---
title: Study Permit — Canada (2026)
description: Free complete guide to the Study Permit visa for Canada. Eligibility, costs, documents, process, and FAQ. Updated 2026.
image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png
---

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Canada flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw80%2Fca.png&w=3840&q=75]CANADIAN STUDY PERMIT

Category: Student · Processing time: 4-14 weeks (varies significantly by applicant country of origin)

Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-05-29Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial visa portal ↗ [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html]

Review due soon

3 min readCommunity feedback: open
Save visa to plan

Visa decisions require official verification

MigrantIQ provides general migration information, not legal advice. Always verify critical steps with official government sources or a licensed advisor before paying fees or submitting documents.

Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report an issue [/contact/]

AI-assisted. Parts of this page may be drafted with AI and editor-reviewed. Always confirm rules, fees, and hours on official government sources before you act. How we use AI [/about/ai/] · Editorial standards [/about/editorial-standards/]

Apply through official authority

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-06-19.

Apply on official site → [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html]

Visa type

Student

Processing time

4-14 weeks (varies significantly by applicant country of origin)

Fees

StudyPermitApplicationFee: CAD 150

Validity

Confirm on official source

Stay duration

Confirm on official source

Entry type

Confirm single/multiple entry rules

Insurance

Confirm if required

Bookmark

Save this visa to My Plan

OVERVIEW

Temporary residence authorization for foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Path to PR: No, students must transition to economic programs like the C

 * Leads to permanent residency: No
 * Requires job offer: No
 * Language required: Yes
 * Minimum education: Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
 * Financial requirement: Mandatory. Applicants must explicitly show they possess a minimum of CAD 22,895 (outside Quebec) for single applicant living expenses, in addition to full first-year tuition fees and return t
 * Accommodation proof: No
 * Return ticket: No

ESTIMATED COSTS

 * - StudyPermitApplicationFee: CAD 150
 * - StudyPermitExtensionFee: CAD 150
 * - BiometricsFeeIndividual: CAD 85
 * - MinimumProofOfFundsSingle: CAD 22,895 (plus tuition and travel costs)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

 * - Valid international passport or recognized global travel credential document
 * - Official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) issued by an authorized Canadian DLI
 * - Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ), if applicable
 * - Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) or 4 months of consecutive personal bank statements proving liquid savings
 * - Full Letter of Explanation (Study Plan) detailing goals and ties to your home country
 * - Upfront or instruction-based Immigration Medical Examination (IME) certificate, if required

APPLICATION STEPS

 1. Secure an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a registered Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
 2. Obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from your province or territory, if required.
 3. Purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) or prepare full bank files to meet the living expenses minimum.
 4. Compile proof of identity, regional police checks, and write a thorough letter of explanation detailing your academic plan.
 5. Submit your complete application electronically via the official IRCC portal and pay processing and biometric fees.
 6. Book an appointment to enroll your biometric fingerprint and facial data scan at a local Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) → [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html]

TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIREMENT

 * Mandatory: Confirm with official source
 * Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
 * Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
 * Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority

EMBASSY, CONSULATE & APPOINTMENTS

 * - Digital intake filters and processes files online, while localized biometric capture and passport stamps are run via global VFS networks.
 * - Always check specific visa office instructions for your country to catch any localized mandatory document requirements.

Open appointment or official portal → [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html]

Browse foreign embassies in Canada (MigrantIQ directory) → [/embassies/in/canada/]

Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.

Application checklist

TRACK YOUR STUDY PERMIT PREPARATION

Check items off as you prepare. Progress is saved in this browser and can be synced from My Plan.

