FAQ

A study permit is an immigration document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes eligible foreign nationals to study in Canada.

Most foreign nationals pursuing an educational program longer than six months require a study permit.

Applicants generally must:

• Obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a designated learning institution.
• Obtain a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL), unless exempt.
• Demonstrate sufficient financial resources.
• Meet medical and criminal admissibility requirements.
• Establish a genuine purpose of study.
• Satisfy IRCC that they will comply with their temporary resident conditions, including leaving Canada when required.

A DLI is a school authorized by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Most foreign nationals applying for post-secondary study permits must have an acceptance letter from a DLI. Important: Not every DLI or educational program qualifies graduates for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

A PAL or TAL is a document issued through a province or territory confirming that a student has been allocated a place under the applicable international student intake system.

Exemptions include certain applicants such as:

• Students attending preschool, primary school or secondary school.
• Students applying to eligible degree-granting master's or doctoral programs at public DLIs.
• Certain applicants under designated government programs.
• Other individuals meeting specific IRCC exemptions.

Starting January 1, 2026, eligible master's and doctoral degree students at public DLIs are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement.

For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, the minimum living expense requirement for a single applicant studying outside Quebec is CAD $23,448 per year, excluding tuition fees and transportation expenses.

Yes. Financial support may come from parents, spouses, relatives or other credible sources. Applicants should provide appropriate documentation demonstrating the relationship, source of funds, financial capacity and genuine availability of the proposed support.

No. A GIC is one way to demonstrate financial resources, but it isn't required for all regular study permit applications. Applicants may use other acceptable financial evidence that satisfies IRCC requirements.

A study plan explains the applicant's educational background, proposed course, choice of institution, career objectives and reasons for studying in Canada. A well-prepared study plan should demonstrate how the proposed education reasonably relates to the applicant's circumstances and future objectives

Eligible international students may work on or off campus without obtaining a separate work permit, provided they meet the applicable conditions. Not every study permit holder is automatically authorized to work.

Eligible international students may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions. During regularly scheduled academic breaks, eligible students may work unlimited hours, provided they continue meeting the applicable conditions.

Generally, no. Students cannot begin working under student work authorization before starting their eligible program of study.

Eligible students may work unlimited off-campus hours during regularly scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays.

Yes, but changing post-secondary DLIs generally requires applying for a new study permit through the applicable extension process. Students normally must obtain the required approval before beginning studies at the new DLI, subject to limited exceptions.

A student may be permitted to take an authorized leave from studies, subject to IRCC requirements. An authorized leave generally must not exceed 150 days, and students ordinarily cannot work on or off campus during the leave.

Under the restrictions effective January 21, 2025, spousal open work permits are generally limited to spouses of students enrolled in:

• Master's degree programs lasting at least 16 months.
• Doctoral degree programs.
• Certain eligible professional degree programs.
• Other specifically designated programs.

Additional eligibility requirements apply.