Study In Canada

How To Apply For A
Canadian Study Permit

A study permit is an official document issued by IRCC that allows international students to study at approved Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

Overview

To begin the process, a student must first receive a Letter of Acceptance from a DLI, such as a university or college. After receiving this letter, the student must also obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).

A person applying for a Canadian study permit can include their family members in the application so they can travel to Canada together. A spouse may get an open work permit, and children can study in primary or secondary schools.

Most international students need a study permit. However, a permit is not required if the course is six months or less.

Basic Conditions

  • Obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI.
  • Obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
  • Show proof of enough money to pay tuition & living expenses.
  • Get a CAQ if planning to study in Quebec.
  • Provide a police clearance & medical exam if required.
  • Show proof you will leave Canada after your stay.

Financial Support Requirements

Applicants must show they have enough money to support themselves and their family members during their stay in Canada.

All Provinces Except Quebec

Single studentTuition + $20,635 CAD/yr
1 accompanying memberTuition + $25,690 CAD
2 accompanying membersTuition + $31,583 CAD
3 accompanying membersTuition + $38,346 CAD
4 accompanying membersTuition + $43,492 CAD
5 accompanying membersTuition + $49,051 CAD
6 accompanying membersTuition + $54,611 CAD

Studying In Quebec

Funds required in addition to tuition

1 accompanying member under 18$7,541
1 accompanying member 18 or older$15,078
2 accompanying members 18 or older$22,115
2 members >18 & 1 member <18$24,773
2 members >18 & 2 members <18$26,737

Accepted Forms of Financial Proof

Canadian bank statementsGIC ($20,635 CAD)Educational loan proofPast 4 months bank statementsBank draftProof of tuition paidLetter from sponsorScholarship funding

After Approval

If approved, you will receive a Letter of Introduction (LOI), an eTA or TRV (if required). The actual permit is issued at the border.

Students do not need to apply separately for a TRV; it is issued along with the permit approval.

Extending a Permit

If moving between post-secondary programs (e.g. Bachelor's to Master's), no new permit is needed, but IRCC must be informed.

Moving between education levels (high school to college) requires applying to change conditions.

After Graduation

A permit becomes invalid 90 days after completing a program. Graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

PGWP experience helps in applying for permanent residence through CEC or PNPs.

Student Direct Stream (SDS) Update

The SDS program is no longer available. It officially closed on November 8, 2024. All new study permit applications must now follow the standard process. SDS applications were usually processed within 20 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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