A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. It is not a visa — your study permit authorises you to study, while your visitor visa or electronic travel authorisation (eTA) allows you to enter the country.
The study permit is typically valid for the duration of your program plus an additional 90 days, giving you time to prepare to leave Canada or apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) — also called a Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) — is a letter issued by the province or territory where you plan to study, confirming that you have a space within that province’s allocation under Canada’s international student cap. This requirement was introduced in January 2024 as part of Canada’s measures to manage international student volumes.
Who needs a PAL: Most study permit applicants applying to study at the undergraduate, diploma, or certificate level need a PAL. Your DLI typically handles the PAL application on your behalf once they issue your letter of acceptance.
Who is exempt from PAL (as of January 2026):
Important: Your PAL must have been issued between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2026, and must be valid at the time you apply (though it does not need to be valid when you start your studies).
In January 2024, Canada introduced a cap on new study permits to manage the growth in international student numbers. Each province and territory receives an allocation of study permit spaces for the year. For 2026, the allocations have been published by IRCC. (Source: IRCC, 2026 Provincial and Territorial Allocations under the International Student Cap, canada.ca)
The cap applies to new study permit applications — not to students already studying in Canada. The PAL system enforces the cap: you cannot receive a study permit without a PAL (unless you are in an exempt category), and each PAL counts against the province’s allocation.
To be eligible for a Canada study permit, you must:
| Category | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Living costs — outside Quebec | 22,895/year |
| Living costs — Quebec | 24,617/year |
| Tuition fees (first year) | Per your letter of acceptance |
| Travel costs | Return airfare to your home country |
| Accompanying spouse/partner | Additional funds required (typically ~CAD 5,000–7,000) |
| Per dependent child | Additional funds required (typically ~CAD 3,000–4,000) |
Source: IRCC, canada.ca — Study permit: Proof of financial support (effective September 2025). The GIC amount reflects the living cost requirement of CAD 22,895.
Acceptable evidence of funds:
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a locked deposit with a participating Canadian bank. You deposit a set amount (currently CAD 22,895) before you arrive, and the bank releases the funds to you in monthly installments after you arrive in Canada — helping you manage living expenses throughout the year.
Is a GIC mandatory? No. Since the Student Direct Stream (SDS) ended on 8 November 2024, there is only one regular study permit stream, and a GIC is not mandatory. However, IRCC officers view GICs as one of the strongest forms of financial evidence because the funds are verified by a Canadian institution and committed for your living costs.
Participating banks offering Student GIC programs include: Scotiabank, CIBC, RBC, BMO, TD Bank, HSBC Canada, ICICI Bank Canada, and SBI Canada. Minimum deposit amounts, monthly release schedules, and interest rates vary by institution.
Recommendation: A GIC significantly strengthens your application. If your budget allows, purchasing a GIC alongside other financial documentation is strongly advisable.
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Study permit application processing fee | 150 |
| Biometrics fee | 85 |
| Total mandatory government fees | 235 |
Source: IRCC, Citizenship and Immigration Application Fees (ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp).
Additional costs to budget for:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must be valid for the duration of your planned stay |
| Letter of acceptance | From a DLI, with DLI number |
| Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) | Unless exempt (master’s/PhD at public DLI) |
| Financial proof | GIC, bank statements (4 months), loan letter, or scholarship evidence |
| Passport-sized photographs | Per IRCC photo specifications |
| Statement of Purpose / Letter of Explanation | Explaining your study plans and ties to home country |
| English/French language test results | IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, TEF, or TCF (within validity period) |
| Academic transcripts | Certified copies of all relevant qualifications |
| Medical examination | From an IRCC panel physician (required for citizens of certain countries) |
| Police clearance certificate | From each country you’ve lived in for 6+ months since age 18 |
| Proof of tuition payment | Receipt showing tuition deposit paid to the DLI |
Step 1: Get accepted by a DLI. Apply to a designated learning institution in Canada. Ensure it is on the official DLI list (check IRCC website). Once accepted, you will receive a letter of acceptance with the institution’s DLI number.
Step 2: Obtain your PAL. Your institution will typically apply for the PAL on your behalf. Once issued, the PAL confirms you have a space within the province’s allocation. Master’s and PhD students at public DLIs are exempt from this requirement since January 2026. (Source: IRCC, canada.ca)
Step 3: Arrange your finances. Purchase a GIC (recommended), gather bank statements showing at least 4 months of fund history, and arrange any loans or scholarship documentation. Ensure you can demonstrate at least CAD 22,895 in living costs (CAD 24,617 for Quebec) plus your first year of tuition.
