Study permits and visas
You must apply and be approved for a study permit before you arrive in Canada. If you want to work during your studies, you’ll need to apply for a work permit.
On this page:
- Before you apply for a study permit
- How to apply for a study permit
- How to apply for a work or travel visa
Before you apply for a study permit
You’ll need these documents to apply for a study permit:
- a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)
- a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) from the province or territory where you plan to study. In Quebec this is called a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). Some exceptions apply.
- proof of identity
- proof of financial support
See the full list of documents you need for a study permit.
If you are not a citizen of the country which you submit your application from, you may have to provide other documents as proof of your current immigration status.
You may need to provide your fingerprints and photograph (biometrics). If you need to give your biometrics, you’ll do this in person at the Visa Application Centre closest to you. Find out if you need to give biometrics
How to find a school on the designated learning institutions list
A designated learning institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Elementary and high schools in Canada are all designated learning institutions. If you plan to attend a college or university in Canada, make sure it’s on the list.
If you want to change post-secondary institutions, you must apply and be approved for a new study permit.
How to apply for a study permit
It can take up to 3 months to get a study permit. Apply as soon as you have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian college or university.
Apply now
There are 2 ways to apply for your study permit:
After you apply
You can check the status of your study permit application on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. The information is updated daily. First, you need to set up an account on the site. Sometimes, the processing centre will ask you to send more information.
Study permits and visas are administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Visit their Help Centre for answers to frequently asked questions. Global Affairs Canada is not involved in the application process for study permits or temporary resident visas.
Obligations for study permit holders
As an international student with a study permit, you must:
- always be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- show you’re making progress toward finishing your study program
- apply for a new study permit if you want to change post-secondary institutions
- respect the conditions listed on your study permit
- stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements
- leave Canada when your permit expires
How to apply for a work or travel visa
You may need a work or travel visa, depending on your plans to study in Canada.
Stays less than 6 months
If your time in Canada will be less than 6 months, you’ll need one of the following visas as an international student:
- A travel visa in your passport (for some countries) or
- An eTA or Electronic Travel Authorization (for foreign nationals who are visa-exempt and travelling to Canada by air, except Americans)
If you plan to work part-time during your studies
You may be able to work on campus or off campus during your studies. Your study permit will say if you’re eligible to work while you study.
Your eligibility to work during your studies depends on certain conditions, including the length of your program and whether the work is taking place on or off campus.
Find out more about working during your studies from IRCC. Many post-secondary international students are now eligible to work up to 24 hours per week off campus while their classes are in session.
If you plan to work as a co-op student or intern
Some study programs offer co-op or internship work placements. You can apply for a co-op or intern work permit. You must meet certain conditions.
Learn more
- Work while studying in Canada
- Work permits for spouses and common-law partners
- Work in Canada after your studies
- Paths to permanent residency and immigration
- Explore careers in Canada
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