Verify the school, program and future goal before paying.
- 01
Confirm the institution is a designated learning institution and verify the exact campus/program details.
- 02
Check whether the program is PGWP-eligible; DLI status alone is not enough.
- 03
For non-degree programs, review the current eligible field-of-study/CIP rule if the study-permit application date makes it applicable.
- 04
Compare tuition, refund policy, licensing/credential value, labour-market relevance and realistic living costs.
- 05
In Québec, obtain the required CAQ and follow Québec financial and attestation instructions.
A complete study-permit file connects study purpose and evidence.
LOA
Valid letter of acceptance from the DLI, subject to school verification.
PAL/TAL
Most applicants need the 2026 provincial/territorial attestation with the application; exemptions include preschool/K-12 and, from January 1, 2026, public-DLI degree-granting master’s and doctoral programs.
Funds
Show current IRCC living-cost amount plus first-year tuition and travel, with a credible source and continuation plan.
Study plan
Explain academic progression, why this program/school/Canada, career value, gaps, prior education, finances and temporary compliance.
Apply online with the correct location and family strategy.
- 01
Study-permit applications are normally online. Paper is limited to disability accommodation and specified refugee/stateless documents.
- 02
Upload LOA, valid PAL/TAL or exemption proof, CAQ where applicable, funds, identity, education, study plan and country-specific forms.
- 03
Complete biometrics and medical examination where required. Medical timing affects work authorization in designated occupations.
- 04
A spouse/partner or child submits their own visitor, work or study application and must meet the current family-member rules.
- 05
Do not assume a study permit can be requested at a port of entry; current IRCC instructions generally require the appropriate advance process.
Officers assess more than the admission letter.
- 01
Show sufficient and available funds without unexplained last-minute deposits.
- 02
Explain program logic, academic preparedness, language ability, career plan and why the cost makes sense.
- 03
Address home-country/family/economic ties and lawful dual intent; the applicant must leave if no further status is granted.
- 04
Disclose all refusals, immigration histories, relatives and representatives. A template plan that conflicts with evidence harms credibility.
- 05
On approval, review the port-of-entry letter and temporary resident visa/eTA. The actual study permit is issued on entry after examination.
Maintain student status after arrival.
Enrolment
Remain enrolled at the named DLI and actively pursue studies; comply with authorized leave and reporting rules.
Changing DLI
International students generally need to apply for and receive a new study permit before changing post-secondary DLIs under the regulations now in force.
Expiry
Apply to extend before expiry. Maintained status permits continued study under applicable conditions while the timely application is decided.
Leave/stop
Authorized leave is limited; no on/off-campus work during an authorized leave, and stopping study can end work authorization.
Student work authorization is conditional.
- 01
Eligible full-time students in qualifying programs may work on campus under the permit conditions.
- 02
Eligible students may work off campus up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, if all requirements are met.
- 03
A co-op/internship that is an essential program component normally requires a co-op work permit.
- 04
Work cannot start before the study program begins. Exceeding hours or working while ineligible is unauthorized work.
- 05
A SIN does not create authorization; the study permit conditions and regulations control.
PGWP eligibility must be planned from the beginning.
School/program
Program and DLI must be PGWP-eligible and meet minimum duration/delivery requirements.
Application timing
Apply within the current deadline after written completion and keep status/work rules in view.
Language
Most PGWP applicants under current rules must provide approved language results at the required level.
Field of study
Many non-degree applicants whose study-permit application was on/after November 1, 2024 need an eligible CIP; lists and grandfathering dates can change.
One-time document
A PGWP is generally issued once. Passport expiry can shorten it and may require a later extension only in the permitted circumstance.
Minors and accompanying families have separate rules.
- 01
Minor children may need a study permit, custodian declaration and school records depending on age, location and accompanying parent status.
- 02
A study permit for one family member does not guarantee a spouse open work permit or visas for children.
- 03
Family applications should use consistent funds, purpose, custody, travel and return plans.
- 04
Update IRCC and the school for material changes and preserve legal status for every family member independently.
Official sources
Check the live form and instructions again before applying.
This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Laws, forms, fees and application methods can change.