Study Permit Canada: Complete Guide

1. What Is a Study Permit?

A study permit is an immigration document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes a foreign national to study in Canada, subject to the conditions of the permit. Most foreign nationals who want to complete a program of study in Canada need one.

A study permit is not the same as a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). A TRV or eTA is an entry document, while a study permit authorizes study and temporary resident status under the conditions stated on the permit.

Receiving a study permit also does not guarantee admission to Canada. A person travelling to Canada remains subject to examination at the port of entry.

For a detailed introduction, read What Is a Study Permit in Canada? .

2. Who Needs a Study Permit?

Most foreign nationals need a study permit to complete a program of study in Canada. Whether a permit is required depends on the person’s status, the type and length of studies, and whether a specific exemption applies.

Short-term programs

A study permit may not be required for a course or program that lasts six months or less when the applicable requirements are met. A person relying on an exemption should still make sure they have valid authorization to enter and remain in Canada.

Other exemptions

Study-permit exemptions can apply in specific situations, including certain minor children, family members or staff of foreign representatives, members of foreign armed forces and other persons covered by Canadian immigration law or a temporary public policy.

Some eligible work permit holders may also be able to complete certain studies without obtaining a separate study permit. The scope and duration of these measures depend on the applicable rules.

See Studying in Canada Without a Study Permit for the main exemptions and their limitations.

3. Canada Study Permit Eligibility

To receive a study permit, an applicant must satisfy the applicable requirements under Canadian immigration law. These generally include acceptance by a designated learning institution, sufficient financial resources, temporary-resident requirements and any applicable medical or admissibility requirements.

For a detailed review, read Canada Study Permit Eligibility: Who Can Apply? .

Acceptance at a designated learning institution

A study permit applicant generally needs to be accepted to a course or program at a designated learning institution (DLI). For post-secondary institutions, IRCC also has a process through which the institution confirms the applicant’s acceptance.

Financial ability

Applicants generally need to show sufficient and available financial resources, without relying on employment in Canada, to pay tuition, living expenses and transportation costs for themselves and applicable accompanying family members.

Temporary residence requirement

Under section 216 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, an officer must be satisfied, subject to the applicable exceptions, that the applicant will leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for their stay.

Medical and admissibility requirements

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, a medical examination, police information or other admissibility assessments may be required. Meeting academic admission requirements does not remove Canadian immigration and admissibility requirements.

4. How to Apply for a Study Permit

Most applicants should prepare their study permit application before travelling to Canada. Some people are eligible to apply from inside Canada or, in limited circumstances, at a port of entry.

For the complete process, read How to Apply for a Study Permit in Canada: Step-by-Step .

Step 1: Get accepted by a DLI

Apply to an eligible Canadian school and obtain the letter of acceptance required for your study permit application.

Step 2: Obtain a PAL or TAL if required

Determine whether you need a provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter. If the requirement applies, obtain the required document before submitting the study permit application.

Step 3: Gather your documents

Prepare your passport or travel document, letter of acceptance, PAL/TAL where applicable, financial evidence and the other documents required for your circumstances.

Step 4: Prepare proof of financial support

Your evidence should establish that sufficient funds are available for tuition, living expenses and transportation without relying on work in Canada to meet the study permit financial requirement.

Step 5: Submit the application

Study permit applications are generally submitted online. The correct application process depends on whether you apply from outside Canada, from inside Canada or under a specific port-of-entry eligibility provision.

Step 6: Complete biometrics if required

If biometrics are required, follow IRCC’s instructions and provide your fingerprints and photograph within the applicable deadline.

Step 7: Complete additional requirements

IRCC may require a medical examination, additional documents, updated information or other steps before making a decision.

Step 8: Receive the decision

If the application is approved, the documents and next steps depend on where you applied and where you are located. Applicants outside Canada generally receive a port-of-entry letter of introduction rather than the physical study permit itself.

5. Letter of Acceptance for a Study Permit

A letter of acceptance (LOA) is generally required to establish that a designated learning institution has accepted you into a course or program of study. It is one of the central documents in a study permit application.

