Study permit

IRCC says most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. A study permit is issued to people who study at a designated learning institution, often shortened to DLI. You should apply before you travel to Canada.

You can check whether you need one with the IRCC online tool. If you do, apply online. IRCC says you must apply online whether you are outside or already inside Canada, with a few exceptions, such as a disability that stops you applying online.

Start with the IRCC document checklist for your country. The core documents are:

• A letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution you will attend.
• A provincial or territorial attestation letter, with exceptions for some applicants. If you think you meet an exception, you must provide evidence in the client information field of your application.
• Proof that you have enough money.
• A valid travel document.

You must also be in good health, have no relevant convictions and show ties to your home country. Depending on your situation you may need a medical exam and police certificates, and you may have to pay third parties for them. IRCC will not finalise your permit until your application is complete, and waiting to submit documents causes delays.

Quebec has its own rules for the money you must show, set by the Quebec immigration ministry, so read its requirements if you plan to study there.

For applications made on or after 1 September 2026, outside Quebec, IRCC asks for proof of your living costs and your first-year tuition. For living costs, excluding tuition and transport:

• One student: CAD $23,448 per year.
• Two people: CAD $29,192.
• Three people: CAD $35,888.
• Four people: CAD $43,572.
• Five people: CAD $49,419.
• Six people: CAD $55,736.
• Seven people: CAD $62,054.
• Each additional family member beyond seven: CAD $6,318.

For tuition, IRCC accepts proof that you have paid your tuition and housing fees, such as a receipt from your institution. IRCC also lists examples of other proof: a student or education loan from a bank, a scholarship, a Canadian bank account in your name, a guaranteed investment certificate from a Canadian financial institution, recent pay stubs, or a letter from the person or institution supporting you. Visa offices can ask for other documents, and applicants from countries with foreign exchange controls may need to show they can export funds.

• Study permit: CAD $150 per person.
• Biometrics: CAD $85 for an individual, or up to CAD $170 for a family applying together.

If you are between 14 and 79 years old, you probably need to give your fingerprints and photo. You need to do this once every 10 years. You pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application, and you have 30 days from the date of your biometrics letter to give them.

Processing times vary by country, and IRCC publishes a processing times tool on its website. Check it for your country before you plan your travel. If you need an eTA or a visa, IRCC issues it automatically with your study permit at no extra fee.

IRCC has a notice on its study permit page about temporary measures, which it has extended until 27 November 2026. Check the special measures page if you are affected.

You may be able to work off campus without a separate work permit. IRCC says you must meet all of these conditions:

• You are a full-time student at a designated learning institution and have started your program.
• Your program is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
• Your study permit includes a condition allowing off-campus work.
• You have a social insurance number.

If you qualify, you can work up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions. During scheduled breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, you can work unlimited hours off campus. Part-time students can qualify only in their final semester in some cases. Always follow the conditions printed on your own permit.

• Check that you are eligible and where you can apply from.
• Gather your documents, including your letter of acceptance and attestation letter.
• Apply online and pay the processing and biometrics fees at the end.
• Give your biometrics within 30 days of your biometrics letter.
• Wait while IRCC processes your application. It may contact you for more information.
• If you are approved, IRCC issues your documents. If you are refused, you get a letter explaining why.