Study Permits

Study Permits covers how Canada’s study permit system works for international students, including key requirements and common mistakes.

A study permit is not a visa. You may also need a visitor visa (TRV) or an eTA to enter Canada, depending on your passport. Before you apply, make sure your school is a designated learning institution (DLI) and you have a letter of acceptance.

In most cases, you also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL). If you plan to study in Quebec, you may need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) as well.

This category includes:
– Eligibility basics and required documents
– Proof of funds and biometrics steps
– Rules for working while studying (limits can apply)
– Study permit conditions, extensions, and status updates
– Official IRCC policy and processing updates that affect students

Reality check: Processing times are not a guarantee, and intake rules can change. Always confirm details on official IRCC pages before you plan around timelines.

Study permit (main hub):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit.html

Who can apply (eligibility):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/eligibility.html

How to apply:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/apply.html

Get the right documents:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents.html

PAL/TAL details:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/provincial-attestation-letter.html

Find a DLI (official list):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/designated-learning-institutions-list.html

Find out if you need a study permit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/study-permit-tool.html

Work off campus rules (hours limit):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html

Study permit holder conditions (work + leave rules):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/while-you-study/study-permit-conditions.html

Check processing times:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

IRCC notice (2026 allocations under international student cap):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/2026-provincial-territorial-allocations-under-international-student-cap.html