Study permit
Overview
A study permit is required for most foreign nationals who wish to study in Canada for more than 6 months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). It is issued under the authority of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), Part 7.
The study permit is a document that allows a foreign national to study in Canada; it is not a visa. Nationals of visa-required countries must also obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) to enter Canada. The permit specifies the DLI and program, and sets out any conditions on work rights during the period of study.
A study permit holder who completes an eligible program at an eligible DLI may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduation — a key pathway to Canadian work experience and ultimately permanent residence through Express Entry.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a study permit, an applicant must:
- Have been accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI) for a full-time program (enrolment in a part-time program may also be possible in some circumstances)
- Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover: tuition fees; living expenses for themselves and accompanying family members; and return transportation
- Be a law-abiding person with no criminal record (character requirements apply)
- Satisfy a visa officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorised stay (the officer must be satisfied the applicant is a genuine temporary resident)
- Meet health requirements — a medical examination may be required depending on the applicant's country of residence
Study permits not required
A study permit is not required for:
- Courses or programs of six months or less
- Certain exchange students and family members of diplomatic staff in specific circumstances
Selection criteria
Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis by a visa officer. Key factors in the officer's assessment:
- Purpose of study — the officer assesses whether the proposed study makes sense given the applicant's background and whether there is a plausible reason to study in Canada rather than in the home country
- Financial sufficiency — documented funds must be sufficient for the full duration of the program; the current minimum financial requirement is set by IRCC and subject to periodic updates
- Ties to home country — evidence of ties (employment, family, property) that support the applicant's intention to return home after studying
- Immigration history — prior refusals, overstays, or misrepresentation in Canada or other countries affect the assessment
Student Direct Stream (SDS)
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was discontinued by IRCC on 8 November 2024. It had been an accelerated processing track for applicants from designated countries, requiring a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC), language test results and proof of tuition payment. All study permit applications are now assessed under the standard stream; check IRCC for current requirements.
Application process
- Receive a letter of acceptance (LOA) from a DLI.
- Gather supporting documents: LOA, evidence of funds (including GIC if applying under SDS), language test results, passport, photos.
- Create an IRCC account and lodge the study permit application online. Some nationalities must apply at a visa application centre (VAC).
- Provide biometrics at a designated biometrics collection site (if required for the applicant's nationality — most nationalities).
- Receive the Port of Entry Letter of Introduction (POELI) if the study permit is approved; the permit itself is issued on arrival at a Canadian port of entry.
Processing times vary significantly by country of nationality and application volume. Applicants should apply well in advance of their intended start date.
Related programs
Notes
Study permit holders may work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week while their academic session is in progress, and full-time during scheduled breaks. This off-campus work authorisation is automatic — no separate open work permit is needed — but applies only if the study permit was issued on or after a certain date and the DLI is a designated institution.
Spouses or common-law partners of full-time post-secondary study permit holders at eligible DLIs may apply for an open work permit.
Implied status allows a study permit holder who has applied to extend or change their status before the current permit expires to continue studying on the same conditions while the application is being processed.
Completing an eligible program at an eligible DLI opens the pathway to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which is an open work permit for a period equivalent to the length of the study program (up to 3 years).