Canada study permit: requirements, funds and work rights

You need a letter of acceptance from a DLI, proof of identity, proof of financial support and, in most cases, a PAL or TAL from the province or territory confirming there is space for you. You do not need a PAL for preschool, primary or secondary school, or for master’s and doctoral programs at public DLIs, among other exemptions. You must also have no criminal record, be in good health (a medical exam may be required) and convince the officer you will leave at the end of your authorized stay. Quebec programs also require a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

You must show you can pay, without working in Canada, the first year’s tuition, transport to and from Canada and living expenses, and explain how you will pay for longer programs. For applications from 1 September 2026, living costs outside Quebec are CAD 23,448 for 1 person, CAD 29,192 for 2, CAD 35,888 for 3, CAD 43,572 for 4, CAD 49,419 for 5, CAD 55,736 for 6 and CAD 62,054 for 7. Accepted evidence includes paid tuition and housing receipts, a Canadian GIC, education loans, scholarships, and bank statements for the past 6 months showing the source of the money. Quebec sets its own amounts for the CAQ.

The study permit costs CAD 150 per person, including extensions, and biometrics CAD 85 (CAD 170 for a family). Restoring student status costs CAD 246.25 plus a new permit fee.

Full-time students at a DLI whose permit includes the condition may work up to 24 hours a week off campus during academic sessions and full time during scheduled breaks, and can combine several jobs within that limit. On-campus work and co-op placements follow separate rules. You must remain enrolled, make progress in your program and leave or change status when the permit ends.

Since 21 January 2025, spouses or common-law partners can get an open work permit only if the student is in a master’s program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, an eligible pilot, or a listed professional degree such as medicine, law, nursing, education or engineering. After graduating from a PGWP-eligible program of at least 8 months, you can apply within 180 days for a post-graduation work permit; university degree graduates need CLB 7 and college graduates CLB 5 plus a field-of-study match, and master’s graduates can receive 3 years.