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Canada Study Permit

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International students from all over the world choose Canada as a top destination for their studies. However, to study in Canada, you must first get a study permit. The study permit is a document we issue that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Designated learning institutions include colleges, universities, and technical vocational schools that have been specifically recognized by the Canadian Government to accept foreign students.

What is a Study Permit?

A study permit is a document issued by IRCC that allows foreign nationals to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. You should apply before you travel to Canada.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply for a Study Permit to Canada, an aspiring student must meet the following eligibility requirements;

  • One requires a letter of acceptance from a chosen learning institution
  • A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from the province or territory where the DLI is located (introduced as a mandatory requirement in 2024; most post-secondary students require this; master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt as of January 2026).
  • If the student wishes to study in Montreal or the Province of Quebec; he must obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec
  • Get a medical examination
  • Police verification certificate
  • Must exhibit proof of funds to support education in Canada.
  • Must provide a document demonstrating you and any accompanying family members will be able to cover the first year’s tuition and living costs (housing, food, etc.) for the first year of study.

Updated Financial Requirements

IMPORTANT 2025-2026 Financial Update: The minimum financial requirement for study permit applicants has been updated. As of September 1, 2025, single applicants must demonstrate at least CAD $22,895 in living expenses (up from $20,635) in addition to their first year’s tuition and travel costs. This applies to applicants in all provinces and territories except Quebec. Requirements increase with each additional family member.

  • Single applicant: CAD $22,895/year for living costs (effective Sept 1, 2025)
  • For SDS (Student Direct Stream) applicants: a GIC of at least CAD $20,635 is required
  • The old CAD $10,000 minimum is no longer valid

Additional documents Include

Other additional documents may require depending on the province you choose to study;

  • A valid passport;
  • A proof of adequate financial ability to support yourself financially during your stay in Canada, including your tuition fee and other expenses;
  • Be in good health as IRCC may ask for a medical exam;
  • Bank statement;
  • Documentation of education loan from a financial institution

Upon entering Canada as an international student with an approved study permit, you must meet the requirements below to maintain your study permit validity.

  • Enrolment at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
  • Intend to complete their program
  • Compliance with conditions listed on their study permit
  • leave Canada when their permit expires

Work Permits for International Students

Part-time work Permit

A Part-time work permit you can get assuming you must enroll in one of the study programs There are two approaches to work: On-campus work (without a work permit) and Off-campus (with a work permit) This permit allows you to remain working in Canada after completing your education.

Post-graduation work Permit (PGWP)

A permit that you can only obtain if you have studied at a public college. A Post-Graduation Work Permit gives you opportunities to score points to apply for a permanent residency. 

Working While Studying

Off-Campus Work (Updated November 2024): International students with a valid study permit may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms (increased from 20 hours). During scheduled breaks, there are no restrictions on the number of hours.

Co-op and Internship Placements (Updated April 1, 2026): Students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for program-required work placements. A valid study permit is now sufficient, provided the placement is a formal program requirement and does not exceed 50% of the total program length.

How to Apply for a Study Permit

After receiving an admission letter from the school and a CAQ (if applicable), we can then make your application for a Study Permit. This study permit must be presented at the port of entry once you land in Canada as an international student.

Step-by-step procedures:

  • Select a qualified DLI and program, and obtain admission from them
  • Obtain a PAL or TAL from your province or territory (unless exempt)
  • Apply for a CAQ if studying in Quebec
  • Submit your study permit application online at IRCC’s website — most applicants must now apply online (port-of-entry applications are no longer available for most foreign nationals already in Canada)
  • Pay the processing fee (CAD $150)
  • Provide biometrics if required
  • If approved, present your Port of Entry Introduction Letter upon arrival

Important 2025-2026 Study Permit Policy Changes

Letter of Acceptance (LOA) Verification: As of November 8, 2024, IRCC now requires DLIs to verify and confirm LOAs before a study permit is issued. Fake or unauthorized LOAs can result in deportation.

Changing Schools: As of November 8, 2024, students can no longer change schools on the same study permit. A new study permit must be obtained by applying to extend the current one.

Study Permit Cap: Canada introduced a cap on study permit applications. For 2025, the cap was set at 505,162 applications (reduced from 606,250 in 2024). For 2026, approximately 309,670 new study permit applications are accepted — about 7% lower than 2025.

Prerequisite/Pathway Programs: As of December 2025, study permits for prerequisite and pathway programs are issued for the duration of the program plus 90 days (reduced from the program duration plus one year).

Who Does NOT Need a Study Permit?

  • Students enrolled in programs lasting six months or less
  • Minor children in Canada under certain conditions
  • Members of foreign armed forces on active duty


ImmigCanada offers a turnkey solution to assist you to find an appropriate school and program. We can then help you prepare and submit all government applications. Once you graduate from your studies, we can also help you apply for permanent residency. Get the latest updates on Canada Immigration from our blog! Contact us to know more about the process that you want to follow and we can help you decide.