Study in Canada: Study Permit Requirements for 2026

What is a Canadian study permit?

A study permit is the document that lets international students study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. You need one for most programs longer than six months. It is not a visa: if you are from a visa-required country, you also get a visitor visa sticker when your study permit is approved, so you can travel to Canada.

Canada is still one of the most popular study destinations in the world because of its universities and colleges, its safety, and the chance to work during and after your studies. But the rules are stricter than a few years ago, with a cap on new permits and higher proof of funds. A careful application matters.

Study permit requirements

• Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution
• Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL), unless you are exempt (see below)
• Proof of funds for your first year of tuition, living costs and travel
• A clear study plan that explains why this program, why this school and why Canada make sense for your background and career
• Ties to your home country and proof you will respect the conditions of your permit
• No criminal record and a medical exam, if required

IRCC does not set a language score for a study permit, but your school will. Strong English or French scores also help the officer believe you can succeed in your program.

The 2026 study permit cap and attestation letters (PAL)

Canada limits the number of new study permits each year. For 2026, IRCC plans to issue up to 408,000 study permits, about 155,000 for new students and the rest for extensions. Each province gets a share and hands out attestation letters to its schools.

Your school requests the PAL for you after you accept your offer. Apply early in the cycle: when a province runs out of letters, schools cannot issue more until the next year.

Proof of funds for a Canadian study permit

For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, students outside Quebec must show these living costs, on top of first year tuition and travel:

Accepted proof includes a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), bank statements for the last four months, an education loan, proof of paid tuition, or scholarship letters. Funds should be in your name or your parents' names and should not appear suddenly without a clear source. Quebec has its own amounts.

How to apply for a study permit

1. Choose your program and schoolPick a DLI and check that the program is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit if you want to work after you graduate.
2. Get your letter of acceptance and PALAccept your offer and pay any deposit. Your school sends the attestation letter when needed.
3. Prepare funds and documentsArrange your GIC or bank proof, write your study plan and collect your transcripts and test scores.
4. Apply onlineSubmit through your IRCC account and pay $150 plus $85 for biometrics. The Student Direct Stream closed in November 2024, so all students now use the regular process.
5. Biometrics and medicalGive biometrics at a visa application centre and do a medical exam if asked.
6. Travel to CanadaCarry your port of entry letter, acceptance letter and proof of funds. The border officer issues your study permit.

Working while you study in Canada

Most full time post-secondary students can work while studying:

• Off campus: up to 24 hours a week during classes, and full time during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays
• On campus: no weekly limit for most students
• Co-op and internships: allowed when they are a required part of your program, with a co-op work permit

Your study permit must say you can work, and you must stay enrolled full time. Working more hours than allowed can cost you your status and future PGWP.

Bringing your spouse and children

• Spouse or partner: can get an open work permit only if you study in a master's program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program or an eligible professional degree. Otherwise, they can come as a visitor or apply for their own permit.
• Children: can come with you and usually attend primary or secondary school in Canada.
• Proof of funds: you must show more money for each family member who comes with you.

See the full rules on our spousal open work permit section.

From student to permanent resident

For many students, studying in Canada is the first step toward living here:

1. GraduateFinish an eligible program of at least eight months at a DLI.
2. Get a Post-Graduation Work PermitAn open work permit of up to three years. You need CLB 7 (university) or CLB 5 (college), and many college programs must be in an eligible field. Read the PGWP guide.
3. Gain Canadian work experienceOne year of skilled work makes you eligible for the Canadian Experience Class.
4. Apply for permanent residenceThrough Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program, some of which have streams for graduates.

Why study permits get refused

• Weak study plan: the program does not fit your past studies or career, or it looks like a step backward
• Funds: not enough money, unclear source of funds or large recent deposits
• Ties to home: the officer is not convinced you will leave Canada if your status ends
• Gaps: long unexplained gaps in your studies or work history
• Missing PAL or documents that do not match

If you were refused, read the officer's notes before reapplying. Applying again with the same file rarely works, and with the cap in place, your PAL may have limits on how long it can be used.

Frequently asked questions