What is a study permit?

This is the official document issued by an immigration officer that allows someone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada to study in Canada. You cannot study in Canada without this document. To obtain a study permit (or a letter of introduction authorizing the issuance of a study permit at a Canadian port of entry), you must visit the closest Canadian Embassy or Consulate. Remember to apply early. Canadian representatives in some countries have a deadline for processing student applications to study abroad and the entire process can take weeks or even months. Do not leave home until you receive your letter of introduction confirming the approval of your study permit from a Canadian Embassy or Consulate.

Do I require a study permit?

The Protocol Division of Foreign Affairs issues an acceptance to everyone who has diplomatic, consular or official status in Canada and their family members. If you have this approval, you do not need a study permit to take courses in Canada.

If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, a family member of a foreign representative accredited to Canada or a member of the armed forces of a country that is a designated state for the purpose of the Visiting Forces Act, you must obtain a study permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) www.cic.gc.ca in order to live and study in Canada for more than six months.

A study permit also allows you to work on campus if you are registered in full-time studies. Since the Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the Adler School is two years in duration, international students must apply for a Study Permit.