Study permits and visas

You must apply and be approved for a study permit before you arrive in Canada. If you want to work during your studies, you’ll need to apply for a work permit.

Before you apply for a study permit

You’ll need these documents to apply for a study permit:

a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)
a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) from the province or territory where you plan to study. In Quebec this is called a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). Some exceptions apply.
proof of identity
proof of financial support

See the full list of documents you need for a study permit.

You may also need to provide other documents and your fingerprints and photograph (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.

If you want to change post-secondary institutions, you must apply and be approved for a new study permit.

How to apply for a study permit

Most people have to apply online to get their study permit. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and answer a few questions about your situation to get specific instructions on how to apply.

You’re only eligible to apply on paper if you:

have a disability that prevents you from applying online
hold an identity or travel document for non-national residents (if you currently live in Canada but are not a Canadian citizen), refugees or stateless persons

Apply as soon as you have a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution. Processing times vary based on country, so apply early to make sure you get your study permit before your program begins. You can check processing times on the IRCC website.

After you apply

You can check the status of your study permit application on the IRCC website. The information is updated daily. First, you need to set up an account on the IRCC website. Sometimes, the processing centre will ask you to send more information.

Study permits and visas are administered by IRCC. Visit their Help Centre for answers to frequently asked questions. Global Affairs Canada and EduCanada are not involved in the application process for 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
apply for a new study permit if you want to change post-secondary institutions
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.

Find out more about working during your studies from IRCC. Many post-secondary international students are now eligible to work up to 24 hours per week off campus while their classes are in session.

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

Features

Date modified:: 2026-04-23

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