Study in Canada

New to Canada? Start Your Study Journey Right!

Canada is one of the top destinations for international students, offering world-class education, multicultural experiences, and a safe environment. Whether you’re starting your undergraduate or postgraduate studies, adjusting to life in a new country can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. A study permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. It is not a visa but a permission to study and you may also need a visa or eTA to enter Canada.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a study permit, you must:

Have a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Get a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) (required in 2025)
Show proof of financial support
Have no criminal record and be in good health
Prove you’ll leave Canada when your permit expires
Medical Exam
Language Proficiency (optional but recommended)
Genuine Intent to Study
Study permit in Canada

Documents Required

Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
Valid passport
Proof of funds (bank statements, GIC, scholarship, etc.)
Passport-sized photos
Immigration Medical Exam (if needed)
Police clearance certificate (if required)
Statement of Purpose (explaining your study plans)
Language proficiency (for SDS or PGWP: IELTS or equivalent)

Programs Managed Under Study Permit Category

Canada offers several pathways under its study visa program to accommodate diverse student needs. These programs ensure that international students can pursue their education efficiently and legally while meeting Canada’s immigration requirements.

Whether you are applying through the regular stream, looking for faster processing with the Student Direct Stream (SDS), planning for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), or applying for your spouse’s open work permit, each program has specific rules and eligibility criteria.

Regular Study Permit Stream

The Regular Study Permit Stream basically refers to the standard process …

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Student Direct Stream (SDS)

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a faster and more streamlined study permit application process..

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Post-Graduation Work Permit

The Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who…

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Spouse/Common-law Partner Open Work Permit (OWP)

The Spouse or Common-law Partner Open Work Permit allows..

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Minor Study Permits (K–12 Education)

Children under the age of 18 (or 19 in some provinces) who want …

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Regular Study Permit Stream

The Regular Study Permit Stream basically refers to the standard process for international students who want to come to Canada to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). It’s the main pathway through which most students apply for a study permit.

What is the Regular Study Permit Stream?

It’s the typical application process for getting a Canadian study permit.
You apply after receiving an acceptance letter from a Canadian college, university, or school that is officially recognized (a DLI).
This stream involves submitting the necessary documents like proof of acceptance, financial proof, identity, and possibly a medical exam to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The goal is to convince Canadian immigration authorities that you meet all the eligibility requirements and that you intend to study temporarily in Canada.

Who Can Apply ?

You can apply for a study permit if you : Have been accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Prove you have enough money to pay for: Your tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada. return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada.
No criminal record, and get a police certificate (if required).
Are in good health and get a medical exam (if required).
Convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

Required Documents

Letter of Acceptance: From a DLI.
If you studied outside Canada, get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to show your education is equal to a Canadian standard.

4. Age

There’s no official age limit, but you score maximum points between ages 20 to 29.
Older applicants may still qualify but receive fewer points.

5. Proof of Funds

You need to show you have enough money to support yourself and your family (unless you have a valid job offer or are applying under the Canadian Experience Class).

6. Admissibility

You must be legally admissible to Canada (no serious criminal record or major health issues).

How to Apply ?

Ensure you have all the required documents listed above.
Create or sign in to your IRCC secure account.
Complete the application form and upload your documents.
Pay the application fee (currently CAD 150).
Submit your application.
Note: Most applicants must apply online. Paper applications are only accepted in specific circumstances.

Student Direct Stream (SDS)

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a faster and more streamlined study permit application process for international students from select countries who want to study in Canada at a post-secondary Designated Learning Institution (DLI). The Student Direct Stream (SDS) allows eligible international students to get their study permits processed faster usually within 20 calendar days. It’s not a different type of study permit, but a priority processing option for students who meet specific criteria, including advanced upfront documentation and proof of financial support.

Who Can Apply Through SDS?

As of 2025, students living in the following countries are eligible: You must be living in one of the above countries when you apply, regardless of your citizenship.

Antigua and Barbuda
Brazil
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
India
Morocco
Pakistan
Peru
Philippines
Senegal
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Vietnam

Required Documents

Have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary DLI in Canada.
Live in an SDS-eligible country at the time of application.
Pay the first year of tuition fees in full.
Obtain a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635 or more from a Canadian bank.
Complete a medical exam (if required) upfront.
Submit a police certificate (if required) upfront.
Have your most recent secondary or post-secondary transcript.
Take an English or French language test : IELTS Academic with a minimum score of 6.0 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking, listening), or TEF Canada for French proficiency

How to Apply ?

