What Is a Study Permit in Canada?

What Is a Study Permit?

A study permit is written authorization that allows a foreign national to study in Canada. It is issued by an immigration officer and normally identifies the designated learning institution (DLI) where the student is authorized to study.

Canadian immigration law starts from the general rule that a foreign national cannot study in Canada unless authorized to do so. For most international students completing a program longer than six months, that authorization is a study permit.

A study permit is therefore more than proof that a school has accepted a student. Admission to a Canadian school and authorization to study in Canada are separate matters. A school decides whether to admit a student; IRCC decides whether the person meets the immigration requirements for a study permit.

Is a Study Permit the Same as a Student Visa?

No. A Canadian study permit is not a visa. The distinction matters because the documents perform different immigration functions.

The study permit authorizes the person to study in Canada subject to its terms and Canadian immigration law. A temporary resident visa (TRV), commonly called a visitor visa, or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) is used for travel to Canada when the person requires one.

When IRCC approves a study permit application from outside Canada, it will generally also deal with the TRV or eTA required for the applicant to travel to Canada. The study permit itself is not the document that allows the person to board a flight to Canada.

This is why the expression “student visa” can be misleading in the Canadian context. A person may need both study authorization and a travel document, but they are not the same document.

Who Needs a Study Permit in Canada?

Most foreign nationals who want to study in Canada need a study permit. IRCC specifically states that most foreign nationals require one, although Canadian immigration law contains several exemptions.

As a practical starting point, a foreign national coming to Canada for a program lasting more than six months should normally expect to require a study permit unless a specific exemption applies.

Applicants should not assume that visitor status, a work permit, admission to a school or the ability to enter Canada automatically gives them permission to undertake long-term studies.

The exemptions are explained separately in Studying in Canada Without a Study Permit .

Do You Need a Study Permit for a Program of 6 Months or Less?

Not necessarily. A foreign national generally does not need a study permit for a course or program lasting six months or less if the studies are not part of a longer program and can be completed within the period the person is authorized to stay in Canada.

The six-month exemption should not be read simply as permission to divide a longer course of study into shorter periods. The nature and actual length of the program matter.

A person using the exemption still needs valid immigration status and any travel document required to enter Canada.

What Is a Designated Learning Institution?

A designated learning institution, or DLI, is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.

If a foreign national needs a study permit, their acceptance generally must be from a DLI. IRCC states that an application will be refused if the required acceptance letter is not from a designated learning institution.

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions. For post-secondary studies, applicants should verify the institution on IRCC’s DLI list before applying.

Learn more in Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada .

DLI status does not automatically mean PGWP eligibility

A common mistake is to assume that every program at every DLI qualifies a graduate for a post-graduation work permit. DLI designation and PGWP eligibility are separate questions.

Students who plan to work in Canada after graduation should check the current PGWP requirements for the institution and program before committing to their studies.

What Does a Canadian Study Permit Allow You to Do?

The central purpose of a study permit is to authorize studies in Canada. The authorization is subject to the conditions imposed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and any conditions stated on the permit.

Depending on the student’s circumstances and eligibility, a valid study permit can also support certain related rights or applications. For example, some eligible students can work on or off campus without obtaining a separate work permit.

Work authorization is not automatic for every study permit holder. The student must satisfy the applicable requirements, including the requirements governing the program, institution, enrolment and conditions printed on the permit.

The current work rules are covered in Working While Studying in Canada .

What Does a Study Permit Not Guarantee?

A study permit does not create an unconditional right to enter Canada, remain in Canada indefinitely, work without restrictions or obtain permanent residence.

It does not guarantee entry to Canada

A person travelling to Canada remains subject to examination at the port of entry. An approval issued before travel does not remove the requirement to satisfy the applicable entry and admissibility requirements when seeking admission.

It does not give unlimited work authorization

Working while studying is governed by separate regulatory requirements. A student must qualify for the type of work they intend to perform and comply with the applicable limits.

It does not provide permanent resident status

A study permit is temporary immigration authorization. Studying in Canada may later be relevant to a work permit or permanent residence pathway, but those programs have their own eligibility requirements.

What Conditions Apply to a Study Permit?

Study permit holders must comply with the conditions imposed by Canadian immigration law and the conditions stated on their permit.

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, remain enrolled there until completing the studies and actively pursue the course or program.

IRCC considers factors such as whether the student is enrolled during academic semesters, is making progress toward completing the program and is respecting the rules governing authorized leave. IRCC currently recognizes authorized leaves of up to 150 days in specified circumstances.

