For Study Permit Applicants in the Philippines

Find a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that offers the course or

program you would like to study in Canada.
A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to
host international students. All primary and secondary schools in Canada
are DLIs.
Browse DLIs here. You can also check if you would be eligible for a
PGWP.

Contact the Admissions or Recruitment Officer of your preferred DLI

(post-secondary, secondary, or primary school)
Apply for the course or program of your choice.

When you receive your Letter of Acceptance (LOA), apply for your
study permit in one of two ways, below!

Study Direct Stream (SDS) Regular stream

20 days* 60 days*
SDS Standard processing time Standard processing time
Study
for complete applications. for complete applications. Permit

*Please note that COVID-19 has affected our processing times worldwide
and restricted most non-essential travel to Canada at this time.

For post-secondary studies, apply using
SDS!
Simple checklist of required documents.
Easy to prepare your application.
Submit online to IRCC.
Track your progress through your account.
Full list of instructions available online,
which vary by country.
Apply online or via VAC to IRCC.
Submit additional documents as required.
Apply early.
For all types of study permits.
 Here is how you apply for a study permit with IRCC.

Review what Review the requirements for your country and local visa office.
Begin assembling the documents you need.
you will need Information and resources are available for free from IRCC online.
Remember that an incomplete application may be refused.

Decide how Legal residents of the Philippines can choose the Study Direct Stream
(SDS) or the Regular Study Permit Stream. You must ensure you
you will apply understand the different requirements depending on which stream you
choose.

SDS Regular
Apply online for SDS and follow the Apply for your study permit. It is strongly
instructions to submit your documents. encouraged that you apply online.

You may be asked to provide biometrics at
your local Visa Application Centre (VAC).
SDS is a facilitative program. The standard
processing time is 20 days.
You may be asked to provide further
documents, a medical exam, biometrics, or
more. You can complete your medical
assessment upfront.
Monitor your account online and respond
promptly to any requests.

Responding to requests promptly can avoid

delays in processing your application.

The standard processing time for a regular

study permit is 60 days.

Await your
You can check the status of your application using your account online.
decision We encourage you to apply early.

If you are approved:

Study in Check current travel restrictions for your country of residence and for
Canada.
Canada Bring your documents with you when you travel to show when you
arrive.
Begin your Canadian studies!
 Start with this simple checklist.
You will need these documents for SDS and regular stream applications.
Requirement for your application Why is this needed?
Letter of Acceptance (LOA) Your LOA shows you’ve been accepted to study in Canada.
Biometrics Biometrics secure your identity as part of your application.
Application for a Study Permit Made This form provides basic personal information about you.
Outside of Canada (IMM1294)
Family Information Form (IMM 5707) This form provides basic information about your family.
School transcripts and diplomas These documents indicate the studies you’ve completed.
Important! Your study plan is your opportunity to explain
Personal Study Plan
why you wish to study in Canada, and what your goals are.
Police certificate(s)* Police certificates are required to assess any criminality.
(Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec) (Only required if you will study in the province of Quebec).
*Police certificates are required for each country you’ve lived in for 6 months or longer since the age of 18. Details are available here.

If you’re applying using SDS, add these documents and apply online.
SDS Requirements
Proof of completed medical exam from your IRCC Panel
Medical Exam
Physician.
Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for $10,000 issued by a
Proof of Funds Canadian bank, and
Proof of first year tuition payment (receipt or letter from DLI).
English - IELTS score of 6.0 or higher in each language skill, or
Language Test Results
French - TEF score equivalent to CLB score 7 or higher in each
(completed in last 2 years)
skill.

General interest and ESL/FSL are ineligible.

Eligible DLI and program
DLI must be at the post-secondary level (college or university).

SDS is available to legal residents of the Philippines. Not all DLIs qualify you to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).
Canada.ca has details.

Embassy of Canada in the Philippines

Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
All hyperlinks valid as of October 2020