Apply online only through the IRCC portal
Upload all documents, including : Letter of acceptance, Tuition payment receipt, GIC confirmation, IELTS/TEF result, Transcript, Medical exam report (if applicable), Police certificate (if applicable)
Complete the application form and upload your documents.
Pay the application fee (currently CAD 150).
Submit your application.
Note: Processing time will be as fast as 20 calendar days, if biometrics and all documents are complete.

Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who graduate from eligible Canadian institutions to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies. This open work permit helps graduates gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can also support future permanent residency applications through programs like Express Entry.

Eligibility Requirements (2025 Updates)

To qualify for a PGWP in 2025, you must:

Complete a full-time program of at least 8 months at a PGWP-eligible DLI
Apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks or graduation letter
Have maintained full-time student status throughout the program
Meet the language requirements: CLB 7 for university graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD), CLB 5 for college or diploma program graduates (as of late 2024)
Graduate from a program that is not excluded under the new PGWP restrictions

Permit Duration

If your program was less than 2 years: PGWP is valid for the same length as your program.
If your program was 2 years or longer: You may get a 3-year PGWP.

Who Is Not Eligible ?

Students who studied at a non-eligible private institution
Students who were not full-time for the majority of their studies (with limited exceptions)
Those who already had a PGWP previously

How to Apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in 2025

Online (Recommended): Through your IRCC account.
From inside Canada: If you’re still in the country and hold valid status.
From outside Canada: If you’ve left the country, but still within 180 days of program completion.

Documents Required to Apply

Passport: Must be valid for the full length of the PGWP you’re applying for, up to 3 years.
Letter of Completion: Official confirmation from your DLI stating that you’ve successfully completed your study program.
Final Transcript: Issued by your school, showing completed courses and graduation date (can be official or unofficial).
Valid Study Permit: You must have held a valid study permit during your studies and when you finished your program.
Digital Photo: A recent photo that meets IRCC specifications for visa and permit applications.
IMM 5710 Form: Application form used to apply for or extend your work permit from inside Canada.
Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of payment for the PGWP fee (CAD 255 total), including processing and open work permit fees.
Medical Exam: Required if you’re from a designated country or planning to work in a health-related job. (optional)
Police Certificate: Only needed if requested by IRCC based on your country of residence or background. (optional)

Spouse/ Common-law Partner Open Work Permit

The Spouse or Common-law Partner Open Work Permit allows the spouse or partner of an international student in Canada to work full-time for any employer during the student’s study period. This helps families stay together and allows the spouse to support themselves while in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements (2025 Updates)

To qualify for an OWP in 2025, the international student must be, enrolled full-time in one of the following programs at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI):

A Master’s or Doctoral degree program
A professional degree program such as: Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
Pharmacy (PharmD, BSPharm)
Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
Note: Spouses of students in college diploma or undergraduate programs are no longer eligible for OWP as of January 2025.

Required Documents to Apply

Passport: Must be valid for the full duration of the open work permit requested.
Marriage Certificate or Proof of Common-law Relationship: Required to prove the relationship is genuine and legally recognized.
Study Permit of the Student: A copy of the valid study permit of the international student spouse.
Proof of Student’s Enrollment: A confirmation letter or current enrollment verification from the DLI.
Letter of Support from the Student: A signed letter from the student explaining the relationship and reason for the spouse’s OWP application.
Digital Photo: Must meet IRCC specifications.
IMM 5710 Form: Application form for a work permit from within Canada.
Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of payment of the CAD 255 application fee.

Processing Time

Processing time depends on the country of residence (typically 4–12 weeks).
Applications can be submitted online or together with the student’s study permit application.

