Study Permit

Who it's for

If your program of study is longer than 6 months, you need a study permit. Programs of 6 months or less, language courses at a non-DLI, and most online-only programs don't require one.

Eligibility checklist

• Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Proof of financial support: tuition + $20,635 CAD per year for living costs (single applicant) or higher for accompanying family members
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for most undergraduate programs (since January 2024)
• Clean criminal record — police certificate may be required
• Medical exam (if from certain countries or studying in certain fields)
• Convince the visa officer you'll leave Canada when your studies are done — strong ties to home country help

Application steps

• Get accepted at a DLI and obtain a Letter of Acceptance
• Get a PAL or TAL from the province (most programs)
• Apply online through the IRCC portal — fee $150 CAD
• Provide biometrics ($85 CAD)
• Wait for processing — varies widely by country, sometimes a few weeks, sometimes months
• If approved, you receive a Port of Entry letter; the actual study permit is issued when you arrive in Canada

Working while studying

• Up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions
• Full-time during scheduled breaks (winter, summer, reading week)
• On-campus work is unrestricted as long as you're a full-time student
• Co-op or internship work permits are required for credit-bearing placements

After your studies

Most graduates of eligible DLI programs can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), valid for 8 months to 3 years depending on program length. PGWP work counts as Canadian Experience Class — a strong path into permanent residence via Express Entry.