Study Permit Canada

A study permit application is assessed on whether your plan to study in Canada is genuine and well documented. Officers look at your funds, your letter of acceptance, your study plan, and your ties. MAK Canadian Immigration Services reviews your eligibility, documents, and refusal risks so your application is better organized, consistent, and supported by the right documents. We do not arrange admission, choose a school for you, or recruit for institutions, and we do not guarantee a study permit. Approval is at the discretion of the visa officer.

Key 2026 study permit rules

• PAL/TAL: Most study permit applicants need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) unless an exemption applies. Master's and doctoral degree-granting programs at a public designated learning institution (DLI) are listed as exempt starting 1 January 2026.
• Application cap: Canada continues to limit the number of study permit applications accepted under the cap. Some applicants also need a PAL/TAL.
• Proof of funds: For applications on or after 1 September 2025, one applicant outside Quebec must show at least $22,895 for living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation. Tuition and transportation must be shown separately. (Amount updated periodically by IRCC; re-check before relying on it.)
• PGWP planning: your program and study choices can affect later PGWP eligibility. Confirm before you enrol.

Who needs a study permit?

Most international students who will study in Canada for more than six months need a study permit. Some short programs and specific situations differ. We confirm whether you need one.

How to apply for a study permit

IRCC says study permit applications must generally be submitted online whether you are applying from outside Canada or from inside Canada. Paper applications are limited to specific situations identified by IRCC. Most applicants must apply before coming to Canada, while only specified applicants can apply from inside Canada or at a port of entry.

Before submitting, prepare the letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution you will attend, a PAL or TAL when required or evidence of an exemption, and the documents needed for a complete application. The online process creates a personalized document checklist from your answers. Pay the applicable fees and follow IRCC's biometrics instructions when biometrics are required. Use the current IRCC study permit application instructions for your filing route.

Letter of acceptance and DLI

You generally need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution. The DLI you choose can also affect later PGWP eligibility. We review your acceptance and DLI in that context.

PAL/TAL requirements

Most study permit applicants need a PAL/TAL unless an exemption applies. Master's and doctoral degree-granting programs at a public DLI are listed as exempt starting 1 January 2026. Other limited exemptions exist. We confirm whether you need a PAL/TAL and how it fits your timeline.

Proof of funds

For applications on or after 1 September 2025, one applicant outside Quebec must show at least $22,895 for living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation; tuition and transportation must be shown separately. We review whether your funds are sufficient and properly documented, because insufficient or poorly documented financial support can undermine the application.

Study plan and purpose of study

Officers assess whether your program makes sense for your background and goals. We review your study plan so it is consistent and credible.

Family ties and return plan

Officers consider your ties and your stated intentions. We help you present these accurately. Study permits allow dual intent - intending to study and to later seek PR is permitted - but the study plan must still be genuine.

Spouse or family accompanying the student

Eligibility for a spouse's open work permit has narrowed. We confirm current eligibility before advising on this option.

Study permit refusal risks to review

Refusal concerns can include insufficient or poorly documented funds, a study plan that does not support the stated purpose of study, evidence that does not satisfy the requirement to leave Canada when authorized stay ends, and inconsistent documents or application answers. We help you identify and address material risks before filing. We cannot guarantee approval.

Study permit extension

If you need more time, you may be able to extend your study permit from inside Canada before it expires. We review timing and conditions.

PGWP planning

Your program, DLI, level of study, and field of study can affect whether you later qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, which in turn can support PR through the Canadian Experience Class. For 2026, IRCC says it will not add or remove eligible fields of study. We help you plan with PGWP eligibility in mind.

How a licensed RCIC helps

We review study permit eligibility and refusal risks; whether your documents support your purpose of study; your proof of funds, study plan, ties, and history; and PGWP/PR planning. Admission decisions and visa decisions are separate. Final decisions are made by IRCC. No outcome can be guaranteed.

Explore study permit topics

• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL)
• Proof of funds for a study permit
• Study permit extension
• Refused study permit: what to do next
• Designated learning institutions (DLIs)

Frequently asked questions