0 / 16 complete

 * Confirm Study Permit requirements on the official Canada immigration source.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
 * Review the eligibility rules and note anything that needs evidence.Check whether this pathway accepts self-sponsored applicants.
 * Book or gather language test evidence.IELTS, TOEFL, CELPIP, TEF
 * Prepare document: Valid international passport or recognized global travel credential documentCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Prepare document: Official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) issued by an authorized Canadian DLICheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Prepare document: Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ), if applicableCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Prepare document: Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) or 4 months of consecutive personal bank statements proving liquid savingsCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Prepare document: Full Letter of Explanation (Study Plan) detailing goals and ties to your home countryCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Prepare document: Upfront or instruction-based Immigration Medical Examination (IME) certificate, if requiredCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Complete step: Secure an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a registered Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
 * Complete step: Obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from your province or territory, if required.
 * Complete step: Purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) or prepare full bank files to meet the living expenses minimum.
 * Complete step: Compile proof of identity, regional police checks, and write a thorough letter of explanation detailing your academic plan.
 * Complete step: Submit your complete application electronically via the official IRCC portal and pay processing and biometric fees.
 * Pay only through official channels and save receipts.Avoid bank transfers to personal accounts or agents promising guaranteed approval.
 * Save a full copy of forms, uploads, payment receipts, and appointment confirmations.

Clear checklistSync checklist in My Plan → [/plan/]

GET VISA CHECKLIST UPDATES

Receive relevant reminders and source updates for Study Permit in Canada.

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BENEFITS & WHAT THIS VISA ALLOWS

 * - Grants authorized permission to live and study at some of the top academic and technical institutions in the world
 * - Permits eligible students to work up to the authorized hours per week off-campus during regular terms and full-time during breaks
 * - Opens potential subsequent eligibility windows for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain valuable Canadian workforce skills

Trust & safety

BEFORE YOU PAY OR SUBMIT DOCUMENTS

Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.

Official portal → [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html]

RELEVANT LAWS

 * Work Authorisation Rules [/laws/canada/work-authorisation-rules/]
   
   Employment · Severity: Critical
   
   In Canada, work authorization rules are strict and must be followed closely. Individuals entering Canada may have different permissions based on their visa type. A visa that allows entry does not automatically grant…

 * Immigration Status and Overstay Rules [/laws/canada/immigration-status-and-overstay-rules/]
   
   Immigration · Severity: Critical
   
   Your right to stay in Canada depends on the specific immigration status you hold, which includes visas, permits, or entry stamps. Many individuals, including tourists, students, workers, families, and digital nomads,…

 * Tax Residency and Income Reporting [/laws/canada/tax-residency-and-income-reporting/]
   
   Tax · Severity: High
   
   In Canada, tax residency is determined by various factors, including the duration of your stay, your residential ties, and where your income is sourced. If you live in Canada for a significant period, work locally, or…

 * Employment Standards Act [/laws/canada/employment-standards/]
   
   Employment · Severity: Critical
   
   In Canada, the Employment Standards Act outlines essential rights for workers, ensuring fair treatment in the workplace. You are entitled to a minimum wage, which varies by province, but it is a legal requirement that…

ACTIVE SCAM ALERTS

 * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/canada/document-translation-notary-overcharge/]Medium
   
   In Canada, newcomers, including visa applicants, families, students, and workers, may fall victim to a scam involving inflated fees for document translation, notarization, or apostille services. Dishonest agents may…

 * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/canada/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/]Medium
   
   In Canada, a common scam involves fraudsters posing as airport personnel, immigration officers, or travel agents, claiming that newcomers must pay a special fee upon arrival. This fee is falsely presented as necessary…

 * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/canada/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/]Medium
   
   In Canada, there is a growing concern about scams involving fake university or scholarship letters targeting students, parents, and scholarship applicants. Fraudsters offer enticing packages that promise admission to…

 * Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract [/scam-alerts/canada/rental-deposit-before-viewing/]Medium
   
   In Canada, a growing concern involves rental scams where fraudsters advertise non-existent apartments. These scammers often target students, families, new arrivals, and remote workers who may be unfamiliar with the…

QUICK ELIGIBILITY CHECK

Use this self-check for Study Permit. It does not replace official legal assessment.

I have a qualifying job offerI have required language test evidence
Education LevelHigh schoolDiplomaBachelor or higher
Result: Requirements appear incomplete

HELPFUL PARTNER LINKS

MigrantIQ is free. Some links are affiliate partners — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

 * consultation
   
   Canada: Newcomer consultation → [/api/affiliate/canada-consultation/?source=%2Fvisas%2Fcanada%2Fstudy-permit%2F]
   
   Talk to a verified Canada migration expert.

