A study permit application begins with a real educational plan. Most applicants need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI), evidence of financial support and, unless exempt, a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL). The school, program and applicant's background must make sense together.
Three checks before you commit to tuition
- Is the school a DLI? Verify the institution and campus on IRCC's current DLI list. A school's marketing material is not the eligibility rule.
- Does the program meet your goal? If work after graduation matters, check the separate post-graduation work permit (PGWP) requirements before paying. Attending a DLI alone does not guarantee PGWP eligibility.
- Does your application need a PAL/TAL? IRCC requires one in most cases but lists exemptions. Since January 2026, some master's and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt. Check the exact program and current rule rather than assuming all graduate study is exempt.
Make the documents tell one story
The letter of acceptance, education and employment history, explanation of the program choice, available funds and plans after study should not contradict one another. IRCC assesses whether the applicant meets study-permit requirements and has enough money for tuition, living expenses and transportation. The required amount and evidence can change, so use the current IRCC page for the application date.
If family members will accompany the student, check their separate entry or permit requirements and include their costs in the plan. If the applicant is already in Canada, the permitted place and method of application depend on their current status.
Common questions
Does a school offer guarantee a study permit?
No. A letter of acceptance is one requirement. IRCC assesses the complete application, including funds and admissibility.
Can I work after graduation automatically?
No. PGWP eligibility depends on the institution, program and the rules that apply to the student. Review these before choosing the program, not only near graduation.
What if a study permit was refused?
Start with the refusal reasons and officer note before paying for another application or changing schools.
Review the plan before paying
Bring the offer of admission, DLI and program details, tuition and living budget, education and employment history, and any prior immigration decisions. We can identify the requirements and evidence to check. An initial consultation is $180 plus applicable provincial taxes. Consultations are available in English and Russian.