Canada Visitor Visa vs Study Permit: Canada offers different types of immigration options depending on the requirements of your stay. If you are planning to stay on a temporary basis in Canada, then you should choose a visa according to your requirements.
If you are planning a temporary stay in Canada to pursue your education, then a study visa is your best option. But if you want to visit your family or friends or are interested in exploring Canada, then a visitor visa is your best option.
Study permit helps the international students to achieve their academic goals at designated institutions. An important requirement for most study permits is the language proficiency. You can prepare for your language proficiency at celpip.biz. Here you can practice the sample test and find the useful guides to prepare for your CELPIP exam.
As the Canadian immigration system is tightening the rules in 2025, understanding these updated rules can help preventing your application pitfalls. Whether you are a student or a visitor, in this article we will discuss the different temporary residency pathways according to your stay type in Canada.
What is a Visitor Visa?
A visitor visa is a entry document which is issued by the Canadian immigration department for a temporary stay in Canada. Visitor visa allows you to stay in Canada on the conditions of non-study and non-work. Visitor visa is required for citizens of countries which requires visa to enter in Canada. For visa exempt countries, an Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA) is required.
A visitor visa is usually valid for 10 years or can be valid upto the passport expiry date. This visa allows the stay of six months per visit. In most cases, border officers decides the exact duration of stay.
Types and Subtypes of Visitor Visas
Visitor visas are categorized by entry frequency and purpose:
- Single-Entry Visa: This visa allows only single entry into Canada. To enter again you need a new visa. You cannot enter again on a Single-Entry Visa even if you are leaving Canada for a short trip to the U.S. This visa is suitable for visitors who are planning to visit Canada for one time only.
- Multiple-Entry Visa: This visa allows multiple entries and exits in Canada during the duration of visa validity. This Visa is most commonly visa type. This visa is most suitable for people who are frequent visitor to Canada. The maximum duration of this type of visa is ten years or until the passport expires.
Subtypes based on purpose include:
- Tourist Visa: If you are planning to visit friends/family or planning for leisure or sightseeing the Canadian rockies this type of visa is your best option. This visa has some restications as well; No work or study is allowed. In recent 2025 changes Canada restrict the approvals to genuine tourism, business, or family visits, effective May 7, 2025.
- Business Visitor Visa: The Business Visa is designed for the purposes of engaging in business-related meetings or conferences, or short-term training, without participating in the local labor market. Event organizers are required to register their events and provide invitation letters. Starting May 2025, approvals will be granted strictly for legitimate business-related activities.
- Super Visa: Super Visa is designed mainly for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This visa allows single time stays up to five years per entry. It allows multiple entries over 10 years. The main requirement for this visa is proof of private health insurance and financial support.
- Transit Visa: Transit visa is mainly used for passing through Canada while en route to another country. This visa is typically free and is valid for 48 hours. This visa is required for air travel if you are staying less than 48 hours.
Recent changes in 2025 have emphasized focus on temporary intent with stricter scrutiny, barring automatic issuance of tourist visas with work permits or study permits. Students or workers inside Canada may now apply for a new visitor visa inside Canada if they intend to leave the country and return.
Study Permit
A study permit is a document that allows international students to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for a period of more than six months in Canada. In most instances, international students must apply for and receive their study permit before reaching Canada. If the international student is from a visa-required country, they will need a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Usually the study permit is valid for the length of the academic. Another additional 90 days are also allowed after the completion of the study permit.
Types and Subtypes of Study Permits
Study permits are categorized into subtypes depending upon education level and applicant age:
- Post-Secondary Study Permit: This permit is required if you want to study in a University, college, or vocational programs. An acceptance letter from a DLI, a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) (starting from 2024), and proof of funds are the minimum requirements for this permit. The living expenses fund requirements are updated to CAD 22,895 form September 2025. You can work part-time 20 hours/weeks during term and full-time during school breaks.
- Primary and Secondary Study Permit: This type is for elementary or high school students. Minors (specifically under the age of 18-19 depending on the province) have to have a custodian or come with a parent. No work is allowed on this study permit as students are expected to full-time studies.
- Study Permit for Minors: This is a subtype of study permit for children under the provincial age of majority. As the students are minor so extra documents are required. These includes custodial declarations or parent’s consent. Guardians requires visitor visas.
