Canada Student Visa (Study Permit) Guide 2026

Understanding Canadian Study Permits in 2026

If you're an international student planning to study in Canada, you'll need a study permit—Canada's version of a student visa. The process has evolved significantly with new policies introduced in 2024-2025, making it essential to understand the current requirements. This guide covers everything from eligibility to application steps, recent policy changes, and tips for success.

Study Permit vs. Student Visa: What's the Difference?

Many people use "study permit" and "student visa" interchangeably, but they're technically different:

• •**Study Permit:** A document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows you to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. It's your authorization to be a student.

• •**Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA):** The entry document that allows you to travel to Canada. Depending on your nationality, you'll need either a TRV (visa sticker in your passport) or an eTA.

Most international students need both: the study permit to study and the TRV/eTA to enter.

2025-2026 Policy Changes: What You Need to Know

The Canadian government has implemented significant changes to the international student program. Here's what's new:

Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL)

Effective January 22, 2024: All study permit applicants (with limited exceptions) must include a Provincial Attestation Letter with their application. This letter confirms your province has allocated space for you within their international student cap.

How to Get a PAL:

• •Apply and receive acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution
• •Your DLI will work with the provincial government to issue your PAL
• •The PAL will be sent to you electronically
• •Include it with your study permit application

Exemptions from PAL Requirement:

• •Master's and doctoral students
• •Primary and secondary school students
• •Study permit renewals
• •Students already in Canada on a valid permit

Reduced Study Permit Caps

Canada has capped new study permits at approximately 360,000 for 2024, a 35% reduction from 2023. For 2025 and beyond, expect continued restrictions. This means:

• •More competitive admissions
• •Faster application processing for approved students
• •Greater emphasis on institutional quality

Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permits

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) has also been updated:

• •Only students at public colleges, public universities, and certain private institutions are eligible
• •Private career colleges in most provinces are no longer PGWP-eligible
• •Curriculum licensing arrangements may affect eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

Basic Requirements

To qualify for a Canadian study permit, you must:

• •**Have an acceptance letter** from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• •**Prove sufficient funds** for tuition, living expenses, and return transportation
• •**Be a law-abiding citizen** with no criminal record (you'll need a police certificate)
• •**Be in good health** (medical exam may be required)
• •**Satisfy the visa officer** that you'll leave Canada when your permit expires
• •**Obtain a PAL** (Provincial Attestation Letter) if required

Financial Requirements (2025-2026)

You must prove you have funds for:

Tuition: As stated in your acceptance letter

Living Expenses: Minimum requirements increased significantly in 2024:

• •Single applicant: **$20,635 CAD per year** (previously $10,000)
• •Spouse or partner: +$7,671 CAD
• •Each dependent child: +$6,225 CAD

Example: A single student with $25,000 CAD tuition needs to show approximately $45,635 CAD for the first year.

Acceptable Proof of Funds

• •Bank statements (last 4-6 months)
• •GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) from a Canadian bank
• •Proof of a Canadian scholarship or funding
• •Bank draft in convertible currency
• •Proof of paid tuition and accommodation
• •Letter from a sponsor with bank statements

GIC: The Preferred Method

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is often the most straightforward way to prove funds:

• •Purchase a GIC for $20,635+ from a participating Canadian bank
• •Funds are locked and released monthly to support living expenses
• •Banks include Scotiabank, CIBC, and others with international student GIC programs

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Get Accepted to a DLI

Before applying for a study permit, you need an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution. Not all schools qualify—verify your institution is on the DLI list.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Required Documents:

• •Valid passport (ensure at least 6 months validity beyond your planned stay)
• •Acceptance letter from your DLI
• •Provincial Attestation Letter (if required)
• •Proof of financial support
• •Passport-sized photographs (meeting Canadian specifications)
• •Immigration medical exam results (if applicable)
• •Police certificate(s) from countries where you've lived 6+ months
• •Letter of explanation (recommended)
• •Proof of English/French proficiency (if your school requires it)

Step 3: Create Your IRCC Account

• •Go to [IRCC's website](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html)
• •Create a GCKey account or sign in with a banking partner
• •Complete the online questionnaire to determine your application requirements
• •Start your study permit application

Step 4: Complete the Application Forms

Key Forms:

• •IMM 1294: Application for Study Permit
• •IMM 5645: Family Information Form
• •Document checklist based on your country

Tips for Success:

• •Answer every question—don't leave blanks
• •Be consistent with information across all documents
• •Double-check dates, names, and numbers
• •Upload clear, legible scans of documents

