Canada Study Permit: Requirements, Documents and Key Rules
In this guide
Quick answer: A Canada study permit allows you to study at a designated learning institution (DLI). The fee shown by IRCC is CAD 150. You need an acceptance letter, proof of identity and proof of funds, and in most cases a provincial or territorial attestation letter. Apply before you travel to Canada.
For many students, the study permit is the first step toward working in Canada afterwards, and small mistakes in the application can cost a whole intake. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) lays out the eligibility rules and a document checklist. This guide pulls them together in the order you will need them, and explains what the permit requires of you once you arrive.
Who can get a Canada study permit?
According to IRCC, you can come to Canada to study if you:
- Are enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Can prove you have enough money for tuition, living expenses for yourself and any family who come with you, and return transportation.
- Obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate if required.
- Are in good health and get a medical exam if required.
- Can prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your permit expires.
Which documents do you need?
| Document | Status on the IRCC checklist |
|---|---|
| Letter of acceptance from your school | Always required |
| Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) | Needed in most cases. Quebec students need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) |
| Proof of identity: valid passport or travel document and 2 passport-size photos | Always required |
| Proof of funds | Always required |
| Letter of explanation | Recommended |
| Medical exam | Check if needed |
| Police certificate | Check if needed |
| Proof of care for children under 17 travelling without a parent | Check if needed |
| Extra documents for your local visa office | Check if needed |
IRCC says a medical exam may be needed if you plan to stay more than 6 months, recently spent time in certain countries, or plan to work in certain jobs where public health must be protected. See our guide to the Canada immigration medical exam. For post-secondary students, IRCC asks your school to validate your acceptance letter, and returns your application with a refund of the processing fee if the school does not respond by the deadline. Many applicants also need to give biometrics.
What must you do while you study?
- Make progress toward completing your program.
- Respect any conditions on your permit, such as whether you may work, a date you must leave by, and where you may study.
- Stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements.
- Keep your profile and contact information up to date in your online account.
If you want to change schools at the post-secondary level, IRCC says you need to follow its instructions. If your school loses its designated status, you can keep studying until your permit expires, but cannot extend it unless the institution is re-designated, or you apply to extend your permit to change schools.
How long is a study permit valid?
A study permit is usually valid for the length of your program plus an extra 90 days. The 90 days let you prepare to leave or apply to extend your stay. If you finish your studies early, your permit stops being valid 90 days after you complete them, whatever date is printed on it. If your permit will expire before you finish your courses, you must apply to extend your stay as a student or leave Canada.
Can you work in Canada after you graduate?
You may be able to, with a post-graduation work permit. PGWP eligibility depends on several requirements, including when you submit your study permit application, so check the requirements before you apply. Read our guide to the post-graduation work permit. For other options, see Canada work permit types explained.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a school without checking the DLI list. Only designated institutions qualify.
- Uploading extra documents in the acceptance letter space. IRCC says doing so consents to sharing them with your school.
- Not checking PGWP eligibility first. Not every program leads to a work permit.
- Forgetting the 90-day rule. The permit can end earlier than the printed date.
FAQ
How much does a study permit cost?
IRCC lists the study permit fee as CAD 150. Biometrics are a separate fee.
Do I apply before or after I arrive in Canada?
IRCC says you should apply before you travel to Canada.
Can I bring my family?
IRCC’s rules cover family members who come with you, and your proof of funds must cover them. Family of someone with an approved study or work permit do not need an acceptance letter.
Key takeaways
- You need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution, plus a PAL/TAL in most cases.
- The fee listed by IRCC is CAD 150.
- The permit is usually valid for your program plus 90 days.
- Check PGWP eligibility before you choose a program.
Related guides
- Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
- Canada immigration medical exam
- Canada biometrics: who needs them
- Express Entry explained
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Fees and rules change, so confirm everything on the official IRCC site. Last updated: October 2026.
Sources
IRCC: Study permit; IRCC: Who can apply for a study permit; IRCC: Get the right documents; IRCC: While you study.