About

A study permit is the document international students need to study in Canada at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). It allows you to attend programs longer than six months.

The study permit is not a visa itself — you also need either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. These are automatically issued once your study permit is approved.

Who can apply

To qualify, you must:

• Have a letter of acceptance from a DLI.
  
  
• Provide a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming your place (for Quebec, a Quebec Acceptance Certificate – CAQ).
  
  
• Show proof of enough money to pay for tuition, living costs, and return travel for yourself and family members.
  
  
• Be a law-abiding person with no serious criminal record (a police certificate may be required).
  
  
• Be in good health (a medical exam may be required).
  
  
• Convince the officer that you will leave Canada when your permit expires, unless you later qualify for another status.

Benefits

• Study legally in Canada at recognized institutions.
  
  
• Most permits allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during studies and full-time during scheduled breaks.
  
  
• After finishing your program, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which helps you gain Canadian work experience.
  
  
• Your spouse/partner can apply for an open work permit, and your children can attend school in Canada.
  
  
• Studying in Canada can be a pathway to permanent residency, since Canadian study and work experience are highly valued in immigration programs.

Important Updates

• Study Direct Stream (SDS): As of November 2024, SDS has been closed. All new applications must go through the regular process.
  
  
• Application Cap: Canada has placed limits on the number of study permits issued to better manage demand.
  
  
• Financial Requirements: From September 2025, applicants must show higher proof of funds that reflect real cost of living in Canada.

Real-Life Examples

• Ahmed, from Egypt, is accepted into a master’s program at a Canadian university. With his PAL and proof of funds, he gets his study permit and moves to Canada, working part-time during studies.
  
  
• Sofia, from Brazil, completes a two-year culinary diploma in Canada. After graduating, she qualifies for a PGWP and uses it to start her career in Toronto.

Frequently Asked Questions