Visitor Visa (TRV) is for short stays including courses under 6 months. Study Permit is for programs over 6 months. Key rule: Programs 6 months or less can be done on Visitor Visa. Longer programs require Study Permit. Study Permit also allows part-time work (20 hrs/week) and provides path to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for immigration. Choose based on your program length and long-term goals.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Visitor Visa (TRV) | Study Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Course Length | Up to 6 months | Any length (usually 6+ months) |
| Work Allowed | No | Yes (20 hrs/week) |
| PGWP Eligible | No | Yes (if eligible program) |
| Cost | CAD $100 | CAD $150 |
| Biometrics | CAD $85 | CAD $85 |
| Processing | 2-8 weeks | 4-16 weeks |
| Financial Proof | Trip expenses | Tuition + Living (~CAD $10,000/year) |
When Visitor Visa is Enough
You can study on Visitor Visa if:
- Program is 6 months or shorter
- You won't work in Canada
- You don't need PGWP after
- Short professional course
- Language training (short-term)
Examples:
- 3-month English course
- 6-month diploma program
- Summer school
- Professional certification (short)
- Exchange program under 6 months
When Study Permit is Required
You need Study Permit if:
- Program is longer than 6 months
- You want to work while studying
- You want PGWP after graduation
- Planning to apply for PR later
- Program at designated learning institution (DLI)
Examples:
- 2-year diploma at community college
- 4-year bachelor's degree
- 1-year post-graduate diploma
- Master's or PhD program
Work Rights Comparison
Visitor Visa:
- ❌ Cannot work at all
- ❌ No on-campus work
- ❌ No off-campus work
Study Permit:
- ✅ 20 hours/week during term
- ✅ Full-time during breaks
- ✅ Co-op/internship work (with permit)
- ✅ On-campus employment
Immigration Pathway Comparison
Visitor Visa Path:
Visitor Visa → Study → Return home
No direct pathway to Canadian PR through this route.
Study Permit Path:
Study Permit → Graduate → PGWP → Canadian Experience → PR
Clear pathway to permanent residency through Canadian Experience Class.
Cost Comparison (1-Year Program)
6-Month Course on Visitor Visa:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa Fee | CAD $100 |
| Biometrics | CAD $85 |
| Total Government Fee | CAD $185 |
1-Year Program on Study Permit:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Study Permit Fee | CAD $150 |
| Biometrics | CAD $85 |
| Total Government Fee | CAD $235 |
Which to Choose: Decision Framework
Choose Visitor Visa if:
- ✅ Short course (under 6 months)
- ✅ Just want to experience Canada
- ✅ No work needed
- ✅ Plan to return to India after
- ✅ Budget-conscious
Choose Study Permit if:
- ✅ Program over 6 months
- ✅ Want to work part-time
- ✅ Considering Canada PR later
- ✅ Full degree program
- ✅ Want PGWP after graduation
Can You Switch Between Them?
Visitor to Study Permit:
Generally must apply from outside Canada. Limited exceptions if you started a short course and got accepted into a longer program at DLI.
Study Permit to Visitor:
Can apply to change status, but losing study permit loses work rights and PGWP eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my 6-month course to 1 year on visitor visa?
No. If your course extends beyond 6 months, you need a Study Permit. Apply from outside Canada.
Is Study Permit harder to get than Visitor Visa?
Study Permit requires more documentation (LOA, financial proof for full program) but has good approval rates for genuine students.
Can I bring family on Visitor Visa study?
They'd need their own visitor visas. Study Permit allows spouse work permit (Open Work Permit for spouse).
What's PGWP and why does it matter?
Post-Graduation Work Permit lets you work in Canada after graduating. Only available after Study Permit, not Visitor Visa study. Critical for PR pathway.