Study Permit FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Studying in Canada
Common questions about study permits, designated learning institutions, working while studying, post-graduation work permits, and transitioning to permanent residency as an international student.
Do I need a study permit to study in Canada?
You need a study permit if your program of study is longer than six months. For programs of six months or less, you do not need a study permit, but you may still need a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. A study permit is not a visa; it is a document that allows you to study in Canada. If you need a visa to enter Canada, it will be issued along with your study permit. You must obtain your study permit before you begin your studies. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you should apply as early as possible because processing times vary by country and can take several weeks to months.
What is a Designated Learning Institution?
A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You can only apply for a study permit if you have an acceptance letter from a DLI. The DLI list is maintained by IRCC and includes universities, colleges, CEGEPs (in Quebec), and some private institutions. Not all schools in Canada are DLIs, so verify that your chosen institution is on the list before applying. Each DLI has a unique number that you will need for your study permit application. The full list of DLIs is available on the IRCC website.
How do I apply for a study permit?
To apply for a study permit, you need: a letter of acceptance from a DLI, a valid passport, proof of financial support (tuition fees plus $20,635 for living expenses for 12 months, or $15,636 if in Quebec), passport-sized photographs, and an immigration medical exam (if required based on your country of residence). You may also need to provide police certificates. You apply online through the IRCC website or through a visa application centre in your country. Processing times vary significantly by country, so check the IRCC website for current estimates. Some applicants may also need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The application fee is $150 CAD.
How much money do I need to show for a study permit?
IRCC requires proof that you can financially support yourself during your studies. As of 2024, the minimum funds requirement is tuition fees for your first year plus $20,635 CAD for living expenses (for 12 months). If you are studying in Quebec, the living expenses amount is $15,636. If you are accompanied by family members, you need an additional $5,159 for a spouse and $5,159 per dependent child. Proof of funds can include bank statements, a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) from a Canadian financial institution, a scholarship or funding letter, or proof of a Canadian bank account in your name. The GIC option (approximately $20,635 deposited at a participating Canadian bank) is a popular method that also helps with settlement funds upon arrival.
Can I work while studying in Canada?
Yes, with conditions. If you have a valid study permit and are enrolled full-time at a DLI, you are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks (such as winter and summer holidays). You do not need a separate work permit for off-campus work. You can also work on-campus without hour restrictions. For co-op or internship programs that are a mandatory part of your studies, you need a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit. You need a valid SIN to work in Canada.
What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows graduates of eligible Canadian DLI programs to work in Canada after completing their studies. The length of the PGWP depends on the length of your program: programs of 8 months to less than 2 years result in a PGWP equal to the length of the program, while programs of 2 years or more result in a 3-year PGWP. You must apply within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of completing your program. Not all programs are PGWP-eligible; programs must be at a public post-secondary institution or a private institution operating under the same rules in certain provinces. Language programs and programs shorter than 8 months do not qualify.
What are the eligibility requirements for a PGWP?
To be eligible for a PGWP, you must have completed a program of study of at least 8 months at an eligible DLI, have maintained full-time student status during each academic session, and have received a transcript and official letter from your institution confirming program completion. Your study permit must have been valid at some point during your studies. As of recent policy changes, graduates must also meet language requirements (a minimum CLB 7 for university programs or CLB 5 for college programs in most fields). PGWP applications cannot be submitted from outside Canada. The PGWP fee is $255, and processing times vary.
Can I bring my spouse and children while I study?
If you are studying at a university or college in a graduate program, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit. This allows them to work full-time for any employer in Canada. For other program levels, spousal work permits may have restrictions depending on current IRCC policy, which has been evolving. Your dependent children under 18 can attend public school in Canada, though some provinces charge international tuition for children of study permit holders unless the parent also holds a work permit. Check with the specific school board in your province for current policies.
How do I choose between a university and a college in Canada?
Universities offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees with a focus on academic theory and research. Colleges offer diplomas, certificates, and applied degrees with a focus on practical, career-oriented training. For immigration purposes, graduates of both types of institutions can be eligible for PGWPs. Colleges typically have lower tuition costs and shorter programs. University degrees may carry more weight for certain Express Entry immigration programs through education credential points. The best choice depends on your career goals, budget, and immigration strategy. Programs at polytechnics (such as BCIT, SAIT, or Humber) combine practical training with strong industry connections.
How much does tuition cost for international students?
