Difference between "Study Permit" and "Visa"

1. "Study Permit" refers to the document proof that you can live in Canada as a student. It contains information about the institution, course of study, and time allowed to study in Canada. If the "Study Permit" expires and is not renewed, the student must leave Canada. Otherwise, it is illegal to stay and face the possibility of repatriation. After international students enter Canada to obtain a "Study Permit", they must pay attention to the relevant expiry date and go through the renewal procedures in time.

2. "Visa" is a document that allows international students to enter Canada. If the international student is already in Canada, even if the visa has expired, if the "Study Permit" is still valid, you can still legally study in Canada.

If you return to your home country, you will not be able to return to Canada with this visa.

How to apply for "study permit" and "visa" extension

Extensions of Study Permits Renewals must be submitted online or on paper 30 days before the expiry date of the existing Study Permit. Many schools have dedicated faculty members in their International Students Services or Registrar’s Offices to assist and guide international students through the process of extending their “study permit” and provide the necessary supporting materials.

International students are advised to contact the international student office of their school in advance to ask about the required documents to ensure the smooth progress of their study abroad life. Among them, in the application materials to be prepared, the proof of study or the admission notice should indicate the major, grade, whether it is full-time and other information. Only full-time students (generally the school stipulates at least 3 elective courses with 9 credits per semester) can successfully apply for the extension of the "Study Permit".