Visitors in Canada Can No Longer Apply for a Study Permit from Inside Canada — What You Need to Know
- InfoPlace Canada
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Until recently, visitors in Canada could apply for a study permit from inside the country, allowing them to transition from a visitor visa to a study permit without leaving Canada. In fact, at InfoPlace Canada, we’ve successfully helped many clients make this transition — from visitor to student — right here within Canada. Their study permits were approved, and they were able to begin their academic journey without the stress or cost of applying from outside the country.
What Changed?
IRCC has quietly removed the option for visitors in Canada to apply for an initial study permit from within the country. This change wasn’t announced through a formal news release but became evident through the "Who Can Apply Tool" on the IRCC Website.
Only select people can apply from Canada. This has caught many by surprise — including international visitors hoping to begin their studies in Canada.
So, Who Can Still Apply for a Study Permit Inside Canada?
According to IRCC, only certain categories of individuals in Canada are eligible to apply for a new (initial) study permit from within the country. Here’s the current list:
If you’re currently in Canada, you can apply for a study permit only if one of the following applies:
✅ You have a valid study or work permit
✅ Your spouse, common-law partner, or parent has a valid study or work permit
✅ You’re a minor child in primary or secondary school
✅ You’re an exchange student or visiting student
✅ You completed a short-term prerequisite program required for admission into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
✅ You or your family member holds a Temporary Resident Permit valid for 6 months or more
✅ You’ve already applied for permanent residence and are being sponsored
✅ You or your family member is under an unenforceable removal order
✅ You are the spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child of:
an athlete on a Canadian team
a member of the media
a member of the clergy
military personnel on duty in Canada
an accredited foreign representative
✅ You are a refugee claimant in Canada or a family member of one
If none of the above categories describe you or the person you're applying for, you’ll now need to submit your study permit application from outside Canada.
Why This Matters
This change significantly impacts how visitors can transition to other statuses within Canada. For many, applying as a student from within the country was a strategic path — especially for those who entered Canada on a visitor visa to explore options first. With this update, those same individuals may now be forced to return home or apply from another country to pursue studies in Canada.
It also raises important questions around immigration strategy and the importance of planning ahead.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re in Canada on a visitor visa and are considering studying, do not assume you can apply from inside the country. This update has changed that option for most.
Working with a licensed immigration consultant can help you:
Evaluate your current status and options
Identify if you qualify under any of the eligible categories
Prepare a strong application from outside Canada, if necessary
Need Help Navigating This Change?
At InfoPlace Canada, we stay on top of immigration policy changes so you don’t have to. If you're unsure how this affects you, book a consultation with our experienced and knowledgeable team. We’ll help you map out the best strategy for your goals — without risking your immigration status.