CanadaStudy Permit
Permission to study at a designated Canadian institution, with the right to work part-time while enrolled.
Who this is for
- Accepted into a Canadian college or university
- Coming for a language or vocational programme over six months
- Continuing from a completed programme into a higher one
- Minor children coming to attend school in Canada
Eligibility at a glance
- Hold a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution
- Hold a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter where your level requires one
- Prove funds of $23,448 plus first-year tuition and travel for a single applicant
- Show you will leave Canada at the end of your authorised stay
- Be in good health and admissible to Canada
This is a summary of the requirements, not legal advice. Requirements change, so always check the official IRCC page before you apply.
Documents you will need
How long it takes, by country
IRCC service standard for this service is 8 weeks. Published figures move weekly.
| Applying from | Current processing time |
|---|---|
| India | 7 weeks |
| Pakistan | 8 weeks |
| Nigeria | 10 weeks |
| Philippines | 6 weeks |
| United States | 5 weeks |
| I am already in Canada | 7 weeks |
Questions people actually ask
Do master's students still need a PAL?
From 1 January 2026, master's and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt. Most college and undergraduate students still need one.
How much money do I need to show?
$23,448 in living funds for a single applicant outside Quebec (for applications from 1 September 2026), plus your first year of tuition and travel costs. Each accompanying family member adds a further set amount.
Is there a cap on study permits?
Yes. 309,670 application spaces are allocated for 2026, distributed across the provinces. Applying early in the year matters.