Planning to study in Canada? Most international students need a study permit Canada applicants can use to study at a designated learning institution (DLI). The permit is different from a visa: it authorizes your studies in Canada, while a temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) may be required separately for travel to Canada.

This guide explains the Canada study permit requirements, required documents, PAL/TAL rules, proof of funds, application process, fees, processing times, work rights and what to do after approval. It also explains important responsibilities such as maintaining your student status and following IRCC rules when changing schools.

Study Permit Canada at a Glance

Item Current Information
Who Generally needs one? Most foreign nationals who plan to study in Canada.
Where Can You Study? At a designated learning institution (DLI), subject to the conditions of your permit.
Study Permit Fee 150 CAD.
Biometrics Fee 85 CAD for an individual applicant, when required; family maximum 170 CAD.
Processing Time Varies by country or territory. Check the IRCC processing-time tool.
Living-expense Funds For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, 23,448 CAD for one applicant outside Quebec, excluding tuition and transportation.
PAL/TAL Required in most cases, with exemptions including eligible degree-granting master's and doctoral programs at public DLIs from January 1, 2026.
Off-campus Work Eligible students can generally work up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.

IRCC confirms that the study permit fee is 150 CAD and that processing times vary by country.

What Is a Canadian Study Permit?

A Canadian study permit is an immigration document issued by IRCC that allows a foreign national to study at a designated learning institution in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada, and applicants are generally expected to apply before travelling to Canada.

A study permit is not the same as a Canada student visa. The study permit gives you authorization to study, while a TRV or eTA is a travel document that may allow you to board transportation to Canada and seek entry, depending on your nationality and circumstances.

When a study permit application from outside Canada is approved, IRCC normally issues a port-of-entry letter of introduction. The actual study permit is generally issued by a border services officer when the student arrives in Canada.

Who Needs a Study Permit?

Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. However, IRCC provides specific exemptions for certain individuals and types of study.

Short-Term Programs

You generally do not need a study permit if your program lasts 6 months or less, although other immigration requirements can still apply.

Other Study Permit Exemptions

Depending on your circumstances, exemptions may apply to certain foreign representatives and their family or staff members, eligible members of foreign armed forces, Registered Indians in Canada, certain minor children and people taking specific settlement or language courses.

There are also specific temporary measures and exemptions for certain construction apprentices with a valid work permit, an eligible construction occupation and a qualifying apprenticeship agreement.

Because exemptions depend on the person's circumstances and type of study, check the official IRCC eligibility rules before assuming that a study permit is unnecessary.

Canada Study Permit Requirements

To qualify for a study permit, you generally need to satisfy IRCC that you meet the requirements for studying temporarily in Canada and can support yourself during your stay.

Requirement What you generally need to show
DLI Admission You are enrolled or accepted by a designated learning institution.
Letter of Acceptance You have a valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your DLI.
PAL/TAL or Exemption You provide a provincial or territorial attestation letter when required, or evidence of your exemption.
Quebec Authorization If studying in Quebec, you generally need to meet Quebec's CAQ requirements.
Financial Capacity You demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses and transportation without relying on unauthorized work in Canada.
Identity You provide valid identity and travel documents.
Admissibility You may need biometrics, a medical examination or police certificate depending on your circumstances.
Temporary Stay You must satisfy the officer that you will comply with the conditions of your stay and leave Canada when required.

IRCC states that applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds, comply with Canadian law and meet medical or police requirements when applicable. Applicants must also satisfy an officer that they will leave Canada when their study permit expires.

PAL/TAL Requirements and Exemptions

A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) confirms that a province or territory has allocated a space for the applicant to study. It is usually required when applying for a study permit, and the DLI normally provides instructions on obtaining it.

Who Is Exempt From PAL/TAL?

Starting January 1, 2026, students applying for a degree-granting master's or doctoral program at a public DLI generally do not need a PAL/TAL. IRCC's DLI list specifically identifies public DLIs offering graduate programs that are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement.

Other exemptions can apply to certain primary and secondary school students, federally designated military colleges, eligible participants in the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot and other specified categories. Always check the current IRCC PAL/TAL instructions because the exemption depends on the applicant and program.

Quebec and the CAQ

Quebec has separate immigration requirements for international students. If you plan to study at a Quebec DLI, you generally need a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) rather than relying on a PAL/TAL.

