Schachnow Law

Study in Canada

Study permits built to get approved.

Canada attracts over half a million students a year, and refuses a large share of applicants. Approval comes down to a clear study plan and strong ties. We build both into every file.

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Request your study permit review

A study permit lets you attend a designated learning institution in Canada. Refusal rates are high, and most refusals come down to two doubts: the officer does not believe the study plan, or is not convinced you will leave when required. We prepare applications that answer both questions before they are asked.

What the file needs

What a strong study permit application includes.

  • A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution
  • A provincial attestation letter where your program requires one
  • Proof of funds for tuition and living costs
  • A study plan that explains why this program, at this school, at this point in your career
  • Evidence of ties to your home country
  • Spousal open work permits and records for family coming with you

How we work

A modern lawyer-led process, built on state-of-the-art software.

01

Initial consultation

Talk to one of our licensed lawyer's to tell us your background and needs. We then provide expert advice and suggested next steps, including a flat fee for further assistance.

02

Application preparation

You'll work closely with our team on our secure, AI-powered software to prepare and finalize your application as quickly as possible.

03

Our lawyers review and file

An Ontario licensed immigration lawyer always does a final review (sometimes twice), and files on your behalf.

Flat fees. Personal responses within 24 business hours. No surprises.

What to know

What approval takes.

  1. 01

    What the file must prove

    A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution gets you to the starting line, and most programs now also require a provincial attestation letter. From there, the file is about money and intent: proving you can pay for your studies and showing you will respect the terms of your stay.

  2. 02

    The document that matters most

    The study plan explains why this program, why this school, and why now, in the context of your education and career so far. A generic plan reads as a red flag. We write yours from your actual story.

  3. 03

    Showing the money

    You must show first year tuition plus living costs for you and any family coming with you, at the amount IRCC sets and updates. The evidence has to be clean: where the money came from matters as much as the balance.

  4. 04

    Your rights while enrolled

    Full time students at eligible schools can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during classes, and full time during scheduled breaks. Depending on your program, your spouse may qualify for an open work permit.

  5. 05

    The road after graduation

    A post graduation work permit lets you work in Canada for up to three years, and that experience is the classic springboard to permanent residence. We plan your study route with that end in mind.

  6. 06

    Already refused once?

    Study permit refusals are common and usually fixable. We order the officer's notes, address the stated concerns directly, and refile a stronger application.

Why us

Why work with us on your studies?

Refusal proofing

We know the reasons officers refuse study permits and address each one directly in the file, before it is submitted.

A study plan that reads true

A generic letter sinks applications. We write yours around your real background, your goals, and this specific program.

Family handled together

Spousal work permits and children's records prepared alongside your application as one coordinated file.

Planned with PR in mind

Studies can lead to a post graduation work permit and then permanent residence. We plan with the end in mind.

FAQ

Study permit questions, answered.

Do not see your question? Ask us directly. An Ontario licensed immigration lawyer replies within one business day.

Ask a question
Why are study permits refused?
Most refusals come down to a weak study plan, unclear finances, or doubts that you will leave when required. Every one of those is addressable with a properly built file.
Can I work while studying?
Up to 24 hours per week off campus during the school term, and full time during scheduled breaks, as long as your permit and program allow it.
How much money do I need to show?
First year tuition plus a living cost amount that IRCC sets and updates, currently over $20,000 for a single applicant outside Quebec, with more for each family member. We confirm the exact figure for your file.
Do I need a permit for a short course?
Courses of six months or less generally do not need one. Anything longer does. If you might continue studying, applying up front is usually the smarter move.
Can I bring my spouse and children?
Often, yes. Spousal open work permits are now limited to certain programs, mostly graduate and professional degrees. We confirm what your program allows before you file.

Trusted by clients across Canada.

LA

Lucas Arantes

Josh was incredibly helpful throughout two work permits and our overall immigration process, guiding all of us (including two different employers) every step of the way. He made complicated immigration topics easy to understand and helped us choose the best strategy for our family's needs. Now we're proud Canadian citizens raising our two kids in Montréal.

YZ

Yongjie Zhang

It was a pleasure working with Josh on my work permit application. He was very professional and timely with his communication and I am excited to finally be accepted to Canada.

RA

Rob Attwell

Josh was incredibly helpful and responsive in dealing with our immigration issues through the Global Talent Stream Program. He really knew his stuff and was willing to help me and, more importantly, our candidate through the process.

AS

Abhishek Srivastava

Josh made the whole work permit application process quite easy and it was great to work with him. He is very knowledgeable in his area of expertise and resolved all my queries. I am excited to be starting my new life in Canada!

IA

Irem Ayan

It has been an absolute pleasure working with Joshua throughout my immigration process. He easily spotted the mistake in my first Express Entry application and guided me through a second application which was recently approved. Very professional, knowledgeable, and courteous. I wouldn't be planning my landing in Canada if it weren't for his advice.

AC

Adam Cowley

We worked with Josh on a work permit re-application after we had some struggles trying to get it ourselves. Josh was a pleasure to work with and helped us get our approval in a timely fashion. We hope to work with him again soon.

PC

Priyanka Chabbi

I had a great experience working with Josh. He is an incredibly patient and knowledgeable lawyer who truly cares about his clients. The company that hired me in Canada worked with Josh for my visa process, and everything went smoothly from start to finish.

JS

Jess S.

I'm glad I met Josh. He helped me with my Canadian Work Permit Visa and my husband's OWP. I was apprehensive at first, and I had a lot of questions, but Josh was always accurate and willing to help. He is an excellent professional, and it's clear that he cares about every client.

Joshua Schachnow, founding Canadian immigration lawyer at Schachnow Law

Meet our Managing Partner

Joshua Schachnow, B.Com., J.D.

Founding Partner

Josh is a Toronto-based lawyer who has been practicing immigration law for more than 9 years. More specifically, he's helped thousands of individuals and companies navigate Canadian immigration - from work permits to permanent residence, study permits, citizenship, LMIAs and more. Josh always puts his clients first, and believes quick and thoughtful communication is most important to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Called to the Ontario Bar. Member of the Law Society of Ontario, and the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association.

Ready to get started

Start your study permit application.

Tell us about your acceptance, your background, and your funding. Within one business day, an Ontario licensed immigration lawyer will assess your file and quote a flat fee to prepare it properly.

Flat fees. No obligation. We reply within 24 business hours.

Request your study permit review