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Study Permit
Study Permit
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Canada Study Permit – Complete Guide for International Students
Canada remains one of the world’s most preferred destinations for international education, attracting students for its globally ranked universities, multicultural environment, post-study work opportunities, and clear pathways to permanent residence. To study in Canada for more than six months, international students must obtain a Canada Study Permit, which allows them to live and study in the country for the duration of their academic program.
A Canadian study permit is a temporary resident document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It specifies the designated learning institution (DLI), level of study, and duration of authorization. While it is not a visa on its own, most students also receive a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an eTA alongside the study permit to enter Canada.
What Is a Canada Study Permit?
A Canada Study Permit authorizes foreign nationals to pursue full-time or part-time studies at approved Canadian institutions. It is issued only after an applicant demonstrates genuine study intent, financial capacity, admissibility, and acceptance by a recognize educational institution.
Study permits are usually issued for the length of the academic program plus an additional buffer period to allow students to prepare for departure, further studies, or post-graduation work permit applications.
Key Eligibility Requirements for a Canada Study Permit
To qualify for a Canadian study permit, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- Hold a valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Prove they have sufficient financial resources to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel
- Demonstrate genuine temporary resident intent, showing plans to leave Canada after studies or transition legally
- Have no serious criminal record and provide police clearance if requested
- Be in good health and complete a medical exam if required
- Satisfy the visa officer that the study plan is logical and career-aligned
Failure to meet any of these criteria can result in refusal.
Financial Requirements – Updated Proof of Funds Rules
Canada has significantly increased financial requirements for international students to better reflect real living costs. Applicants must now show funds for:
- First-year tuition fees
- Living expenses (updated threshold significantly higher than previous years)
- Travel costs
Proof of funds may include bank statements, education loans, guaranteed investment certificates (GICs), scholarship letters, or sponsor affidavits, where applicable.
Canada Study Permit Application Process – Step by Step
- Secure admission from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI):
The first and most important step is obtaining a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian institution approved to host international students. Without a valid LOA, a study permit application cannot proceed.
- Arrange mandatory provincial or territorial approval (PAL/TAL):
Most applicants must now obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) confirming that their study permit application falls within the national intake cap allocated to each province or territory.
- Prepare required supporting documents carefully:
Applicants must compile documents such as proof of sufficient funds, tuition payment evidence, academic transcripts, a clear study plan or statement of purpose, language test results (if required), passport, and other identity documents.
- Submit the study permit application:
Applications are generally submitted online through the IRCC portal. In some countries, submission may also involve a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for biometrics and document verification.
- Provide bio-metrics and medical examination (if applicable):
Most applicants must give bio-metrics (fingerprints and photograph). A medical examination may be required either before submission or after IRCC requests it, depending on the applicant’s country and program.
- Wait for IRCC review and decision:
Immigration officers assess the application for eligibility, study intent, financial capacity, and compliance with Canada’s immigration rules.
- Receive Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction:
If approved, IRCC issues a POE Letter. This is not the study permit itself but authorises the student to receive the study permit upon arrival in Canada.
- Enter Canada and receive the study permit:
The actual study permit is issued by a border services officer when the student arrives in Canada and presents the POE letter, passport, and supporting documents.
New Study Permit Policies and IR-CC Updates (Up to December 2025)
- Introduction of a national study permit intake cap:
Canada has implemented a country-wide cap on new study permits to manage housing pressure, system integrity, and student outcomes. Provinces and territories receive annual allocations that limit the number of international students they can approve.
- Mandatory Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL):
Most study permit applicants must now submit a PAL or TAL issued by the province or territory where they intend to study. This letter confirms that the student’s application fits within the allocated permit quota. Certain applicants, such as doctoral students, some master’s students, and minor school students, may be exempt.
- Stricter eligibility for spousal open work permits:
Spouses or common-law partners of international students are no longer automatically eligible for open work permits. Eligibility is now largely limited to spouses of students enrolled in master’s programs, doctoral programs, or select professional degree programs.
- Major changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility:
Graduates from public-private partnership institutions are no longer eligible for PGWP. Additionally, many college-level graduates must now complete programs aligned with long-term labour shortage occupations to qualify.
- End of pandemic-era online study concessions:
Temporary measures that allowed online studies completed outside Canada to count toward PGWP eligibility have ended. Students must now complete the majority of their program inside Canada to remain eligible.
- Closure of visitor-to-study permit conversions inside Canada:
The temporary policy allowing visitors to apply for a study permit from within Canada has ended. Most applicants must now apply from outside Canada, with only limited, clearly defined exceptions.
- Increased scrutiny of financial proof and study intent:
IRCC has strengthened assessment standards for proof of funds and genuine student intent to reduce misuse of the study permit system.
Student Direct Stream (SDS) – Current Status
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was designed to offer faster processing for applicants from select countries. However, SDS has undergone restrictions and pauses, and eligibility varies by region. Applicants should not rely solely on SDS timelines and must ensure complete documentation, especially financial proof and language scores. Regular study permit processing remains available worldwide.
Canada Study Permit Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence, application volume, and time of year. On average, study permit applications may take several weeks to a few months. Delays often occur during peak intake seasons, incomplete documentation, or when additional verification is required.
What If a Study Permit Application Is Refused?
Study permit refusals can occur for several reasons, including insufficient proof of funds, a weak study plan, lack of ties to the home country, unclear academic progression, or doubts about temporary intent. Applicants are encouraged to review refusal notes carefully and address deficiencies before reapplying. Many students succeed after reapplying with a stronger study plan and clearer financial documentation.
Working While Studying in Canada
International students with a valid study permit may work part-time during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, provided they meet eligibility conditions. Work experience gained during studies can be valuable for future immigration pathways, although it does not count toward all permanent residence programs.
From Study Permit to Permanent Residence
Studying in Canada can be a strong foundation for permanent residence. Many graduates apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to gain Canadian work experience. This experience can later support applications under Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Programs, or other economic immigration streams. However, transitioning from a study permit to permanent residence is not automatic. Strategic planning is essential, particularly in light of recent policy tightening.
Study Permit Fees
Applicants must pay:
- Study permit application fee
- Bio-metrics fee (if applicable)
- Additional costs for medical exams, police certificates, translations, and credential assessments
Fees are non-refundable once processing begins.
Important Tips for a Successful Study Permit Application
Applicants should ensure their study plan clearly explains why the chosen program makes sense academically and professionally. Financial documentation must be transparent and verifiable. Academic progression should be logical, especially for applicants changing fields or levels of study. Given the increased scrutiny of international student applications, accuracy and consistency are critical across all documents.
Why Choose Canada Immigration Global for Your Study Permit?
Canada Immigration Global helps students navigate the increasingly complex Canadian study permit system by offering:
- Program and institution selection guidance
- Study plan and SOP drafting
- Financial documentation review
- End-to-end study permit application support
- Guidance on post-study work and PR pathways
Start Your Canada Study Journey with Confidence
With evolving regulations, intake caps, and stricter eligibility rules, applying for a Canada Study Permit now requires careful planning and accurate execution. A well-prepared application improves approval chances and sets the foundation for future opportunities in Canada. Speak with a qualified immigration advisor to plan your study permit application correctly and stay aligned with Canada’s latest immigration policies.