Canada Study Permit: Complete Guide

Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)

You can only study in Canada on a study permit if your school is a Designated Learning Institution — a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. The full list of DLIs is published on the IRCC website and is searchable by province and institution type.

Your official acceptance letter (letter of acceptance or LOA) must be from a DLI and must be included in your study permit application. Acceptance from a non-DLI institution does not qualify for a study permit.

If you change institutions after arriving in Canada, you must ensure the new institution is also a DLI and notify IRCC of the change. Studying at a non-DLI while on a study permit is a condition violation under IRPR R220.1.

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) — Since January 2024

Effective January 22, 2024, IRCC introduced a requirement for most new study permit applicants to provide a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from their province or territory. This was part of Canada's effort to limit the total number of new international student study permits issued annually — a national cap allocated to provinces based on population.

Who needs a PAL:

• • Most undergraduate and college-level students applying for a new study permit from outside Canada
• • Students at language schools and many private career colleges

Who is exempt from the PAL requirement:

• ✓ Master's and doctoral degree (PhD) students — PAL not required
• ✓ Students already in Canada extending or renewing a study permit
• ✓ Students enrolled in primary or secondary school (K–12)
• ✓ Students whose program is 6 months or less (no study permit required at all)
• ✓ Vulnerable foreign nationals (refugee claimants, etc.)

The PAL is obtained through the institution — colleges and universities coordinate with their provincial government to obtain attestations for accepted students within the cap allocation. Contact your school's international student office to confirm PAL availability before applying.

Financial Requirements

You must demonstrate that you have access to sufficient funds to cover your studies and living expenses in Canada. The IRCC minimum for the first year is:

For subsequent years, you need $10,000 per additional year (or the applicable provincial amount if higher). For a spouse or common-law partner accompanying you, add $4,000 per year. For each dependent child, add $3,000 per year.

Acceptable evidence of funds includes bank statements (typically 3–4 months), proof of a Canadian student loan, scholarship or award letters, proof of paid tuition, or a letter from a financial sponsor with supporting bank documentation. Funds must be accessible — not tied up in non-liquid investments.

Work Rights on a Study Permit

Off-Campus Work (20 Hours/Week)

Since November 2022, eligible study permit holders have been authorized to work off-campus up to 20 hours per week during scheduled academic sessions without a separate work permit. This authorization is embedded in the study permit. To qualify:

• ✓ You must be enrolled full-time at a DLI at the post-secondary level
• ✓ Your study permit must explicitly authorize off-campus work (most do — check your permit conditions)
• ✓ During scheduled breaks (winter break, summer break), you may work full-time

On-Campus Work

Full-time study permit holders at eligible DLIs may work on campus for their school or for businesses on campus without a separate work permit and with no hour restriction under IRPR R186(f).

Co-op Work Permits

If your program requires a co-op or internship as a mandatory component, you need a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit. This is a separate employer-specific work permit with no LMIA required if the co-op is a mandatory program requirement. Apply for it along with or after your study permit.

SDS vs Regular Stream

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was a faster processing stream for study permit applicants from certain countries (including India, China, Philippines, Vietnam, and others) who met upfront requirements. SDS applicants committed to having their first year's tuition paid and a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) of at least $10,000 CAD purchased before applying.

In November 2023, IRCC discontinued the SDS program, citing equity concerns. All study permit applicants are now processed under the regular stream, though processing times may vary by country of application.

PGWP and the Pathway to Permanent Residence

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is the most direct route from studying to working to permanent residence in Canada. Graduates of eligible programs at eligible DLIs can obtain an open work permit for up to 3 years, work for any Canadian employer, accumulate skilled work experience in Canada, and then apply for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream in Express Entry.

Key PGWP facts:

• ✓ Apply within 180 days of receiving final marks notification from your institution
• ✓ Duration equals length of study program (up to 3 years for 2-year+ programs)
• ✓ One-time permit — cannot be renewed or obtained a second time
• ✓ CEC requires 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) within the last 3 years
• ✓ Many provincial nominee programs also target PGWP holders and recent graduates

Find your NOC code to confirm your occupation qualifies — use our free NOC Finder.

Frequently Asked Questions