You will need a study permit to study in Canada for more than 6 months. If you intend to take a course of 6 months or less, a regular temporary resident visa is sufficient.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada advises to apply for a study permit even if a short-term course of 6 months or less is desired, because often students decide to continue their studies in Canada on different programs after they complete their short-term courses. In this scenario, if a student does not already hold a study permit, he must submit an application to obtain one to the visa office of his country of residence, which way is inconvenient provided that he is already in Canada.

General requirements

Before applying for a study permit, a foreign student must be registered for the course – proof of registration must be submitted with the application. Other requirements are more or less the same as when applying for a regular temporary resident visa. In particular, applicant must: 

• prove that he possesses sufficient funds to pay for studies, living expenses and return trip from Canada
• not have a criminal record
• be in good health and undergo medical examination if necessary
• satisfy an immigration officer that he will leave Canada upon completion of the study course. 

Processing times

Usually applications for study permits are processed in prompt way so that an applicant can plan his trip and arrive in Canada on time to begin the studies. The processing time of two weeks to two months is normal, while it varies from one visa office to another.