Canada Study Permit 2026: Requirements, Documents, Costs and Application Process
A letter of acceptance from a Canadian university is an achievement worth celebrating. But that letter alone does not give you permission to study in Canada. A Canada study permit is the official document issued by IRCC that authorizes a foreign national to study at a designated learning institution, and most international students need one before they arrive. Visaline is with you on your immigration journey, from dream to reality, helping you prepare a complete and credible application without promising a specific outcome.
Table of Contents
- What is a Canada study permit?
- Study permit eligibility requirements
- Documents required for a study permit
- Step-by-step application process
- Costs and fees in 2026
- Processing time
- Working while holding a study permit
- Conditions of your study permit
- Study permit vs other immigration pathways
- Frequently asked questions
- Conclusion
What Is a Canada Study Permit?
A study permit is a written authorization issued by an immigration officer that allows a foreign national to study at a designated learning institution in Canada. It is not the same as a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization, though those documents may also be required depending on your nationality.
Most foreign nationals need a study permit if their program lasts longer than six months. For programs shorter than six months, a study permit may not be required, but obtaining one can still be beneficial if you plan to continue studying or apply for a work permit later.
A study permit becomes invalid 90 days after your program is completed, or on the day you are no longer enrolled at the DLI named on the permit.
Canada Study Permit Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a study permit, you generally need to meet the following conditions:
- Be accepted into and enrolled at a designated learning institution
- Provide a provincial or territorial attestation letter from the province where you plan to study, unless an exception applies
- Prove you have enough money to pay for tuition fees, living expenses and return transportation
- Demonstrate you intend to leave Canada after completing your studies
- Obey the law and have no criminal record
- Be in good health and complete a medical examination if required
- Satisfy an officer that you will comply with the conditions of your permit
A designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Elementary and high schools in Canada are all DLIs. For post-secondary institutions, you must confirm the school appears on IRCC’s official DLI list.
Provincial attestation letter requirement
As of 2026, most study permit applicants need a provincial attestation letter, or PAL, or a territorial attestation letter, or TAL, from the province or territory where they intend to study. In Quebec, this is called a Quebec Acceptance Certificate, or CAQ. Some exceptions apply, such as for certain master’s and doctoral students.
Documents Required for a Canada Study Permit
The documents you need depend on your country of residence and the specific requirements of the visa office processing your application. The following are generally required:
Core documents
- Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution
- Provincial or territorial attestation letter or Quebec CAQ
- Valid passport or travel document
- Proof of financial support showing you can cover tuition, living expenses and return transportation
- Digital photograph meeting IRCC specifications
- Completed application forms
Additional documents that may be required
- Letter of explanation stating why you want to study in Canada and demonstrating you understand your responsibilities as a student
- Medical examination results if you have traveled to certain countries or will work in a health-related field
- Police certificates to show you have no criminal record
- Custodian declaration for minor children traveling to Canada without a parent
- Country-specific documents depending on your citizenship
- Previous study permits or visas if applicable
Proof of financial support
Acceptable evidence may include:
- Bank statements from your home country
- Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate from a participating Canadian financial institution
- Proof of scholarship or funding from a sponsor
- Proof of tuition and housing fees already paid
The financial requirement doubled in recent years, so applicants should confirm the current minimum amount on IRCC’s website before applying.
Step-by-Step Canada Study Permit Application Process
- Get accepted at a DLI. Apply to and receive a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution in Canada.
- Obtain a provincial attestation letter. Apply to the province or territory where you plan to study for the required PAL, TAL or CAQ.
- Create an IRCC secure account. Most applicants must apply online through the IRCC website.
- Gather your documents. Collect all required documents including proof of acceptance, identity, financial support and the PAL.
- Complete the application form. Fill out the application accurately, including personal, educational and travel history.
- Pay the fees. Pay the study permit fee and biometrics fee online using a credit card or prepaid card.
- Submit your application. Upload all documents and submit through your IRCC account.
- Provide biometrics. Book an appointment at a designated collection point within 30 days of receiving the instruction letter. The biometrics fee is $85 per individual.
- Attend an interview if required. In some cases, you may be asked to attend an in-person interview with Canadian officials.
- Wait for a decision. IRCC will review your application and may request additional documents.
- Receive your port of entry letter. If approved, you will receive a letter of introduction to present at the Canadian border.
- Travel to Canada. Present your letter of introduction, passport and supporting documents to the border services officer.
- Receive your study permit. The officer issues the physical permit at the port of entry.
Canada Study Permit Costs and Fees in 2026
| Expense | Amount (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Study permit application fee | $150 | Per person, paid to IRCC |
| Biometrics fee | $85 | Required for most applicants aged 14–79 |
| Provincial attestation letter | Varies | Fee set by each province or territory |
| Medical examination | Varies | Paid to an IRCC-approved panel physician |
| Police certificate | Varies | Cost depends on the issuing country |
| Language test | $200–$300 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or equivalent |
The study permit application fee is $150. Biometrics add $85 for most applicants. These fees are generally non-refundable even if the application is refused.