Step 5: Pay the Fees

Study Permit Fee: $150 CAD

Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD

Total: $235 CAD (subject to change)

Step 6: Submit Biometrics

After submitting your application, you'll receive a Biometric Instruction Letter. You have 30 days to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and photo.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Processing times vary by country—check the IRCC processing times tool. As of 2025:

• •**Student Direct Stream (SDS) countries:** 20 calendar days
• •**Regular processing:** 1-16 weeks depending on country

Step 8: Receive Your Decision

If approved, you'll receive:

• •A Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction
• •A TRV (if applicable) stamped in your passport
• •Your actual study permit is issued when you arrive in Canada

Student Direct Stream (SDS): Faster Processing

If you're from one of these countries, you may be eligible for the Student Direct Stream:

• •Antigua and Barbuda
• •Brazil
• •China
• •Colombia
• •Costa Rica
• •India
• •Morocco
• •Pakistan
• •Peru
• •Philippines
• •Senegal
• •Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• •Trinidad and Tobago
• •Vietnam

SDS Requirements (in addition to regular requirements):

• •GIC of $20,635+ CAD
• •First year's tuition paid in full
• •Most recent secondary/post-secondary transcript
• •Language test results (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent)
• •Medical exam completed upfront

Benefit: Processing target of 20 calendar days

Working While Studying

On-Campus Work

You can work on-campus without a separate work permit:

• •No hour restrictions
• •Must be a full-time student
• •Work must be on school premises or for the school

Off-Campus Work

With a valid study permit, you're automatically authorized to work off-campus:

• •**During academic sessions:** Up to 24 hours per week (as of September 2024)
• •**During scheduled breaks:** Full-time work allowed
• •**Condition:** Must maintain full-time student status

Co-op/Internship Work Permits

If your program includes mandatory work experience (co-op), you'll need a co-op work permit. Apply at the same time as your study permit—there's no additional fee.

After Arrival: Important Steps

At the Border

When you arrive in Canada:

• •Present your passport and Port of Entry letter
• •Show your acceptance letter
• •Answer the border officer's questions honestly
• •Receive your study permit (the officer issues it on the spot)

Verify your permit includes:

• •Correct school name
• •Program dates
• •Work authorization conditions

Within 30 Days

• •Register at your institution
• •Obtain your student ID
• •Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you plan to work
• •Set up a Canadian bank account
• •Register for provincial health insurance (some provinces require waiting periods)

Study Permit Renewals

You can extend your study permit from within Canada. Apply at least 30 days before your current permit expires—you'll maintain "implied status" while waiting.

Renewal Requirements:

• •Continued enrollment at a DLI
• •Proof of financial support
• •Academic progress (transcripts)
• •$150 CAD fee

Transitioning to Permanent Residency

Canada offers excellent pathways from student to permanent resident:

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

After graduation, you may qualify for an open work permit:

• •8-12 month programs: PGWP equal to program length
• •2+ year programs: 3-year PGWP
• •Must apply within 180 days of graduation

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

With 1+ year of skilled work experience in Canada (gained on your PGWP), you can apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Many provinces have streams specifically for international graduates, often with lower requirements than federal programs.

Common Reasons for Refusal

Avoid these common pitfalls:

• •**Insufficient funds:** Ensure you meet the new $20,635+ living expense requirement
• •**Weak ties to home country:** Explain your plans to return home after studies
• •**Unconvincing study plan:** Why Canada? Why this program? Why this school?
• •**Incomplete application:** Missing documents or unanswered questions
• •**Previous immigration issues:** Address any concerns proactively
• •**Unclear career goals:** Connect your studies to your career plans

Writing a Strong Letter of Explanation

Include:

• •Your academic background
• •Why you chose this specific program and school
• •How the degree fits your career goals
• •Your ties to your home country
• •Your plans after graduation

Resources and Support

Official Resources

• •[IRCC Study in Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html)
• •[Designated Learning Institution List](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/designated-learning-institutions-list.html)
• •[Check Processing Times](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html)

Getting Help

• •Immigration consultants (verify they're registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants)
• •Your institution's international student office
• •Immigration lawyers (for complex cases)

Conclusion

Obtaining a Canadian study permit requires thorough preparation and attention to detail. With the 2024-2025 policy changes—including Provincial Attestation Letters and updated financial requirements—it's more important than ever to understand the process completely.

Start early, gather all required documents, and present a compelling case for why you want to study in Canada. With Canada's excellent universities and welcoming communities, the effort is well worth it.

Good luck with your study permit application—Canada awaits!