01
Enrolment at a DLI
You must generally be enrolled at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution.
STUDY
Canadian Study Permit
Study at an eligible Canadian school with the appropriate immigration authorization and a well-prepared study permit application.
Assess Your Study Permit CaseSTUDY IN CANADA
What Is a Canadian Study Permit?
A study permit is an immigration document that allows an eligible foreign national to study at a designated learning institution in Canada.
In most cases, students who plan to complete a program lasting more than six months need a study permit before beginning their studies.
A study permit is different from a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization. Depending on nationality, a student may also need a TRV or eTA to travel to Canada.
Approval depends on both the proposed studies and the applicant's overall immigration, financial and personal circumstances.
ELIGIBILITY
Basic Study Permit Requirements
A study permit application must address both your educational plans and Canada's temporary resident requirements.
02
Proof of Financial Support
You must show that you can pay for tuition, living expenses and applicable transportation costs without relying on unauthorized work in Canada.
03
Temporary Resident Requirements
You must satisfy the officer that you will respect the conditions of your stay and leave Canada when your authorized temporary status ends.
04
Criminal Admissibility
You must obey Canadian law and may be required to provide police certificates depending on your circumstances.
05
Medical Admissibility
You may need an immigration medical examination depending on your residence history, intended activities or other circumstances.
06
Supporting Documentation
Your application should provide documents that support your proposed studies, financial situation and overall immigration case.
DESIGNATED LEARNING INSTITUTION
Your School Must Generally Be a DLI
A Designated Learning Institution, or DLI, is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.
Post-secondary students should confirm both that their school appears on IRCC's current DLI list and that the specific program fits their longer-term goals.
DLI status and eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit are separate issues. Attending a DLI does not automatically mean every program at that school is PGWP-eligible.
DLI Does Not Automatically Mean PGWP
If post-graduation work authorization matters to you, check the specific institution and program before accepting an offer or paying tuition.
Review My School and ProgramLETTER OF ACCEPTANCE
You Generally Need an Offer From the School First
A study permit application normally begins after the student has been accepted by an eligible Canadian educational institution.
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Official Letter of Acceptance
The application generally requires a valid Letter of Acceptance from the DLI where you intend to study.
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Correct Institution
The school information and DLI number should correspond with the institution named in your study permit application.
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Program Details
Your program level, duration, start date and tuition should be consistent across the application and supporting documents.
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School Verification
IRCC may verify letters of acceptance with designated learning institutions as part of study permit processing.
PAL / TAL
Do You Need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter?
Many study permit applicants must include a Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter with their application.
The PAL or TAL confirms that the applicant has been accounted for within the applicable provincial or territorial international student allocation.
However, exemptions apply to certain students and programs.
Starting January 1, 2026, students applying to degree-granting master's or doctoral programs at public designated learning institutions do not need a PAL or TAL for the study permit application. Quebec applicants must still meet applicable provincial requirements.
Not Everyone Needs a PAL/TAL
Before applying, confirm whether your level of study, school and circumstances require an attestation letter under the current rules.
Check My PAL/TAL RequirementFINANCIAL SUPPORT
Showing You Can Afford Your Studies
Financial preparation is a core part of a Canadian study permit application.
01
Tuition
You must demonstrate sufficient resources to pay the tuition required for your studies.
02
Living Expenses
You must also demonstrate funds for your own living costs and those of accompanying family members.
03
Transportation
Financial resources should account for transportation to and from Canada for you and accompanying family members.
04
First-Year Funds
You must demonstrate that sufficient financial resources are available for the first year of your studies.
05
Longer Programs
If your program lasts more than one year, you should also explain how you expect to finance the remaining period of study.
06
Source of Funds
The application should clearly document where the funds come from and whether they are genuinely available for your education.
For study permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, a single applicant studying outside Quebec must currently demonstrate at least $23,448 for first-year living expenses, in addition to tuition and transportation costs. Higher amounts apply when family members accompany the student, and IRCC updates these amounts periodically.
STUDY PURPOSE
Why Do You Want to Study This Program in Canada?
A study permit application should present a coherent educational purpose.
The officer may consider the applicant's previous education, work experience, proposed program, career plans and the reason Canada was selected as the study destination.
Where the proposed program represents a change in field, a lower level of study or another potentially unusual academic decision, the circumstances should be explained clearly.
The goal is not simply to produce a long letter, but to present a credible and consistent rationale supported by the application.
Your Program Should Make Sense
The connection between your background, proposed studies and future plans can be an important part of the overall application.
Review My Study PlanTEMPORARY RESIDENT REQUIREMENTS
A Study Permit Is Temporary Status
A study permit allows a foreign national to remain in Canada temporarily for authorized studies.
Applicants must satisfy the immigration officer that they will comply with the conditions of temporary residence and leave Canada when their authorized stay ends if they do not obtain another legal status.
Having longer-term immigration goals does not automatically prevent a study permit application, but the applicant must still meet the requirements that apply to temporary residents.
