Overview
Student visas and education-based residence options in Canada. Requirements, eligibility criteria, and application processes vary depending on your specific situation, nationality, and the type of residence permit you're seeking.
Available Study Pathways
Canada Student Visa — Study Permit
Canada requires Study Permit for studies exceeding 6 months. Formal document is Canadian Study Permit. Nationalities requiring visa also need Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) issued concurrently. CRITICAL 2024-2025 UPDATES: Student Direct Stream (SDS) fast-track PERMANENTLY DISCONTINUED November 8, 2024. All applicants now use regular stream with 8-12 weeks processing (no longer 20-day fast-track). NEW MANDATORY REQUIREMENT since early 2024: Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) - letter from province/territory confirming application falls within Canada federal study permit allocation for that region. Without PAL, applications returned unprocessed. Financial requirement updated September 2025: CAD $22,895/year living expenses (single applicant outside Quebec) - near-doubling from previous CAD $10,000 figure. Canada imposed annual cap approximately 408,000 study permits for 2026. Dramatically tightened verification of Letters of Acceptance following widespread fraud.
Eligibility
Enrolled or confirmed enrolment at Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Programme must exceed 6 months (shorter = visitor status, no permit required). Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) - mandatory new step for most post-secondary applicants. Sufficient funds: CAD $22,895/year living expenses + full tuition + travel. Clean criminal record (police certificate from countries lived in 6+ months since age 18). Medical examination if required by country of residence. Genuine intent to leave Canada after studies. Language proficiency as required by institution.
Requirements
Valid passport (covering full study period); Letter of Acceptance from DLI (official, specifying programme, dates, duration); Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) - new mandatory document; proof of financial means (bank statements, GIC, scholarship letter - min CAD $22,895/year living + tuition); Statement of Purpose / Study plan; academic transcripts and diplomas; language test results (institution-specific requirements); passport photos; police clearance certificate (as required); medical exam (as required); application fee CAD $150 study permit + CAD $85 biometrics = CAD $235 total.
Processing Time
SDS fast-track that enabled 20-calendar-day processing PERMANENTLY DISCONTINUED November 8, 2024. All applicants now use regular stream. In 2025-2026, standard processing is 8-12 weeks. IRCC advises applying 3-4 months before programme start date. Peak seasons (July-September, December-January) add further delays. Biometrics required for most applicants - schedule promptly after submission. TRV for visa-required nationalities processed concurrently with study permit by IRCC.
Validity Period
Study Permit: Duration of programme + 90-day grace period. Off-campus work: Up to 20 hours/week during term; full-time during scheduled breaks. On-campus work: Unlimited hours. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Eligible after completing 8+ month programme at eligible DLI; duration equal to programme length, up to 3 years; Open Work Permit for any Canadian employer; Canadian work experience qualifies for CEC (Express Entry PR). Path to citizenship: PGWP → Canadian work experience → CEC Express Entry → PR → 3 years physical presence → citizenship. PR card valid 5 years renewable; must be physically present 730 days per 5-year period. Citizenship: 3 years (1,095 days) physical presence as PR; language test CLB 4 + citizenship knowledge test; dual citizenship permitted.
Last updated: 3/1/2026
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