Applying for a Visa in Canada

You will need a Study Permit (student visa) if you want to take a course of over 6 months.

If you want to study for less than 6 months, you need a Visitor's Visa. You can study English for a maximum of 6 months with a Visitor's Visa.

Tourist Visa

You may attend as a tourist for a maximum 6 months. You must have the following documents when you arrive in Canada:

  • a valid passport
  • a Letter of Acceptance from an EC school
  • a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (tourist visa) if your country requires this visa to enter Canada
  • proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses while you are in Canada
  • a return airline ticket to your country or some other destination

Study Permit

If plan to study longer than 6 months must obtain a Study Permit. On entry to Canada, you must present the documents listed above plus your Study Permit.

For citizens of some countries, the Study Permit will be issued at the port of entry into Canada. If you are staying longer than 6 months, you should show your Letter of Acceptance to the Immigration Official on entry even if you have no other document from the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in your country.

It is relatively easy to obtain a Study Permit although the application process may take more than a month, especially if you require a medical certificate. You may have to attend an interview with a Canadian official when applying for the Study Permit.

More information is available at the Canadian government website www.cic.gc.ca

Co-Op Students - Visa

If you take a work placement in a Canadian organisation must obtain a Study Permit plus a Work Permit before the placement. When you take a placement in volunteer services for a non-profit company you only require a tourist visa.

Visiting the USA

If you want to visit the USA during your stay in Canada and require a visa from the USA you should obtain the visa before leaving home.

CAQ Requirement at EC Montreal

The CAQ (Certificat d'acceptation du Quebec) is required for students studying more than 6 months. No CAQ needed for studies less than 6 months. The application fee is approximately $101 CAD.

Courier Charges

Charges for sending a Letter of Acceptance by courier must be paid by the student. Courier charges will be included on the invoice. At the latest, courier charges can be paid by the student on the first day at school. Courier charge is $45 CAD.

Custodianship Declaration Form

Some younger students require a Custodianship Declaration Form when they are coming for longer than 24 weeks and require a Study Permit: At EC Vancouver: students who are less than 19 years of age. There is a charge for the Notary to sign the Form. Plus there is a second charge if it needs to be sent by courier.