Study Now, Other Options Later
Canadian immigration law can recognize both temporary and longer-term immigration intentions, provided the applicant will comply with the conditions of temporary residence.
Discuss My Immigration PlansWORK WHILE STUDYING
Can International Students Work in Canada?
Certain study permit holders may work without obtaining a separate work permit if they meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
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Up to 24 Hours Off Campus
Eligible students may currently work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic terms.
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Scheduled Breaks
Eligible students may work unlimited hours off campus during qualifying regularly scheduled breaks. A scheduled break must generally be established by the school and last at least seven consecutive days.
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Study Must Begin First
Students cannot begin working under the student work authorization before their study program starts.
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Eligibility Conditions Apply
Not every study permit holder qualifies. Language-only, general-interest and certain prerequisite programs may not provide off-campus work authorization.
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Program and Enrolment Requirements
Off-campus work generally requires a valid study permit, qualifying full-time studies at a DLI and enrolment in an eligible program of at least six months leading to a degree, diploma or certificate. Limited exceptions may apply, including certain final-semester part-time students.
Under current IRCC rules, unlimited off-campus work during regularly scheduled breaks is limited to a total of 180 days in each calendar year. If consecutive scheduled breaks extend beyond 150 days, off-campus work is generally limited to the first 150 consecutive days. Students on an authorized leave, or who are between schools and not actively studying, generally cannot work off campus until they resume eligible studies.
AFTER APPROVAL
Your Responsibilities as a Student
A study permit comes with ongoing conditions that students must continue to satisfy.
01
Remain Enrolled
Study permit holders generally need to remain enrolled at a designated learning institution unless an exemption applies.
02
Actively Pursue Studies
Students must generally demonstrate that they are actively pursuing their authorized program of study.
03
Follow Work Limits
If working while studying, students must comply with the hours and eligibility conditions that apply to them.
04
Maintain Valid Status
Students who need additional time to complete their program should address study permit expiry before losing status.
05
Respect Permit Conditions
Conditions printed on the study permit should be reviewed carefully and followed.
06
Report Relevant Changes
Changes involving your school, program or immigration circumstances may require additional steps under current IRCC rules.
AFTER GRADUATION
Planning for a Post-Graduation Work Permit
Many international students choose a Canadian program partly because they hope to gain Canadian work experience after graduation.
However, receiving a study permit does not guarantee eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
PGWP eligibility depends on the school, program, length and level of study and other requirements in effect when the student applies.
Certain programs are also subject to current field-of-study requirements.
Check PGWP Eligibility Before Enrolling
If post-graduation work is part of your plan, investigate the specific program before paying tuition or committing to the school.
Review My Study PathwayACCOMPANYING FAMILY
What About Your Spouse and Children?
Family members may accompany an international student, but each person must qualify for their own immigration status.
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Spouse or Common-Law Partner
A spouse or partner may be eligible for visitor status, and some spouses of qualifying students may be eligible for an open work permit under current rules.
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Dependent Children
Children may require visitor or study authorization depending on their age, location and educational circumstances.
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Financial Requirements Increase
Accompanying family members affect the amount of financial support that must be demonstrated.
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Separate Eligibility
The student's approval does not automatically guarantee approval for accompanying family members.
WHERE TO APPLY
Most Students Apply Before Coming to Canada
In general, foreign nationals who need a study permit should apply before travelling to Canada.
Most people who are already in Canada cannot apply for an initial study permit from inside Canada. Specific categories are allowed to apply from within Canada, and limited categories may apply at a port of entry.
The correct process should be confirmed before travelling or beginning studies.
Apply Through the Correct Route
Being physically present in Canada does not automatically mean you can submit an initial study permit application from inside Canada.
Check Where I Should ApplyAPPLICATION PROCESS
A Typical Study Permit Process
A well-prepared application connects the school admission, financial evidence and applicant's overall study plans.
1
Choose an Eligible Program
Confirm the institution's DLI status and whether the program fits your academic and immigration goals.
2
Obtain Your LOA
Secure a valid Letter of Acceptance from the designated learning institution.
3
Obtain PAL/TAL if Required
Confirm whether an attestation letter applies to your program and obtain it before submission where required.
4
Prepare Your Application
Gather financial, educational, identity and study-purpose documentation.
5
Complete IRCC Processing
Submit the application and complete biometrics, medical requirements or additional requests where applicable.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
School Admission Does Not Guarantee a Study Permit
Being accepted by a Canadian school is an important requirement, but the school does not make the immigration decision.
IRCC separately assesses the study permit application, including the applicant's finances, immigration history, purpose of study, admissibility and temporary resident requirements.
Similarly, a study permit does not guarantee future eligibility for a work permit or permanent residence.
Planning to Study in Canada?
AddPlus Immigration Solutions Inc. can review your school, program, academic history, finances and immigration circumstances to help prepare a clear study permit application.
Contact UsSTUDY IN CANADA
Build a Strong Foundation for Your Canadian Studies
Tell us about your academic background, Canadian school offer, finances and future plans, and let our team help you understand the study permit process.
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