Other subtypes include:
Short-Term Study (No Permit Required): Short Term study courses with duration of six moths or less, don’t need a study permit. Visitors can study for six months or less on a visitor visa.
Extension or Bridging Permits: This visa is required If you are continuing your studies or waiting for a decision on your visa application to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.
In the recent 2025 announcement by IRCC, a cap on study permits is introduced. The current visa cap is at 437,000 spots which is a 10% reduction from 2024. The changes are made to enhance the pre and post-application period for applicants to verify their letter of acceptance (LOA) requirements.
New study permits are required for students who wish to change schools (starting November 8, 2024). Also, the PGWP announcement reduced the eligibility for certain programs.
Key Differences: A Comparative Analysis
The following table highlights core distinctions based on IRCC guidelines.
Aspect | Visitor Visa | Study Permit |
Purpose | Tourism, business, family visits, transit | Full-time study at DLIs |
Duration | Up to 6 months per stay; visa up to 10 years | Program length + 90 days; extendable |
Entry Document | Yes (TRV or eTA) | No; requires TRV/eTA for entry |
Work Allowed | No (except business visitors’ activities) | Part-time (20 hrs/week) during studies |
Recent 2025 Changes | Restricted to specific purposes; in-Canada apps | Cap at 437,000; higher funds (CAD 22,895) |
Flexibility | High for travel; no ties to institutions | Tied to DLI; changes require new permit |
This table highlights that visitor visas are temporary arrangements, while study permits are routine, organized, and purely education-related.
Eligibility:
Canada Visitor Visa Eligibility:
- Intent for a temporary visit, funds for the duration of the visit,
- Ties to the home country, and
- No criminality or health problems.
- For super-visas, insurance and income thresholds are also required.
- Visitor visas will be changed in 2025 to indicate intent to visit genuinely.
Study Permit Eligibility:
- Valid letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution,
- A Positive Assessment Lens (PAL) for post-secondary studies,
- A valid proof of funds for tuition and living expenses
- A valid proof of intent to leave Canada after studies
- English Languge Proficiency or French Language Proficiency proof.
- Minors would need details of their guardians.
- Utilizing caps of the total processes may restrict study permits by province in Canada.
For study permit applications, language tests such as CELPIP are important eligibility qualifications in Canada; celpip.biz is a good training resource to achieve the necessary CELPIP score.
Application Processes: Step-by-Step
Visitor Visa Process:
- Determine need (via IRCC tool).
- Gather docs: Passport, photos, funds proof, invitation letter.
- Apply online or via Visa Application Centre; fee $100.
- Biometrics; processing 2-4 weeks.
- Approval letter for entry.
Study Permit Process:
- Secure DLI acceptance and PAL.
- Prepare docs: LOA, funds proof (CAD 22,895+), passport, photos.
- Apply online (mostly); fee $150 + biometrics $85.
- Medical exam if needed; processing 8-12 weeks.
- Approval allows entry; permit issued at border.
In-Canada applications possible for both under certain conditions.
Pros and Cons
Visitor Visas allow for easy and flexible travel in Canada for short periods of time, but this visa does not allow to work or study in Canada. If your intentions are not clear about your travel, then you may be denied entry in Canada.
Study Permits allow for education and work experience to qualify for PGWP, with fees, caps, and conditions that do not allow students to change schools without reapplying for a Study Permit. It can also provide a pathway for permanent residency through Express Entry.
Change from Visitor Status to Study Status
You can not study long-term in Canada on Visitor Visa. You need a study permit to study in Canada. To change a visitor visa into study permit, you need to leave Canada and reapply for a study permit. Also, international Students with Study Permits may also need a Visitor Visa for travelling outside of Canada.
Visitor visas are good for temporary visits, while studying in Canada and having a Study Permit requires a commitment in the face of the limits in place by Canadian legislation in 2025.
Select one of the two options in Canada depending upon your goals, and keep in mind that strong English skills demonstrated through the CELPIP test will increase your chances of success—celpip.biz can support your efforts in preparing for the CELPIP test. Celpip.biz will help you to be ready for these immigration obstacles.
