Study permits and visas
As of January 22, 2024, most students need to provide a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study. Some exceptions apply. Find out more.
You must apply and be approved for a study permit before you arrive in Canada. Review the list of documents you need in order to apply for a study permit and discover how the application process works. If you want to work during your studies, you’ll need to apply for a work permit.
Before you apply
You’ll need these documents to apply for a study permit:
- a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)
- a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory where you plan to study (You do not need an attestation letter for grades K to 12, master’s, PhD or if you’re applying to extend your study permit.)
- proof of identity
- proof of financial support
See the full list of documents you need for a study permit.
If you are not a citizen of the country which you submit your application from, you may have to provide other documents as proof of your current immigration status.
Note: A provincial attestation letter is not required if:
- You wish to attend a preschool, elementary school, or secondary school (up to grade 12);
- you are enrolling in a master's or doctoral program;
- you hold a study permit and are applying for an extension of the study permit;
- you are exempt due to other circumstances.
Learn more about provincial attestation letter exemptions for international students.
You may need to provide your fingerprints and photograph (biometrics). If you need to give your biometrics, you’ll do this in person at the Visa Application Centre closest to you. Find out if you need to give biometrics
How to find a school on the designated learning institutions list
A designated learning institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Elementary and high schools in Canada are all designated learning institutions. If you plan to attend a college or university in Canada, make sure it’s on the list.
Note:
If you plan to attend a college or university in Quebec, you need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Government of Quebec before you apply for a study permit. Your CAQ can act as your provincial attestation letter for Quebec but it must meet certain requirements. Your school can tell you how to apply for the CAQ.
How to apply for a study permit
It can take up to 3 months to get a study permit. Apply as soon as you have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian college or university.
Apply now
There are 2 ways to apply for your study permit:
After you apply
You can check the status of your study permit application on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. The information is updated daily. First, you need to set up an account on the site. Sometimes, the processing centre will ask you to send more information.
Study permits are administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Visit their Help Centre for answers to frequently asked questions about study permits. Global Affairs Canada has no involvement in regards to study permits or temporary resident visas.
Obligations for study permit holders
As an international student with a study permit, you must:
- always be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- show you’re making progress toward finishing your study program
- respect the conditions listed on your study permit
- stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements
- leave Canada when your permit expires
How to apply for a work or travel visa
You may need a work or travel visa, depending on your plans to study in Canada.
Stays less than 6 months
If your time in Canada will be less than 6 months, you’ll need one of the following visas as an international student:
- A travel visa in your passport (for some countries) or
- An eTA or Electronic Travel Authorization (for foreign nationals who are visa-exempt and travelling to Canada by air, except Americans)
If you plan to work part-time during your studies
You may be able to work on campus or off campus during your studies. Your study permit will say if you’re eligible to work while you study.
Your eligibility to work during your studies depends on certain conditions, including the length of your program and whether the work is taking place on or off campus.
You can work up to 20 hours per week in Canada off campus without a work permit if you meet these requirements:
- You’re a full-time student at a designated learning institution
- You’re enrolled in one of:
- post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program or
- secondary vocational training program (Québec only)
- Your study program:
- is at least 6 months long and
- leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
- You’ve started your studies
- You have a social insurance number (SIN)
If you plan to work as a co-op student or intern
Some study programs offer co-op or internship work placements. You can apply for a co-op or intern work permit. You must meet certain conditions.
Learn more
- Work while studying in Canada
- Work permits for spouses and common-law partners
- Work in Canada after your studies
- Paths to permanent residency and immigration
- Explore careers in Canada
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