⚖️ 🇨🇦 Study Permit vs 🇺🇸 F-1 Student Visa
| 🇨🇦 Study Permit | 🇺🇸 F-1 Student Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Canada | United States |
| Program Type | Full time | Full time |
| Status | Active | Active |
📊 AT A GLANCE
| Metric | 🇨🇦 Study Permit | 🇺🇸 F-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Duration | — | — |
| Proof of Funds | $15,800 | — |
| Application Fee | $110 | $185 |
| Work During Study | Yes | Yes |
| Post-Study Visa | Yes | Yes |
💰 TUITION
| Detail | Study Permit | F-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Policy | Full fee | Full fee |
| Tuition Free Scope | None | None |
| Tuition Min | $7,000 | $10,000 |
| Tuition Max | $45,000 | $65,000 |
| Scholarships Available | Yes | Yes |
📅 DURATION
| Detail | Study Permit | F-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Duration | — | — |
| Max Duration | — | — |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes |
💵 FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
| Requirement | Study Permit | F-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Funds | $15,800 | — |
| Application Fee | $110 | $185 |
| Dependent Fee | $110 | $185 |
💼 WORK DURING STUDY
| Detail | Study Permit | F-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Work Allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Hours/Week (Term) | 24 hrs | 20 hrs |
| Unlimited Hours | No | No |
| Freelance Allowed | Yes | No |
| On Campus Only | No | Yes |
| Work Permission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
📋 REQUIREMENTS
| Requirement | Study Permit | F-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Required | Required | Required |
| Institution Accreditation | Required | Required |
| Health Insurance | Not required | Not required |
| Medical Exam | Not required | Not required |
| Criminal Record Check | Not required | Not required |
| Accommodation Proof | Not required | Not required |
| Visa Interview | Not required | Required |
👨👩👧 FAMILY & DEPENDENTS
| Detail | Study Permit | F-1 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 unmarried children under 21 only. F-2 dependents cannot work. |
| Spouse Can Work | Yes | No |
| Spouse Work Unrestricted | Yes | No |
| Children Can Attend School | Yes | Yes |
🌍 POST-STUDY PATHWAYS
| Detail | Study Permit | F-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Study Visa | Yes | Yes |
| Work Permit | Yes | Yes |
| Permanent Residency | Yes | Yes |
| Citizenship | Yes (5 yrs) | Yes |
| Time Counts Toward PR | Yes | No |
| Time Counts Fraction | 0.50 | — |
📝 APPLICATION PROCESS
| Detail | Study Permit | F-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Online | Online |
| Processing Time | 28–84 days | 14–60 days |
| Apply In-Country | Yes | No |
| Multiple Entry | Yes | Yes |
| Schengen Access | No | No |