A Canadian study permit is a document that allows a foreign national to study in Canada for a specific period of time at a designated learning institution (DLI). In order to obtain a study permit, a foreign national must first be accepted into a program of study at a DLI in Canada. The DLI must then issue a letter of acceptance to the foreign national, which is required as part of the study permit application.

To apply for a study permit, the foreign national must submit an application online or by mail, along with the required documents and fees. The application must be submitted from outside Canada, unless the foreign national is eligible to apply from within Canada. The required documents may include proof of acceptance into a program of study, proof of financial support, and a valid passport or travel document.

The processing time for a study permit application can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the location of the applicant, the volume of applications being processed, and the completeness of the application.

Once the study permit is issued, the foreign national is typically allowed to study in Canada for the duration of their program of study, up to a maximum of three years. In some cases, the study permit may be valid for longer than the length of the program of study, in order to allow the foreign national to complete any required co-op or internship work.