Study Permit Guide: How to Apply to Study in Canada

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students worldwide. With world-class universities, a multicultural society, post-graduation work opportunities, and pathways to permanent residence, studying in Canada can be the first step toward building a long-term future in the country.

However, the study permit application process has specific requirements that must be met precisely. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.

What Is a Study Permit?

A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes a foreign national to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. It is not a visa -- it is an authorization to study. You may also need a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, depending on your country of citizenship.

Important: You need a study permit for programs longer than 6 months. Short courses, conferences, or programs of 6 months or less generally do not require a study permit.

For official information, visit the IRCC study permit page.

Before You Apply: Key Requirements

1. Acceptance at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

You must have a letter of acceptance from a school that appears on the DLI list. Not every school in Canada is a DLI. Only institutions designated by provincial or territorial governments can host international students.

What to check:

• Confirm your school is on the DLI list before paying tuition or applying for a permit
• The acceptance letter must include your full name, program name, program duration, start date, and the DLI number
• Some provinces require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) in addition to the acceptance letter

2. Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

Starting in 2024, most provinces require international students to obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter before applying for a study permit. The PAL confirms that the province has allocated a spot for you within its annual cap on international student permits.

How it works:

• Your DLI applies for the PAL on your behalf (in most provinces)
• The process and timeline vary by province
• Some programs are exempt from the PAL requirement (graduate programs, K-12 students)
• Check with your institution about PAL requirements

3. Financial Proof

You must prove you can support yourself financially during your studies. IRCC requires evidence of:

• Tuition: Full tuition for your first year (amount specified in your acceptance letter)
• Living expenses: Approximately $20,635 CAD per year (for outside Quebec; amounts are updated regularly by IRCC). Quebec has its own financial requirements.
• Return transportation: Proof you can afford to return home

Acceptable forms of financial proof:

• Bank statements (from the past 4 months showing sufficient funds)
• A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
• Proof of a Canadian scholarship or funding
• A letter from the person or institution providing funds
• Proof of a student loan from your home country

4. Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)

A GIC is one of the most commonly used methods to prove financial capacity. It is a financial product offered by participating Canadian banks where you deposit a set amount (currently approximately $20,635 CAD), and the funds are released to you in monthly instalments after you arrive in Canada.

Benefits of a GIC:

• Accepted as strong proof of funds by IRCC
• May speed up your application processing under the Student Direct Stream (SDS)
• Ensures you have money available upon arrival
• Earns a small amount of interest

Where to get a GIC:

• Scotiabank
• CIBC
• BMO
• RBC
• Other participating financial institutions

5. Language Proficiency

While not always required for the study permit itself, your school will almost certainly require proof of English or French proficiency:

• English: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test (accepted by some institutions)
• French: TEF, TCF, DALF

Minimum scores vary by program. Research your institution's specific requirements.

6. Medical Exam

You may need an immigration medical exam if:

• You plan to study for more than 6 months
• You have recently lived in or travelled to certain countries
• You plan to work in healthcare, childcare, or agriculture

The medical exam must be done by a panel physician designated by IRCC. Schedule this early as appointments can have long wait times.

7. Police Clearance Certificate

Depending on your country of citizenship or residence, you may need to provide a police clearance certificate proving you have no criminal record. Check the IRCC country-specific requirements.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS)

The Student Direct Stream is a faster processing option for students from certain countries. If you are from an eligible country and meet additional requirements, your study permit may be processed more quickly.

Eligible countries (check the IRCC website for the current list) have historically included: India, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Senegal, Morocco, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, and others.

Additional SDS requirements:

• A GIC of the required amount
• First year tuition paid in full
• Language test results meeting SDS minimums (e.g., IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 6.0)
• Most recent secondary or post-secondary transcript
• Up-front medical exam

Processing time: The SDS target has historically been significantly faster than the regular stream, though times vary.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Step 1: Get Accepted to a DLI

Apply to your chosen Canadian institution and receive your letter of acceptance. Ensure the school is on the DLI list.