Sponsored or partner placement when a matching partner is active.

COMMON REJECTION REASONS

 * - Failing to satisfy the visa officer that you will willingly leave Canada at the conclusion of your authorized study stay duration
 * - Submitting weak financial documentation or newly deposited, unexplainable cash sums that fail the 4-month account audit
 * - The chosen program of study appearing illogical or redundant given your past academic or employment background profile
 * - Submitting an application completely missing a required Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or an unverified, expired LOA structure

APPLICATION TIPS

 * - Draft a clear Letter of Explanation explaining exactly why you chose this specific course, why you selected Canada, and how it aligns with your home-country career opportunities.
 * - If applying from an eligible region, buy a CAD 22,895 GIC from a participating Canadian bank to instantly fulfill your living cost proof.
 * - Double check if your specific program tier is exempt from the PAL cap rules,such as master's and doctoral programs at public institutions.
 * - Do not assume part-time work wages can be counted toward your initial proof of funds; you must show the full required cash amounts upfront.

SOURCES & REFERENCES

Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.

 * Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html]
   
   Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.

 * MigrantIQ visa record
   
   Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.

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PLAN YOUR NEXT STEPS

 * All visas · CanadaIndex [/visas/canada/]
 * CanadaCountry [/countries/canada/]
 * Arrival checklistChecklist [/checklist/canada/]
 * Eligibility quizTool [/tools/eligibility/]
 * Pick a corridor calculatorCalculator [/calculator/]
 * Immigration Q&AQ&A [/qa/]
 * People storiesStories [/stories/?corridor=canada]
 * Save to My PlanPlan [/plan/]

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CANADA WORK PERMIT FROM PAKISTAN

To obtain a Canada work permit from Pakistan, you typically need a job offer from a Canadian employer and may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Rules can change, so check offi

CANADA WORK PERMIT FROM INDIA

To obtain a Canada work permit from India, you typically need a job offer from a Canadian employer and may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Rules can change, so check officia

CANADA WORK PERMIT FROM INDIA AGE LIMIT

There is no specific age limit for obtaining a Canada work permit from India. However, applicants must meet eligibility criteria, including job offers and qualifications. Rules can change, so

CANADA WORK PERMIT PHILIPPINES

Philippine citizens can apply for a Canada work permit if they have a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requirements include a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases.

CANADA WORK PERMIT VISA FROM NIGERIA

Nigerians can apply for a Canada work permit visa through various programs, such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or International Experience Canada. Requirements include a job offer a

LANGUAGE TESTS

 * - IELTS
 * - TOEFL
 * - CELPIP
 * - TEF

CONTINUE PLANNING

 * All visas for Canada [/visas/canada/]
 * Canada laws hub [/laws/canada/]
 * Canada scam alerts [/scam-alerts/canada/]

Plan smarter

Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices.

Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/]

Free resources

TOOLS & GUIDES

Full sitemap → [/sitemap/]

PLAN YOUR MOVE

 * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/]
 * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/]
 * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/]
 * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/]
 * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/]
 * Cost calculator [/calculator/]
 * Move planner [/tools/planner/]
 * Best country [/tools/best-country/]
 * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/]
 * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/]
 * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/]
 * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/]
 * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/]
 * All tools [/tools/]

GUIDES & SAFETY

 * Visa guides [/visas/]
 * Scholarships [/scholarships/]
 * Government jobs [/government-jobs/]
 * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/]
 * Embassies [/embassies/]
 * Laws [/laws/]
 * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/]
 * Checklists [/checklist/]
 * Country profiles [/countries/]

COMMUNITY

 * Q&A [/qa/]
 * People stories [/stories/]
 * Blog [/blog/]
 * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en]
 * Write for us [/write-for-us/]
 * Experts [/experts/]
 * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/]
 * Documentation [/documentation/]
 * Employers (HR) [/employers/]

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