For detailed requirements, read Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for a Canada Study Permit .

The school must be a DLI

For a study permit application that requires acceptance at a designated learning institution, the institution must have valid DLI status for the applicable level and circumstances.

Post-secondary LOA verification

IRCC requires post-secondary DLIs to confirm acceptance information through its verification process. Failure by the institution to confirm a letter of acceptance as required can affect the study permit application.

Check the information carefully

The school, program, level of study and relevant dates in the application should be consistent with the letter of acceptance and the applicant’s actual study plans.

6. Designated Learning Institutions in Canada

A designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. DLI status is important for study permit eligibility, but it does not mean that every program offered by the school has the same immigration consequences.

See Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada for a detailed explanation.

Verify the school before applying

Applicants should confirm that the school is currently listed as a DLI and that the institution and program information used in the application is accurate.

DLI status and PGWP eligibility are different

Studying at a DLI does not automatically make every graduate eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). PGWP eligibility has separate requirements, including requirements that can depend on the institution, program, level of study, field of study and when the study permit application was submitted.

7. PAL and TAL Requirements

Most study permit applicants need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL), unless they fall within an exemption. The letter confirms that the province or territory has allocated a study-permit space for the applicant.

For the complete rules, read PAL/TAL for Canada Study Permits .

Who generally needs a PAL or TAL?

Applicants should assume the requirement may apply unless they fit one of IRCC’s current exemptions. The document is generally obtained through the DLI where the applicant plans to study.

Master’s and doctoral students

Starting January 1, 2026, applicants entering a degree-granting graduate program at the master’s or doctoral level at a public DLI are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement.

Other exemptions

Exemptions also apply in a number of other situations, including certain preschool, primary and secondary students and specified applicants already in Canada. Because exemptions are circumstance-specific, applicants should verify the current IRCC list before applying without a PAL/TAL.

When a new PAL or TAL may be required

A new PAL/TAL may be required when a previous document is no longer valid, after certain previous study permit decisions, when changing schools or when changing the level of study. The applicable rule should be checked before submitting a new application.

8. Proof of Financial Support

Study permit applicants generally need to show that they have enough money available, without working in Canada, to pay tuition, living expenses and transportation costs for themselves and applicable accompanying family members.

For a detailed financial guide, read Proof of Funds for a Canada Study Permit .

What must your funds cover?

Under section 220 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, the required financial resources generally cover tuition, maintenance for the applicant and accompanying family members, and transportation to and from Canada.

Living-expense requirement outside Quebec

For study permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, the following amounts apply to first-year living expenses in provinces and territories outside Quebec.

These amounts apply to applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026 and do not include tuition or transportation costs. Quebec has separate financial requirements. IRCC updates financial amounts periodically.

First year and the full program

Applicants must show sufficient financial resources for the first year of study. For a program lasting longer than one year, IRCC also assesses how the applicant plans to pay for the remaining duration of the studies.

Types of financial evidence

Depending on the circumstances, evidence may include bank statements, proof of a Canadian bank account, a guaranteed investment certificate, scholarship evidence, employment income, financial support from another person or institution, pension income or other credible evidence showing the source and availability of funds.

Availability and source of funds

Showing a balance is not necessarily the end of the financial assessment. IRCC may assess the source of the funds, whether they are genuinely available to the applicant and how the applicant expects to finance the full period of study.

9. Documents Required for a Study Permit

The documents required for a study permit depend on the applicant’s circumstances, country of application, school, program and applicable immigration requirements. A complete application should address both the formal document checklist and the substantive requirements of the case.

For a detailed checklist, read Study Permit Documents Checklist .

Letter of acceptance

Most applicants need a valid letter of acceptance from the DLI they plan to attend.

PAL or TAL

A valid provincial or territorial attestation letter is required in many applications unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption.

Identity and travel documents

Applicants generally need an acceptable passport or travel document and other identity or civil-status documents required by the application.

