LMIA FinderStudy Permits in Canada
Everything you need to know about studying in Canada — from choosing a DLI to post-graduation pathways to permanent residence.
International Students in Canada
800,000+
Canada welcomes over 800,000 international students annually, making it one of the top study destinations worldwide.
Why Study in Canada?
A world-class education with built-in pathways to immigration
World-Class Education
Canada ranks #4 globally for education quality, with internationally recognized degrees from top universities and colleges.
Work While Studying
International students can work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
Earn a 1-3 year open work permit after graduation, gaining valuable Canadian work experience.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
Transition to PR through Canadian Experience Class (CEC) after just 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements
What you need to qualify for a Canadian study permit
Acceptance Letter from a DLI
You must have a valid letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) approved by a provincial or territorial government.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)NEW
Required since 2024 for most study permit applications. Your province or territory must issue a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) confirming your spot under the provincial study permit allocation. Exceptions apply for master's/doctorate programs at public DLIs (after January 1, 2026).
Proof of Financial Support
Demonstrate you can cover tuition plus $20,635/year for living expenses (or $15,000 in Quebec). Bank statements, GICs, or scholarship letters accepted.
Clean Criminal Record
Provide police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 6+ months since age 18.
Medical Examination
Complete a medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician if required based on your country of residence or intended program.
Intent to Leave Canada
Convince the officer you will leave Canada after your studies (unless you later apply for PR through legitimate pathways).
Language Proficiency
Minimum language requirements vary by program. Most institutions require IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent TEF/CELPIP scores.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) RequirementNEW SINCE 2024
As of 2024, most study permit applications require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), also known as a Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL). This letter confirms that your study position falls within the province or territory's allocated cap for international student admissions.
Who needs a PAL?
Most applicants for new study permits at all levels. You must upload your PAL/TAL when submitting your application to IRCC.
Exceptions
Graduate-level students (master's and doctorate programs) at public DLIs are exempt after January 1, 2026. K-12 students and some existing permit holders are also exempt.
Application Process
Step-by-step guide to getting your study permit
Get Accepted by a DLI
Get Accepted by a DLI
Research and apply to a Designated Learning Institution. Once accepted, you will receive a letter of acceptance required for your permit application.
Gather Your Documents
Gather Your Documents
Collect proof of funds, letter of acceptance, valid passport, passport photos, language test results, and any other supporting documents.
Apply Online Through IRCC
Apply Online Through IRCC
Create an account on the IRCC portal, complete the study permit application form, upload documents (including your PAL/TAL), and pay fees. Applications must be submitted online — paper applications are only accepted for applicants with a disability or IRCC portal issues.
Provide Biometrics
Provide Biometrics
Visit a designated biometrics collection point to provide fingerprints and a photo. You have 30 days from the request to complete this.
Wait for Decision
Wait for Decision
Processing takes approximately 60 days when applying from outside Canada or 120 days from inside Canada. Times vary by country — check your status online through your IRCC account.
Travel to Canada
Travel to Canada
Once approved, travel to Canada with your documents. Complete a port-of-entry (POE) interview where an officer issues your study permit.
Costs & Fees
Budget planning for your study permit and education in Canada
| Item | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Study Permit Fee (including extensions) | $150 |
| Biometrics Fee (per person) | $85 |
| Biometrics Fee (per family) | $170 |
| Restore Status as Student | $396.25 |
| Average Tuition (International Undergrad) | $20,000 - $40,000/year |
| Living Costs | $15,000 - $20,000/year |
| Health Insurance | Varies by province |
* Tuition varies significantly by institution and program. Graduate and professional programs may cost more. Fees are subject to change.
Working While Studying
Understand your work rights as an international student
On-Campus Work
Unlimited hoursWork at your institution without a separate work permit. Includes teaching assistant, research assistant, and campus retail positions.
Off-Campus Work
20 hrs/week (school), full-time (breaks)Work for any employer off-campus during the academic term (20 hrs/week) and full-time during scheduled breaks like summer and winter.
Co-op / Internship
Full-time (requires co-op work permit)If your program includes a mandatory co-op or internship, you need a separate co-op work permit. Must be essential part of your program.
Spouse Open Work Permit
Full-time (open)Spouses of students in graduate programs (masters/PhD) or professional degree programs may be eligible for an open work permit.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Your bridge from student to skilled worker in Canada
Important Note
The PGWP is a one-time opportunity. You cannot get a second PGWP. Plan your career strategy carefully to maximize your path to permanent residence.
Study Permit to PR Pathways
How international graduates transition to permanent residence
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Most PopularMost common pathway for international graduates. Requires 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years. Managed through Express Entry.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Province-SpecificMany provinces have streams specifically for international graduates from local institutions. Provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points.
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
Quebec OnlyFor graduates of Quebec institutions. Requires intermediate-advanced French proficiency (B2) and Quebec values alignment.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Atlantic CanadaFor graduates of Atlantic Canada institutions (NB, NS, PEI, NL). Employer-driven program with faster processing.
Study by Province
Each province offers unique advantages for international students
Ontario
Most universities, Toronto tech hub
Home to the University of Toronto, Waterloo, and over 40 universities. Major industries include tech, finance, and healthcare.
British Columbia
Tech industry, Vancouver
UBC, SFU, and a booming tech sector. Beautiful west coast lifestyle with strong ties to Asia-Pacific markets.
Quebec
Lower tuition (with CSQ), French programs
Significantly lower tuition for those with a Quebec Selection Certificate. Strong in aerospace, AI, and gaming industries.
Alberta
Growing tech scene, lower cost of living
University of Alberta and University of Calgary. Emerging tech hub with energy sector opportunities and no provincial sales tax.
Manitoba
Provincial nominee friendly
University of Manitoba offers affordable programs. Manitoba PNP is one of the most accessible pathways to PR for graduates.
Nova Scotia
Atlantic Immigration Program
Dalhousie University and a welcoming community. Atlantic Immigration Program provides streamlined PR pathway for graduates.
Saskatchewan
Growing economy, lower cost of living
University of Saskatchewan and University of Regina. Strong agriculture and mining sectors with very affordable living costs.
New Brunswick
Atlantic Immigration Program
UNB and Mount Allison University. Lower tuition and the Atlantic Immigration Program makes PR pathways accessible.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Lowest tuition in Canada
Memorial University offers some of the lowest tuition rates for international students. Strong marine and oil & gas industries.
Prince Edward Island
Small community, PNP-friendly
UPEI offers a close-knit community experience. PEI PNP has accessible pathways for graduates to permanent residence.
Tools & Resources
Free tools to help plan your study and immigration journey
Plan Your Path from Student to Permanent Resident
Use our Opportunity Navigator to explore study permit options, provincial programs, and PR pathways tailored to your profile.
Get Started with Opportunity Navigator