Study Permit Canada

What should you check before applying?

IRCC considers acceptance, sufficient funds, admissibility and whether you will leave when your authorized stay ends. Some short courses and other specific circumstances are exempt from requiring a permit; use the official study-permit tool rather than assuming an exception.

A study permit is different from a visitor visa or eTA, which concerns travel to Canada. When applicable, IRCC issues the travel document with an approved initial study application. Follow the approval and arrival instructions carefully.

Do you need a provincial or territorial attestation letter?

Most study permit applicants need a PAL or TAL, provided through their DLI for the province or territory where they will study. It confirms space within the allocation; it is not a substitute for a letter of acceptance or an approval of your immigration application.

Exceptions depend on the program and circumstances, not simply on choosing a particular province. Current examples include primary and secondary school and master's or doctoral degree programs at public DLIs. Use IRCC's PAL/TAL questions to confirm the exception and evidence that applies to you.

What about Quebec?

Study in Quebec generally involves a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). Follow the current Quebec and federal instructions, including the CAQ's role in meeting attestation requirements. Check validity and document wording before submitting; an old acceptance or attestation document may not fit a changed program.

How much money do you need for a study permit?

You must demonstrate the ability to pay tuition, living expenses and transportation without relying on work in Canada. For applications on or after September 1, 2026, outside Quebec, the annual living-expense minimum is:

Add tuition and transportation. Quebec uses different amounts. Check the official financial-support table for larger families, applicable dates and acceptable evidence.

Show sufficient first-year funding and how you will finance a longer program. Bank records, scholarships, education loans and documented family support can be relevant. Explain large deposits and the source and availability of the money; a balance alone may leave important questions unanswered.

Prepare a realistic budget

List tuition due dates, housing, insurance, travel and family costs. Compare the actual cost of your location with the minimum requirement. Keep the explanation consistent with your supporting records. An uncertain future part-time job should not be the foundation of the funding plan.

Review my study and funding plan

Study permit documents and application steps

Use your personalized checklist and local visa-office instructions. Common preparation items include a valid passport, DLI acceptance, PAL/TAL or exemption evidence, CAQ where applicable, financial records and a clear study explanation. Medical examinations, police certificates, translations and additional family documents may also be required.

1. Confirm the school and program. Check acceptance details and any PGWP implications before enrolling.
2. Obtain required attestation documents. Coordinate with the school and province; do not assume they can be added later.
3. Prepare the financial and study evidence. Explain how your background, course and plans fit together.
4. Apply through the correct process. Follow IRCC's application instructions for your location and situation.
5. Complete follow-up requirements. Watch for biometric, medical or additional-document requests and their deadlines.
6. Review approval and arrival instructions. Carry the necessary documents and check the permit issued to you.

The official document guidance is the starting point. Do not reuse someone else's study explanation or submit inaccurate financial records. Your application should describe your real circumstances.

Fees and processing time

The standard study permit government fee is CAD $150, as checked November 12, 2026. Biometrics and costs such as medical examinations, translations or Quebec processing can be additional. Confirm the current fee list before paying. School tuition and professional service fees are separate.

Processing varies by location, completeness and additional review. Check current IRCC processing times and the school's deferral policy. An estimated completion date is not a guarantee that you can arrive for a particular intake.

What if your start date changes?

Ask the school about an updated acceptance letter and whether the attestation remains usable. Assess what needs to be sent to IRCC. Do not travel using documents that no longer describe your intended studies without first resolving the change.

Can international students work in Canada?

Eligible students may work off campus for up to 24 hours a week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks when the conditions are met. You cannot start before your study program begins. Not every student or course qualifies.

Eligibility depends on matters including full-time enrolment, program type and length, valid authorization and permit conditions. A limited final-semester exception exists for some part-time students. Authorized leave or a gap while switching schools can affect work eligibility. Review IRCC's off-campus work rules before accepting employment.

Can your spouse or partner get an open work permit?

It is not automatic for every student's spouse. Current eligibility includes spouses or common-law partners of students in master's programs of at least 16 months, doctoral programs and specified professional or other eligible programs. Check the exact program and application circumstances against IRCC's family work-permit rules.

Accompanying children and a partner may need their own visitor, study or work documentation. Budget for the whole family and assess each person's route separately. Our open work permit guide explains the broader categories.

Does studying in Canada guarantee a PGWP or permanent residence?

No. A DLI can offer programs that do not qualify for a post-graduation work permit. PGWP eligibility depends on the school and program, study history, application timing and applicable language and field-of-study rules.

Degree graduates generally face CLB/NCLC 7 language requirements and no field-of-study requirement; other programs can have different language and eligible-field requirements. Verify the complete PGWP eligibility criteria before choosing a program. Our PGWP page provides related guidance.

Permanent residence is another assessment. Qualifying post-study work may support the Canadian Experience Class, but graduation does not guarantee eligibility or an invitation.

Changing schools, extending or dealing with a refusal

Changing post-secondary DLIs generally requires a new study permit through an extension application before beginning at the new school. Limited exceptions apply. Follow the current school-change process; simply updating an online profile is not enough.

Track your permit expiry and course completion dates. Before extending, changing programs or travelling, check the effect on your study and work authorization. Keep enrolment and attendance records and address any gap honestly.

If refused, review the reasons and the evidence that was actually submitted. A stronger explanation should address the concern rather than repeat the original application. If you receive a procedural fairness letter or a possible misrepresentation concern, obtain advice promptly. Review options and deadlines depend on the decision.

Study permit FAQs

Plan your application before the next intake

Bring your offer letter, education history, funding records, family plans and any previous immigration decisions to your consultation.

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Akrami & Associates · Meet our team. General information, not individual legal advice.