Proof of financial support

Financial documents should demonstrate that the applicant can meet the applicable tuition, living and transportation costs and explain the source and availability of the funds where relevant.

Letter of explanation

A letter of explanation can help explain the applicant’s study plans, circumstances and relevant supporting evidence. It does not replace the need to satisfy the legal requirements or provide required documents.

Country-specific documents

Visa-office or country-specific instructions may require additional evidence. Applicants should review the current document requirements that apply to their place of application.

Translations

Documents that are not in English or French must meet IRCC’s applicable translation requirements. Applicants should check the current rules for the translation, translator and supporting copy before submission.

10. Study Permit Fees and Biometrics

Applicants must pay the applicable Government of Canada fees when submitting a study permit application. Biometrics fees may also apply, depending on the applicant and whether valid biometrics can be reused.

For detailed fee and biometrics information, read Study Permit Fees and Biometrics .

Study permit application fee

Biometrics fees

Fees shown are current as of September 2026. Government fees can change, so confirm the current IRCC fee schedule before submitting an application.

Who needs biometrics?

Biometrics requirements depend on factors such as age, nationality, the type of application and whether previously provided biometrics remain valid for the application. Follow the instructions IRCC issues for your case.

11. Study Permit Medical Examination

Some study permit applicants must complete an immigration medical examination (IME). Whether an examination is required depends on factors such as where the applicant has lived, the intended length of stay and the type of work or activity the person may undertake in Canada.

See Study Permit Medical Exam for detailed requirements.

Use an approved panel physician

When an immigration medical examination is required, it must be completed by a physician authorized by IRCC as a panel physician.

Medical conditions on the permit

In some circumstances, medical requirements can affect the conditions placed on a study permit, including authorization to work in occupations where protection of public health is required.

12. What Happens After You Apply?

After submitting a study permit application, monitor your IRCC account and correspondence. IRCC may request biometrics, a medical examination, additional documents, updated information or other steps before making a final decision.

Biometrics

If biometrics are required, IRCC generally provides instructions explaining where and when to give fingerprints and a photograph.

Additional documents

An officer may request further evidence where additional information is needed to assess the application. Applicants should respond within the deadline stated in the request.

Medical examination

If an immigration medical examination is required and has not already been completed under an applicable process, IRCC may issue instructions during processing.

Application decision

IRCC will either approve or refuse the application. The documents issued after approval depend on the applicant’s location and circumstances.

13. Study Permit Processing Time

There is no single study permit processing time for every applicant. IRCC processing estimates can vary by application type, location, application volume and the circumstances of the file.

For a detailed explanation, read Study Permit Processing Time .

What can affect processing?

Processing may take longer when an application is incomplete, additional documents or verification are required, medical or admissibility issues need assessment, or application volumes change.

14. If Your Study Permit Is Approved

Approval does not always mean that the applicant immediately receives the physical study permit. The documents issued depend on whether the application was made from outside or inside Canada and on the applicant’s circumstances.

Applying from outside Canada

An approved applicant outside Canada generally receives a port-of-entry letter of introduction. The letter is not the study permit itself. The actual permit is normally issued after the person is examined on arrival and continues to meet the applicable requirements.

TRV or eTA

If an approved applicant needs a temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization to travel to Canada, the applicable entry-document process is handled in connection with the study permit approval. A study permit itself is not a travel document.

Review the approval documents

Check the name, school information, validity dates and other relevant details. When the physical study permit is issued, review its conditions and raise any apparent error promptly.

15. Entering Canada as an International Student

A study permit approval does not guarantee entry to Canada. Travellers remain subject to examination by the Canada Border Services Agency when they seek entry.

Bring your supporting documents

Depending on your circumstances, you should be prepared to present your passport or travel document, port-of-entry letter of introduction, valid letter of acceptance and other documents relevant to your study plans and admissibility.

Do not begin working before your studies start

Student work authorization is subject to specific eligibility requirements. A student who will rely on study-permit-based work authorization cannot simply begin working before the qualifying studies have started.

