Do you need a study permit?
Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. A study permit is not a visa: you may also need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to travel. IRCC's online tool asks a few questions and tells you whether a permit is required.
| Situation | Rule | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Program longer than 6 months | A study permit is normally required before you travel. | You need a letter of acceptance from a DLI, proof of funds, a valid passport and admissibility. Most applicants also need a PAL/TAL; Quebec students need a CAQ. |
| Program of 6 months or less | No permit is needed if the course is not part of a longer program and you finish within your authorized stay (usually 6 months from entry). | IRCC still recommends applying for a permit. Only a study permit holder can use the student work rules, and a permit makes it easier to continue into a longer program. |
| Minor children | Children in kindergarten, children who are (or whose parents are) refugees or refugee claimants, and children already in Canada attending preschool, primary or secondary school while a parent is a citizen, permanent resident or authorized to work or study, may study without a permit. | A child whose parent is only a visitor generally needs a study permit. Plan a permit before the child reaches the age of majority (18 or 19, depending on the province). |
| Other exemptions | Registered Indians; members of a designated foreign armed force under the Visiting Forces Act; accredited staff and family of foreign representatives; certain construction apprentices with a work permit and a registered apprenticeship; certain work-permit holders under temporary measures. | Each exemption has exact conditions. An exemption does not by itself give entry, work or PGWP rights. |
Schools, colleges and universities follow different rules
Primary and secondary school
All Canadian primary and secondary schools are DLIs. IRCC suggests applying to the school at least 6 months before the intended start.
College or university
The institution must appear on IRCC's DLI list. A letter of acceptance from a non-designated institution leads to refusal. IRCC suggests applying about a year in advance.
Private career college
The college must meet provincial requirements and be on the DLI list. Also check credential recognition, licensing value and refund protection before you pay.
Language school
A DLI language school can support a study permit, but English or French as a second language programs do not lead to a PGWP.
PGWP planning
Not every program at a DLI is PGWP-eligible. Check the institution's eligible programs on the DLI list, then the program length, delivery, language and field-of-study rules. Our DLI, PGWP and CIP checker helps with the first check.
Health insurance
The Government of Canada does not pay international students' medical costs. Coverage depends on the province and the school, so arrange it before arrival.
Check the program before you pay tuition
- Match the detailsThe institution name, campus, DLI number, credential and start and end dates must match the letter of acceptance.
- Read the refund termsKnow what happens to deposits after a refusal, withdrawal, deferral or program cancellation. Keep every receipt and written promise.
- Check career valueFor a regulated profession or trade, confirm with the regulator that the credential will be recognized.
- Check PGWP eligibilityCheck the exact program, not only the school, and keep a record of what the DLI list showed on the day you paid.
- Identify the CIP codeFor college and non-degree programs, the field-of-study rule may apply. Ask the school for the program's 6-digit CIP code.
- QuebecConfirm the CAQ and the provincial financial requirements before the federal application.
Documents for a complete file
Letter of acceptance
Always required. The DLI must confirm the letter to IRCC; if it does not respond by the deadline, the application is returned and the fee refunded.
PAL/TAL or exemption
Usually required. Exemptions include preschool to grade 12 and, since January 1, 2026, degree-granting master's and doctoral programs at a public DLI. A 2026 PAL/TAL is valid until December 31, 2026, and must be valid on the day you apply.
Quebec CAQ
Students going to Quebec generally need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate instead of a PAL/TAL. Program and dates must match the federal application.
Proof of funds
First-year tuition, travel and IRCC's living-cost amount for you and each accompanying family member. Explain loans, sponsors and recent deposits. For a program longer than one year, also show how you will pay for the full program.
Letter of explanation
Recommended. Explain why this program, this school and Canada, how it fits your education and career, and that you understand your responsibilities as a student.
Identity and admissibility
Passport, photos, medical exam and police certificates where required, full immigration history, prior refusals and certified translations.
Living-cost amounts outside Quebec rose for applications made on or after September 1, 2026. For one person the amount is $23,448 a year, on top of tuition and travel. See the full table in our application guide.
How to apply
- Apply onlineOnline applications are required. Paper is allowed only for applicants with a disability that prevents online filing, holders of refugee or stateless travel documents, or when the online system has a problem.
- Upload everythingLetter of acceptance, PAL/TAL or proof of exemption, CAQ if applicable, proof of funds, identity, education records, letter of explanation and any country-specific documents.
