Study permit (IRCC)

Drafted from the official pages listed under Sources, last read on 29 October 2026. Rules, fees and thresholds change: check the official page before you act. This is not legal advice and does not guarantee any outcome.

Who it is for

IRCC states that most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. The permit lets you study at a designated learning institution (DLI). IRCC advises that you should apply before you travel to Canada.

This guide covers the standard study permit. Master’s and doctoral programs, Quebec and other special cases have their own rules on the official pages.

How it works

IRCC organizes the process in these stages. The platform helps you prepare; you submit the application to IRCC yourself.

• Choose a DLI and obtain a letter of acceptance, which the school must validate.
• In most cases, obtain a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) from the province or territory where you will study; students going to Quebec generally need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead.
• Gather proof of identity, proof of funds, a letter of explanation and any medical or police certificate that applies to you.
• Apply to IRCC, pay the fees and give biometrics if asked.
• After you apply, follow IRCC instructions on processing and arrival; while you study, you must meet the permit conditions and apply to extend if needed.

Main requirements

IRCC lists these eligibility requirements.

• Be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI).
• Show you can pay tuition, living expenses and return transportation, including for family members who come with you.
• Obey the law, have no criminal record, and provide a police certificate if one is required.
• Be in good health and complete a medical exam if one is required.
• Satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires.

Provincial or territorial attestation letter

The PAL/TAL is usually required and must be submitted with the application, not afterward. IRCC lists exemptions (for example, preschool to secondary level, and master’s or doctoral programs at a public DLI starting 1 January 2026), and you may need to prove you qualify. For the 2026 cap year, PAL/TALs issued between 1 January and 31 December 2026 are valid until 31 December 2026 unless an earlier date appears, and a PAL/TAL from a previous cap year cannot be used.

Costs and timing

IRCC lists a study permit fee of CAN$150.00 per person and a biometrics fee of CAN$85.00 per person (maximum CAN$170.00 for a family of two or more). Both are on the IRCC fee list.

Proof of funds: for applications made on or after 1 September 2026 (outside Quebec), IRCC lists living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation, of CAN$23,448 for one person, CAN$29,192 for two, CAN$35,888 for three and CAN$43,572 for four, with higher amounts for larger families. You must also show you can cover tuition and transportation. Quebec uses amounts set by the Quebec ministry.

Processing times vary by country. IRCC publishes an estimate through its processing times tool; it is not a promise.

Preparing your file

• Confirm the school is on IRCC’s list of designated learning institutions.
• Ask your school how to obtain the PAL/TAL (or CAQ for Quebec) early; IRCC says you generally must accept your offer and pay tuition, in part or in full, to get one.
• Write a clear letter of explanation: why you want to study in Canada and that you understand your responsibilities as an international student.
• Prepare bank and funding evidence that covers you and any accompanying family members.
• Check whether a medical exam, police certificate or country-specific document applies in your case, and request them early.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a PAL/TAL issued in a previous cap year, or sending it after the application instead of with it.
• Assuming an old PAL/TAL still works after changing schools or level of study: IRCC says a new one is generally needed.
• Showing funds only for yourself when family members are coming with you.
• Using the outside-Quebec funds figures for a Quebec program.
• Treating a school offer as the permit: the study permit is issued by IRCC, not by the school or this platform.