If you intend to study in Canada for more than six months, you need a Student Permit. Applicants going to study in any field in Canada for six (6) months or less do not require a Study Permit and will be processed as visitors. However, this applies only if the full course is six months or less. You cannot go to Canada for the first six months without a Study Permit and then obtain the permit.
To be eligible to study in Canada
# You must have been accepted by a school, college, university or other educational institution in Canada.
# You must prove that you have enough money to pay for your:
* tuition fees
* living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and
* return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada.
# You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada. You may have to provide a police certificate.
# You must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.
# You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada when you have completed your studies.
All applicants wishing to study in Canada must satisfy an officer that they will leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for the stay, that they will not contravene the conditions of admission (for example, that they will not work without prior authorization or waiver) and that they do not belong in a category of persons inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
In reaching a decision, an officer will need to be satisfied that you :
# have a valid letter of acceptance from an educational institution
# have adequate funds available to you to pay for your tuition and living expenses while in Canada and to return to your country of residence
# are in good health
# are law-abiding and have no record of criminal activity
