What is a Canada Study Permit?
A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most international students need a study permit — you should apply before you travel to Canada.
- Are enrolled at a DLI for a program longer than 6 months
- Are a foreign national studying at the post-secondary level
- Want to work on or off campus during your studies
- Plan to apply for a PGWP after graduating
- Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Study in a program shorter than 6 months
- Are a registered Indian under the Indian Act
- Are a refugee claimant, protected person, or their family member
- Are in Canada under a diplomatic or consular agreement
How the Process Works
Apply and get accepted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Collect your Letter of Acceptance, PAL/TAL, proof of funds, passport, photos, and medical exam.
Submit your study permit application through your IRCC secure account before travelling to Canada.
Provide fingerprints and a photo at a biometric collection service point after submitting.
Present your Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction to the border officer upon arrival.
Meet your study permit conditions: enrol, attend class, and make progress toward completing your program.
Since January 22, 2024, most study permit applicants need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) in addition to a Letter of Acceptance. Your DLI will provide this — confirm with your school before applying.
Learn about PAL/TAL →| Study permit | $150 CAD |
| Biometrics (individual) | $85 CAD |
| Biometrics (family) | $170 CAD |
Processing times vary by country of application. Online applications are generally faster than paper. Check IRCC's website for current times by country.
Check processing times ↗Your study permit is usually valid for the length of your study program plus 90 extra days — giving you time to prepare to leave or extend your stay.
Eligibility Requirements
To get a Canadian study permit, you must meet ALL of the following requirements:
Be accepted and enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Most Canadian schools are DLIs — check the official DLI list before applying.
Details on canada.ca →Show you can pay for tuition, living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members, and return transportation for everyone.
Details on canada.ca →Obey the law and have no criminal record. A police certificate may be required depending on your situation.
Details on canada.ca →Be in good health. You may need a medical exam from an approved panel physician, especially if you plan to stay more than 6 months or have lived in certain countries.
Details on canada.ca →Prove to an immigration officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires. Show strong ties to your home country — family, property, employment, financial assets, etc.
Be admissible to Canada — no security concerns, human rights violations, or medical conditions that would make you inadmissible.
📋 Your Responsibilities as a Student
While in Canada you MUST:
- Make progress toward completing your study program
- Respect all conditions listed on your study permit
- Remain enrolled at a DLI
- Keep your contact information updated with IRCC
- Actively attend your classes
Your permit may specify:
- Whether you are allowed to work in Canada
- The specific date you must leave Canada
- The specific DLI where you must study
- Whether you need an immigration medical exam
- If you can travel in and out of Canada
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility depends on when you submit your study permit application, your DLI, and your field of study. Check PGWP requirements BEFORE submitting your study permit application — not after.
Eligibility requirements
You can come to Canada to study if you
- are enrolled at a DLI
- prove you have enough money to pay for
- your tuition fees
- living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and
- return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
- obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
- are in good health and get a medical exam (if required) and
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires
Your responsibilities as a student
While studying in Canada you must
- make progress towards completing your program
- respect any conditions listed on your study permit
- stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements
Depending on your case, there may be conditions on your study permit such as
- if you’re allowed to work in Canada
- the specific date you must leave Canada
- where you can study (a specific DLI listed on your permit)
- You need to follow our instructions if you want to change schools at the post-secondary level.
- whether you need an immigration medical examination
Post-graduation work permit
You may be able to stay and work in Canada after you graduate by getting a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). PGWP eligibility depends on several requirements, including when you submit your study permit application. If you’re interested, check the requirements before you submit your study permit application.
Check if the DLI you choose offers PGWP-eligible programs.
PGWP eligibility requirements
PGWP has 3 sets of eligibility requirements:
- general eligibility requirements,
- For example, you must complete an eligible program of study at a PGWP-eligible DLI
- eligibility requirements based on your study program
- These may include language or field of study requirements.
- eligibility requirements based on your physical location
If your level of study has a field of study requirement, you should make sure your program meets the eligibility requirement before you submit your study permit application.