A Canadian study permit allows international students to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. The application fee is CAN$150.
A study permit is not the same as a travel visa. Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada.
You may be eligible to work part-time with a Canadian study permit, usually up to 24 hours a week.
If you hope to work in Canada after graduating, you may be able to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). However, graduating from a DLI does not automatically mean that you or your program are eligible for a PGWP. Check the current eligibility requirements before choosing a program and again before applying for a PGWP.
Canadian study permit process
- Get an admission letter from a designated learning institution (DLI): You need a letter of acceptance from a DLI before you can apply for a Canadian study permit. If you hope to apply for a PGWP after graduating, check the specific program's PGWP eligibility before enrolling.
- Get a PAL, TAL or Quebec CAQ if required: Most study permit applicants need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study. If you're studying in Quebec, you'll generally need to follow the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) process instead. Some students are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement, including eligible master's and doctoral students studying at public DLIs from 1 January 2026.
- Apply for your study permit: Most students apply for the permit online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Follow the instructions for the country you're applying from and complete your application carefully.
- Pay your application fee: Pay the study permit application fee and keep a copy of your payment receipt. You may also need to pay additional fees if you're required to provide biometrics.
- Complete any additional requirements: Depending on your circumstances, IRCC may ask you to provide biometrics, complete a medical examination, provide a police certificate or submit additional information. These requirements don't apply to every applicant, so follow your personalized document checklist and country-specific instructions.
- Wait for a decision: Once you've submitted your application and completed any additional requirements, IRCC will process your application. Processing times vary, so apply as early as possible once you have the documents you need.
Canada's Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express are no longer available. New applications are processed through the regular study permit process.
Canadian visas and permits for student dependents
Your spouse, common-law partner or children may be able to accompany you to Canada, but the immigration documents they need will depend on their circumstances.
Some spouses or common-law partners of international students may be eligible for an open work permit. However, this isn't available to every student's partner.
Eligibility depends on the student's program. It currently applies mainly to spouses or common-law partners of students in certain programs, including eligible master's programs of at least 16 months, doctoral programs, specified professional degrees and some other eligible programs.
Check the current IRCC eligibility requirements before applying rather than assuming your spouse or partner will qualify for an open work permit.
Children accompanying you may also need their own immigration documents depending on their age, whether they'll study in Canada and their individual circumstances.
Canada study permit requirements
You'll need to get certain documents ready for your study permit application. An important factor in deciding whether your study permit is granted is your finances. The Canadian government must be able to see that you can financially support yourself throughout your studies, whether through savings or a sponsor such as a parent.
For study permit applications made on or after 1 September 2025, a single applicant studying outside Quebec must show at least CAN$22,895 for their first year of living expenses.
This amount:
- Is for one person
- Does not include tuition fees
- Does not include transportation costs
- Increases if family members are accompanying you
Financial requirements are updated periodically, and Quebec has separate requirements. Check the current IRCC proof-of-funds guidance before submitting your application.
Generally, you may need the following to apply for a Canadian study permit:
- An admission letter from a DLI
- A PAL or TAL, if required
- A Quebec Acceptance Certificate, if required
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof that you can financially support yourself throughout your studies
- Passport-style photographs, if required
- Other documents listed on your personalized IRCC checklist
You may also need to provide biometrics, complete a medical examination and/or provide a police certificate if required by IRCC.
Always follow your personalized document checklist and the instructions for the country where you're applying.
How long does the study permit process take?
Canadian study permit processing times vary depending on factors such as:
- Where you're applying from
- The type of application
- Whether your application is complete
- Whether IRCC needs additional information
- Your individual circumstances
There is no guaranteed maximum processing time.
Use IRCC's current processing-time checker for the latest estimate and apply as early as possible once you have all the required documents.
What if your Canada study permit is declined?
If IRCC refuses your study permit application, you'll receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons for the decision.
Common issues can include:
- Insufficient evidence that you can support yourself financially
- Problems with your letter of acceptance or supporting documents
- Missing or inconsistent information
- Concerns about the purpose of your studies
- Concerns about whether you'll leave Canada when your authorized stay ends
- Failure to meet other study permit requirements
Read the refusal letter carefully before deciding what to do next.
You can submit a new study permit application, but you should first address the reasons your previous application was refused. This may mean providing new documents, stronger evidence or clearer information.
There is no general formal appeal process for a temporary-residence refusal.
If you believe there may have been an error of law or a problem with procedural fairness, it may be possible to apply for leave and judicial review in the Federal Court of Canada. Judicial review is a legal process rather than a standard visa appeal, so consider getting professional legal advice if you think this may apply to your situation.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
A Post-Graduation Work Permit can allow eligible international graduates to work in Canada after completing their studies.
However, graduating from a designated learning institution doesn't automatically make you eligible for a PGWP.
Eligibility can depend on factors including:
- The institution you attended
- Your specific program
- The length of your program
- Where and how you studied
- Whether you meet the current language requirements
- Your field of study, where this requirement applies
For some non-degree programs, your field of study must be on an eligible list.
Degree graduates are currently exempt from the PGWP field-of-study requirement, but other eligibility rules still apply.
You'll generally need to apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation that you completed your program.
PGWP rules can change, so check the current IRCC requirements before enrolling in a program and again before applying after graduation.
A PGWP may help you gain Canadian work experience, but it doesn't guarantee permanent residence. Permanent residence routes such as Express Entry and provincial immigration programs have separate requirements, so check current immigration pathways and plan early if you hope to remain in Canada after graduation.
Get official Canada study permit guidance
Canadian immigration rules and financial requirements can change.
For the latest information, check Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada guidance on:
- Study permits
- PAL and TAL requirements
- Quebec study requirements
- Proof of financial support
- Processing times
- Family work permits
- Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility
- Refusals and next steps
Last reviewed: 19th August 2026