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Study in Canada

What this page covers

The institution and the credential you choose decide whether the permit is approved and whether a work permit follows. Read those two sections before you accept an offer, not after.

Study in Canada

Embark on an educational journey in Canada, a land renowned for its diverse cultures and world-class institutions. With over six years of firsthand experience in the Canadian education sector, serving as the Head of Admissions at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) from 2017 to 2023, Mr. Dikshit Soni, our Founder and Principal Consultant brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to your academic aspirations.

At SAAB Immigration Services Inc., we’re not just guiding you through the process; we’re leveraging our deep understanding of the Canadian education system to help you choose the right school and program, and seamlessly obtain your study permit. Discover the opportunities that await you in Canada’s vibrant academic landscape and take the first step towards a future filled with possibilities.

Picking the School and Program

Choosing the right school and program is crucial for your educational and career goals. Learn how to select based on your interests, career aspirations, and the Canadian job market demands.

Studying and Working in Canada

Discover opportunities to work while studying in Canada and gain valuable experience in your field. Learn about post-graduation work permits (PGWP) and how they can help you transition from student to permanent resident.

Obtaining a Study Permit

Understand the process of obtaining a study permit to study in Canada. From application requirements to eligibility criteria, we ensure you’re prepared to navigate through this essential step.

Planning for Permanent Residency in Canada

Understand the long-term benefits of your study permit, including how it contributes to your Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and eligibility for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Prepare strategically for your future in Canada with SAAB Immigration Services Inc.’s expert guidance.

Student Direct Stream (SDS)

Explore the Study Direct Stream (SDS), a streamlined process for students from certain countries. Learn about eligibility, benefits, and how SAAB Immigration Services Inc. can assist you through the SDS application.

Helping Your Spouse Obtain a Work Permit While You Study

Studying in Canada can be a family journey. Students enrolled in certain programs, including Master’s and Doctorate programs, can have their spouses accompany them on an open work permit. This allows your spouse to work in Canada while you complete your studies, providing financial support and gaining valuable Canadian work experience. Learn More…

What Does Studying in Canada Now Require?

The study permit route changed more between 2024 and 2026 than in the previous decade. Caps, attestation letters, a doubled funds requirement and new rules on changing schools all arrived in that window. If you are working from guidance written before 2024, almost every number in it is wrong.

The Core Requirements:

  • A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution
  • A Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter, unless you fall within an exemption
  • Proof of funds of CAD $22,895 for a single applicant, for applications from 1 September 2025, on top of tuition and travel
  • Proof you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
  • An immigration medical examination and police certificates where required

The funds figure sat at $10,000 until January 2024 and $20,635 until September 2025. It is indexed to the Statistics Canada low income cut-off and will move again. See our page on study permit requirements and proof of funds for the full table.

Which Decisions Determine Everything Downstream?

Most applicants treat the study permit as the goal. It is better understood as the first of four decisions, each of which constrains the next. Getting the first one wrong is not recoverable by working harder later.

The Four Decisions, in Order:

  • The institution, where being a designated learning institution is not the same as being post-graduation work permit eligible
  • The credential level, which decides attestation letter exemptions, field of study rules and language thresholds later
  • The program length, where two years or more generally yields a three year work permit
  • The permanent residence route, which should be identified before you enrol, not after you graduate

The question worth asking a recruiter. Not whether the program is good, but whether this specific program, at this institution, at this credential level, leads to a post-graduation work permit. The eligible field of study list was frozen for all of 2026, so a program that is not on it now will not become eligible while you study. If nobody can answer that question precisely, that is itself the answer.

What Happens While You Are Here, and After?

A study permit carries conditions, and the most expensive mistakes are made by students who meet the entry requirements then breach the conditions without realising.

