Study in Canada

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 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

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