett
Canada is a welcoming country with an active interest in attracting international students. This is reflected in its student visa and immigration system.
You'll normally need two documents stay in Canada as a student: an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) and a Study Permit.
Changes to visa quotas
Although the Canadian government has announced a decrease in the number of international student visas for undergraduate students, there is no cap on those applying for Masters or PhDs or for those who currently have a study permit so no need to worry!
Applying for a Study Permit
As its name suggests, a study permit entitles you to live (and study!) in Canada during a course. The Permit lasts for the duration of your PhD, plus an extra 90 days. This gives you time to arrange travel or apply for a post-study work visa once your course is finished).
You should normally apply for a Study Permit in your home country before you travel to Canada. You can begin the process online, but may need to take your passport and other information to a Canadian visa office. You'll need a letter of acceptance from your university before you can apply (a good reason to start your PhD application early).
Students from China, India, Vietnam or the Philippines can apply through a special Student Direct Stream for faster processing.
Applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
Most international students will need permission to enter Canada. You can get this by applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). This serves as your visa and allows you to come into Canada.
The application process for an eTA is relatively simple and takes place online. You will need to provide your passport details and payment information for a fee of CAD $7 (USD $5.10).
Note that your eTA allows you to enter Canada, but does not entitle you to live there for the duration of your PhD. To do that you will need to have applied for your Study Permit (described above).
There is more information on applying to live and study in Canada on the official Government of Canada website.
Changes to post-graduation work permit
The Canadian Government has announced that Masters and PhD students and their spouses will soon be able to apply for a three year work permit after graduation. However, the post-graduate work permit will no longer be granted to students who start a course that is under a curriculum licensing arrangement from 1 September 2024. A curriculum licensing agreement is where a student attends a private institution that has been licensed to deliver the course by an associated public institution. If you’re worried, just check with your university.
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