During Your Studies:

  • Twenty-four hours a week off campus during academic sessions, unlimited during scheduled breaks
  • No hour limit on on-campus work for eligible full-time students
  • A separate co-op work permit is required where a placement forms part of the program
  • Changing designated learning institution requires a new study permit before you begin there, since 8 November 2024
  • You may not work during any authorized leave from studies

After You Graduate:

  • Apply for a post-graduation work permit within 180 days of written confirmation that you completed the program
  • Your study permit becomes invalid ninety days after the institution first notifies you of completion
  • Language requirements now apply
    CLB 7 for university programs, CLB 5 for college and other non-university programs
  • Canadian work experience gained on that permit feeds the Canadian Experience Class, which is where most draws now happen
  • A job offer is worth nothing on the Comprehensive Ranking System since 25 March 2025, so the value is the experience itself

Students who plan the permanent residence route while the work permit is still running, rather than in its final months, are the ones who transition successfully. Those who wait until the permit is expiring are usually out of time before they start.

Considering Study in Canada? Speak With Us First.

Requirements in this area change more often than most applicants expect, and an application built on last year’s rules is where refusals begin. SAAB Immigration Services Inc. offers a complimentary ten minute consultation to establish where you stand against the current criteria. There is no obligation.

Why Choose SAAB Immigration Services Inc.?

  • Client-Centric Approach
    Trusted by students and families worldwide, we are committed to delivering reliable, ethical, and effective immigration services.
  • Proven Track Record
    Our success stories speak for themselves, many students have successfully navigated their academic and immigration journeys with our support.
  • Personalized Support
    Our team provides individualized guidance tailored to your unique academic and career goals.
  • Expertise in Canadian Education
    Leveraging years of experience in the Canadian education sector, including a tenure as Head of Admissions at a DLI, we offer insights and advice that are grounded in firsthand knowledge.
  • Comprehensive Services
    From program selection and study permit applications to strategic immigration planning, we offer end-to-end support to ensure your success in Canada.

Plan Your Educational Journey with Confidence

At SAAB Immigration Services Inc., we understand the importance of strategic planning for your future in Canada. We provide tailored guidance to help you choose the right educational path, navigate the study permit process, and prepare for long-term immigration goals. Our services ensure you’re equipped to make informed decisions and succeed in Canada’s competitive job market.

Stay informed about changes in Canadian immigration policies and prepare accordingly. PR pathways evolve, and staying proactive ensures you’re ready to meet immigration requirements. Book an appointment with us to start planning your educational journey and future in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main study permit requirements now?

A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter unless exempt, proof of funds of $22,895 for a single applicant, proof you will leave at the end of your stay, and a medical examination and police certificates where required.

How much has the funds requirement changed?

Substantially. It sat at $10,000 for two decades, rose to $20,635 on 1 January 2024, and rose again to $22,895 on 1 September 2025. It is indexed to the low income cut-off and will move again.

Can I change schools once I arrive?

Not simply by notifying IRCC. Since 8 November 2024 you must apply for and receive a new study permit naming the new institution before you begin studying there, and the application needs a new valid attestation letter. IRCC works to a sixty day service standard.

Can I work while I study?

Twenty-four hours a week off campus during academic sessions and unlimited during scheduled breaks, provided you are enrolled full time in a program of at least six months leading to a credential and hold a permit with the off-campus work condition.

What happens after I graduate?

Apply for a post-graduation work permit within 180 days of written confirmation that you completed your program. Your study permit becomes invalid ninety days after the institution first notifies you, so waiting for a convocation ceremony is a common and costly mistake.

Does a job offer help my permanent residence application?

Not for your ranking. IRCC removed job offer points from the Comprehensive Ranking System on 25 March 2025. The value of work permit time now lies in the qualifying Canadian experience it builds, which feeds the Canadian Experience Class.

Discuss Your Study in Canada Application With a Regulated Professional

Every file turns on its own facts. In a single consultation, Dikshit Soni, RCIC (R536007), will assess your circumstances against the requirements as they stand today, identify the weaknesses an officer is likely to test, and set out a realistic plan and timeline. Please book a time that suits you.

Related Pages

Other pages on this site that deal with closely connected questions.