Study Permit vs X1 Student Visa — Student Visa Comparison
⚖️ 🇨🇦 Study Permit vs 🇨🇳 X1 Student Visa
|
🇨🇦 Study Permit |
🇨🇳 X1 Student Visa |
| Country |
Canada |
China |
| Program Type |
Full time |
Full time |
| Status |
Active
|
Active
|
📊 AT A GLANCE
| Metric |
🇨🇦 Study Permit |
🇨🇳 X1 Student Visa |
| Initial Duration |
—
|
—
|
| Proof of Funds |
$15,800
|
$7,000
|
| Application Fee |
$110
|
$140
|
| Work During Study |
Yes |
Yes |
| Post-Study Visa |
Yes |
No |
💰 TUITION
| Detail | Study Permit | X1 Student Visa |
|---|
| Tuition Policy |
Full fee |
Full fee |
| Tuition Free Scope |
None |
None |
| Tuition Min |
$7,000
|
$2,500
|
| Tuition Max |
$45,000
|
$10,000
|
| Scholarships Available |
Yes |
Yes |
📅 DURATION
| Detail | Study Permit | X1 Student Visa |
|---|
| Initial Duration |
— |
— |
| Max Duration |
— |
60 months |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes |
| Renewal Duration |
— |
12 months |
💵 FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
| Requirement | Study Permit | X1 Student Visa |
|---|
| Proof of Funds |
$15,800
|
$7,000
|
| Application Fee |
$110
|
$140
|
| Dependent Fee |
$110
|
$140
|
💼 WORK DURING STUDY
| Detail | Study Permit | X1 Student Visa |
|---|
| Work Allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Hours/Week (Term) |
24 hrs |
— |
| Unlimited Hours | No | No |
| Freelance Allowed | Yes | No |
| On Campus Only | No | No |
| Work Permission Type |
Automatic |
Separate permit |
📋 REQUIREMENTS
| Requirement | Study Permit | X1 Student Visa |
|---|
| Full-Time Required | Required | Required |
| Institution Accreditation | Required | Required |
| Health Insurance | Not required | Required |
| Medical Exam | Not required | Required |
| Criminal Record Check | Not required | Not required |
| Accommodation Proof | Not required | Not required |
| Visa Interview | Not required | Not required |
👨👩👧 FAMILY & DEPENDENTS
| Detail | Study Permit | X1 Student Visa |
|---|
| Dependents Allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Dependent Restriction |
Since January 2025, only spouses of master's students (16+ months) or certain professional/eligible programs can get an open work permit. Undergraduate and college diploma students' spouses are no longer eligible for work permits. |
Spouse and minor children can apply for S1 (long-term) or S2 (short-term) dependent visas. |
| Spouse Can Work | Yes | No |
| Spouse Work Unrestricted | Yes | No |
| Children Can Attend School | Yes | Yes |
🌍 POST-STUDY PATHWAYS
| Detail | Study Permit | X1 Student Visa |
|---|
| Post-Study Visa | Yes | No |
| Work Permit | Yes | Yes |
| Permanent Residency |
Yes |
Yes |
| Citizenship |
Yes (5 yrs) |
No |
| Time Counts Toward PR | Yes | No |
| Time Counts Fraction |
0.50 |
— |
📝 APPLICATION PROCESS
| Detail | Study Permit | X1 Student Visa |
|---|
| Method |
Online |
In person |
| Processing Time |
28–84 days
|
4–30 days
|
| Apply In-Country | Yes | No |
| Multiple Entry | Yes | Yes |
| Schengen Access | No | No |