Question 1

Do I need a visa or permit for a study stay of 6 months or less?

Accepted Answer

A study permit is not needed for a programme of 6 months or less. People from visa-exempt countries do need an eTA to fly to Canada: CAD 7, valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It is not required when arriving by land or sea. For studies longer than 6 months you need a study permit.

Question 2

Can I work part-time while I study?

Accepted Answer

Having a study permit does not mean everyone can work off campus. IRCC's conditions include: studying full-time, being enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional programme that lasts at least 6 months and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate, having work conditions printed on your study permit, and having a social insurance number (SIN). During regular academic sessions you can work up to 24 hours a week. If you only plan to attend a language course, ask the school before enrolling whether you meet these conditions.

Question 3

What is a co-op, and do I need a work permit?

Accepted Answer

A co-op is work experience that is part of your programme. According to IRCC, from 1 April 2026 full-time post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for placements required by their programme. The school must confirm in a letter that the placement is required, and the placement can be no more than 50% of the programme. English or French as a second language courses, general interest courses and preparatory courses for another programme are not eligible.

Question 4

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

The official benchmark is the funds you must show for a study permit: CAD 23,448 a year for living costs (applications from 1 September 2026; Quebec sets its own requirements), with tuition and return travel on top. For price differences between cities, Numbeo's Cost of Living Index (New York = 100) is Vancouver 67,5, Toronto 67,5 and Montreal 59,9 (retrieved 6 October 2026). Tuition for each school and monthly rent are shown on the listing pages.

Question 5

Can I use the working holiday programme?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your nationality, so check the official eligibility page for your country. For Japanese citizens the age range is 18 to 30 (inclusive), up to 12 months per participation, and up to two participations. You apply through International Experience Canada (IEC): create a profile in the pool, and apply for the work permit once you receive an invitation. IRCC publishes the number of invitations and available spots on its rounds of invitations page.

Question 6

How do I choose between Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal?

Accepted Answer

The biggest difference is the language environment. Montreal is in Quebec, a French-speaking environment, and Quebec sets its own study permit funds requirements. If you want an English-language environment, compare Vancouver and Toronto. Living costs are slightly lower in Montreal according to the index above. The city diagnosis on this page ranks cities against your own preferences, such as climate and city size.

Question 7

Is the consultation really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, consultations are free. You don't need to have decided your budget, goals or city. Feel free to get in touch.

Études à l'étranger – Canada

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