International students who plan to study in Canada for more than six months need a study permit.

What are the requirements for a study permit?

You must be accepted to study at a Canadian institution.

You must satisfy the visa officer who reviews your application that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies.

You must prove you have enough money for your stay to pay for tuition, living expenses and return transportation for yourself and any family members accompanying you. You will need to know the cost of your education, including tuition, books, medical insurance, return flight and living costs in order to complete your application.

You must not have a criminal record or be a security risk to Canada.

You may need to complete a medical exam. If so, the Visa centre will provide medical forms for a physician to complete. The physician who performs the exam must be from the list of designated medical practitioners provided by the Visa centre.

How do I apply for a study visa?

1. Complete and return the application form. You can download an application form and instructions from the International Organization for Migration website, www.iom.int.vn/canada, or pick up a form and instructions from the Canadian Visa Application Centre, which has two locations in Vietnam:

• PDD Building, 162 Pasteur, 8th Floor, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  (tel. (08) 829-6376 or (08) 829-6377)

• Horizon Hotel, Ground Floor, 40 Cat Linh Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
  (tel. (04) 736-6258)

The completed form can be submitted in person or by mail to the Canadian Visa Application Centre.

1. Include the requested academic and financial documentation with your application. This includes:

• The completed application form

• The letter of acceptance from your institution including the course of study, duration           of the program and the latest date you can register as a studento        A valid passport and two 35mm x 45 mm photoso        Proof of financial support. This can include bank statements from the past four months, proof of a Canadian bank account (if you have opened o­ne), a bank draft in convertible currency and proof of the payment of tuition fees.

Does the application process include an interview?

After reviewing your application, the visa officer will decide if interview is necessary. He or she will let you know the time and location of the interview.

When should I apply?

The Canadian Consulate General recommends that you apply as soon as you receive the acceptance letter from the institution where you will study.

How long does the application process take?

While the time between submitting the application and receiving a reply varies from student to student, the Consulate General of Canada strongly recommends that applicants apply for their study permits at least three months before their school start date so as to ensure that they have plenty of time to complete all necessary requirements.

When will I receive the study permit?

If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction, not the study permit itself. When you arrive in Canada, show the letter to the Canadian officer at your point of entry in order to receive your study permit.

Can I work while I study?

Generally, international students are not allowed to work while studying in Canada; however, a full-time student at the post-secondary level is allowed to work without a work permit if he or she is offered a job o­n the campus where he or she is registered.

Where can I get more information about study permits?

Go to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website, http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.html .