Study Permit vs Residence Permit for Studies
Student visa comparison: Canada and Finland. Tuition, work rights, financial requirements and post-study pathways.
Overview
 CA
Study Permit
|
 FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Country | Canada | Finland |
| Program type | Full time | Full time |
| Status | Active | Active |
At a glance
|
CA
Study Permit
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | — | 12 mo |
| Proof of funds | $15,800 | $11,106 |
| Application fee | $110 | $694 |
| Work during study | Yes | Yes |
| Post-study visa | Yes | Yes |
Tuition
|
CA
Study Permit
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Tuition policy | Full fee | Mixed |
| Tuition-free scope | None | Eu eea |
| Tuition-free condition | — | Free for EU/EEA citizens and those with permanent residence in Finland. Finnish/Swedish-taught programs free for all. |
| Tuition minimum | $7,000 | — |
| Tuition maximum | $45,000 | $20,826 |
| Scholarships available | Yes | Yes |
Duration
|
CA
Study Permit
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | — | 12 months |
| Maximum duration | — | — |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes |
| Renewal duration | — | 12 months |
Financial requirements
|
CA
Study Permit
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds | $15,800 | $11,106 |
| Application fee | $110 | $694 |
| Dependent fee | $110 | $694 |
Work during study
|
CA
Study Permit
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Work allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Hours per week (term) | 24 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Unlimited hours | No | No |
| Freelance allowed | Yes | Yes |
| On campus only | No | No |
| Work permission type | Automatic | Automatic |
Requirements
|
CA
Study Permit
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Full-time study | Required | Required |
| Institution accreditation | Required | Required |
| Health insurance | Not required | Required |
| Medical exam | Not required | Not required |
| Criminal record check | Not required | Not required |
| Accommodation proof | Not required | Not required |
| Visa interview | Not required | Not required |
Family and dependents
|
CA
Study Permit
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
|
|---|---|---|
| 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/partner and children. Must show sufficient funds for the family. |
| Spouse can work | Yes | Yes |
| Spouse work unrestricted | Yes | Yes |
| Children can attend school | Yes | Yes |
Post-study pathways
|
CA
Study Permit
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Post-study visa | Yes | Yes |
| Work permit | Yes | Yes |
| Permanent residency | Yes | Yes(4 yrs) |
| Citizenship | Yes(5 yrs) | Yes(5 yrs) |
| Time counts toward permanent residency | Yes | Yes |
| Fraction of time counted | 0.50 | 1.00 |
Application process
|
CA
Study Permit
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Method | Online | Online |
| Processing time | 28–84 days | 14–60 days |
| Apply in-country | Yes | No |
| Multiple entry | Yes | Yes |
| Schengen access | No | Yes |