IRCC approves study permits when you can show: 1. Enrolment — an acceptance letter from a designated DLI. 2. Intent — that you will leave Canada when your permit expires (ties to your home country help). 3. No criminal record — you are not inadmissible under Canada's immigration rules. 4. No public health risk — a medical exam may be required depending on your country and program. 5. Financial ability — you can cover your tuition, living costs, and return travel.

1. Receive your acceptance letter from a DLI. 2. Obtain your PAL/TAL from the province (unless exempt). 3. Gather financial documents and all required paperwork. 4. Apply online through the IRCC portal — paper applications are rarely accepted. 5. Provide biometrics if required (most applicants). 6. Wait for processing — times vary by country; check IRCC's processing time tool for current estimates.

Study Permit: Who Can Apply & How

Q: Who needs a study permit?

You need a study permit if you are: - Studying at a DLI in a program longer than six months, or - Studying at an elementary or secondary school, or a private school in Quebec. You do not need a study permit for programs six months or under (but you cannot extend your stay without one). Citizens of some countries may also need a visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada.

Q: What documents do you need?

Core documents for most applicants: | Document | Notes | |---|---| | Acceptance letter from your DLI | Must name the specific program | | Provincial Attestation Letter | Required unless you are PAL-exempt (e.g. master's/doctoral at public DLI) | | Valid passport | Must cover your intended study period | | Proof of financial means | CAD $22,895 + tuition + travel; bank statements, scholarship letters, GIC, etc. | | Photos | Per IRCC specifications | | Visa (if required) | Depends on your country of citizenship | | Medical exam results | If required for your cou

Last verified: June 28, 2026 · Official source: canada.ca/study-permit

General information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.

A study permit lets you study at a DLI in Canada for longer than six months. If your program is six months or shorter, you may not need one — but getting a permit anyway protects your ability to extend your stay.

Who needs a study permit?

You need a study permit if you are:

Studying at a DLI in a program longer than six months, or
Studying at an elementary or secondary school, or a private school in Quebec.

You do not need a study permit for programs six months or under (but you cannot extend your stay without one). Citizens of some countries may also need a visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada.

The 2026 change: PAL / TAL required for most applicants

Since January 1, 2024, most study permit applicants must first obtain a PAL (or a TAL in Quebec) before IRCC will process their application.

Exception from January 1, 2026: master's and doctoral students enrolled at a public DLI are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement.

→ See the full guide: PAL, TAL & the 2026 International Student Cap

Am I eligible?

IRCC approves study permits when you can show:

Enrolment — an acceptance letter from a designated DLI.
Intent — that you will leave Canada when your permit expires (ties to your home country help).
No criminal record — you are not inadmissible under Canada's immigration rules.
No public health risk — a medical exam may be required depending on your country and program.
Financial ability — you can cover your tuition, living costs, and return travel.

How much money do you need to prove? (Proof of funds)

Outside Quebec, for a single applicant, you must show:

CAD $22,895 in living costs (as of 2026), plus
Your first year's tuition, plus
Travel funds (cost of a return ticket).

⚠️ The $22,895 figure is updated periodically. Always confirm the current amount on canada.ca at application time. Per-family-size amounts differ — see the Proof of Funds guide for the full table.

What documents do you need?

Core documents for most applicants:

Document	Notes
Acceptance letter from your DLI	Must name the specific program
PAL	Required unless you are PAL-exempt (e.g. master's/doctoral at public DLI)
Valid passport	Must cover your intended study period
Proof of financial means	CAD $22,895 + tuition + travel; bank statements, scholarship letters, GIC, etc.
Photos	Per IRCC specifications
Visa (if required)	Depends on your country of citizenship
Medical exam results	If required for your country/program

Important: document requirements vary by country, program, and individual circumstance. Always confirm the complete list for your situation on IRCC's official checklist.

How do you apply?

Receive your acceptance letter from a DLI.
Obtain your PAL/TAL from the province (unless exempt).
Gather financial documents and all required paperwork.
Apply online through the IRCC portal — paper applications are rarely accepted.
Provide biometrics if required (most applicants).
Wait for processing — times vary by country; check IRCC's processing time tool for current estimates.

What study permit gives you

A study permit allows you to:

Study full-time at your authorized DLI.
Work up to 20 hours/week off campus during regular academic sessions (full-time during scheduled breaks) if your permit allows it. → Working While You Study
Potentially apply for a PGWP after graduation (if you choose a PGWP-eligible school and program).

The bigger picture: where does this lead?

Your study permit is the first step on the Study → PR pathway. Choosing the right DLI and program now protects your PGWP eligibility later — which protects your path to Canadian work experience and ultimately permanent residence.

→ Study → PR: The Full Pathway Map