Study Permit
Embassy required
- Processing time
- Varies by country, typically 4-16 weeks
- Fee
- CAD $150
- Validity
- Duration of study program plus 90 days
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Required for study programs longer than 6 months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) required since 2024 intake cap (exempt for degree-granting graduate programs from January 1, 2026). Proof of funds requirement is CAD $20,635 for living expenses plus first year tuition. Biometrics required for ages 14-79. 2025 study permit cap limits new permits to 437,000. Language proficiency now required for PGWP eligibility as of November 1, 2024.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
Must be accepted at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Must have a valid Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) unless exempt.
-
Financial
Must prove ability to pay tuition fees, living expenses (minimum CAD $20,635 per year), and return transportation for yourself and any accompanying family members.
-
Criminal record
Must be admissible to Canada. Must provide police certificates from all countries lived in for 6+ months since age 18.
-
Health
May need to complete a medical exam if from a designated country or if plan to study in certain health-related fields.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months
-
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate), scholarship letter, proof of student loan from home country; Minimum amount: CAD $20,635 for living expenses plus first year tuition and travel costs
-
Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
-
Police clearance
Countries required: All countries where applicant has lived for 6+ months since age 18; Validity months: 6
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: IMM 1294 - Application for Study Permit; Form url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/apply.html
-
Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
-
Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/where-to-give-biometrics.html; Location: Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Obtain letter of acceptance from DLI, Provincial Attestation Letter (if required), proof of funds (bank statements or GIC), passport, photos, and police certificates.
-
Online application
Create IRCC account and complete the study permit application online. Upload all supporting documents including letter of acceptance, PAL, proof of funds, and identity documents.
-
Fee payment
Pay CAD $150 study permit processing fee plus CAD $85 biometrics fee (CAD $170 maximum for family). Pay online as part of application submission.
-
Biometrics
After receiving Biometrics Instruction Letter, visit designated Visa Application Centre within 30 days to provide fingerprints and photo. Required for ages 14-79.
-
Processing wait
Wait for processing. Times vary significantly by country. Monitor application status through IRCC online account.
-
Visa collection
If approved, receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction. If from a visa-required country, also receive a TRV stamped in passport. Present documents at Canadian port of entry to receive study permit.