Study permit: how to study in Canada
International students accepted by a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) who need a permit to study for more than six months.
Steps, in order
- Get accepted by a DLI and obtain a letter of acceptance.
- Get a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL); in Quebec, the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) serves this role.
- Apply online for a study permit with identity documents, proof of funds, the acceptance letter, and the PAL/TAL or CAQ.
- Give biometrics and a medical exam if asked, then travel with the permit documents and proof of funds and acceptance.
Who is eligible — the essentials
- You must be accepted by a DLI; a letter from a non-designated school will not support a study permit.
- You must show you can pay tuition and living costs and that you will leave Canada when your authorized stay ends, unless you later qualify for another status.
- Most applicants must apply online; paper applications are limited to specific situations such as a disability or certain travel documents.
Documents you will usually need
- Letter of acceptance from a DLI
- Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), or CAQ for Quebec
- Proof of identity (passport)
- Proof of financial support for tuition and living costs
- Medical exam and police certificates if requested
Common mistakes
- Applying before the school is confirmed as a DLI.
- Missing the PAL/TAL or uploading it to the wrong field.
- Showing funds that do not cover tuition plus living costs, or that are not clearly available to the student.
Check before you apply: The minimum proof-of-funds figure for a single applicant changes and is not quoted on this page — check the current figure on the official study-permit page linked above before applying.
Official source
IRCC Guide 5269 — Applying for a study permit outside Canada
General information only — not legal advice. Immigration rules change. Always check the official source above before applying.