Will a criminal record prevent me from getting a Canadian study permit?

A criminal record may affect your study permit application because criminal inadmissibility to Canada is a federal ground that can bar entry regardless of the type of permit you are applying for. Whether your record makes you inadmissible depends on how the Canadian Criminal Code characterizes the equivalent offence in Canada. Minor or non-equivalent offences may not trigger inadmissibility; serious or indictable offences typically do.

Some countries do not require police certificates to be submitted with study permit applications — whether you need to submit one depends on your country of origin and IRCC's specific requirements for your application. However, misrepresenting your criminal history in an immigration application is itself a serious violation that can result in bans from Canada.

If you have any conviction — even one that was pardoned or expunged in your home country — get legal advice before applying. Options like Criminal Rehabilitation or a Temporary Resident Permit may make you eligible to enter Canada, but these must be in place before you arrive. An immigration lawyer can assess your admissibility and identify any needed steps.