⚖️ 🇮🇪 Stamp 2 Student Visa vs 🇨🇦 Study Permit
📊 AT A GLANCE
| Metric | 🇮🇪 Stamp 2 Student Visa | 🇨🇦 Study Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Duration | 12 mo | — |
| Proof of Funds | $11,000 | $15,800 |
| Application Fee | $110 | $110 |
| Work During Study | Yes | Yes |
| Post-Study Visa | Yes | Yes |
💰 TUITION
| Detail | Stamp 2 Student Visa | Study Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Policy | Full fee | Full fee |
| Tuition Free Scope | None | None |
| Tuition Min | $10,000 | $7,000 |
| Tuition Max | $55,000 | $45,000 |
| Scholarships Available | Yes | Yes |
📅 DURATION
| Detail | Stamp 2 Student Visa | Study Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Duration | 12 months | — |
| Max Duration | 84 months | — |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes |
| Renewal Duration | 12 months | — |
💵 FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
| Requirement | Stamp 2 Student Visa | Study Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Funds | $11,000 | $15,800 |
| Application Fee | $110 | $110 |
| Dependent Fee | — | $110 |
💼 WORK DURING STUDY
| Detail | Stamp 2 Student Visa | Study Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Work Allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Hours/Week (Term) | 20 hrs | 24 hrs |
| Hours/Week (Vacation) | 40 hrs | — |
| Unlimited Hours | No | No |
| Freelance Allowed | No | Yes |
| On Campus Only | No | No |
| Work Permission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
📋 REQUIREMENTS
| Requirement | Stamp 2 Student Visa | Study Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Required | Required | Required |
| Institution Accreditation | Required | Required |
| Health Insurance | 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 | Not required |
👨👩👧 FAMILY & DEPENDENTS
| Detail | Stamp 2 Student Visa | Study Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Dependents Allowed | No | Yes |
| Dependent Restriction | Non-EEA students generally cannot bring family members. Spouses and children cannot apply on the basis of relationship to a student. Limited exceptions exist for PhD students. | 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 Can Work | No | Yes |
| Spouse Work Unrestricted | No | Yes |
| Children Can Attend School | No | Yes |
🌍 POST-STUDY PATHWAYS
| Detail | Stamp 2 Student Visa | Study Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Study Visa | Yes | Yes |
| Work Permit | Yes | Yes |
| Permanent Residency | Yes (5 yrs) | Yes |
| Citizenship | Yes (8 yrs) | Yes (5 yrs) |
| Time Counts Toward PR | No | Yes |
| Time Counts Fraction | — | 0.50 |
📝 APPLICATION PROCESS
| Detail | Stamp 2 Student Visa | Study Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Online | Online |
| Processing Time | 30–56 days | 28–84 days |
| Apply In-Country | No | Yes |
| Multiple Entry | Yes | Yes |
| Schengen Access | No | No |