Canada · study
Canadian Study Permit
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 9 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
Study permit for international students at Designated Learning Institutions, governed by provincial study attestation caps.
- Processing time
- Varies — 4–15 weeks typical.
- Government fees
- CAD 150 study permit fee; CAD 85 biometrics.
- Typical duration
- Programme length plus 90 days.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
In short
As of 8 July 2026, the Canadian Study Permit for Canada has typical processing of 3 weeks – 4 months. Sources: official Canada government pages, reviewed 8 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/canada/study-permit-ca#answer
What is the Canadian Study Permit in Canada?
Canadian Study Permit is a sponsor-led Canada route. Indicative government fees are CAD 150 study permit fee; CAD 85 biometrics; indicative processing time is Varies — 4–15 weeks typical; typical duration is Programme length plus 90 days. This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against IRCC on 1 June 2026.
Overview
Canadian study permits require acceptance at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) plus — since January 2024 — a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming the application counts toward the national study-permit cap.
Recent changes to this route
- Canada tightens Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility1 November 2024
IRCC introduced significant changes to PGWP eligibility, including field-of-study restrictions for most programmes and new language-test requirements.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Letter of acceptance from DLI.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ↗
- ✓PAL/TAL from the province.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ↗
- ✓Proof of funds (CAD 22,895 for a single applicant since 1 September 2025; verify the current IRCC figure).Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ↗
- ✓Clean background.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ↗
Common blockers
- !PAL/TAL not issued (provincial caps exceeded).Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ↗
- !Funds below threshold.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Acceptance letter and PAL.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ↗
- ·Bank statements or GIC.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ↗
- ·Police checks.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ↗
Application pathway
Accept DLI offer and obtain PAL
Institution and province both issue required letters.
Apply for study permit
IRCC online portal.
Biometrics and arrival
Collect permit at port of entry.
Transition to PGWP at graduation
Confirm programme PGWP-eligibility beforehand.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicantApply for study permit ↗
Students use this IRCC page to confirm PAL/TAL rules and continue to the online study permit application.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: CAD 150 study permit fee; CAD 85 biometrics.. A decision then typically takes 3 weeks – 4 months. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Provincial Attestation Letter for a Canadian study permit?+
Yes, for most applicants since January 2024. Exceptions exist for primary/secondary students, master's and doctoral applicants, and certain exchange students. Provinces have caps and the rules have been refined through 2024–25.
How much money do I need to show for a Canadian study permit?+
The proof-of-funds figure listed for the 2024 intake is CAD 20,635, and applicants should verify the current threshold. Funds below the threshold are a common reason study permits are refused.
How long does a Canadian study permit take to process and how much is the fee?+
Processing typically takes 4 to 15 weeks. The indicative government fees are CAD 150 for the study permit plus CAD 85 for biometrics.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in CanadaHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: IRCC
Last checked: 1 June 2026