What Is a Canada Study Permit?
Watch: Canada study permit — overview
A study permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows eligible foreign nationals to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Important: A study permit is not a travel
visa. Depending on your nationality and circumstances,
you may also require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada.
Why Study in Canada?
Access to universities, colleges and career-focused programs
Internationally recognized Canadian qualifications
Opportunities to gain practical and professional experience
Study options across multiple provinces and cities
Eligible students may work while studying
Possible post-graduation work opportunities for eligible graduates
Diverse and multicultural learning environment
Multiple academic pathways from certificates to graduate studies
Study Permit Requirements & Documents
General Requirements
- Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution
- Valid passport or travel document
- Proof of sufficient financial support
- PAL/TAL where required
- Quebec requirements such as a CAQ, where applicable
- Ability to satisfy all applicable study permit requirements
- Medical examination where required
Common Supporting Documents
- Letter of Acceptance from the institution
- Passport and identity documents
- Educational transcripts and certificates
- Proof of available funds
- Statement or explanation of study plans
- PAL/TAL or applicable exemption evidence
- Other documents requested based on your circumstances
Please note: Study permit requirements are
not identical for every applicant. Required documentation
can vary according to your nationality, country of
residence, institution, program and personal circumstances.
IRCC Financial Requirement for a Canada Study Permit
IRCC requires study permit applicants to show that they have enough money to pay for tuition, living expenses and transportation without relying on employment in Canada.
Current published amount
CAD $22,895
One applicant outside Quebec
Living expenses for the first year
Living expenses for the first year
The amount above is the current published IRCC minimum living-expense requirement for one student outside Quebec for applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025.
It is in addition to first-year tuition and transportation costs. Higher amounts apply when accompanying family members are included. Quebec has separate financial requirements.
Tuition + Required Living Expenses + Transportation
= Your Financial Plan
For programs longer than one year, IRCC also expects you to explain how you plan to fund the full duration of your studies.
Common Proof of Funds
IRCC accepts different types of financial evidence. You do not necessarily need every document below, and additional evidence may be required depending on your circumstances.
Bank statements for the past 4 months
Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
Proof of a Canadian bank account, if funds were transferred to Canada
Student or education loan from a bank
Proof of first-year tuition and housing payments
Scholarship or Canadian-funded educational support
Bank draft convertible to Canadian dollars
Financial-support letter together with evidence of available funds
Important: Showing the minimum amount does not
guarantee study permit approval. IRCC assesses the overall
application, including whether the funds are genuinely available
and whether the financial plan is credible.
Keep this page evergreen: IRCC updates financial
thresholds periodically. Before filing an application, always
confirm the latest amount directly on the official IRCC page.
The website should update this one displayed amount whenever
IRCC publishes a new threshold.
Check Current IRCC Financial Requirements
Canada Study Visa Process
1
Explore Programs
Compare suitable institutions and programs based on your education, career goals and future plans.
2
Secure Admission
Apply to the selected institution and obtain your Letter of Acceptance.
3
Prepare Your Documents
Prepare financial, academic, identity and other required supporting documents.
4
Prepare Study Permit Application
Complete the study permit application according to current IRCC requirements and your circumstances.
5
Biometrics & Medical
Complete biometrics and a medical examination when requested or required.
6
IRCC Decision
IRCC reviews the application and makes the final decision. Processing times vary by application and location.
Important Rules for International Students
Working Off Campus
Eligible international students may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions, subject to IRCC conditions.
PAL / TAL
Most study permit applicants require a valid Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter unless they qualify for an exemption.
Student Work Placements
Under current IRCC rules, eligible post-secondary international students generally do not require a separate co-op work permit for qualifying student work placements, provided they meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
Find the Right College & Program
Choosing the right institution and program is an important part of your Canadian study plan. Explore available colleges, universities and study programs through our program search tools.
Planning for Post-Graduation Work Opportunities
Some graduates of eligible Canadian institutions and programs may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Eligibility depends on several factors, including the institution, program, level and length of study, and the immigration rules applicable to the student.
Admission to a Canadian institution does not automatically
guarantee PGWP eligibility or permanent residence. Students
should review their program and immigration objectives
carefully before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a study permit and a study visa?
A study permit authorizes an eligible foreign national
to study in Canada. A TRV or eTA, when required, is the
document used for travel to Canada.
Can international students work while studying in Canada?
Eligible students may work on or off campus without a
separate work permit when they meet the applicable
conditions. Eligible off-campus work is currently
limited to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions.
Do I need a PAL or TAL for a study permit?
In most cases, applicants require a Provincial or
Territorial Attestation Letter. Certain applicants are
exempt, so the requirement should be checked based on
the individual application.
Does every Canadian college qualify students for a PGWP?
No. Studying at a DLI does not automatically mean that
every program offered by that institution is
PGWP-eligible. The institution and specific program
should be checked before enrolling.
How long does a Canada study permit take?
Processing times vary depending on the applicant's
country, application type, completeness of the file and
other factors. Current processing times should always be
checked directly through IRCC.
Can studying in Canada lead to permanent residence?
Canadian education and eligible Canadian work experience
may be relevant to certain immigration pathways, but
studying in Canada does not guarantee permanent residence.
Start Your Canadian Study Journey
From selecting a suitable program and institution to preparing your study permit application, Sia Immigration can guide you through each stage of the process.
