If you are planning to study in Canada for a period of more than six months, you will require a study permit. A study permit is a document that gives you permission to remain and study in Canada. You will need a study permit to cover the entire duration
of your studies and you must comply with its conditions.
Study Permits and TRVs
Be advised that a study permit alone does not authorize entry into Canada. Follow this link to find out if you need a visa to enter Canada.
Applying for a Study Permit
Once you have received a letter of acceptance from New Brunswick Community College, it is necessary to begin applying for a study permit. Canadian overseas visa offices handle paper applications for study permits. You will need to check which visa office,
or visa application centre, is responsible for your region. Check how to apply.
A study permit application can be launched in your country of residence (provided you have been lawfully admitted in that country for a period of more than six months), or through the Visa Application Centre in Los Angeles, USA. Depending on your citizenship,
you may be able to apply at a Canadian Port of Entry, and in some cases you may even apply from within Canada.
Main Requirements
Among other requirements, you will need to demonstrate that you or your family has sufficient proof of funds to cover your tuition costs and other expenses, such as your food and accommodation, while you remain in Canada.
- Proof of Funds
| Number of persons |
Required Funds |
| Single Student |
$10,000 for 12 months, plus tuition |
| Plus one family member |
$4000 for 12 months |
| Plus each additional family member |
$3000 for each additional family member for 12 months |
- Study Plan
In addition, it is strongly encouraged to include a study plan with your study permit application. A study plan explains to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) why you chose your institution in Canada and what
your long-term objectives are.
- Processing Times
The study permit application process varies from region to region, and can in some cases take six months or longer. For this reason, plan to receive your letter of acceptance at least 6 months before you are due
to commence your studies.
- Possible Police Clearances and Medical Examinations
Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to undergo police background checks and a medical examination.
Get a study permit through the Student Direct Stream (SDS)
If you are a legal resident in China, India, the Philippines, or Vietnam you can get your study permits faster by using the Student Direct Stream (SDS). Information on applying for your study permit through the SDS can be found on Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada’s website.
NBCC’s Designated Learning Number (DLI)
In order to receive a permit to study at New Brunswick Community College, you will need to include the school’s designated learning institution number (DLI) in your application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.
You can find your DLI number on your NBCC letter of acceptance, starting with the letter “O”. The number is O19391556439. Fredericton, Miramichi, Moncton, Saint John, St. Andrews and Woodstock campuses all use New Brunswick Community College’s DLI
of O19391556439
Letter of Introduction
If your study permit application is approved by IRCC, you will receive a letter of introduction.The letter of introduction – also called the port of entry introduction letter – is not your study permit. When you enter Canada you will
need to present this to get your study permit printed.
Applying for a Canadian Study Permit inside Canada
If you have legal status – such as a temporary resident visa - and are currently in Canada, you may be able to apply for your study permit inside the country. There are two scenarios where this may be particularly useful:
First, if you have taken a short course or program of study which is six months or less, and that course is a prerequisite for attending New Brunswick Community College, you may apply to change your conditions and get an initial study permit in Canada.
Second, if you are a secondary school student already in Canada and on a valid temporary resident visa (TRV) or visitors’ record, you may apply within Canada for your study permit.
For all other applications, you must apply online or by paper to a country outside Canada where you are a citizen or legal resident, or you can also apply by mail, or in person, to the visa application centre in Los Angeles, United States.
Applying for a Study Permit at the Border or Airport
Permanent residents and citizens of the United States, and residents of Greenland and St. Pierre and Miquelon, can apply for a study permit at the border or when entering Canada at an airport.
Graduating from a Canadian High School into NBCC
If you are an international student graduating from a Canadian high school, you will need a new study permit to attend NBCC.
The study permit you possess for attending a secondary school does not allow you to study at the college level. You can obtain a new study permit if you follow the same process required to extend your study permit.
In some cases, you can renew your study permit or get a new study permit online or by paper if you are in Canada. It is not advisable to apply to change your study permit conditions from outside Canada, so if you are visiting your home country or another
country, and your study permit expires, you should contact a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), or Canadian Immigration Lawyer.
Extending Your Study Permit
You must apply before the expiration of your study permit if you would like to continue studying in Canada. It is recommended you apply at least three months before the expiry of your status, to allow for processing time. If you apply for extension, you
must stay in Canada and meet the conditions of your original study permit (i.e.: you cannot quit school and begin working). You can remain in Canada; however, if you leave, you will lose your status.