Canadian Study Permit: How to Apply in 2026
Study permit vs visa
Canada uses separate documents for authorisation to study and authorisation to enter:
- Study permit: authorises you to study at a DLI (issued by IRCC)
- Temporary resident visa (TRV) or eTA: authorises entry to Canada
If you need a visitor visa, IRCC usually processes both the study permit and TRV together. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (US, EU, UK, Australia, etc.) only need an eTA (CAD$7) for entry but still need a study permit.
Required documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letter of Acceptance (LOA) | From your DLI, after admission |
| Financial proof | CAD$20,635/year minimum; bank statements last 4 months |
| Valid passport | At least 1 year validity beyond study end |
| Biometrics | Required for most nationalities |
| Digital photos | IRCC specifications |
| Provincial Attestation Letter | Required for most undergrad applicants from Jan 2024 |
| Medical exam | If from specific countries or entering Canada for >6 months |
Student Direct Stream (SDS)
Eligible countries (as of 2025): India, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Senegal, Cameroon, Morocco, Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Pakistan.
SDS additional requirements:
- IELTS Academic 6.0+ in all bands (or equivalent)
- Full first-year tuition paid in advance and receipt submitted
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD$20,635
In exchange: 20 calendar day processing target (vs 8–16 weeks standard).
Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL)
From January 2024, undergraduate international students at most institutions need a PAL confirming the province supports the application. This reflects Canada’s international student cap policy:
- Your university or the provincial ministry issues the PAL
- Part of the admissions process at many institutions now
- Graduate students at master’s and PhD level are exempt from PAL requirement
Processing times
Visit canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html for current IRCC processing times. Apply at least 4–6 months before your programme start.
Sources: IRCC 2025, Canada.ca study permit guide, SDS programme requirements.