Temporary Residence
Study Permit
The authorization required to study at a Designated Learning Institution in Canada.
Overview
A study permit is the document that authorizes a foreign national to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada for programs longer than six months.
An offer of admission from a DLI is the starting point — the study permit application is built around that offer, your ability to support yourself financially, and your overall profile as a temporary resident. Your funds need to cover tuition, living expenses and return transportation for you and any family members who come with you.
Most applicants also need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL), reflecting the annual cap on international students. Some groups are exempt, such as master's and doctoral students at public DLIs, and students heading to Quebec need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead.
Who may consider this: Prospective international students accepted into a program at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Eligibility Considerations
- A letter of acceptance from a recognized Designated Learning Institution
- Proof of funds for tuition, living expenses and return transportation
- A Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter, where currently required
- No criminal or medical inadmissibility concerns
- A credible explanation of your study plan and how it fits your background
- Willingness to leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay, consistent with program rules
How It Works
Initial Assessment
We review your acceptance letter, academic background, and finances to map out what the application needs.
Attestation Letter Check
We confirm whether you need a PAL/TAL or qualify for an exemption, and coordinate with you on obtaining it.
Financial Documentation
You assemble proof of funds; we check it meets the amount and format IRCC expects.
Application Preparation
We prepare the forms and a study plan letter that ties your program choice to your goals.
Biometrics & Submission
Biometrics are completed where required, and the full application is submitted.
Government Processing
IRCC reviews the application; timelines vary by country of application and time of year.
Study Permit Issuance
Once approved, you receive your port of entry letter and, where applicable, your visa.
Arrival in Canada
We go over what to expect at the border and how your study permit is activated on arrival.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Letter of acceptance from a DLI
- Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter, where required (or a CAQ for Quebec)
- Proof of funds (tuition, living costs, return travel), including proof of any tuition already paid
- Valid passport and photos
- Academic transcripts and credentials, plus language test results if your program requires them
- Statement of purpose or study plan
- Medical exam results or a police certificate, where required
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- Proof of funds that falls short, or large deposits with no clear explanation of where the money came from
- A study plan that doesn't clearly connect past education to the chosen program
- Applying with documents missing, or without confirming whether a PAL/TAL is required
- Gaps in education or employment, or earlier refusals, left unexplained
- Assuming every program leads to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
How We Help
- Review your acceptance letter and confirm program and DLI eligibility
- Confirm whether a PAL/TAL applies to your situation
- Help structure financial evidence to meet IRCC's expectations
- Draft a study plan that presents your academic path clearly
- Monitor the application and handle follow-up requests
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while studying on a study permit?+
Many study permit holders can work on or off campus within program rules, but hours and eligibility depend on current regulations and your specific permit conditions.
Can my spouse or children come with me?+
In many cases a spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can apply for their own permits, but eligibility depends on your program and current rules — we assess this case by case.
Will I automatically qualify for a work permit after graduation?+
Not automatically. Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility depends on your program, institution, and current PGWP rules in effect when you apply.
What if I don't meet the funds requirement?+
There may be other ways to demonstrate financial support, such as a sponsor or scholarship, but this needs to be assessed against current requirements.
Do I need a letter of acceptance before I apply?+
Yes. You need a letter of acceptance from a DLI first, and IRCC asks the school to confirm it's valid. Apply as early as possible once you have it, since processing times vary and some documents (like a PAL) take time to obtain.
Do I need a PAL or TAL?+
Most applicants do. There are exemptions — for example, primary and secondary school students, master's and doctoral students at public DLIs, and some people extending their permit at the same school and level. Students going to Quebec need a CAQ instead. We confirm your situation before you apply.
Can I reapply after a refusal?+
In most cases, yes. Reapplying with the same information is unlikely to change the result, so we review the refusal reasons, and the officer's notes where useful, and address them directly. A refusal involving misrepresentation is different and needs careful advice first.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.