Regulation 209 — Study permits — eligibility
Text of provision
A work permit becomes invalid when it expires or when it is cancelled under section 209.01, 209.02 or 243.2.
Plain English
Regulation 209 provides that a foreign national may be issued a study permit if: (a) they have been accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI); (b) they are not inadmissible; (c) they will leave Canada at the end of the authorised period (genuine temporary resident test); and (d) they have sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, and transportation home.
Full-time study at a DLI is the standard requirement; part-time study may be authorised in prescribed circumstances.
Practical effect
The DLI requirement means that acceptance by a Canadian university, college, or other approved learning institution is the gateway to a study permit. All institutions with a provincial/territorial certificate, diploma, or degree-granting authority are automatically DLIs. Private career colleges and language schools must apply for DLI designation separately. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) allowed expedited study permit processing for applicants from certain countries who met enhanced financial and language requirements.