Study Permit

If you're planning to study in Canada, one of the first things you'll need is a study permit. This permit allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most students applying for a study permit will also need to include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) with their application.

The study permit is a crucial document that enables you to study legally in Canada, and you’ll need to ensure that you’ve met all the requirements before you apply. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a study permit, the benefits it offers, and the steps to apply.

What Is a Study Permit?

A study permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes foreign nationals to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. It is not a travel document or visa. Depending on your nationality, you may also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, but if you apply for a study permit from outside Canada and need one of these, IRCC will issue it automatically at the same time as your study permit — there is no separate application or additional fee required.

A study permit is required for most international students who want to study in Canada in programs longer than six months. Some short-term studies do not require a permit; see the eligibility section below for details.

Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) and Territorial Attestation Letters (TAL)

Since January 2024, Canada has capped the total number of new study permits issued each year. For 2025, the national target is 437,000 new permits. As part of this system, most study permit applicants must include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) with their application. This letter is issued by the province or territory where you plan to study and confirms that there is an allocated space available for you.

Your Designated Learning Institution typically coordinates the PAL on your behalf. Without a PAL or TAL, IRCC will not process your application, unless you fall into one of the exempt categories, such as graduate-level students at certain institutions (though as of 2025 the cap also includes most graduate applicants).

Applications without a required PAL or TAL are returned unprocessed.

Benefits of Study Permit in Canada

Holding a valid Canadian study permit comes with several important entitlements.

Legal status to study: Your study permit confirms your legal authorization to study at your designated institution. You must remain enrolled at the DLI named on your permit and maintain the status conditions outlined in it.

Off-campus work rights: Eligible students can work off campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled breaks. This work experience can help offset living costs and may contribute to your immigration profile after graduation.

Potential pathway to permanent residence: Canada's immigration system recognizes Canadian study and work experience as an asset. After graduation, eligible students may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on your program length. PGWP holders often use this time to qualify for Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program stream. These pathways are not guaranteed, but Canadian-educated graduates are generally well positioned.

Family accompaniment: Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may be able to accompany you to Canada. As of January 21, 2025, spousal open work permit eligibility is limited to spouses of students in qualifying programs (see details in the section below). Dependent children may be able to study in Canada with their own authorization.

Depending on your family situation, your spouse or common-law partner may be able to accompany you to Canada. However, spousal work permit eligibility is now restricted. Since January 21, 2025, only spouses of students enrolled in qualifying programs are eligible for an open work permit. Qualifying programs currently include:

• A master's degree program of at least 16 months in duration
• A doctoral (PhD) program of any length
• Specific eligible professional degree programs, such as Medicine (MD), Dentistry (DDS/DMD), Law (LLB/JD), and select others

Spouses of students in bachelor's degree programs, most diplomas, certificates, and master's programs shorter than 16 months are not currently eligible for a spousal open work permit through the student pathway. If you are bringing family members to Canada, it is important to verify current eligibility before making plans around spousal employment.

Spouse open work permit eligibility by student program type

Who Needs a Study Permit in Canada?

Most foreign nationals who want to study in Canada for more than six months at a Designated Learning Institution require a study permit. However, certain individuals are exempt.

You do not need a study permit if:

• Your course or program lasts six months or less and you will complete it before your authorized stay in Canada expires
• You are a diplomats, foreign representative, family member of a diplomat, or member of an armed force exempted under the Visiting Forces Act
• You are a family member of a foreign worker and are registered as a full-time student at a DLI under a specific authorization

You do need a study permit if:

• Your program is longer than six months, even if you personally are only attending for a shorter period
• You want to participate in a co-op or practicum that is part of a longer program
• You are a student completing a two-year or three-year college diploma or degree

If you are already in Canada as a visitor, you may be able to apply to change your status to student. There are specific rules and limitations for this. SEP Immigration can review your situation and advise whether you are eligible.

Documents Required for a Study Permit Application

Submitting a complete application package significantly reduces the risk of delays or refusal. The following documents are typically required:

Your specific document checklist may vary based on your country of application and individual circumstances. IRCC generates a personalized checklist when you begin your application online.

Who Is Considered a Designated Learning Institution?

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You must be accepted by a DLI before you can apply for a study permit. Private career colleges, public colleges, universities, and some secondary schools can be DLIs, but not all schools qualify. IRCC maintains a searchable list of DLIs on its website.

Conditions on Your Study Permit

A study permit is not unconditional. It includes specific requirements you must follow while you are in Canada. Violating these conditions can affect your immigration status and any future Canadian immigration applications.

The main conditions are:

• Remain enrolled at your designated institution. You must maintain active enrollment at the DLI named on your permit. If you want to change schools, you must apply for a new study permit before transferring.
• Pursue studies actively. You are expected to attend classes and make reasonable academic progress in the program for which your permit was issued.
• Respect work authorization limits. If your permit authorizes off-campus work, you may work up to 20 hours per week during regular terms and full-time during scheduled breaks. Some permits restrict or prohibit employment. Check your permit conditions carefully.
• Maintain valid status. Your permit lists an expiry date. If you want to continue studying after that date, you must apply to extend it before it expires. Studying on an expired permit creates a status violation.
• Leave Canada when authorized. Your study permit does not entitle you to permanent residence or to stay in Canada indefinitely. If you do not apply for another status before your permit and any accompanying authorization expires, you must leave.