Step 4: Create your IRCC online account. Register at the IRCC portal (canada.ca) to access the online application system.
Step 5: Complete the online application. Fill in all required forms, including personal details, education history, travel history, and your statement of purpose. Upload all supporting documents.
Step 6: Pay fees. Pay the CAD 150 processing fee and CAD 85 biometrics fee (total CAD 235) online. (Source: IRCC Fee List)
Step 7: Provide biometrics. Attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph. This must be done within 30 days of receiving the biometrics instruction letter.
Step 8: Complete your medical examination (if required). Applicants from certain countries (including Nepal) must undergo a medical exam by an IRCC-designated panel physician.
Step 9: Wait for a decision. Track your application status through your IRCC online account. Processing times vary by country and application volume. Doctoral applications have a 14-day processing commitment. (Source: IRCC, canada.ca)
Step 10: Receive your study permit approval. If approved, you receive a letter of introduction. Present this letter along with your passport and visa at the Canadian port of entry, where a border services officer will issue your study permit.
Processing times vary significantly depending on your country of residence and the volume of applications. IRCC publishes current estimated processing times on their website. Some key benchmarks:
Tips for faster processing:
| Work Type | Hours Allowed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Off-campus work (during academic terms) | Up to 24 hours/week | Must be enrolled full-time at a DLI |
| Off-campus work (during scheduled breaks) | Unlimited | Includes summer/winter breaks between terms |
| On-campus work | No hourly limit | Must be at the DLI where you are enrolled |
| Co-op / student work placement | No weekly limit | Placement must not exceed 50% of total program. Separate co-op work permit eliminated April 2026 |
Source: IRCC, canada.ca — Work off campus as an international student; Work in a student work placement. Updated April/May 2026.
Important change (April 2026): Post-secondary international students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory work placements (co-op terms, internships). These placements are now covered under the study permit itself, provided the placement is a formal program requirement and does not exceed 50% of the total program length. (Source: IRCC, canada.ca)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit available to graduates of eligible programs at designated learning institutions. It allows you to work for any employer in Canada after graduation.
PGWP duration:
Eligibility requirements: You must have studied full-time throughout your program, completed the program within the study period specified on your study permit, and held valid immigration status throughout. (Source: IRCC, canada.ca — Post-graduation work permit)
The PGWP is a crucial stepping stone to permanent residency through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), as it provides Canadian work experience that earns additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
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A PAL is a letter issued by the province or territory where you plan to study, confirming you have a space within that province’s allocation under Canada’s international student cap. Most applicants need one, except master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs (exempt since January 2026). Your institution typically handles the PAL application on your behalf. (Source: IRCC, canada.ca)
The study permit processing fee is CAD 150, plus CAD 85 for biometrics collection, totalling CAD 235 in mandatory government fees. Additional costs include medical examination (~CAD 200–400), English test fees, and VAC service charges. (Source: IRCC Fee List, ircc.canada.ca)
You must demonstrate CAD 22,895 for living costs (CAD 24,617 for Quebec studies), plus your first year of tuition fees and return travel costs. A GIC from a participating Canadian bank is strongly recommended. (Source: IRCC, canada.ca — Financial support requirements)
Up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic terms, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. On-campus work has no hour limit. Co-op and internship placements no longer require a separate work permit since April 2026. (Source: IRCC, canada.ca — Work off campus)
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a locked deposit of CAD 22,895 with a participating Canadian bank. After arrival, the bank releases funds in monthly installments. While not mandatory under the regular study permit stream, IRCC officers view GICs as one of the strongest forms of financial evidence. (Source: IRCC, canada.ca — Financial support)
Yes. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows graduates of eligible DLI programs to work for any employer in Canada. Duration matches your program length, up to 3 years for programs of 2+ years. The PGWP provides Canadian work experience that strengthens Express Entry and PNP applications for permanent residency. (Source: IRCC, canada.ca — Post-graduation work permit)
Official Sources Referenced:
IRCC — Study Permit: canada.ca — Study permit
IRCC — PAL Requirement: canada.ca — Provincial attestation letter
IRCC — Financial Support: canada.ca — Financial support
IRCC — Work Off Campus: canada.ca — Work off campus
IRCC — Fee List: ircc.canada.ca — Fees
IRCC — 2026 Student Cap Allocations: canada.ca — 2026 allocations