A valid PAL/TAL must be submitted with the study permit application when required. For the 2026 study permit cap year, PAL/TALs issued in 2026 are generally valid until December 31, 2026 unless an earlier expiry date applies. A PAL/TAL from a previous cap year cannot simply be reused for a new application.

Canada Study Permit Documents

The exact Canada study permit documents you need depend on your circumstances and the country from which you apply. IRCC provides a personalized document checklist, so applicants should use the checklist generated for their application rather than relying only on a generic list.

Documents Generally Required

  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your DLI
  • PAL/TAL, if required, or evidence of an applicable exemption
  • Proof of financial support
  • Passport-size photographs, where required
  • Application forms and supporting information requested by IRCC.

Documents That May Be Required

  • Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), if studying in Quebec
  • Biometrics
  • Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
  • Police certificate
  • Letter of explanation or study plan
  • Academic records and other educational documents
  • Evidence explaining the source of financial support
  • Proof of relationship for family members
  • Custodianship documents for certain minor children
  • Country-specific documents requested by the relevant visa office

IRCC recommends submitting as many required documents as possible with the initial application because waiting to provide missing documents can delay processing.

Canada Study Permit Proof of Funds

Canada study permit proof of funds is a core part of the application. You must demonstrate that you have enough money to pay for your tuition, living expenses and transportation for yourself and accompanying family members without relying on work in Canada to meet the financial requirement.

Current Living-Expense Requirement

Effective September 1, 2026: for applications submitted outside Quebec, the minimum amount for one person is 23,448 CAD per year for living expenses. This amount does not include tuition or transportation costs.

Family Members Accompanying the Applicant Minimum Annual Living Expenses Outside Quebec
1 person 23,448 CAD
2 people 29,192 CAD
3 people 35,888 CAD
4 people 43,572 CAD
5 people 49,419 CAD
6 people 55,736 CAD
7 people 62,054 CAD
Each additional family member over 7 6,318 CAD

These figures cover living expenses only. Applicants must additionally demonstrate funds for their tuition and transportation to and from Canada. Quebec has separate financial requirements linked to the CAQ process.

How Can You Prove Your Funds?

Common evidence may include:

  • Bank statements, including recent statements showing the source of funds
  • Proof of tuition or housing payments
  • Education or student loans
  • Scholarship documentation
  • Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs)
  • Evidence of employment income
  • A letter from a person or institution providing financial support
  • Evidence of the relationship between the applicant and financial sponsor
  • Other financial documents accepted under the applicable visa-office instructions

For a program lasting more than one year, you should also explain how you plan to finance the remaining years of your studies. IRCC assesses both the amount and source of the available funds.

How to Apply for a Study Permit in Canada

If you are asking how to apply for a study permit in Canada, the process generally involves the following steps.

Step 1: Choose a Designated Learning Institution

Start by choosing a Canadian school that is on IRCC's official DLI list. If you may want to apply for a PGWP after graduation, check the DLI and program's current PGWP eligibility before committing to the program.

Step 2: Obtain a Letter of Acceptance

Apply to your chosen institution and obtain a valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA). You generally need the LOA before you can submit your study permit application.

Step 3: Obtain a PAL/TAL or CAQ

Determine whether you need a PAL/TAL. If you are studying in Quebec, follow Quebec's CAQ requirements. If you qualify for a PAL/TAL exemption, provide the appropriate evidence in your application where IRCC requests it.

Step 4: Collect Your Documents

Prepare your passport, LOA, financial evidence, PAL/TAL or exemption evidence, photographs and any medical, police, academic or country-specific documents that apply to you.

Step 5: Apply Through the Correct IRCC Account

Study permit applications generally must be submitted online. IRCC states that applicants applying for a study permit must apply online unless they fall within limited exceptions, such as certain applicants with disabilities or specific identity or travel documents.

Step 6: Pay the Fees

The study permit application fee is 150 CAD. If biometrics are required, the individual biometrics fee is generally 85 CAD, with a family maximum of CAD 170 CAD when eligible family members apply together.

Step 7: Complete Biometrics or a Medical Examination

If IRCC requires biometrics, complete them as soon as possible after receiving the instruction. Depending on your circumstances, IRCC may also require a medical examination or police certificate.

