Know the rules before you apply to study in Canada
Studying abroad in Canada as an international student can be an exciting adventure. Before you apply for a student visa (study permit), it’s important that you understand the process and how to protect yourself from immigration fraud.
On this page
- Study permits
- Know the warning signs of fraud
- Working with a representative
- Protect yourself from fraud
Study permits
A study permit (student visa) is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) (Government of Canada) that allows international students to study in Canada.
It costs CAN$150 to apply for a study permit.
Whether you apply on your own or get help submitting your application, you are responsible for the information in the application. Providing false or misleading information could result in your application being refused and you could be banned from entering Canada for up to 5 years.
Facts about the study permit application process
You can apply for a study permit on your own, or you may choose to use a representative.
Before you apply for a study permit, you need to be accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI).
Not all schools in Canada can accept international students.
Make sure the school you’re applying to is on the designated learning institutions list.
To apply for a study permit, you will need to provide
- a letter of acceptance from a DLI
- proof of identity
- proof that you have at least $20,635 in addition to your first year of tuition and travel costs
- an attestation letter from the province or territory where you plan to study
Learn more about the documents you need before applying for a study permit.
If your application is refused, applying again with the same information will not speed up the process or change the decision of a refused study permit. Make sure you understand why it was refused before you reapply.
Learn more about study permits and the application process.
Know the warning signs of fraud
You may be getting scammed if someone
- tells you to apply for a student visa without a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution
(DLI) in Canada
- Note: You need the letter of acceptance before you can apply for a study permit. Avoid fraud by having the DLI send the letter of acceptance directly to you.
- promises you a letter of acceptance from a DLI if you pay them
- Note: A DLI or recognized institution will assess your language and academic abilities, confirm your identity and request transcripts, reference letters or proof of residency before providing any admission documents.
- tells you that they can get you a discounted tuition rate for a fee
- Note: Speak with the school directly to discuss fees. Always pay tuition fees directly to the school.
- asks you to pay money to apply for a scholarship or to guarantee that your scholarship will
be approved
- Note: Applying for a scholarship is usually free and no one can guarantee you will get one.
- tells you that you can stay in Canada for much longer than the length of your study permit
- Note: When your study permit is about to expire, you need to apply to extend your study permit, restore your status or prepare to leave Canada.
- tells you that all DLIs and programs of study can make you eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
- promises you a job or permanent residence (PR)
- asks you to send documents or payment through social media
Protect yourself and others by reporting fraudulent or suspicious activities.
Working with a representative
You can apply for a study permit on your own, or you can choose to have someone help you with the application process and/or apply for you. In Canada, a person who helps you with your application is called a “representative.”
Representatives must be declared on your application, even if you’re not paying them.
Failure to declare information on your application is considered lying, and your application may be refused.
Facts about representatives:
There are 2 types of representatives who can help you apply for your study permit and communicate with the Government of Canada on your behalf:
Paid representatives
They must be authorized by a governing body in Canada to charge money for their services. They fill out forms and submit your application for you for a fee.
These representatives are regulated professionals who understand Canada’s immigration and application processes. They can explain the different visas and advise you on your application.
Paid representatives:
- lawyers
- paralegals
- Quebec notaries
- consultants who are registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
Unpaid representatives
They help you with the application process without charging a fee. They help fill out forms and submit your application for you for free.
Unpaid representatives include
- friends
- family members
Learn more about representatives.
Don’t hire unauthorized representatives
It is illegal for anyone who is not authorized by a governing body in Canada to charge fees to help people fill out forms and submit immigration applications to Canada.
Unauthorized representatives may be called
- visa agents
- immigration agents
- visa fixers
In Canada, they are called “unauthorized practitioners.” They charge fees to help you with the immigration process, but they’re not registered with a governing body in Canada. Unauthorized representatives do not have special connections with Canadian immigration officers. Hiring one will not help your application get processed any faster.
Facts about unauthorized representatives
Hiring an unauthorized representative can put you at risk.
- They may charge a lot of money for bad service or no service at all and their actions can affect your immigration eligibility.
- Many will promise that they can get you a study permit or permanent residence (PR) if you hire them. No one can guarantee that a study permit, work permit or PR will be issued by IRCC.
- Unauthorized representatives often use fake documents. The Canadian government works with partners to train officers and watch for fake documents. It’s a serious crime to lie on an application or send fake or altered documents.
- If a Canadian visa officer finds false information on your application, you will face the consequences. Your application will be refused, and you could be banned from applying for 5 years. If you are already in Canada, you may be removed from the country. Learn more about the consequences of immigration and citizenship fraud.
Protect yourself from fraud
- Get a written contract and breakdown of the application fees and the services you’re paying for and get a signed receipt for every payment you make.
- Before you sign your application, make sure that all the information in your application and supporting documents is true and that you understand everything.
- Never sign blank forms or applications.
- Beware of representatives who charge you an application fee for your visitor visa or eTA.
- Visitor visas and eTAs are automatically issued with your study permit for free, you do not need to submit a separate application.
- Be present when the representative submits your application through the Government of Canada’s online system
to make sure it gets sent.
- Scammers may tell you that they’ve sent in your application, but they haven’t.
- Always pay tuition fees directly to the school.
Learn more about how to protect yourself from immigration and citizenship fraud.
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