Canada Study permit
Who it's for: International students accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 27 Oct 2026
Requirements at a glance
- A letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution
- A provincial attestation letter (PAL) for most applicants
- Proof of tuition plus living costs of CA$23,448 for one person outside Quebec, more for each family member
- Bank history showing where the money came from, usually 6 months
- Study permit fee of CA$150 and biometrics of CA$85
- Off-campus work of up to 24 hours a week during term
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living costs to show (plus tuition and travel), outside Quebec | 1 person: CA$23,448; 2 people: CA$29,192; 3 people: CA$35,888; 4 people: CA$43,572; 5 people: CA$49,419; 6 people: CA$55,736; 7 people: CA$62,054; each extra person: +CA$6,318 | canada.caOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 | |
| Study permit fee | CA$150 | — | ircc.canada.caOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Biometrics, per person | CA$85 | — | ircc.canada.caOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Biometrics, family maximum | CA$170 check | — | ircc.canada.caOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Months of bank history officers look at | 6 months | canada.caOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 | |
| Off-campus work during term, hours per week | 24 hours | canada.caOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 | |
| Processing time | India: 7 weeks; Pakistan: 15 weeks check | ircc.comSecondary · 27 Oct 2026 |
Figures marked check come from secondary sources or could not be confirmed on an official page.
Costs and local steps by country
Costs in your currency, plus what's specific to applying from there, such as published processing times.
How the route works
You apply to a DLI, receive a letter of acceptance and, in most cases, a provincial attestation letter that counts toward the national cap on study permits. You then apply online with proof of funds, give biometrics and wait for a decision.
Proof of funds
The living-cost amount is set by family size and is added to your first year’s tuition and travel. Officers look at where the money came from as well as the balance, so large recent deposits without an explanation can cause problems.
Common questions
Can my spouse work in Canada while I study?
An open work permit for spouses is limited mainly to partners of master's students on programs of 16 months or more, doctoral students and some professional programs.
Do I need a provincial attestation letter?
Most study permit applicants do. Some groups are exempt, such as many master's and doctoral students at public institutions; check the IRCC page for the current list.
How long does processing take?
It depends on the country you apply from and changes weekly. Use IRCC's live processing-time tool for the current figure.
The full Study permit guide
Step-by-step process, every cost for you and your family, document checklist, money rules, common refusal reasons and official links. The same guide for every buyer, dated.
Other Canada routes
Before you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.