How Long Does a Study Permit Take to Process?

Processing times for study permits vary based on your country of citizenship, the completeness of your application, and IRCC's current workload. Most applicants applying from outside Canada should expect standard processing to take between 8 and 17 weeks, though some applications take longer.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was discontinued by IRCC on November 8, 2024. All applicants now use the same standard process, regardless of country of origin. This means former SDS-eligible applicants from countries such as India, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam should plan for standard processing timelines and no longer have access to priority processing.

The most reliable way to avoid delays is to submit a complete application with all required documents — including your letter of acceptance, proof of funds, and provincial or territorial attestation letter — before your intended start date. IRCC recommends applying at least four months before your program begins.

Can I Change Schools After Getting My Study Permit?

As of November 8, 2024, you can no longer change schools using the same study permit. If you want to transfer to a different Designated Learning Institution, you must apply for a new study permit. You do this by applying to extend your current permit and selecting your new school. Planning your institution carefully before applying is important, as changing your mind after approval will require a new application and additional processing time.

Canada Study Permit Fees and Financial Requirements

Applying for a study permit involves both application fees and a financial eligibility requirement.

The study permit application fee is CAD $150 per person. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) cost an additional CAD $85 per individual or CAD $170 for a family group applying together. These fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.

You may also need to pay for a medical exam (required for stays longer than six months or if you have lived in certain countries) and a police certificate, depending on your situation. These costs vary by country and service provider.

Proof of funds

To be eligible for a study permit, you must show that you have enough money to support yourself during your studies. For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, the minimum living cost requirement for applicants studying outside Quebec is CAD $22,895 per year. This amount is separate from your first year of tuition fees and your travel costs.

The living cost threshold is adjusted annually based on Statistics Canada's Low-Income Cut-Off. Always confirm the current figure on the IRCC website before you apply.

Common ways to demonstrate proof of funds include:

• Bank statements showing available savings
• A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
• A scholarship letter confirming funding amount and duration
• Proof of payment of first-year tuition and housing
• A financial support letter from a parent or sponsor, with supporting bank documentation

How to Apply for Study Permit

Applying for a study permit requires careful planning and preparation. The first step is to gather all the required documents, including your letter of acceptance from a DLI and your PAL/TAL if needed. Once you have all the necessary documents, you can submit your application online.

The process involves several steps:

1. Gather Documents: You’ll need your proof of acceptance from a DLI, a valid passport, proof of financial support, and your PAL or TAL. You may also need additional documents like a medical exam or police certificate.
2. Submit Application: Once your documents are ready, you’ll submit your application online. Make sure all fields are filled out correctly to avoid delays.
3. Biometrics and Additional Info: After submitting your application, you may be asked to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) or attend an interview at your local visa office. In some cases, you may also need to provide further documentation.
4. Wait for Approval: Processing times vary, but once your application is approved, you’ll receive a letter of introduction and, if required, a visa or eTA to enter Canada.
5. Arrival in Canada: Once you arrive in Canada, present your letter of introduction to a border services officer, who will issue your study permit. You’ll need to bring all the documents you used for your application to ensure a smooth entry.

Common Reasons for Study Permit Refusal

Study permit refusal rates have increased in recent years. According to IRCC data, the refusal rate reached approximately 58% for applications reviewed between January and August 2025. Understanding why applications are refused can help you submit a stronger file.

Common reasons for refusal include:

• Insufficient proof of funds. Applications that do not demonstrate the required living expense amount — CAD $22,895 outside Quebec as of September 2025, plus tuition and travel costs — are refused.
• Weak ties to home country. Officers must be satisfied that you intend to leave Canada when your studies end. Applicants who cannot demonstrate strong personal, professional, or financial ties to their home country face higher scrutiny.
• Missing or unverified Letter of Acceptance. IRCC now verifies all LOAs directly with DLIs. If your letter cannot be confirmed, your application may be refused.
• Missing PAL or TAL. Applications that require a PAL or TAL and do not include one are returned without processing.
• Inadequate Statement of Purpose. A vague or unconvincing explanation of your study plans and post-graduation intentions raises officer concerns.
• Medical or criminal inadmissibility. Applicants who do not meet admissibility requirements are refused regardless of the strength of the rest of their application.

An experienced RCIC can review your situation before you apply and help you identify and address weaknesses in your file.

How to Extend Your Study Permit

Your study permit is issued for a set period. If your program takes longer than expected, or you want to continue into a new program, you will need to apply to extend your study permit before the current one expires.

To maintain legal status while your extension application is being processed, you must apply before your current permit's expiry date. If you do this, you can continue studying under what is known as "maintained status" or "implied status" while IRCC processes your application.

Study permit extension applications are typically submitted online through your IRCC account. Processing times for extensions have been longer than for initial applications in recent periods. Apply early to avoid gaps in your status.

If you need assistance with your study permit application or have any questions, SEP Immigration is here to help. Our team can guide you through the process and ensure your application is completed successfully. Reach out to us today to get started on your journey to studying in Canada!