Study Permit
What is a Canadian study permit?
A study permit is a temporary immigration document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows foreign nationals to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada for programs longer than six months. It is not a travel document; applicants may also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. To be eligible, applicants must have a letter of acceptance from a DLI, prove they have enough money for tuition, living expenses, and return transportation, obey Canadian law and have no serious criminal record, be in good health if a medical exam is required, and satisfy an officer that they will leave Canada when their study permit expires.
Who needs a study permit?
You must have a study permit if you plan to study in Canada for more than six months, unless an exemption applies (for example, short programs lasting six months or less, certain exchange programs, or other specific exemptions set out by IRCC). Without a valid permit, you may not be authorized to stay and study in Canada beyond the visitor status period. A study permit is separate from a TRV or eTA, which may still be required for entry depending on your country of citizenship.
Designated learning institutions (DLI) and programs
Your study permit application must be based on a valid acceptance from a DLI which is a school approved by provincial or territorial authorities to host international students. Not all programs at every school qualify for a study permit; for example, short courses of six months or less that do not lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate typically do not require a permit. If you change institutions at the postsecondary level after your permit is issued, you must apply for a new study permit.
Financial requirements and proof of funds
Applicants must prove that they can support themselves and any accompanying family members while studying in Canada. This includes tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and dependants, and return transportation. Evidence may include bank statements, proof of income, scholarship letters, or sponsor documents. As part of Canada’s tightened financial requirements introduced in 2025, officers are increasingly scrutinizing financial evidence for sufficiency and verifiability, and some provinces, such as Quebec, have raised the minimum amounts that must be shown.
Language proficiency expectations
Although IRCC does not mandate a minimum language test score for the study permit itself, many Canadian institutions require proof of English or French proficiency for admission, and inadequate language ability can affect the study permit officer’s assessment of genuine student intent. In some cases, demonstrating a reasonable command of language strengthens the application and reduces officer concerns about the purpose of stay.
Genuine temporary intent assessment
Study permit officers evaluate whether the applicant intends to genuinely study and return home after completion. They assess ties to the home country, such as family, employment, financial commitments, or a clear academic/career plan that shows study in Canada is temporary and purposeful. Weak or unclear intent is one of the most common reasons for refusal.
National cap and application limits (2025–2026)
For 2026, IRCC has issued a target of 408,000 study permits including new arrivals and extensions, which is approximately 7% lower than in 2025. Within this, up to 180,000 permits are allocated to applicants requiring a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) system, and exemptions exist for graduate students at public DLIs, primary and secondary students, certain federal priority groups, and existing students renewing at the same institution and level. Graduate students (master’s and doctoral) applying at public universities no longer need a PAL/TAL from January 1, 2026, which simplifies and speeds up the application process for these cohorts.
Study permit timing and processing
You must apply for a study permit before you arrive in Canada unless you already hold valid status inside Canada and are changing your status. If applying from outside Canada, officers often advise that you wait until your study permit and any required TRV or eTA are approved before travelling, as entering on visitor status before the permit is issued can lead to complications at the port of entry. Processing times vary by country and application volume and are not guaranteed; early submission following receipt of the acceptance letter is critical.
Working while studying
Under updated regulations that came into effect after November 2024, eligible study permit holders may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions without a separate work permit, and full-time during scheduled breaks, provided the study program qualifies (post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training). On-campus work and work as part of required co-op or internship programs may also be permitted with the appropriate authorization.
Working while studying
Under updated regulations that came into effect after November 2024, eligible study permit holders may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions without a separate work permit, and full-time during scheduled breaks, provided the study program qualifies (post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training). On-campus work and work as part of required co-op or internship programs may also be permitted with the appropriate authorization.
Study permit conditions and compliance
You must maintain full-time student status, make reasonable progress toward completing your program, respect all conditions listed on your study permit, and quit studying if you no longer meet eligibility requirements. If you change institutions, levels, or programs, you must apply for a new study permit before beginning the new program. Failure to comply with conditions can result in loss of status and removal from Canada.
Study permit extensions
If your study permit is expiring before you complete your program, you must apply to extend it before the current permit expires. A study permit extension application must demonstrate ongoing enrolment and financial capacity. You can remain in Canada and continue studying under maintained status while the extension is in process if applied on time.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) linkage
Study permit holders who complete eligible programs may qualify for a PGWP if they meet program length and eligibility criteria, including length of study, full-time status, and, for applications after November 1, 2024, program field requirements linked to labour shortages. The list of eligible fields of study was updated in 2025 and is currently frozen for 2026, providing certainty for students planning ahead. Program requirements must be checked before applying for the PGWP
Common refusal reasons
Study permit refusals often stem from insufficient proof of funds, weak or contradictory evidence of temporary intent, unclear academic plans, incomplete documentation, or failure to meet institutional or program criteria. Officers also increasingly scrutinize acceptance letters, financial statements, and travel histories to detect inconsistencies or fraud.
Government fees and processing considerations
The government fee for a study permit application is $150 CAD (plus biometrics if required, typically $85 CAD per person or $170 CAD maximum for a family). Fees are payable directly to IRCC and are non-refundable once processing begins. Processing times vary by visa office and are available publicly on the IRCC website. Early and complete applications tend to avoid avoidable delays.
Our study permit legal services
Our services include eligibility assessment, DLI and program review, genuine temporary intent analysis, financial proof strategy, application document preparation and review, risk mitigation for refusals, compliance planning for study conditions, co-ordination with TRV or eTA requirements, and full management of your study permit application until a final decision is issued. Legal fees for study permit matters typically range from $1,000 to $2,000 CAD plus HST, depending on complexity, country of application, prior refusals, and supporting documentation requirements.
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