Check the study permit when it is issued

Before leaving the port of entry, review the study permit for important details such as the expiry date, DLI information and work-related conditions.

16. Study Permit Conditions

A study permit holder must comply with the conditions imposed by Canadian immigration law and the conditions printed on the permit. Failing to comply can affect the person’s status and future immigration applications.

For the complete rules, read Study Permit Conditions: Staying Compliant in Canada .

Remain enrolled at the required DLI

Under section 220.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, a study permit holder is generally required to enrol at the DLI named in the permit and remain enrolled there until completing the studies.

Actively pursue your studies

Study permit holders must actively pursue their course or program of study. IRCC may request evidence such as enrolment information, transcripts, information about a leave or other documentation showing compliance.

Follow the conditions printed on your permit

A study permit can include conditions relating to the level of study, the institution, work authorization, medical requirements and the date by which the person must stop studying or leave Canada.

Authorized leave

An authorized leave can have important immigration consequences. For example, a student on an authorized leave generally cannot work on or off campus under student work authorization during the leave.

17. Working While Studying in Canada

Some international students can work in Canada without obtaining a separate work permit, but only if they meet the applicable eligibility requirements. A study permit by itself does not automatically authorize every student to work.

For the detailed rules, read Working While Studying in Canada .

Working off campus

Eligible students can generally work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions without a separate work permit.

Scheduled academic breaks

Eligible students may be able to work full-time during regularly scheduled breaks, provided they meet the applicable requirements before and after the break.

Working on campus

Separate rules determine whether a student may work on campus without a work permit. Eligibility depends on factors including the student’s status, studies and study permit conditions.

Social Insurance Number

A student who is authorized to work needs a Social Insurance Number (SIN). The study permit must contain the appropriate work-related condition or remark before the student can rely on it for a SIN application.

Authorized leave

Students generally cannot work on or off campus under student work authorization while they are on an authorized leave from their studies.

18. Changing Schools or DLI

Changing post-secondary schools is no longer generally handled by simply updating DLI information in an online account. Depending on the circumstances, a student may need to apply for a study permit extension to change DLIs and provide a new letter of acceptance and PAL/TAL where required.

For the detailed rules, read Changing Schools or DLI on a Study Permit .

Changing a post-secondary DLI inside Canada

Students changing post-secondary DLIs generally need to follow IRCC’s study permit extension process for the change. A new valid PAL/TAL is generally required unless an exemption applies.

Starting at the new school while waiting

Only students who meet IRCC’s specified criteria may begin studying at the new DLI while the application to change DLIs is still being processed. Students should verify that they meet every required condition before changing schools.

Changing schools after approval from outside Canada

If a study permit application has already been approved and the applicant changes the DLI before travelling to Canada, IRCC generally requires a new study permit application with a new letter of acceptance and payment of the applicable fees.

Changing schools without following the rules

A student who changes schools without complying with the applicable requirements may breach study permit conditions. This can affect status, the validity of the permit and future immigration applications.

19. Extending Your Study Permit

If you need more time to complete your studies or otherwise need continued authorization as a student, you may need to apply to extend your study permit before it expires.

For the complete process, read Study Permit Extension in Canada .

Apply before your permit expires

Students should monitor the expiry date on their permit and apply early enough to avoid losing temporary resident status. IRCC recommends applying for an extension at least 30 days before the current permit expires.

Maintained status

A person who submits an eligible extension application before their authorized period of stay expires may be able to remain in Canada under maintained status while a decision is pending. Whether the person can continue studying or working depends on the applicable legal requirements and the circumstances of the application.

Passport validity matters

A study permit generally cannot be extended beyond the validity of the applicant’s passport or travel document. Check passport validity before preparing an extension application.

20. Restoration of Student Status

Restoration is different from a study permit extension. An extension is normally filed while the person still has valid status. Restoration may be available after status has been lost, but only if the applicable restoration requirements are met.

See Restoration of Student Status in Canada for the detailed rules.

Restoration is not automatic

Submitting a restoration application does not itself restore status. The applicant must qualify for restoration and receive approval.