Step 2: Obtain a PAL (If Required)

Work with your institution to obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter if your province requires one.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Prepare all required documents:

• Valid passport (valid for the duration of your studies)
• Letter of acceptance from a DLI
• Provincial Attestation Letter (if required)
• Proof of financial support (GIC, bank statements, scholarship letters)
• Passport-sized photos meeting IRCC specifications
• Immigration medical exam results (if applicable)
• Police clearance certificates (if applicable)
• Language test scores
• Statement of purpose or study plan (if required)
• Proof of ties to your home country (property, family, employment to return to)

Step 4: Create Your IRCC Online Account

Go to the IRCC online portal and create an account. You can use either:

• GCKey: A government-issued username and password
• Sign-in partner: Use your online banking credentials from a participating Canadian bank

Step 5: Complete the Application Form

Fill out the study permit application form online. Key sections include:

• Personal details
• Travel history
• Education and employment history
• Family information
• Program and institution details
• Financial information

Be truthful and thorough. Inconsistencies or omissions can lead to refusal.

Step 6: Pay the Fees

As of 2026, fees include:

• Study permit processing fee: $150 CAD
• Biometrics fee: $85 CAD (if required)

Check the IRCC fee schedule for current amounts.

Step 7: Provide Biometrics

If required, you will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter after submitting your application. You must provide your fingerprints and photograph at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) within 30 days.

Step 8: Wait for a Decision

Processing times vary by country and application method. You can check current times on the IRCC processing times page.

During processing, IRCC may request:

• Additional documents
• An interview at the visa office
• Additional background checks

Step 9: Receive Your Decision

If approved:

• You will receive a letter of introduction (if you need a visa) and/or the approval letter
• Your actual study permit is issued at the port of entry when you arrive in Canada
• If you need a visitor visa, it will be placed in your passport

If refused:

• IRCC will provide reasons for the refusal
• You can address the issues and reapply
• Consider consulting an immigration lawyer or consultant for help with a new application

Arriving in Canada

When you arrive at the Canadian border, present:

• Your passport
• Letter of introduction / approval letter
• Letter of acceptance from your DLI
• Proof of finances
• Any other documents requested in your approval

The border officer will issue your study permit. Check it carefully for accuracy (name, DLI, program, dates, work conditions).

Study Permit Conditions

Your study permit comes with conditions. You must:

• Remain enrolled and actively pursuing your studies at your DLI
• Make reasonable progress toward completing your program
• Respect the conditions listed on your permit
• Report any changes to IRCC (change of school, program, address)
• Leave Canada when your permit expires unless you have applied for an extension or a new status

Changing Schools or Programs

If you want to change your DLI or program, you generally need to:

1. Obtain a new letter of acceptance from the new DLI
2. Update your information through your IRCC online account
3. In some cases, apply for a new study permit

Extending Your Study Permit

If your program takes longer than expected, you can apply to extend your study permit. Apply at least 30 days before your current permit expires. Extensions are applied for online through your IRCC account.

Working While Studying

International students in Canada can work under certain conditions:

• On-campus: No additional work permit needed
• Off-campus: Students at eligible DLIs can work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions (rules have been updated -- check current IRCC policies) and full-time during scheduled breaks
• Co-op or internship: Requires a co-op work permit if the work placement is a mandatory part of your program

For a detailed guide on working while studying, see our working while studying article.

Costs Overview

| Item | Approximate Cost (CAD) | |------|----------------------| | Study permit application | $150 | | Biometrics | $85 | | Medical exam | $200 - $450 | | GIC deposit | ~$20,635 | | Tuition (per year) | $7,000 - $55,000+ | | Living expenses (per year) | $15,000 - $25,000 |

Your Study Permit Action Plan

1. Research programs and DLIs using our choosing a school guide
2. Apply to your chosen institution and receive your letter of acceptance
3. Obtain a PAL if required by your province
4. Purchase a GIC or prepare other financial proof
5. Book your medical exam with a panel physician
6. Obtain police clearance certificates if required
7. Create your IRCC account and complete the application
8. Provide biometrics within 30 days of receiving the instruction letter
9. Wait for processing and respond promptly to any requests from IRCC
10. Prepare for arrival: Book flights, arrange housing, and plan your first days in Canada

Studying in Canada is a significant investment of time and money, but it opens doors to excellent education, Canadian work experience through the PGWP, and ultimately a pathway to permanent residence. Taking the time to prepare a thorough, accurate study permit application is the essential first step.