Founder and Principal Consultant
What this page covers
- What is a study permit, and who needs one?
- How long is it valid, and can it be extended?
- What do you need before you apply?
- How do you apply?
- Frequently asked questions
Two things decide this application before anything else does: the institution you accepted, and whether your money and your study plan hold together. Read the prerequisites section before you pay any tuition deposit.
Obtaining a study permit is essential for foreign nationals aiming to pursue education in Canada at the post-secondary level for programs lasting more than six months. The study permit is typically valid until 90 days after the completion of the study program. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.
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Standard validitythe permit stays valid until 90 days after the completion date of your program.
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Early completionif you finish ahead of the intended end date, the 90 days run from actual completion, not from the original date.
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Program extensionif your program runs past the original end date, you must apply to extend the study permit before it expires.
IRCC will not approve the application until these five things are in order. Sort them out before you pay a tuition deposit, not after.
1. Proof of Acceptance
A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution. It must show:
- Your personal details
- The institution’s name and DLI number
- Details of the program, including type, duration, and whether it’s full-time or part-time
- Tuition fees
- Expiry date of the letter of acceptance
2. Proof of Identity
You must provide:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Two recent passport-sized photos
3. Proof of Financial Support
You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members. Acceptable documents include:
- Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, showing transferred funds
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
- Bank statements for the last four months
- Bank draft convertible to Canadian dollars
- Proof of tuition and housing fee payments
- A letter from the person or institution providing funding
- Proof of funding paid from within Canada, such as a scholarship
- Proof of a student or education loan from a bank
4. Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
As of 2024, you might need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) while applying for a Canadian Study Permit. This document confirms that the institution you are applying to has a place for you in its provincial allocation of study permits.
5. Letter of Explanation (Also known as Statement of Purpose)
A letter of explanation, or submission letter, is an essential part of your study permit application. This letter is your opportunity to explain to the visa officer any aspects of your application that may not be immediately clear from your documents. It is your chance to present your case in your own words since there is seldom an interview for these applications.
Importance of the Letter of Explanation:
- Clarify Your Intentions: Explain why you want to study in Canada and how the program aligns with your career goals.
- Address Gaps: Provide context for any gaps or unusual aspects of your application, such as breaks in your education or work history.
- Demonstrate Originality: Avoid clichés and standard phrases. Instead, make your application stand out with a personalized, original letter.
5. Additional Documents
Depending on your specific circumstances and country of residence, additional documents MAY be required, such as:
- A police certificate
- Upfront medical examination results
- Any other documents specified by the visa office
How much money do I need to show?
For applications made on or after 1 September 2025, a single applicant outside Quebec must show CAD $22,895 for twelve months of living costs, on top of tuition and travel. Two people is $28,502 and three is $35,040, with $6,170 for each additional person.
Do I still need a GIC now that SDS has closed?
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate is no longer a stream requirement, but it remains one of the cleanest ways to evidence living costs, and the standard amount matches the single applicant threshold. Bank statements, education loans and sponsor documents can also work.
Does showing the money guarantee approval?
No. Officers look at where the funds came from, how long they have been held and whether they are genuinely available to you. A sudden large deposit with no explanation does more harm than a smaller balance with a clear history.
What is the most common reason study permits are refused?
Two reasons dominate: the officer is not satisfied the funds are genuinely available and properly explained, or is not satisfied you will leave Canada at the end of your stay.
Is the Student Direct Stream still available?
No. IRCC closed it on 8 November 2024, along with Nigeria Student Express. Every study permit application is now processed as a regular application, with no expedited standard to apply under.
Can I include my spouse and children?
Family members can apply alongside you, but the funds requirement rises with family size, and since 21 January 2025 a spousal open work permit is only available where you are in a master’s program of sixteen months or longer, a doctoral program or an eligible professional degree.
Who Will Be Working on Your File
Barrister and Solicitor, Pallavi Law Office