BorderProofBorderProof
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur MissionFind My Visa Sign In
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur Mission
Sign InFind My Visa
BorderProof

Helping you navigate the complex world of global mobility.

Platform

  • Browse Visas
  • Match Finder
  • Compare Options
  • Global Insights
  • Our Mission
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Not Legal Advice
© 2026 BorderProof™. All rights reserved. Images by Unsplash/Picsum.
SX-1 — Study Permit-Exempt Student
VisasCanadaSX-1 — Study Permit-Exempt Student
CanadaCanada•North America
Open

SX-1 — Study Permit-Exempt Student

Study

At a Glance

Processing Time

0 days

Application Fee

185 CAD

Stay Duration

6 months

Renewable

No

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information
Canada flag

Living in Canada

Cost of Living
8% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$50,000
Quality of Life
172/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

This designation applies to individuals authorized to study in Canada without a formal study permit.

The study-permit-exempt category allows individuals to study in Canada without a study permit. Eligible groups include those enrolled in programs of 6 months or less, minor children with a parent authorized to work or study in Canada, and accredited foreign representatives and their families.

Stay is limited to 6 months, and the exemption is non-renewable — the program must be completed within the authorized period of entry. No study permit application is filed, so there is no study permit processing time or application fee. Work is not permitted, and no pathway to permanent residence is provided.

This visa is ideal for short-term international students, minor children of temporary workers or students, and diplomatic family members who need to study in Canada for six months or less.

Fee Breakdown

Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Application Fee
100 CAD
Biometrics Fee (if applicable)
85 CAD

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant6 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

S-1 / SW-1 — Study Permit
Canada flagCanada

S-1 / SW-1 — Study Permit

ValidityDuration of program + 90 days
Processing28-84 days
View Visa Details
V-1 — Visitor Visa / eTA
Canada flagCanada

V-1 — Visitor Visa / eTA

Validity6 months
Processing14-56 days
View Visa Details
WP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)
Canada flagCanada

WP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)

ValidityDuration of employment
Processing2-4 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Program duration must be 6 months or less

Must complete the program within the authorized period of stay upon entry

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Letter of acceptance from the educational institution

Proof of financial support

Valid passport

Proof of ties to home country

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No application fee
  • No processing wait time

Worth Knowing

  • Cannot work
  • Cannot extend stay as a student
  • Program duration exceeding 6 months

Application Process

1

Verify eligibility for exemption

2

Enter Canada as a visitor

Verified Claims (20)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application StepsVerify eligibility for exemption; Enter Canada as a visitorcanada.ca
Fee BreakdownVisitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Application Fee: 100 CAD; Biometrics Fee (if applicable): 85 …ircc.canada.ca
FeesCAD 100ircc.canada.ca
FormsIMM 5257canada.ca
Included Nationalities—canada.ca
Job Offer Requiredfalsecanada.ca
Official Infohttps://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/eligibi…canada.ca
Max Stay6 monthscanada.ca

Ready to see if the SX-1 — Study Permit-Exempt Student is your path?

Let's check your eligibility against published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.

Check Eligibility