International students

Know the rules before you apply to study in Canada




Studying abroad in Canada as an international student can be an exciting adventure. Before you apply for a student visa (study permit), it’s important that you understand the process and how to protect yourself from immigration fraud.

On this page

  • Study permits
  • Know the warning signs of fraud
  • Working with a representative
  • Protect yourself from fraud

Study permits

A study permit (student visa) is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) (Government of Canada) that allows international students to study in Canada.

It costs CAN$150 to apply for a study permit.

Whether you apply on your own or get help submitting your application, you are responsible for the information in the application. Providing false or misleading information could result in your application being refused and you could be banned from entering Canada for up to 5 years.

Facts about the study permit application process

Know the warning signs of fraud

You may be getting scammed if someone

  • tells you to apply for a student visa without a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada
    • Note: You need the letter of acceptance before you can apply for a study permit. Avoid fraud by having the DLI send the letter of acceptance directly to you.
  • promises you a letter of acceptance from a DLI if you pay them
    • Note: A DLI or recognized institution will assess your language and academic abilities, confirm your identity and request transcripts, reference letters or proof of residence before providing any admission documents.
  • tells you that they can get you a discounted tuition rate for a fee
    • Note: Speak with the school directly to discuss fees. Always pay tuition fees directly to the school.
  • asks you to pay money to apply for a scholarship or to guarantee that your scholarship will be approved
    • Note: Applying for a scholarship is usually free and no one can guarantee you will get one.
  • tells you that you can stay in Canada for much longer than the length of your study permit
    • Note: At least 30 days before your study permit expires, you need to apply to extend your study permit, restore your status or prepare to leave Canada.
  • tells you that all DLIs and programs of study can make you eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
  • promises you a job or permanent residence (PR)
  • asks you to send documents or payment through social media

Protect yourself and others by reporting fraudulent or suspicious activities.

Working with a representative

You can apply for a study permit on your own, or you can choose to have someone help you with the application process and/or apply for you. In Canada, a person who helps you with your application is called a “representative.”

Representatives must be declared on your application, even if you’re not paying them.

Failure to declare information on your application is considered lying, and your application may be refused.

Facts about representatives:

Don’t hire unauthorized representatives

It is illegal for anyone who is not authorized by a governing body in Canada to charge fees to help people fill out forms and submit immigration applications to Canada.

Unauthorized representatives may be called

  • visa agents
  • immigration agents
  • visa fixers

In Canada, they are called “unauthorized practitioners.” They charge fees to help you with the immigration process, but they’re not registered with a governing body in Canada. Unauthorized representatives do not have special connections with Canadian immigration officers. Hiring one will not help your application get processed any faster.

Facts about unauthorized representatives

Protect yourself from fraud

  • Get a written contract and breakdown of the application fees and the services you’re paying for and get a signed receipt for every payment you make.
  • Before you sign your application, make sure that all the information in your application and supporting documents is true and that you understand everything.
  • Never sign blank forms or applications.
  • Beware of representatives who charge you an application fee for your visitor visa or eTA.
    • Visitor visas and eTAs are automatically issued with your study permit for free, you do not need to submit a separate application.
  • Be present when the representative submits your application through the Government of Canada’s online system to make sure it gets sent.
    • Scammers may tell you that they’ve sent in your application, but they haven’t.
  • Always pay tuition fees directly to the school.