What you need for a study permit

• A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).
• A provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) — required for most college and bachelor's students. Quebec requires a CAQ instead.
• Proof of funds for tuition, living costs and travel, without counting on work in Canada.
• Biometrics and, if required, a medical exam and police certificates.
• The officer must be satisfied that your main purpose is to study and that you will leave Canada when your permit expires.

Some applicants don't need a PAL/TAL, for example master's and doctoral students at public institutions (since January 1, 2026), K-12 students, and students extending their permit at the same school and level.

How much money you need to show

For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, the living-cost amount for the first year (all provinces and territories except Quebec), not including tuition and travel:

First-year tuition is added on top. If your program is longer than a year, you must also explain how you will pay for the rest of it.

Working while you study

Full-time students in a program of at least 6 months can work off campus up to 24 hours a week during classes and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You can only start working once your program has begun. Since April 1, 2026, you no longer need a separate co-op work permit for a required work placement.

Bringing your family

A spouse can now get an open work permit only if the student is in a master's program of at least 16 months, a doctoral program, or certain professional programs: medicine, dentistry, law, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, optometry, nursing, education and engineering. Students' children can attend school in Canada.

Changing schools and extending your permit

If you transfer to a different college or university, you must extend your study permit, and since 2025 this generally requires a new PAL/TAL. Changing programs at the same school doesn't require a new permit. Apply to extend at least 30 days before your permit expires. If you apply on time, you are on maintained status and can keep studying until a decision is made.

How to choose a program that leads to a PGWP

This is where most mistakes happen. To get a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after graduation, your program must:

• last at least 8 months and be PGWP-eligible at that school;
• for college and other non-degree programs — be in a field of study on IRCC's list (the list is frozen for 2026);
• be taken mostly in class in Canada — no more than half online;
• not be a public-private curriculum-licensing program (for studies started after May 15, 2024).

You also need a language test for the PGWP: CLB 7 for university programs and CLB 5 for college programs. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates don't need to meet the field-of-study requirement.

From study to permanent residence

After the PGWP, one year of work in a TEER 0–3 occupation in Canada opens the Canadian Experience Class. Work while you were a full-time student doesn't count for the CEC. Graduates working in Ontario can also consider the OINP: if you graduated in Ontario in the last 3 years from a 2-year program, an Ontario College Graduate Certificate, a master's or a PhD, 3 months of work with the employer making the job offer is enough.

Fees and processing times

The study permit fee is $150, and biometrics cost $85 ($170 per family). The IRCC service standard is 60 days for applications from outside Canada and 120 days for applications inside Canada. Actual times depend on your country and are published on the IRCC website.

Why study permits are refused

IRCC lists the main reasons: no valid letter of acceptance, not enough money, a failed medical exam, or the officer is not convinced that your main purpose is to study or that you will leave after your studies. Since July 29, 2025, officer decision notes are included with the refusal letter, so the reason is visible right away.

How can ViBK IMMIGRATION CONSULTING help you?

• A study–PGWP–PR strategy based on your education, experience and goals.
• Choosing a program and school that lead to a PGWP.
• Help with admission and communication with the school.
• Preparing your study permit application: proof of funds, study plan, letter of explanation.
• Study permit extensions and changing schools.
• Permits for your family members.
• Your PGWP application after graduation.

Book a consultation — we will review your situation in detail and find the right program for you.