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What Can International Students Do in Canada? FAQ about Studying in Canada

By Ella Bergquist November 7, 2018 (Updated July 20, 2020) 3 min. read
International Students in Canada
CanadaStudy Permits

Canada is one of the number one countries to study higher education in which makes it very popular for international students. Many young adults and adults study abroad in Canada for the many opportunities they allow. VisaPlace receives a lot of questions pertaining to what can international students do while in their studying in Canada. International students have many opportunities to bring their family, work, and live in Canada while they’re in Canada on a study permit. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about international students in Canada.

Can International Students Change Colleges While in Canada?

Yes! If you are issued a study permit, it is on the basis of your acceptance into a Canadian school. However, if you are studying at the post-secondary level, you can change your school, program, field of study, or level of study without needing to apply for a new study permit. Once you’re accepted into the program you want to transfer into, you just need to notify IRCC if you have changed schools.

Can International Students Work in Canada?

Yes, with some limitations. If you are an international student with full-time registration status and a valid Study Permit, you are eligible to work in Canada, with some conditions.

  1. On-Campus Work
  2. Off-Campus Work
  3. Co-op Work Permit
  4. Post-Graduation Work Permit
  5. Work Permit for a Spouse or Common-Law Partner
  6. Income Tax
  7. Social Insurance Number

If you receive your study permit after June 1:

I’m an International Student in Canada. Can I apply for Canadian permanent residence?

Yes. As an international student studying in Canada, you are considered a temporary resident. The Canadian government expects that you will leave Canada once you have completed your studies unless you apply for PR or a work permit. You can apply for PR through several programs including PNPs, Express Entry, or Family Sponsorship.

Can International Students in Canada Bring Their Children With Them?

Yes with the correct documentation. An applicant’s dependent children may accompany him or her to Canada. However, an application for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) may be required for the accompanying dependent.

Can I Sponsor My Spouse as an International Student in Canada?

Yes with the correct Canadian visa. Your spouse or common-law partner may apply for a Work Permit if you are a full-time student at an authorised institution and have a Study Permit.

Can I Bring My Family With Me to Canada If I’m an International Student?

Yes with some limitations. One of the greatest benefits of studying in Canada is that you are eligible to bring your family with you during your studies. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and any dependent children you may have.

During this time, your spouse or common-law partner is eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to seek employment anywhere in the country in almost any field. Also, you children are allowed to study in Canadian primary or secondary schools without the need of study permit.

Is It Possible to Become a Canadian Citizen While I’m in Canada Studying?

Eventually, first you will need to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence. If you want to make Canada your permanent home, there are a number of ways to apply. In most cases, you will not need to leave Canada.

Do You Want to Be an International Student in Canada?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

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Ella Bergquist Avatar

VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor

Ella Bergquist

Hello! I am one of VisaPlace's many immigration news contributors. Comment below if you have any questions or comments about this article.

Eddie de Witt Avatar

Eddie de Witt

When you get the opportunity to go to the US for work from abroad, then I would say VisaPlace would be your best option to get all your documents in place. My 5 star feedback is based on the help I received from Danielle Grbic as she was really professional, I would straight away ask for Danielle to be in charge of your process. From the time that Danielle took over my case I felt confident that it will go well and at the end it went smoother than expected. On my own I would never have been able to get this internal work transfer done as a L1 visa and was best for the professionals to take charge. After arriving in the US, Danielle was still happy to assist with documents and advise. A huge thanks to Danielle and VisaPlace

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Sweet Ness

I spoke with Lilly last week and she’s incredible. Very informative and you can tell she definably cares about her job. She wasn’t pushy at all and she’s there to help you figure out if this service is right for you. I’d recommend contacting VisaPlace if you’re thinkin of traveling internationally and you have questions about the different types of permits.

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Peter Gianakas

I had a great experience with Andrew Diamond from The Visa Place. Andrew was very knowledgable and helped us every step of the way. When we had a discrepancy with my spouse’s Visa Andrew helped us navigate the system in the USA. He even offered to speak directly to the customs and border control officer to help us iron out the situation. Overall the experience was very good and smooth. I highly recommend Andrew and his services at The Visa Place.

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Vanessa Gomes

I spoke with Lilly last week and she’s incredible. Very informative and you can tell she definably cares about her job. She wasn’t pushy at all and she’s there to help you figure out if this service is right for you. I’d recommend contacting VisaPlace if you’re thinkin of traveling internationally and you have questions about the different types of permits.

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TK B

Great firm. They helped me with my visa at a reasonable cost. They were very responsive and most importantly compassionate about my situation. I have no hesitation to recommend them to others

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Nirmal Singh

Really the best immigration law firm. I got visa with their help, they helped me at every step. They answered every single question. I ‘d recommend 10/10

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Krista Sparkes

Extremely satisfied with the professionalism, expertise, efficiency, speed and thoroughness at which my file was managed. Fadi & Danielle are true class acts! Their response times were fantastic (especially during a high-stress period), their quality of work was phenomenal, and their willingness to go the extra mile (without hidden costs, no less!) to prepare me for my work permit interview was unmatched. I strongly recommend VisaPlace to anyone seeking legal counsel as it relates to cross-border services. Highest Regards, Krista

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