How to Get a Study Permit in Canada (Step by Step)

A Canada study permit is the document that lets most foreign nationals study at a school in Canada. It is not a visa on its own, but it is the legal status that allows you to stay and study. This guide walks through who needs a study permit, what you must prove, how to apply, processing, working while you study, and what comes after you graduate. Always confirm the current rules on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) pages linked at the end, because requirements change.

Who needs a study permit

You generally need a study permit if you are a foreign national planning to study at a Canadian school in a program longer than six months. Before you can apply, you must be accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI). Provinces and territories approve, or designate, the schools that are allowed to enrol international students, and only these schools can support a study permit application.

When a DLI accepts you, it sends a letter of acceptance (LOA). You need this letter to apply. There are limited exceptions for very short programs and certain situations, so check the IRCC study permit page to confirm whether your case requires a permit.

Eligibility: what you must prove

To approve your application, an officer must be satisfied that you meet several core conditions. The main ones are:

• Acceptance at a DLI. You hold a valid letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution.
• Proof of funds. You can show enough money to pay tuition, support yourself, and cover living costs for at least your first year. IRCC updates the required amount, so check the official proof of financial support page for the current figure before you apply. Planning your budget early also helps; see our guide to the cost of living.
• Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), if required. Many applicants must include a PAL or TAL confirming a space within the province or territory's allocation. To get one, you usually accept your offer and pay tuition, then your school explains how to obtain it. As of January 1, 2026, master's and doctoral students at a public DLI do not need to submit a PAL/TAL. If you plan to study in Quebec, you instead need an attestation of issuance of a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
• Intent to leave Canada. You must satisfy the officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay, as required under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations.

You may also need to prove you have no criminal record, pass a medical exam, and confirm you are a genuine student.

How to apply

Most applicants apply online. The general steps are:

• Get accepted by a DLI and receive your letter of acceptance.
• Obtain your PAL or TAL if your situation requires one, or your CAQ attestation for Quebec.
• Gather supporting documents, including your passport, proof of funds, and any required photos.
• Create an account, complete the application, pay the fees, and submit online.
• Give biometrics and, if requested, attend an interview or complete a medical exam.

If your program is taught in English, you may need to prove your language ability. Our comparison of the English test options can help you choose.

Processing and the decision

Processing times vary by country and time of year, and IRCC publishes current estimates on its website. Apply well before your program start date. If approved from outside Canada, you usually receive a letter of introduction and, depending on your nationality, a visa or an electronic travel authorization to travel. You receive your actual study permit when you arrive in Canada. Make sure your details are accurate, because errors can cause delays or a refusal.

Working while you study

A study permit can let you work in Canada without a separate work permit if you meet the conditions. If you are eligible to work off campus, you can work up to 24 hours per week while classes are in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays or a reading week. To work off campus you must be a full-time student at a DLI, have started your program, and be in a program of at least six months that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Working more hours than allowed is a violation of your permit conditions and can affect your status and future applications.

After you graduate: the PGWP

Many graduates apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), which lets you work in Canada after finishing an eligible program at an eligible DLI. Depending on your program, you may need to meet a field of study requirement, which is linked to occupations in long-term shortage and can change. According to IRCC, you do not need to meet the field of study requirement if you graduated with a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, or if you applied for your study permit before November 1, 2024. Confirm the current PGWP eligibility rules and eligible fields on the IRCC website before you rely on them.

Quick checklist

• Confirm your school is a DLI and get your letter of acceptance.
• Obtain a PAL or TAL if required, or a CAQ attestation for Quebec.
• Prepare proof of funds for tuition and living costs.
• Gather your passport and supporting documents.
• Prove your intent to leave at the end of your studies.
• Apply online, pay fees, and give biometrics.
• Check current processing times and apply early.

This article explains the process and is not immigration advice. For your specific situation, rely on the official IRCC pages below or a licensed representative.