Failure to comply can have serious immigration consequences, including loss of student status, loss of the study permit and possible effects on later applications.

See Study Permit Conditions: Staying Compliant in Canada for the detailed rules.

How Long Is a Study Permit Valid?

A study permit is usually issued for the length of the study program plus an additional period, commonly 90 days. The additional period can allow the student to prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend or change their immigration status.

The date printed on the permit is not always the date on which the authorization actually ends.

Completing your studies early

If a student completes the program before the expiry date printed on the study permit, the permit generally becomes invalid 90 days after the student completes the studies.

IRCC determines program completion by reference to the date the school first notifies the student that the program has been completed, such as through a completion letter, transcript, degree or diploma.

Permit expiring before program completion

If the study permit will expire before the student finishes the program, the student must apply to extend their authorization if they intend to continue studying in Canada.

Read Study Permit Validity and the 90-Day Rule for a detailed explanation.

Can You Change Schools With a Study Permit?

Yes, but post-secondary students must follow the current immigration requirements for changing designated learning institutions.

Under section 217.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, a study permit holder in Canada whose permit names a DLI and who intends to attend a different DLI must submit an application for a new study permit naming the new institution.

This is an important change from the older system under which many students could change post-secondary DLIs primarily by updating their online account.

A student generally should not start studying at the new institution until the new study permit is approved unless the student meets a specific exception allowing studies while the application is pending.

See Changing Schools or DLI on a Study Permit before transferring institutions.

Do You Apply for a Study Permit Before Coming to Canada?

Generally, yes. Section 213 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations provides that, subject to the exceptions in sections 214 and 215, a foreign national who wants to study in Canada must apply for a study permit before entering Canada.

Some foreign nationals are permitted to apply at a port of entry, and specified foreign nationals can apply after entering Canada. These are exceptions to the general rule rather than a universal option.

IRCC also generally requires study permit applications to be submitted online, subject to the exceptions in its current application instructions.

The full application process is explained in How to Apply for a Study Permit in Canada: Step-by-Step .

Who Can Study in Canada Without a Study Permit?

Canadian immigration law contains several exceptions to the general study-permit requirement. The exemption that applies most commonly is for certain programs lasting six months or less, but it is not the only exemption.

Other exemptions can apply to certain minor children, family members or staff of accredited foreign representatives, members of designated foreign armed forces, registered Indians and persons in other specifically defined circumstances.

Temporary measure for certain workers

As of September 4, 2026, IRCC also has a temporary public policy allowing eligible foreign workers with a valid work permit to study in a program lasting six months or less without obtaining a separate study permit. The authorization lasts only for the permitted study period or until the work permit expires, whichever comes first.

A temporary public policy can change or expire and should not be confused with a permanent statutory exemption. Anyone relying on such a measure should confirm that it remains in force and that they meet all of its conditions.

For the complete analysis, see Studying in Canada Without a Study Permit .

Study Permit FAQs

Is a study permit a visa?

No. A study permit authorizes studies in Canada. A TRV or eTA is a travel document or authorization used to travel to Canada when one is required.

Does every international student need a study permit?

No. Most foreign nationals need one, but Canadian immigration law contains exemptions, including for certain short-term studies and several specific categories of foreign nationals.

Do I need a study permit for a 6-month course?

A permit is generally not required for a program lasting six months or less if the program is not part of a longer program and can be completed within the period you are authorized to remain in Canada.

Do I need a letter of acceptance?

Most study permit applicants need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution. Post-secondary DLIs are also subject to IRCC’s acceptance-verification requirements.

Is every Canadian school a DLI?

All Canadian primary and secondary schools are DLIs. Post-secondary applicants should verify the school on IRCC’s current designated learning institution list.

Does a study permit let me work in Canada?

Not automatically. Some students can work on or off campus without a separate work permit if they meet the applicable eligibility requirements and comply with the conditions of their study permit.

Does a study permit guarantee entry to Canada?

No. A traveller remains subject to examination when seeking entry to Canada and must continue to meet the applicable entry and admissibility requirements.

Can I change my DLI after getting a study permit?

Yes, but post-secondary students generally need to apply for a new study permit naming the new DLI. Specific rules determine whether a student can begin studying at the new institution before that application is approved.

When does a study permit expire after graduation?

If you complete your program before the expiry date printed on the permit, the permit generally becomes invalid 90 days after completion. If the printed expiry date comes first, that earlier date controls.

Where should I start if I want to study in Canada?

Start with the Study Permit Canada: Complete Guide and then review the eligibility and application requirements that apply to your circumstances.