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

Discover the world's visas in one place.

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

Estimated Cost

CA$185 CAD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

6 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote 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. qualifying 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.

Canada

Curious about life in Canada?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Application FeeCA$100 CAD
Biometrics Fee (if applicable)CA$85 CAD
TotalCA$185 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
Processing4 weeks – 3 months
View Visa Details
V-1 — Visitor Visa / eTA
Canada flagCanada

V-1 — Visitor Visa / eTA

Validity6 months
Processing2 weeks – 2 months
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

PUBLISHED 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 qualification for exemption

2

Enter Canada as a visitor

Verified Claims (20)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application Steps
Verify eligibility for exemption; Enter Canada as a visitor
canada.ca
Fee Breakdown
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Application Fee: 100 CAD; Biometrics Fee (if applicable): 85 …
ircc.canada.ca
Fees
CAD 100
ircc.canada.ca
Forms
IMM 5257
canada.ca
Included Nationalities
—
canada.ca
Job Offer Required
false
canada.ca
Official Info
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/eligibi…
canada.ca
Max Stay
6 months
canada.ca
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

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

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.

Start Visa Discovery