Study Permit
Do You Need a Study Permit for Canada?
You do not need a study permit if any of the following conditions apply:
- You plan to study in Canada for 6 months or less.
- You are not a minor child, nor are you applying on behalf of a minor child.
Studying in Canada Without a Study Permit
If your program is less than 6 months in duration and you meet the criteria above, you can study in Canada as long as you maintain a valid visitor status. Depending on your situation, you will require one of the following:
- A Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
- An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Ensure your visitor status remains valid for the entire duration of your studies in Canada.
Prepare to Study as an International Student in Canada
Choosing a Program and School
In Canada, each province and territory manages its own education system. Before applying, familiarize yourself with the options and requirements:
- EduCanada: Find information about education in Canada, study programs, costs, and more.
- Ministries and Departments of Education: Learn about the education system in specific provinces and territories.
Primary and Secondary Schools
- Grades: Primary schools cover grades 1-8, while secondary schools cover grades 9-12.
- Eligibility: All primary and secondary schools in Canada can enrol international students.
- Minor Children: Special rules apply to minor children studying in Canada.
Post-Secondary Schools
Post-secondary schools include:
- Colleges
- Universities
- Private career colleges
- Vocational and technical schools
Each school has unique application requirements, including language proficiency in English or French.
Resources for post-secondary education:
- Universities Canada: Explore university profiles, study programs, and planning tools.
- Colleges and Institutes Canada: Learn about Canadian colleges and institutes.
- Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials: Assess your past education against Canadian standards.
- National Association of Career Colleges: Discover schools focused on trades and vocations.
Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)
- What is a DLI? Provinces and territories designate schools that can enrol international students.
- Important: To apply for a study permit, your acceptance letter must be from a DLI.
- All primary and secondary schools are DLIs. Post-secondary and language schools must also be on the Designated Learning Institution List.
- Find a DLI: Search the list of approved institutions.
How to Apply to a School, College, or University
Follow these steps to apply to your chosen institution:
Choose a School
- Apply at least 6 months in advance for primary or secondary schools.
- Apply at least 1 year in advance for post-secondary programs.
Contact the School
- Reach out to your chosen school to get application requirements. They will provide details on:
- Application costs
- Tuition fees
- Health insurance
- Living costs (rent, food, etc.)
- Language test requirements
Submit Your Application
- Complete the application forms and follow the school’s instructions to submit them.
Receive a Letter of Acceptance
- If admitted, the school will issue a letter of acceptance, which is required to apply for a study permit.
- All above services can be done by YSI. Our study experts in YSI will help you to get admission from any colleges and universities you would like to study.
Health Insurance
The Government of Canada does not cover medical costs for international students. Health coverage varies by province or territory. Contact your school for details on health insurance options.
Study Permit Application Requirements: Canada
Who Can Apply
To study in Canada, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Prove financial capability to cover:
- Tuition fees.
- Living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members.
- Return transportation for yourself and accompanying family members.
- Obey the law and provide a police certificate (if required).
- Be in good health and complete a medical exam (if required).
- Demonstrate to an officer that you will leave Canada upon your study permit’s expiry.
Responsibilities as a Student
While studying in Canada, you must:
- Make progress toward completing your program.
- Respect any conditions listed on your study permit.
- Stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements.
Possible Conditions on Your Study Permit:
- Permission to work in Canada.
- Permission to travel within Canada.
- The specific date you must leave Canada.
- Where you can study (specific DLI).
- Requirement for an immigration medical examination.
Note: If you plan to change your DLI, update this information in your IRCC secure account before transferring.
Documents Required for a Study Permit Application
1. Proof of Acceptance
Post-secondary students must provide a valid letter of acceptance from their DLI.
- Ensure your school validates this letter when requested by the IRCC.
- Applications will be returned if the school does not confirm the letter by the deadline.
2. Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL)
Most applicants must include a PAL/TAL with their application.
- This applies to prerequisite courses, such as language programs.
- Each applicant must submit a PAL/TAL, even if applying as a family.
3. Proof of Identity
Each applicant and accompanying family member must have:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Online applicants: Upload the passport’s information page.
- Approved applicants must send the original passport.
- U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have additional options.
- Two recent passport-size photos.
- Write the name and date of birth on the back of each photo.
4. Proof of Financial Support
You can provide evidence of funds through:
- A Canadian bank account in your name.
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating financial institution.
- Proof of student or education loans from a bank.
- Bank statements for the past 4 months.
- A bank draft convertible to Canadian dollars.
- Proof of tuition and housing fee payments.
- A letter from a person or school providing funds.
- Proof of Canadian-funded scholarships or educational programs.
Minimum Funds Required (Excluding Tuition)
- Single Applicant: CAN$20,635 per year.
- Two Family Members: CAN$25,690 per year.
- Add CAN$5,559 per additional family member.
Additional Documents (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation:
- Explain why you want to study in Canada and confirm understanding of student responsibilities.
- Medical Exam.
- Custodian Declaration (for minors).
- Any other documents requested by IRCC.
Important Notes
- Apply for your study permit before traveling to Canada.
- Applications submitted without required documents, such as a PAL/TAL, may be returned with fees refunded.
