Study in Canada
Canada is one of the top destinations for international students, offering world-class education, multicultural campuses, and clear pathways to permanent residence after graduation. Whether you’re aiming for a diploma, degree, or postgraduate certificate, Canada offers an unparalleled study experience.
Understanding the Canadian Study Permit
A study permit is required by most international students to study in Canada. It is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and allows you to attend a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A study permit is not a visa, you may also need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
Key eligibility requirements for a study permit include:
• Acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI)
• Proof of sufficient financial support
• Proof of ties to your home country
• No criminal record (police certificate may be required)
• Good health (medical exam may be required)
International Student Cap – Key Updates
Canada introduced a national study permit cap in 2024 to manage the growth of its temporary resident population. The cap continues in 2026 with a national target of 408,000 study permits, a 7% decrease from the 2025 target of 437,000 and a 16% reduction from 2024. This includes 155,000 new study permits for newly arriving international students and 253,000 extensions for current and returning students.
IRCC’s goal is to reduce Canada’s temporary resident population to below 5% of the total population by the end of 2027
NOTE: Study permit cap details have been fully updated to reflect IRCC’s November 2025 announcement. The 2026 cap is 408,000 total permits (down from 437,000 in 2025). Master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs are now EXEMPT from the cap as of January 1, 2026 and do not need a PAL/TAL.
Important Exemptions from the Cap (Effective January 1, 2026)
Master’s and doctoral students at public designated learning institutions are now fully exempt from the study permit cap. They do NOT need a PAL/TAL and face no cap-related restrictions on their applications.
- Master’s and doctoral students enrolled at public designated learning institutions (DLIs) are exempt from the cap and do not need a PAL/TAL.
- K-12 (primary and secondary school) students are also exempt.
- Doctoral students outside Canada receive priority processing within 14 days of application, as of January 2026.
Updated Financial Requirements for Study Permits
UPDATE: Proof of funds requirement was increased on September 1, 2025. Single applicants must now show CAD $22,895 for living expenses (up from $20,635). This applies to all applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025 (excluding Quebec which has separate requirements).
As of September 1, 2025, IRCC increased the proof of financial support required for study permit applicants. These amounts cover living expenses only, tuition fees and travel costs must be shown separately.
• Single applicant: CAD $22,895 (increased from $20,635)
• Two family members: CAD $28,502
• Three family members: CAD $35,040
• Four family members: CAD $42,543
• Each additional member: CAD $6,170
Quebec students must also meet separate financial thresholds set by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
Working While You Study
One of the great advantages of studying in Canada is the ability to work while you earn your degree:
• On-campus work: Full-time students with a valid study permit and Social Insurance Number (SIN) can work on-campus without restrictions on hours.
• Off-campus work: Study permit holders may work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.
You must be a full-time student at a DLI enrolled in a post-secondary program (or secondary-level vocational program in Quebec) to be eligible for off-campus work.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows graduates of eligible Designated Learning Institutions to work in Canada after graduation and build Canadian work experience toward Permanent Residence.
Note: PGWP now requires a language test (CLB/NCLC 7 for degree graduates; CLB/NCLC 5 for non-degree graduates) for applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024. Field-of-study requirements apply to non-degree graduates. IRCC has FROZEN the eligible program list for 2026, no fields will be added or removed this year.
Key 2026 PGWP Requirements
- Language proof required: Applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024 must include a language test result. Degree graduates (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral) need CLB/NCLC 7; non-degree graduates need CLB/NCLC 5.
- Field-of-study requirement: Non-degree graduates (diplomas, certificates) must have completed a program in an IRCC-eligible field linked to long-term labour shortages. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs are exempt from this requirement.
- PGWP-eligible program list frozen for 2026: IRCC confirmed on January 15, 2026 that the list of PGWP-eligible programs will not be updated in 2026. Students can plan with certainty.
- Apply within 180 days of receiving your final transcript.
- Must have studied full-time for at least 8 months in an eligible program.
- Important: Always confirm your intended program’s PGWP eligibility with IRCC’s DLI list before applying.
Pathway from Study to Permanent Residence
Studying in Canada is a strategic step toward Permanent Residence. After graduating and gaining Canadian work experience through a PGWP, you can apply for PR through:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) via Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) many provinces have streams for international graduates
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
In 2026, Express Entry introduced new category-based draws specifically targeting graduates with Canadian work experience, healthcare, STEM, trades, and education backgrounds. International graduates with PGWP work experience are among the most competitive candidates in the Express Entry pool.
Documents Required for a Study Permit
- Acceptance letter from a Canadian DLI
- Proof of financial support (minimum CAD $22,895 for a single applicant as of September 1, 2025), plus first-year tuition and travel costs
- Valid passport
- Letter of explanation (study plan)
- Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) unless exempt
- Medical exam (if required)
- Police certificate (if required)
- CAQ (Certificate d’Acceptation du Québec) required for Quebec institutions
The Application Process for a Canadian Study Permit
The Canadian study permit application process involves four stages:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Prepare the Application: Make sure to meet the eligibility criteria before preparing for the study permit application.
- Submit the Application: Prepare your application for submission.
- Processing Time for Canadian Study Permits: The processing time for study permits varies depending on your country of residence. Usually, applications are processed from 3 to 12 weeks.
How ImmigCanada Can Help?
ImmigCanada offers a complete, turnkey solution for international students. We help you:
- Identify the right school and program for your goals
- Prepare and submit your study permit application with IRCC
- Navigate provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) requirements
- Plan your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) strategy
- Apply for Permanent Residence after graduation
FAQS for Studying in Canada
The International Student Program is tailored to enhance your chances of studying in Canada. It guides you through selecting the right program, applying to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), and obtaining a study permit
The application involves four stages: checking eligibility, preparing the application, submitting it, and awaiting processing. Ensure you meet eligibility criteria, gather the required documents, and submit your application.
Conditions include enrollment at a DLI, adherence to part-time or full-time enrollment, limitations on authorized leaves, and compliance with post-graduate work permit eligibility. Complying with these conditions ensures a seamless study experience.
On average, international students paid CAD 27,159 for tuition fees, making Canada an affordable study destination compared to other popular choices.
Housing costs differ in cities; larger ones like Toronto and Vancouver have higher costs. Food and transportation costs also vary by province and city. Conduct thorough research on living expenses in your chosen location.
Yes, healthcare coverage is mandatory for all international students. Most provinces automatically include students in their healthcare system. Specific insurance plans cater to the needs of international students.
Quebec offers bilingual education and cultural immersion in English, French, or both. Visa requirements include obtaining a CAQ from the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration (MIFI).
Canada provides a clear pathway from temporary study permits to permanent residency through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Fulfilling study permit criteria and focusing primarily on studies make you eligible for a promising career in Canada.
Our expertise and guidance are here to assist you every step of the way – from selecting the right program to obtaining a study permit and exploring post-graduation prospects. Feel confident in your academic journey with our support.
Contact ImmigCanada today to learn how we can support your Canadian education journey from application to arrival and beyond.