Studying after losing status

A person who has lost student status generally cannot continue relying on the previous study authorization while waiting for restoration. Specific legal exceptions should not be assumed without confirming that they apply.

Restoration deadline

Restoration is generally subject to a limited period after loss of status. Applicants should determine the exact date their status was lost and act promptly.

21. Study Permit Validity and Expiry

The expiry date printed on a study permit is important, but it is not the only rule that can determine when study authorization ends. Completing a program earlier than expected can affect the validity period.

For detailed rules, read Study Permit Validity and the 90-Day Rule .

The 90-day rule

A study permit generally becomes invalid 90 days after the permit holder completes their studies, even if a later expiry date is printed on the document. If the printed expiry date comes first, the permit expires on that earlier date.

When are studies considered completed?

The relevant completion date can depend on when the school first notifies the student that the program requirements have been completed, such as through a completion letter, transcript, degree or diploma. Students should not assume that the graduation ceremony determines immigration status.

Planning your next status

Students who plan to continue studying, apply for a work permit or remain in Canada under another status should review the applicable requirements before their current authorization ends.

22. Study Permit Refusals

A study permit can be refused when an officer is not satisfied that the applicant meets the applicable legal and documentary requirements. The correct response depends on the actual refusal reasons and the evidence in the application.

For a detailed review, read Study Permit Refusal: Reasons and What to Do Next .

Common areas of concern

Refusals can involve issues such as financial capacity, the validity or verification of the letter of acceptance, the applicant’s study purpose, temporary-resident requirements, documentation, medical requirements or other eligibility and admissibility concerns.

Review the actual reasons

Before reapplying, identify what the officer found insufficient and determine whether the issue can be addressed with corrected information, stronger evidence or a clearer explanation. Refiling substantially the same application may not resolve the reason for refusal.

Reapplication

A person may generally submit a new study permit application if they remain eligible. A new application should address the previous refusal and satisfy the requirements in force when the new application is submitted.

Reconsideration and judicial review

Depending on the circumstances, an applicant may consider requesting reconsideration or seeking judicial review in the Federal Court. These are different procedures from submitting a new study permit application, and judicial review is subject to legal deadlines.

23. Studying in Canada Without a Study Permit

Canadian immigration law and temporary public policies allow some foreign nationals to study without obtaining a study permit. These exemptions are specific and should not be treated as a general alternative to applying for a study permit.

For the complete exemptions, read Studying in Canada Without a Study Permit .

Programs of six months or less

A study permit may not be required for a course or program lasting six months or less when the applicable conditions are met and the studies can be completed within the person’s authorized stay.

Minor children

Some minor children in Canada can study without a study permit depending on their circumstances. Because the rules vary by status and situation, parents should confirm whether a permit is required and whether obtaining one would be beneficial.

Eligible work permit holders

Certain work permit holders may be authorized to study without a separate study permit under applicable rules or temporary public policies. The permitted duration and eligibility criteria depend on the measure being used.

Why a study permit may still matter

Studying without a permit can affect access to student-specific work authorization and may have consequences for future immigration plans. Applicants should consider those consequences before relying on an exemption.

24. Studying in Quebec

Students planning to study in Quebec may have both provincial and federal immigration requirements. In many cases, this includes obtaining a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) before the federal study permit can be issued.

For a detailed Quebec-specific guide, read Study Permit for Quebec: CAQ and Study Permit Requirements .

CAQ requirement

Under section 216(3) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, an officer cannot issue a study permit to a foreign national intending to study in Quebec where Quebec law requires a CAQ and the applicant does not hold one, subject to the regulatory wording and applicable exceptions.

Quebec and PAL/TAL requirements

Quebec uses its own process in connection with the federal attestation requirement. Applicants should follow the current Quebec and IRCC instructions for the CAQ and any PAL/TAL-related requirement that applies to their studies.

Financial requirements

Quebec has separate financial-capacity amounts and requirements. The federal living-expense table for provinces and territories outside Quebec should not be used as the Quebec financial table.

25. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

After completing their studies, some international graduates may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). A PGWP is an open work permit that can allow an eligible graduate to work for most employers in Canada after graduation.

Graduating from a designated learning institution does not automatically make a student eligible for a PGWP. Eligibility depends on several factors, including the institution and program, the applicant’s study history and the PGWP requirements in effect for their circumstances.

Current PGWP rules can also include language and field-of-study requirements, depending on the type of program and when the relevant study permit application was submitted. Graduates should review these requirements before applying.

The timing of the application is also important. Eligible graduates generally have a limited period after receiving confirmation that they completed their program to submit a PGWP application. Study permit validity and the rules for working while a PGWP application is being processed should also be considered.

For eligibility requirements, permit duration, language and field-of-study rules, application deadlines and work authorization after graduation, read Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada .

26. Permanent Residence After Studying in Canada

Completing a program of study in Canada does not automatically provide permanent resident status. However, Canadian education and eligible Canadian work experience after graduation can be relevant to several economic immigration pathways.

Depending on the graduate’s circumstances, possible pathways may include programs managed through Express Entry , including the Canadian Experience Class, as well as provincial nominee programs and other federal or provincial immigration programs.

The appropriate pathway depends on factors such as skilled work experience, language ability, education, occupation, province of residence and the specific eligibility requirements of the immigration program. Holding a study permit or a post-graduation work permit does not itself guarantee permanent residence.

International students who want to remain in Canada permanently should plan their immigration strategy separately from their temporary student status. This can include reviewing PGWP eligibility, building qualifying work experience and monitoring the requirements of potential permanent residence programs.

For an overview of the main options and how study, work experience and immigration programs can fit together, read Permanent Residence After Studying in Canada .

27. Study Permit FAQs

Is a study permit the same as a student visa?

No. A study permit authorizes study in Canada under its conditions. A temporary resident visa or eTA is an entry document used to travel to Canada when one is required.

How much money do I need for a Canada study permit?

The amount depends on tuition, family size, transportation and where you will study. For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, one applicant studying outside Quebec must show at least $23,448 for first-year living expenses, in addition to tuition and transportation costs.

Do I need a PAL or TAL?

Most applicants need a PAL or TAL unless an exemption applies. Exemptions include certain school levels and, starting January 1, 2026, degree-granting master’s and doctoral programs at public DLIs.

Can I apply for a study permit without a letter of acceptance?

Most applicants need a valid letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution. Limited exceptions may apply under specific provisions or public policies.

How much does a Canadian study permit cost?

The Government of Canada study permit application fee is currently $150. A biometrics fee may also apply.

Can I work in Canada with a study permit?

Some study permit holders can work without a separate work permit if they meet the applicable requirements. Eligible students can generally work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions and may be able to work full-time during scheduled breaks.

Can I change schools after receiving a study permit?

Yes, but post-secondary students must follow the current DLI-change requirements. Depending on the circumstances, this can require a study permit extension application, a new letter of acceptance and a new PAL/TAL unless an exemption applies.

How long is a study permit valid?

The permit has an expiry date, but it can become invalid earlier. In general, a study permit becomes invalid 90 days after completion of the program if that occurs before the printed expiry date.

Can I extend my study permit from inside Canada?

Eligible students can apply from inside Canada to extend their study permit. The application should be submitted before the current period of authorized stay expires.

What happens if my study permit expires?

If you did not submit an eligible extension application before losing status, you may need to stop studying and determine whether you qualify for restoration. Restoration is subject to separate requirements and is not automatic.

Does a study permit guarantee entry to Canada?

No. Approval of a study permit does not guarantee admission at the border. Travellers remain subject to examination when they seek entry to Canada.

Can a study permit application be refused?

Yes. An officer may refuse an application if the applicant does not establish that they meet the applicable study permit, temporary residence, financial, documentary, medical or admissibility requirements.

Where can I check Canadian immigration terminology?

Use the Canadian Immigration Glossary for definitions of common immigration terms and abbreviations.