- Biometrics and medicalMost applicants aged 14 to 79 give biometrics, usually once every 10 years, within 30 days of IRCC's letter. A medical exam may be needed, and it affects whether you may work in health, child-care or school settings.
- Family membersA spouse, partner or child applies for their own visitor visa, work permit or study permit, ideally at the same time so IRCC processes the files together.
- Port of entryAs a rule you cannot apply at the border. IRCC's tool screens for a few narrow exceptions; most people must apply before travelling.
Government fees
Tuition, PAL/TAL or CAQ costs, medical exams, police certificates, translations, visa application centre services, insurance and travel are all separate. Check IRCC's fee list on the day you apply.
| Item | Federal fee (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Study permit, including extensions | $150 per person | Each family member's visa or permit is a separate fee. |
| Restore student status with a new study permit | $396.25 | $246.25 restoration plus $150 study permit. Restoration is discretionary. |
| Biometrics | $85 per person; $170 maximum for a family applying together | Only when required. |
What the officer assesses
- FundsFunds must be enough and available, with a clear source. Large unexplained recent deposits weaken a file.
- Study logicThe officer looks at academic background, language readiness, career plan and whether the cost makes sense.
- Temporary stayShow ties and a credible plan. Wanting permanent residence later is allowed, but you must be able to leave if you do not get further status.
- HonestyDisclose every refusal, immigration history, family member and representative. A template letter that conflicts with your evidence harms credibility.
- After approvalIf you apply from outside Canada you receive a port-of-entry letter of introduction and, if needed, a visa or eTA. The study permit itself is issued by the border officer when you arrive.
Keep your status after arrival
Enrolment and progress
Stay enrolled at a DLI and actively pursue your studies: enrolled in each semester and making progress toward completion. Keep enrolment letters and transcripts.
Authorized leave
A leave authorized by your DLI can last up to 150 days. You need not report it, but you must be able to prove it. You cannot work on or off campus during the leave.
Permit conditions
Follow the conditions printed on your permit: level of study, work, medical reporting, travel within Canada and the date to stop studying.
Finishing early
Your permit expires on the printed date or 90 days after your school first tells you that you completed your program, whichever comes first.
Travel
To return you need a valid study permit, passport, visa or eTA as applicable, and proof you are attending a DLI. The border officer decides on entry.
Breaking conditions
You can lose your status and permit, may have to wait 6 months before applying for a new permit or visa from inside Canada, and future applications can suffer.
Changing schools or programs
At the post-secondary level, changing to a new DLI generally requires a new study permit (an extension application) before you start at the new school, including a new PAL/TAL unless you are exempt. IRCC offers 60-day processing for these extensions when you answer "Yes" to the question about changing DLIs. Changing a program at the same school follows different rules. Details are in our guide to changing schools or programs.
Extending or restoring
- Know the real expiryThe printed expiry is usually the program length plus 90 days, but early completion can end the permit sooner.
- Apply earlyIRCC asks students to apply at least 30 days before expiry. The extension cannot go past your passport's expiry date.
- Maintained statusIf you apply before your permit expires and stay in Canada, you can keep studying under your current conditions until IRCC decides.
- RestorationIf your permit expired, you have 90 days to apply to restore your status. You cannot study while it is pending, and a new PAL/TAL is required.
See our guide to extending or restoring a study permit.
Working while you study
- On campusEligible full-time post-secondary students can work on campus without a work permit, with no hour limit, if the permit allows it.
- Off campusEligible students can work off campus up to 24 hours a week during regular terms and without an hour limit during scheduled breaks.
- Start dateYou cannot start working until your study program starts, and you need a social insurance number (SIN).
- Co-op and internshipsSince April 1, 2026, eligible post-secondary students no longer need a co-op work permit for a required work placement. Secondary-school students still do.
- Not eligibleStudents in ESL/FSL only, general-interest courses or prerequisite courses only cannot work off campus.
See our guide to working while studying.
Master's and doctoral students
No PAL/TAL
Since January 1, 2026, applicants to a degree-granting master's or doctoral program at a public DLI do not need a PAL/TAL. Quebec requirements still apply.
Doctoral processing
IRCC states that it processes applications from doctoral students and their family members in 2 weeks. This is a target, not a guarantee.