How to Apply for a Spouse/Common-law Open Work Permit (OWP) in 2025

1. Confirm Eligibility : Ensure the student spouse is enrolled in a full-time eligible program such as a Master’s, PhD, or approved professional degree at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
2. Gather Required Documents :
Collect all necessary documents including:
Passport (valid for full permit duration)
Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship
Student spouse’s valid study permit
Proof of student’s full-time enrollment
Letter of support from the student spouse
Digital photo (per IRCC specs)
IMM 5710 application form
Fee payment receipt (CAD 255 total)
Step 3: Create an IRCC Online Account
Go to www.canada.ca and sign in or create a secure IRCC account to begin your application online.
4. Complete the Application : Select “Apply to come to Canada” and choose work permit under family member of a study permit holder. Upload all documents and complete the IMM 5710 form.
5. Pay the Fees :
Pay the total application fee of CAD 255:
CAD 155 for the work permit
CAD 100 for the open work permit holder fee
6. Submit the Application :
Review everything carefully and submit the online application. You’ll receive a confirmation and possibly a biometrics instruction letter (BIL).
7. Provide Biometrics (if required) :
Visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and photo if you haven’t done this in the past 10 years.
8. Wait for Processing :
Track your application online. Processing times vary by country (typically 4–12 weeks). IRCC may request additional documents.

Minor Study Permits (K–12 Education)

Children under the age of 18 (or 19 in some provinces) who want to attend kindergarten to grade 12 (K–12) in Canada may need a minor study permit, depending on their country of citizenship and the length of their stay.

Eligibility Requirements (2025 Updates)

A minor needs a study permit if:

They are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
They plan to study for more than 6 months at a primary or secondary school (public or private)
They are not accompanied by a parent who holds a valid work or study permit (in some cases, exemptions apply)
Note : PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) is NOT required for minor study permit applicants.
Minor students must be enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Younger children may need a custodianship declaration if not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Required Documents to Apply

Passport: Must be valid for the full duration of the study period.
Letter of Acceptance (LOA): Issued by the primary or secondary school (DLI) confirming admission.
Custodianship Declaration: Required if the child is under the age of majority and is not living with a parent or legal guardian in Canada.
Proof of Funds: Bank statements, proof of parent’s income or financial support showing ability to cover tuition, living, and travel costs.
Parent’s Documents: Copy of the parent’s passport and valid visa or study/work permit if they are accompanying the child.
IMM 1294 Form: Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (or IMM 5709 if applying from inside Canada).
Birth Certificate: To prove relationship between the child and accompanying parent or legal guardian.
Digital Photo: Recent passport-sized photo that meets IRCC specifications.
Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of payment for the CAD 150 study permit application fee.

Processing Time

Typically takes 4–12 weeks depending on the country.
Biometrics and medical exams may be required depending on the applicant’s age and country of origin.

How to Apply for a Minor Study Permit (K–12) in 2025

Step 1 : Get a Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
Apply and get accepted to a primary or secondary school (public or private) that is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. The school will issue an official Letter of Acceptance required for your application.
Step 2 : Gather All Required Documents
Collect the necessary documents:
Passport (valid for the entire study period)
Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI
Custodianship Declaration (if the child is not living with a parent)
Proof of funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel
Birth certificate to confirm the relationship with the parent or guardian
Parent’s passport and visa/work/study permit (if applicable)
Digital photo as per IRCC requirements
IMM 1294 or IMM 5709 application form
Fee payment receipt (CAD 150)
Step 3 : Create an IRCC Account and Start Online Application
Go to www.canada.ca and sign in or register for a secure IRCC account. Select “Apply to come to Canada”, choose Study Permit, and begin filling out the form for a minor applicant.
Step 4 : Complete the Application
Fill out the appropriate form:
Use IMM 1294 if applying outside Canada
Use IMM 5709 if applying within Canada
Upload all required documents and ensure information is accurate.
Step 5 : Pay the Application Fee
Pay the CAD 150 study permit fee using a credit or debit card. Keep a copy of the payment receipt.
Step 6 : Submit the Application Online
Once all documents are uploaded and payment is made, submit the application. You’ll receive an acknowledgment letter and possibly a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL).
Step 7 : Provide Biometrics (if required)
Visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photo, if not done in the last 10 years.
Step 8 : Wait for IRCC Decision
Processing may take 4–12 weeks. If approved, you’ll receive:
A Letter of Introduction (for the child to present at the airport)
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA (if required based on citizenship)
The actual study permit is issued upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry.
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