Step 8: Wait for the Decision and Prepare for Canada

IRCC may request additional information, an interview or missing documents while processing your application. If your application is approved from outside Canada, you will generally receive a port-of-entry letter of introduction and, if required, an eTA or TRV.

Canada Study Permit Cost and Processing Time

How Much Does a Canadian Study Permit Cost?

The Canada study permit cost is currently 150 CAD. Biometrics are separate and 85 CAD for an individual applicant when required, with a maximum family fee of 170 CAD for eligible families applying together.

Canada Study Permit Processing Time

There is no single Canada study permit processing time that applies to every applicant. IRCC states that processing times vary by country, so you should check the official processing-time tool based on where you are applying from.

Check current IRCC study permit processing times

Do not rely on a fixed number of days or a promise that an application will be approved by a particular date. Processing can be affected by application completeness, document verification, biometrics, medical examinations, background checks and other factors.

What Happens After Study Permit Approval?

If you applied from outside Canada and IRCC approves your application, you will normally receive a port-of-entry letter of introduction. This letter confirms that you have been approved to receive a study permit, but it is not the study permit itself. When you arrive in Canada, present your letter of introduction, passport, valid Letter of Acceptance and any other documents requested by IRCC or the border services officer.

If you require an eTA or TRV, you must also have the appropriate travel document. The border services officer makes the final decision on whether you meet the requirements to enter Canada and issues the study permit at the port of entry when applicable. If you need an eTA, it is electronically linked to the passport used for your application. If you require a TRV, the visa will be placed in your passport.

Working While Studying in Canada

Eligible international students can generally work while studying in Canada without obtaining a separate work permit, provided they meet the applicable requirements and their study permit contains the appropriate work conditions.

Off-Campus Work

During regular academic sessions, eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus. During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays or a reading week, eligible students can generally work unlimited hours. Working more than the permitted number of hours during a regular academic session can violate your study permit conditions and may affect your immigration status and future applications.

On-Campus Work

Eligible students may also be able to work on campus without a separate work permit. The applicable conditions depend on your student status and the rules that apply to your situation.

Student Work Placements

As of April 1, 2026, post-secondary international students generally no longer need a separate co-op work permit for eligible student work placements such as co-op placements and internships. Students should nevertheless confirm that their placement and program meet the applicable requirements.

Maintaining and Extending Your Status

Getting a study permit is only the first step. While studying in Canada, you must comply with your permit conditions and actively pursue your studies.

Your Main Responsibilities

  • Remain enrolled at a DLI unless an exemption applies.
  • Actively pursue your studies.
  • Make reasonable progress toward completing your program.
  • Follow the conditions printed on your study permit.
  • Respect applicable work restrictions.
  • Stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements for student status.
  • Leave Canada when your authorized stay ends unless you have obtained or applied for another status as permitted.

IRCC states that failure to comply with study permit conditions can result in loss of student status and may affect future immigration applications.

Extending Your Study Permit

A study permit is usually valid for the length of your study program plus an additional 90 days. If your program will continue after your permit expires, you should apply to extend the permit before it expires. If you apply to extend your study permit before it expires, you can generally remain in Canada under maintained status while IRCC processes the application, provided you continue to meet the relevant conditions.

Restoring Your Status

If your study permit has expired before you applied for an extension, you lose your student status. In most cases, you must stop studying and apply to restore your status and obtain a new study permit; IRCC generally gives you 90 days to apply for restoration. Restoration is not guaranteed. If your application is refused, you may have to leave Canada.

Can You Change Schools With a Study Permit?

Post-secondary students cannot simply change their DLI and continue studying under the same arrangements without following IRCC's current requirements. If you want to change post-secondary schools, you must follow IRCC's instructions for changing DLIs. Depending on your circumstances, you may need a new study permit application and a new Letter of Acceptance.

A new PAL/TAL may also be required unless you qualify for an exemption. Students should check the current IRCC process before withdrawing from their existing school or starting studies at another DLI. Changing schools without following the required process can put your student status at risk.

