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Study permit and student visa for Canada

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

Most international students need a study permit to study in Canada, unless their program lasts 6 months or less. You need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, usually a provincial or territorial attestation letter, and proof of funds. Apply online before you travel. The fee is $150 and processing times vary by country.

Who handles it

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Handles it everywhere in Canada.

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • A study permit lets foreign nationals study at a designated learning institution (DLI). Most foreign nationals need one, and you should apply before you travel to Canada.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • You must be enrolled at a DLI, prove you can pay tuition, living costs and return travel, have no criminal record, be in good health, and convince an officer you will leave when the permit expires.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • The living-cost amounts are updated each year. The current ones apply if you apply on or after September 1, 2026.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • Under the current amounts, a single student outside Quebec must show $23,448 a year for living costs, on top of tuition and travel.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

Steps

  1. If your permit will expire before you finish your courses, apply to extend your stay as a student.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

What you need

  • You always need a letter of acceptance from your school, uploaded with your online application. Post-secondary schools are asked to confirm the letter is valid.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • Most applicants also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL) from their school, usually after accepting the offer and paying some tuition. Students going to Quebec need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • You also need a copy of a valid passport, 2 recent passport-size photos and proof of funds. A letter of explanation is recommended, and a medical exam or police certificate may be needed.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

Cost

  • The study permit fee is $150.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

Good to know

  • You can work off campus up to 24 hours a week during your studies if your permit allows it. Working more can cost you your student status.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

Questions people ask

Do I need a study permit for a short course in Canada?

No, not if your program lasts 6 months or less. Longer programs need a study permit.

Source: canada.cachecked #

How much money do I need for a Canadian study permit?

You must show you can pay your first year of tuition and travel, plus living costs. Under the current amounts, a single applicant outside Quebec needs $23,448 a year for living costs. Amounts rise with each family member.

Source: canada.cachecked #

How much does a study permit cost?

The fee for a study permit is $150 in Canadian dollars.

Source: canada.cachecked #

Can I work while studying in Canada?

If your permit allows it, you can work off campus up to 24 hours a week during your studies. Working more than that breaks your permit conditions and can lead to losing your status.

Source: canada.cachecked #

Do I need a PAL to apply for a study permit?

In most cases, yes. Get a provincial or territorial attestation letter from your school, usually after you accept your offer and pay some tuition. Quebec students need a CAQ instead.

Source: canada.cachecked #

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Study permit and student visa for Canada", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/study-permit