International Study
Study in Canada
Planning to study in Canada? Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study at a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI).
The requirements depend on your level of study, school and program, financial circumstances, and where you plan to study. A study permit authorizes you to study in Canada under specific conditions, but it is not a visa or a guarantee of entry to Canada.
01 What Is a Study Permit?
A study permit is an immigration document that allows an eligible foreign national to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Your study permit may include conditions about where you can study, whether you may work, and how long you are authorized to remain in Canada as a student.
02 Who Needs a Study Permit?
Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. Whether you need one depends on the length of your studies and your circumstances.
Programs Longer Than Six Months
You generally need a study permit if your program will last more than six months. In most cases, you should apply and receive approval before travelling to Canada to begin your studies.
Programs of Six Months or Less
You generally do not need a study permit for a program that lasts six months or less.
Different rules and exceptions may apply depending on your circumstances, including for minor children and certain foreign nationals already in Canada.
03 Primary and Secondary Study in Canada
Different study permit rules apply to children attending preschool, primary or secondary school in Canada.
Designated Schools
All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions (DLIs).
Minor Children Already in Canada
A minor child applying from outside Canada to study for more than six months generally needs a study permit.
Some minor children who are already in Canada may study without a study permit. For example, this may apply if the child is living in Canada with a parent who is authorized to work or study.
PAL or TAL
Students attending preschool, primary or secondary school do not need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL).
04 Post-Secondary Study in Canada
Students planning to attend a college, university or other post-secondary institution should check both the school and the specific program before applying for a study permit.
Confirm the School Is a DLI
You normally need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution before applying for a study permit.
For post-secondary studies, confirm that the institution appears on the current federal DLI list before accepting the offer.
Check the Program and PGWP Eligibility
Studying at a DLI does not automatically make you eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
If working in Canada after graduation is part of your plan, check whether the specific program is PGWP-eligible before applying for your study permit. Depending on the program, language and field-of-study requirements may also apply to a future PGWP application.
PAL or TAL
Many post-secondary study permit applicants must include a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL).
A PAL or TAL confirms that the province or territory has allocated a study space to the applicant. It is generally obtained through the school.
Exemptions apply to certain applicants, so you should confirm whether a PAL or TAL is required before submitting your study permit application.
Master’s and Doctoral Programs
For study permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, students entering a degree-granting master’s or doctoral program at an eligible public DLI do not need a PAL or TAL.
Other study permit requirements continue to apply, including the letter of acceptance, financial requirements and admissibility requirements.
05 What Are the Study Permit Requirements?
To qualify for a study permit, you generally must:
- be accepted by a designated learning institution;
- provide a PAL or TAL if one is required;
- show enough money for tuition, living expenses and transportation for yourself and any accompanying family members;
- obey the law and provide a police certificate if required;
- be in good health and complete an immigration medical examination if required; and
- satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada when your authorized stay ends.
Financial Support
You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and any accompanying family members without relying on employment in Canada.
For studies lasting more than one year, you must show sufficient funds for the first year and explain how you plan to pay for the remaining period of study.
06 What Documents Do You Need?
The exact documents depend on your level of study, province or territory, country of residence and personal circumstances.
A typical study permit application may include:
- a valid passport or travel document;
- a letter of acceptance from a DLI;
- a PAL or TAL, if required;
- proof of financial support;
- a letter explaining your proposed studies and study plans;
- proof of your previous education or academic history, where applicable;
- an immigration medical examination, if required;
- a police certificate, if requested;
- documents relating to the care or custody of a minor child, where applicable; and
- any additional documents required for your circumstances or by the responsible visa office.
Studying in Quebec
Students planning to study in Quebec must also meet Quebec’s requirements and may need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
The CAQ may also serve as the provincial attestation document for study permit purposes where applicable.
07 How to Apply
Study permit applications are generally submitted online. Most applicants should apply before travelling to Canada.
1. Get Accepted
Apply to an appropriate Canadian school and program and obtain a valid letter of acceptance.
For post-secondary study, confirm the institution’s DLI status and, if relevant to your plans, the program’s PGWP eligibility.
2. Prepare Your Documents
Determine whether you need a PAL or TAL, or a CAQ if you will study in Quebec. Gather your identity, financial, educational and other supporting documents.
3. Apply Online
Complete the required application forms, upload your supporting documents and pay the applicable fees.
Biometrics may also be required.
4. Respond to IRCC
IRCC may request biometrics, a medical examination, additional documents or further information. Monitor your account and respond by the stated deadline.
5. Prepare for Arrival
If your application is approved, review the documents issued by IRCC and make sure you have the required passport and travel authorization before travelling.
Approval of a study permit application does not guarantee entry to Canada. You must continue to meet the applicable entry and admissibility requirements when you arrive.
08 Can You Work While Studying?
Not every international student is authorized to work. You must meet the applicable requirements and follow the conditions of your study permit.
You cannot begin working as an international student before your study program starts.
On-Campus Work
Eligible full-time post-secondary students may work on campus without a separate work permit after their studies begin.
You must meet the applicable requirements, hold a valid study permit with the appropriate work condition and obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Off-Campus Work
Eligible post-secondary students may work off campus without a separate work permit if they meet the applicable requirements.
During scheduled academic breaks, eligible students may work unlimited hours if they continue to meet the requirements.
You must stop working if you no longer meet the eligibility requirements or conditions of your study permit.
Student Work Placements
A student work placement is employment, such as a co-op placement or internship, that is required as part of an academic, vocational or professional program.
As of April 1, 2026, eligible post-secondary international students generally do not need a separate co-op work permit for a required student work placement.
Secondary school students continue to require a co-op work permit for a qualifying work placement.
09 Frequently Asked Questions
Does admission to a Canadian school guarantee a study permit?+
How long is a study permit valid?+
If you complete your program early, your study permit normally becomes invalid 90 days after your school first confirms that you completed your studies, regardless of a later expiry date printed on the permit.
Can I start working before my program begins?+
How many hours can I work off campus during the academic session?+
Can I work full-time during scheduled school breaks?+
Can I bring my family with me?+
Depending on their circumstances, your family members may apply as visitors, students or workers. Your spouse or common-law partner may qualify for an open work permit if you are studying in an eligible program, and your dependent children may be able to attend school in Canada.
Each family member must meet the requirements for their own temporary resident application.
Can I extend my study permit?+
You should apply before your current permit expires. If you apply in time and continue to meet the applicable requirements, you may be able to continue studying under maintained status while IRCC processes your application.
Can I stay and work in Canada after graduation?+
Eligibility depends on your school, program and the PGWP requirements that apply when you graduate.
Talk to a Licensed Expert
Planning to study in Canada?
Our licensed team can assess the study permit rules that apply to you, identify required documents, and help prepare your application.