Spouse open work permit
Since January 21, 2025, a spouse or common-law partner may qualify if the student is in a master's program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, a listed university professional degree (dentistry, law, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, nursing, education or engineering), or certain eligible programs.
3-year PGWP
A master's program of at least 8 months (900 hours in Quebec) can support a 3-year PGWP even if it is shorter than 2 years. This does not apply to certificates or diplomas.
Post-graduation work permit
Core rules
Complete a PGWP-eligible program of at least 8 months (900 hours in Quebec), study full-time each semester (the final semester may be part-time), and apply within 180 days of confirmation of completion with a study permit valid at some point in that period.
Language
Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees (including degrees earned at a college) and other university programs: CLB/NCLC 7 in all four skills. Other college, polytechnic and non-university programs: CLB/NCLC 5.
Field of study
Not required for bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees. Other programs need an eligible CIP code if the study permit was applied for on or after November 1, 2024. IRCC says it will not add or remove fields during 2026.
Once only
You cannot get a PGWP if you already had one after an earlier program. Plan your programs and passport validity before the first application.
See our PGWP guide.
Minor children
- Age of majority18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan; 19 in the other provinces and territories.
- CustodianA child under 17 who is not travelling with a parent or legal guardian needs a custodian in Canada who is a citizen or permanent resident, using form IMM 5646.
- Consistent family filesFunds, purpose, custody, travel and accommodation must be consistent across every family member's application.
- Independent statusEach person keeps their own status. Plan the child's study permit before the age of majority.
Bringing family
Spouse or partner
An open work permit is not automatic. It depends on the student's program level and length (see above). Otherwise the spouse may apply for a visitor visa, study permit or another work permit.
Children
A child may need a study permit depending on age, location and the parents' status. School-board admission, custody and funds are separate issues.
Visitors
A family member who will not work or study needs the right visitor document and must keep their own status.
Funds for everyone
IRCC's living-cost amount rises with each accompanying family member. The whole family's plan must be credible and consistent.
Study and permanent residence
- Education firstChoose a program for its real education and career value. A DLI, a PGWP or a Canadian credential does not guarantee an invitation or a nomination.
- Plan earlyBefore enrolling, compare PGWP eligibility, the target occupation, licensing, language and the relevant Express Entry, provincial or Francophone pathways.
- Keep recordsUnauthorized work or missing proof can make Canadian experience unusable.
- After graduationPlan the PGWP timing, language tests, job search and permit expiry together.
Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot
This pilot is a separate study permit route for French-speaking students who want to study in a Francophone minority community outside Quebec. Applicants must be citizens of one of 33 eligible countries of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie in Africa, the Middle East or the Americas, live outside Canada when applying, hold a letter of acceptance from a participating DLI that names the pilot, enrol in a full-time post-secondary program of at least 2 years taught more than 50% in French, and show NCLC 5 or higher in all four French skills. Students under the pilot are exempt from the PAL/TAL. Spouses or partners may qualify for an open work permit. Simply choosing a program taught in French is not enough.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 2027 study permit cap announced?
As of October 18, 2026, IRCC had not published a 2027 cap. A PAL/TAL issued in 2026 is valid until December 31, 2026, and a PAL/TAL from a previous year cannot be used.
Can I work as soon as I arrive?
No. You can only start working when your study program starts, and only if your permit conditions allow it and you have a SIN.
Does a 6-month course need a study permit?
Usually not, if it is not part of a longer program and you finish within your authorized stay. IRCC still recommends a permit if you may continue studying.
Official sources
- IRCC: Who needs a study permit
- IRCC: Prepare to study (choosing a school)
- IRCC: Designated learning institutions list
- IRCC: Get the right documents
- IRCC: Provincial or territorial attestation letter
- IRCC: Proof of financial support
- IRCC: Apply for a study permit
- IRCC: Fee list
- IRCC: Study permit conditions
- IRCC: Changing schools or programs
- IRCC: Extend your study permit or restore your status
- IRCC: Work while you study
- IRCC: Graduate students, how to apply
- IRCC: Open work permits for spouses of students
- IRCC: PGWP, who can apply
- IRCC: Minor children studying in Canada
- IRCC: Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot, eligibility
- IRCC notice (September 9, 2026): study without a study permit for work-permit holders
This page is general information about Canadian immigration law and policy as of the date above. It is not legal advice for your situation. Programs, forms and fees change often; check the official sources before you apply.