Tuition for international students in Canada varies significantly by institution and program. According to Statistics Canada data, the average undergraduate tuition for international students is approximately $38,000 to $45,000 per year. Graduate programs range from $20,000 to $55,000 per year depending on the field. Some professional programs (MBA, law, medicine) can exceed $60,000 per year. College diploma programs are typically less expensive, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 per year. Quebec CEGEPs offer some of the lowest tuition rates. Tuition varies widely by province and institution, so research specific programs for accurate costs.
What health insurance do international students get?
Health insurance coverage for international students varies by province. In British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, international students with valid study permits can enroll in the provincial health insurance plan. In Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland, international students are generally not eligible for provincial health insurance and must obtain private health insurance. Most DLIs in these provinces include mandatory health insurance in their fees or require proof of private coverage. University Health Insurance Plans (UHIP) or similar institutional plans typically cost $600 to $1,200 per year and cover basic medical services, hospital stays, and some prescription drugs.
How can studying in Canada lead to permanent residency?
Canada has several pathways from student to permanent resident. The most common route is: complete an eligible program, obtain a PGWP, work in Canada for one year in a skilled occupation, then apply through Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class) or a Provincial Nominee Program. Canadian education and work experience significantly boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Express Entry. A three-year bachelor's degree earns points for education, Canadian work experience earns additional points, and strong English or French language skills further increase your score. Many Provincial Nominee Programs have dedicated streams for graduates of provincial institutions. Planning your immigration pathway from the beginning of your studies is strongly recommended.
What is the Student Direct Stream?
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an expedited study permit processing program for legal residents of certain countries including India, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Vietnam, and several others. SDS applicants can receive faster processing (typically 20 calendar days) if they meet specific requirements: an acceptance letter from a DLI, proof of a GIC of $20,635 from a participating Canadian financial institution, payment of first year's tuition, recent language test results meeting minimum requirements, and up-to-date medical exam results. SDS is not a different type of permit; it is simply a faster processing stream for applicants who meet all requirements upfront.
Can I change my program or school while in Canada?
Yes, you can change your DLI or program while in Canada, but you must update your study permit. If you change schools, you must inform IRCC and update your DLI information. If your new program changes your study level (for example, from college to university), you may need to apply for a new study permit. You should ensure your new institution is also a DLI and that the program is eligible for the immigration outcomes you are seeking (such as PGWP eligibility). It is important to maintain valid student status throughout any transitions to avoid gaps that could affect your immigration applications.
What happens if my study permit is refused?
If your study permit application is refused, the refusal letter will explain the reasons. Common reasons include insufficient proof of funds, unclear study plan, ties to home country deemed insufficient, incomplete documentation, or concerns about the applicant's intent to leave Canada after studies. You can reapply with a stronger application addressing the refusal reasons. There is no limit on how many times you can apply, but each application requires a new fee and should meaningfully address previous concerns. You can also request a review of your application decision or, in some cases, apply for judicial review through the Federal Court. Consulting a regulated immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer can help strengthen a reapplication.
What are the language requirements for a study permit?
There is no mandatory language test score required to obtain a study permit itself, but most DLIs have their own language requirements for admission. Common accepted tests include IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test. Minimum scores vary by institution and program level. For the Student Direct Stream, IRCC requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each band. For French-language programs, TEF or TCF test results are typically required. Strong language scores strengthen your study permit application by demonstrating you can succeed academically. If your first language is neither English nor French, investing in language preparation before applying is recommended.
Can I study in French in Canada?
Yes, Canada has numerous French-language institutions across the country, not only in Quebec. The University of Ottawa, Laurentian University (Ontario), and Universite de Saint-Boniface (Manitoba) offer programs in French outside Quebec. In Quebec, institutions such as Universite de Montreal, Universite Laval, and the CEGEP system offer a wide range of programs. Studying in French can provide additional immigration advantages, including bonus CRS points for French proficiency in Express Entry and access to French-language-specific immigration streams. Quebec has its own immigration system and requires a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) in addition to the federal study permit.
What should I do when I arrive in Canada as a student?
Upon arrival, present your passport, study permit approval letter, acceptance letter from your DLI, and proof of funds to the border services officer, who will issue your study permit. Within your first few weeks, apply for a SIN at Service Canada if you plan to work, open a Canadian bank account, register for provincial health insurance (if eligible in your province), attend your institution's international student orientation, and find housing if you have not arranged it. Register with your institution's international student office, as they provide essential support services. Set up a Canadian phone plan and familiarize yourself with your campus and city.
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