Study in
Canada
with Confidence
Get your Canadian study permit with expert guidance. Learn about eligibility requirements, student responsibilities, PGWP opportunities, and program exceptions.
What is a Study Permit?
A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.
DLI Enrollment
Must be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to be eligible for a study permit.
Financial Proof
Demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, and return transportation.
Compliance
Meet health, security, and admissibility requirements as determined by IRCC officers.
Eligibility Requirements
To study in Canada, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set by IRCC.
Primary Requirements
DLI Enrollment
You must be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Financial Proof
Demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and family members, and return transportation.
Legal Compliance
Obey the law, have no criminal record, and obtain a police certificate if required.
Additional Requirements
Health Requirements
Be in good health and complete a medical examination if required by IRCC.
Intent to Leave
Prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires.
Documentation
Provide all required documents including passport, acceptance letter, and financial statements.
Your Responsibilities as a Student
While studying in Canada, you must fulfill specific obligations to maintain your study permit status.
Core Responsibilities
Academic Progress
Make progress towards completing your program of study as outlined by your institution.
Permit Conditions
Respect any conditions listed on your study permit, including work restrictions and location requirements.
Compliance
Stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements for your study permit.
Common Permit Conditions
Work Authorization
Whether you're allowed to work in Canada and under what conditions.
Departure Date
The specific date you must leave Canada as indicated on your permit.
Study Location
Where you can study (specific DLI listed on your permit) and requirements for changing schools.
Medical Examination
Whether you need an immigration medical examination and when it must be completed.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Stay and work in Canada after graduation with a Post-Graduation Work Permit. PGWP eligibility depends on several requirements, including when you submit your study permit application.
General Eligibility
Complete an eligible program of study at a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- • Must be a full-time student
- • Complete program requirements
- • Graduate from eligible DLI
Program Requirements
Meet language or field of study requirements based on your specific program.
- • Language proficiency tests
- • Field of study restrictions
- • Program duration requirements
Location Requirements
Meet physical location requirements based on where you studied in Canada.
- • Study location restrictions
- • Provincial requirements
- • Remote learning limitations
Important Notice
If your level of study has a field of study requirement, you should make sure your program meets the eligibility requirement before you submit your study permit application.
Check if the DLI you choose offers PGWP-eligible programs to maximize your post-graduation opportunities.
Who Can Study Without a Permit
Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. However, there are specific exceptions where you can study without obtaining a study permit.
Common Exceptions
Short-term Students
Study programs of 6 months or less that can be completed within your authorized stay.
Minor Children
Minor children in Canada who are attending preschool, primary, or secondary school.
Foreign Representatives
Family or staff of foreign representatives accredited by Global Affairs Canada.
Special Cases
French Language Courses
Temporary residents and asylum seekers taking French language and culture courses.
Settlement Courses
Temporary residents taking settlement and integration courses in Canada.
Construction Apprentices
Construction apprentices in eligible trades who are working in Canada.
Other Workers
Other types of workers who can study without a study permit under specific conditions.
Application Review Requirements
IRCC officers review applications for completeness and compliance with all requirements.
Required Documents
Application Forms
Properly completed and signed application forms:
- • IMM 1294 (overseas) or IMM 5709 (in Canada)
- • IMM 5645 (Family Information)
- • IMM 5257 (Schedule 1 - TRV)
- • IMM 5409 (Common-law Union)
- • IMM 5646 (Custodianship - minors)
- • IMM 5476 (Use of Representative)
Letter of Acceptance
Original letter of acceptance covering all basic necessary information, or evidence of compliance with study permit conditions for renewals.
Proof of Identity
Valid passport, travel document, or official identity document. Passport validity must cover the permit duration.
Financial Resources (R220)
Required Funds (First Year Only)
Students must demonstrate financial resources for the first year:
- • Tuition fees for the course/program
- • Living expenses (housing, food, transportation)
- • Travel costs to and from Canada
Base Amounts (2024)
Minimum funds required (excluding Quebec):
- • Single applicant: $20,635 CAD
- • 2 family members: $25,690 CAD
- • 3 family members: $31,583 CAD
- • 4 family members: $38,346 CAD
Proof of Funds
Provide at least one of the following:
- • Canadian bank account in applicant's name
- • Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
- • Student/education loan from bank
- • Bank statements (past 4 months)
- • Proof of paid tuition and housing fees
Provincial Requirements
Quebec
Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) required for study in Quebec. Financial requirements determined by Ministère de l'Immigration.
Rest of Canada
Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) required for study permit applications in most provinces.
Compliance Requirements (R221)
Failure to Comply with Conditions
A study permit shall not be issued to a foreign national who has engaged in unauthorized work or study in Canada or who has failed to comply with a condition of a permit unless:
- • A period of 6 months has elapsed since the cessation of unauthorized activity
- • The work/study was unauthorized due to non-compliance with specific conditions (R185)
- • The foreign national was subsequently issued a temporary resident permit (TRP)
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