Canada · Student Visa
Student visa categories, eligibility, required documents, work rights, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Most international students in Canada need a study permit — not technically a visa, though a temporary resident visa or eTA may be issued for travel. You apply to IRCC with a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution, proof of funds and, for most applicants, a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter. An annual study-permit cap applies, so apply early. From 1 January 2026 master's and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt from the PAL/TAL — confirm current IRCC rules.
Most international students in Canada need a study permit (not technically a visa, though a temporary resident visa or eTA may also be issued for travel). You apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution, proof of funds, and — for most applicants — a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter, subject to the annual study-permit cap.
- Apply for the study permit online from outside Canada with your Letter of Acceptance from a DLI and proof of sufficient funds.
- Most applicants need a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL); from 1 Jan 2026 master's/doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt — check current IRCC rules.
- A study-permit application cap applies for the year; apply early and confirm whether your level/institution is in scope.
- Eligible study permits allow limited work during study and a Post-Graduation Work Permit pathway — confirm eligibility on IRCC.
- 1
Get a Letter of Acceptance from a DLI
Only a Designated Learning Institution can support a study permit. Confirm the institution's DLI status before accepting an offer.
- 2
Check whether you need a PAL or TAL
Most applicants need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter. From 1 Jan 2026 master's and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt — check the current IRCC position for your level and institution.
- 3
Apply early because of the annual cap
A study-permit application cap applies for the year. Confirm whether your level and institution fall in scope, and submit as early as your documents allow.
- 4
Prove your funds
You must show sufficient funds for tuition and living costs. The required amount is set by IRCC and updated periodically — check the current figure.
- 5
Apply online from outside Canada
Submit the study-permit application online through IRCC before travelling, with your Letter of Acceptance, PAL/TAL where required, and financial evidence.
- 6
Check work and post-graduation options
Eligible study permits allow limited work during study and may open a Post-Graduation Work Permit pathway. Eligibility rules have tightened — confirm on IRCC.
- Institution confirmed as a Designated Learning Institution
- Letter of Acceptance received
- PAL/TAL obtained, or exemption confirmed for your level
- Annual cap scope checked for your level and institution
- Proof of funds meets the current IRCC amount
- Application submitted online from outside Canada
- Work and PGWP eligibility checked on IRCC
- Study permit (IRCC)
Official study-permit requirements and online application.
- Application to study in Canada — Study permits
IRCC application forms and guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is a PAL or TAL, and do I need one?
A Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter confirms your place counts within that province's allocation. Most applicants need one, but from 1 January 2026 master's and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt. Confirm the current IRCC position for your level and institution before applying.
Is a study permit the same as a visa?
No. The study permit authorises study in Canada; a temporary resident visa or eTA is what allows you to travel there. You may be issued both, so check that each is in place before flying.
Does the annual cap affect my application?
A study-permit application cap applies for the year, and whether your level and institution fall in scope determines how it affects you. Because allocations can run out, apply as early as your documents allow rather than close to the intake date.
Government portals
- Government of Canada — Canada's federal service portal — immigration, taxes, benefits, and travel info
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, work/study permits, and PR card applications
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) — T1 personal tax returns, corporate taxes, GST/HST, and benefit applications (CCB)