STUDY PERMITS

A Canadian Study Permit is an official temporary resident document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes foreign nationals to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

Proof of Acceptance & Provincial Attestation

• Letter of Acceptance (LOA): You must be accepted into an approved program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): Most undergraduate and college-level applicants must obtain a PAL issued by the target province confirming their enrollment fits within the national cap. (Graduate students—Master's/PhD—are generally exempt from the PAL requirement.

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Financial Requirements (Proof of Funds)

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient, legitimate, and accessible funds to support your studies without needing unauthorized work.

• Tuition Fees: Coverage for the entire first year of tuition.

• Living Expenses: Minimum $22,895 CAD per year for a single applicant (outside Quebec) to cover housing and living costs.

• Travel Expenses: Proof of funds for round-trip transportation back to your home country.

• Source Scrutiny: IRCC conducts strict financial background checks. Applicants must typically provide 6 months of bank statements, Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), tax documents, or proof of education loans/scholarships detailing the clear origin of the funds

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Background & Health Verification

• Genuineness & Dual Intent: You must convince the immigration officer that you will respect temporary resident conditions and leave Canada when your permit expires.

• Medical & Police Clearances: You must have a clean criminal record (police certificate if requested) and pass an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) if applicable.

• Work Authorization: Full-time post-secondary students on a study permit can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during active academic terms and full-time during official scheduled breaks (e.g., summer or winter holidays).

• Maintaining Status: You must remain enrolled at a DLI and actively pursue your program of study.

• Permit Validity: The permit is valid for the duration of your study program plus an extra 90 days.