Common Study Permit Refusal Reasons

There is no document, consultant or strategy that can guarantee study permit approval. IRCC assesses each application according to the applicant's circumstances and the evidence provided. Common reasons an application may be refused include:

  • Insufficient or unclear funds: The evidence does not establish that the applicant can cover tuition, living expenses and transportation.
  • Weak study plan:The application does not clearly explain the purpose of the proposed studies or how the program fits the applicant's background and plans.
  • Missing documents: Required documents, forms or supporting evidence are absent.
  • Inconsistent information: Details in the application, financial records, academic history or supporting documents do not align.
  • Unclear purpose of study: The officer is not satisfied that studying is the applicant's genuine purpose in Canada.
  • Failure to satisfy temporary-residence requirements: The applicant does not sufficiently satisfy the officer that they will respect the conditions of their authorized stay.
  • Admissibility concerns: Medical, criminality, security or other admissibility issues may affect the application.

IRCC specifically identifies insufficient financial support, lack of a valid LOA, medical issues where applicable, concerns about the purpose of study and concerns about leaving Canada at the end of the authorized period among potential reasons for refusal.

Study Permit and Post-Graduation Work Permit Planning

If you hope to work in Canada after graduation, consider PGWP eligibility before submitting your study permit application. Not every program or DLI automatically qualifies a graduate for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. PGWP eligibility can depend on the DLI, program of study, level of study, language requirements, field-of-study requirements and other factors.

IRCC recommends checking eligibility before choosing your program. For some students, selecting a program without checking its current PGWP eligibility can have significant consequences after graduation. Therefore, treat PGWP eligibility as a separate requirement from study permit eligibility.

Can Your Spouse Accompany You to Canada?

Your spouse or common-law partner may be able to accompany you to Canada, but the immigration document and work authorization available to them depend on their circumstances and your study program. Some spouses and common-law partners of international students may qualify for an open work permit.

Under current rules, eligibility is particularly focused on spouses or common-law partners of students in certain programs, including eligible master's programs of at least 16 months and doctoral programs. Family members should check their own eligibility rather than assuming that a study permit automatically gives a spouse or partner work authorization.

Important Tips Before You Submit a Study Permit Application

  • Verify that your school is currently listed as a DLI.
  • Check whether your specific program is PGWP eligible if post-graduation work is part of your plans.
  • Confirm whether you need a PAL/TAL or qualify for an exemption.
  • If studying in Quebec, check the CAQ requirements separately.
  • Use the current IRCC proof-of-funds amounts that apply on the date you submit your application.
  • Keep financial records clear and be prepared to explain the source of your funds.
  • Use the personalized IRCC document checklist.
  • Submit a complete application whenever possible.
  • Apply early enough to account for the processing time shown by IRCC.
  • Do not make travel or enrolment decisions based on a guaranteed processing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between a Study Permit and a Student Visa?

A study permit authorizes you to study in Canada at a DLI, while a TRV or eTA is a separate travel document that may be required to enter Canada. In everyday language, people often say “Canada student visa,” but the official document authorizing study is the study permit.

How Much Does a Canadian Study Permit Cost?

The current study permit application fee is 150 CAD. If biometrics are required, the individual biometrics fee is generally 85 CAD, separate from the study permit fee.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Canada Study Permit?

The Canada study permit processing time varies according to the country or territory from which you apply and other application factors. Check the official IRCC processing-time tool rather than relying on a universal number of days.

How Much Money Must I Show For a Study Permit Canada Application?

For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, a single applicant studying outside Quebec generally needs 23,448 CAD for one year of living expenses. This is separate from tuition and transportation costs, and applicants must account for accompanying family members where applicable.

Do I Need a PAL or TAL?

A PAL or TAL is required in most cases, but exemptions apply. From January 1, 2026, eligible students entering degree-granting master's or doctoral programs at public DLIs generally do not need a PAL/TAL, while Quebec follows a separate authorization process.

Can I Work With a Study Permit?

Eligible international students can generally work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions. During scheduled school breaks, eligible students can generally work unlimited hours, provided they continue to meet the requirements.

Can I Change Schools After Receiving my Study Permit?

Post-secondary students must follow IRCC's current process before changing DLIs. Depending on the circumstances, this can involve a new study permit application, a new LOA and potentially a new PAL/TAL.

Can my Spouse Accompany me to Canada?

A spouse or common-law partner may be able to accompany an international student to Canada. Whether they can obtain an open work permit depends on current eligibility requirements, including the student's level and program of study.