Applying for a Canada study permit? IRCC issues urgent warning over 5-year entry bans and fee scams
Canada Study Permit Alert: A study permit, often called a student visa, is an official document issued by the Canadian government. It allows foreign nationals to study at approved institutions in Canada.
Canada’s immigration department has warned international students to understand the study permit process. (Photo: AI-Generated)
Canada Study Permit Alert: Canada’s immigration department has warned international students to understand the study permit process before applying, saying applicants are responsible for their applications and must stay alert to fraud.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said false or misleading information can lead to a refusal and a ban from entering Canada for up to five years.
“Whether you apply on your own or use a representative, you are responsible for the information in your application,” the department said.
A study permit, often called a student visa, is an official document issued by the Canadian government. It allows foreign nationals to study at approved institutions in Canada.
The IRCC said the application fee for a study permit is CAN$150. The permit is required for most international students enrolling in long-term courses.
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Before applying, students must receive a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI). A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.
“You must have a letter of acceptance before you apply,” IRCC said.
The IRCC stated that students can apply independently or seek assistance from a representative. However, the department stressed that applicants must check all details carefully before submission.
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“Providing false information, even if someone else prepared the application, is considered misrepresentation,” IRCC said.
Applicants must ensure that all documents, including academic records and identity papers, are genuine and complete.
IRCC listed several signs that may indicate a scam.
You may be dealing with fraud if someone:
Tells you to apply without a letter of acceptance from a DLI
Promises to secure a letter of acceptance in exchange for money
Offers discounted tuition for a fee
Asks for money to apply for or guarantee a scholarship
Claims you can stay in Canada longer than your permit allows
Says all study programmes qualify for a post-graduation work permit
Promises a job or permanent residence
Asks for documents or payments through social media
The IRCC said genuine schools assess academic ability, language skills and identity before issuing admission letters.
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“Schools do not sell admission letters, and no one can guarantee a scholarship, job or permanent residence,” the department said.
Study permits and staying in Canada
The IRCC said study permits are issued for a fixed period. Students must apply to extend their permit at least 30 days before it expires, restore their status, or leave Canada.
The department also clarified that not all institutions or courses make students eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
Working with a representative
Students can use a representative to help with their application, but the IRCC said all representatives must be declared on the form, even if they are unpaid. “Failure to declare a representative is considered lying,” IRCC said.
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In Canada, only authorised professionals can charge fees for immigration services. These include regulated immigration consultants and lawyers registered with Canadian bodies.
Unauthorised representatives may call themselves visa agents, immigration agents or fixers. IRCC said they do not have special access to immigration officers and cannot speed up applications. “Hiring an unauthorised representative will not improve your chances,” the department said.
How to protect yourself
IRCC advised students to take the following steps:
Get a written contract explaining services and fees.
Obtain receipts for every payment.
Review all information before signing.
Never sign blank forms.
Be present when your application is submitted online.
Pay tuition fees directly to the school.
The IRCC also warned students not to pay extra fees for visitor visas or electronic travel authorisations (eTAs).
“Visitor visas and eTAs are automatically issued with study permits at no extra cost,” the department said. Students are encouraged to report suspicious activity and check official government sources before applying.
For full details, IRCC said applicants should rely only on information published by the Government of Canada.
Mashkoora Khan is a journalist and sub-editor on the global desk at The Indian Express. She actively covers issues around Canada visa, immigration policy, global affairs, and international developments.
A trained multimedia journalist, she focuses on producing clear, accurate, and reader-centric explainers on policy-driven subjects that directly affect cross-border mobility and global audiences.
Experience
Mashkoora has worked across digital newsrooms and independent media platforms, with bylines in national and international publications including Al Jazeera, Down to Earth, The Wire, and Maktoob. Her professional experience spans breaking news, policy explainers, live coverage, and multimedia reporting.
At The Indian Express, she is part of the global desk, where she contributes to daily international coverage and plays a role in editing and producing stories on foreign policy, immigration systems, and regulatory changes — particularly those related to Canada’s study, work, and permanent residence pathways.
Expertise
Her core areas of reporting include:
• Canada visa and immigration: Coverage of policy updates, eligibility changes, application processes, and government announcements, with an emphasis on factual explainers and verified information.
• Global affairs: Reporting on international politics, diplomacy, and geopolitical developments.
• Migration and human impact: Stories that examine how policy decisions affect individuals, families, and migrant communities.
Her work prioritises accuracy, sourcing, and context, helping readers navigate complex systems without speculation or exaggeration.
Authoritativeness and trustworthiness
Mashkoora's reporting is grounded in official data, government releases, and on-record sources, in line with The Indian Express’ editorial standards. Her articles aim to distinguish clearly between verified information and developing updates, making her coverage a reliable reference point for readers seeking clarity on international and immigration-related issues. ... Read More
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Canada’s immigration department has warned international students to understand the study permit process. (Photo: AI-Generated) 