Tuition and living expenses are separate from government fees. International undergraduate tuition averages approximately $41,746 per year, while graduate tuition averages approximately $24,028 per year. Living expenses for a single applicant are estimated at $20,635 per year.
Canada Study Permit Processing Time
Processing times vary by country and the completeness of your application. The average processing time for a study permit from outside Canada is approximately 15 weeks, though this can be shorter or longer depending on your specific situation.
Factors that affect processing time include:
- Country of application
- Completeness of the application
- Biometrics and medical requirements
- Background and security screening
- Seasonal application volume
- Additional document requests
Applicants from certain countries may be eligible for the Student Direct Stream, which offers faster processing times. Eligible countries include China, India, the Philippines, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Senegal, and Vietnam, among others.
Apply as early as possible after receiving your letter of acceptance. Processing times are updated regularly on the IRCC website.
Working While Holding a Study Permit
Unless otherwise specified, your study permit allows you to work up to 24 hours per week off campus after your program has started. During scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays, you can work an unlimited number of hours.
To work in Canada, you need a Social Insurance Number, which you can apply for online.
You are also allowed to work remotely for an employer in another country. This type of work does not count toward the 24 hours per week maximum.
If your program includes a co-op or internship placement, you may need to apply for a separate co-op work permit.
Post-graduation work permit
After completing an eligible program at a DLI, graduates may apply for a post-graduation work permit, or PGWP. This open work permit allows you to work for most Canadian employers without a job offer or LMIA. A PGWP can be valid for up to three years, depending on the length of your program.
Not all schools or programs are eligible for PGWPs, so check with your institution before enrolling if you plan to work in Canada after graduation.
Conditions of Your Study Permit
As a study permit holder, you must meet the following conditions:
- Always be enrolled at a designated learning institution
- Show you are making progress toward finishing your study program
- Apply for a new study permit if you want to change post-secondary institutions
- Respect the conditions listed on your study permit
- Stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements
- Leave Canada when your permit expires
Failure to meet these conditions may result in losing your student status and study permit.
Study Permit vs Other Immigration Pathways
| Pathway | Primary purpose | Temporary or permanent? | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study permit | Academic study | Temporary | Letter of acceptance from a DLI |
| Post-graduation work permit | Work after graduation | Temporary | Completion of an eligible program |
| Express Entry | Skilled-worker PR | Permanent | CRS score, language, experience |
| Provincial Nominee Program | Provincial selection | Usually PR | Nomination from a province |
| Canada work permit | Employment | Temporary | Job offer or LMIA/exemption |
| Spousal sponsorship | Family reunification | Permanent | Relationship to a Canadian citizen or PR |
A study permit is a temporary authorization. It does not guarantee a PGWP, a work permit for a spouse, or permanent residence. Each subsequent step requires a separate application and independent eligibility assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a study permit for programs shorter than six months?
No, you generally do not need a study permit if your program in Canada is for six months or less. However, if you plan to continue studying or apply for a work permit after, obtaining a study permit is recommended.
How much does a Canada study permit cost in 2026?
The study permit application fee is $150 CAD. Biometrics add $85 CAD for most applicants. These fees are non-refundable even if the application is refused.
Can I work while holding a study permit?
Yes, your study permit allows you to work up to 24 hours per week off campus after your program has started. During scheduled breaks, you can work unlimited hours.
What documents do I need for a Canada study permit?
You need a letter of acceptance from a DLI, a provincial attestation letter, proof of identity, proof of financial support, and a valid passport. Additional documents may be required depending on your country of residence.
How long does it take to get a Canada study permit?
Processing times vary by country. The average processing time is approximately 15 weeks, but this can be shorter or longer depending on your specific situation.
Can I apply for a study permit from inside Canada?
Generally, you must apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. Some people can apply from within Canada under specific circumstances, such as holding a valid work or study permit.
Conclusion
A successful study permit application starts with a genuine acceptance from a DLI, a valid provincial attestation letter, and credible financial evidence. The permit itself is temporary, but the Canadian education and work experience it enables can support a future permanent residence application.
Visaline can review your admission letter, financial documents, PAL status and post-graduation plan before submission. The purpose of the review is not to promise a result; it is to identify avoidable weaknesses and determine whether studying in Canada aligns with your broader immigration strategy.
Sources
Based on the latest regulations and program instructions published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. IRCC’s official guidance covers study permit eligibility, required documents, application procedures, fees and post-graduation work permits.
Published/Updated: July 23, 2026
Author: Visaline Legal Editorial Team
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